Can Mariners Hernandez Extend His Career in the Bullpen?

SEATTLE, WA - MAY 06: Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after Chris Young #24 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim was hit by a foul off of his foot in the sixth inning at Safeco Field on May 6, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - MAY 06: Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after Chris Young #24 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim was hit by a foul off of his foot in the sixth inning at Safeco Field on May 6, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
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4. Kerry Wood

CHICAGO, IL – MAY 18: Kerry Wood #34 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the Chicago White Sox on May 18 2012 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. Kerry Wood faced one batter that he struck out in the eighth inning. It was announced that Kerry Wood is retiring from baseball today. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 18: Kerry Wood #34 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the Chicago White Sox on May 18 2012 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. Kerry Wood faced one batter that he struck out in the eighth inning. It was announced that Kerry Wood is retiring from baseball today. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

Wood exploded onto the scene in 1998, going 13-6 with a 3.40 ERA and taking home the Rookie of The Year trophy. Unfortunately for Wood, and fans everywhere, the phenom missed the next season due to injury and while he stayed relatively successful, he didn’t live up to the expectations laid on him after his rookie campaign. In 2007, at the age of 30, Kerry moved into the closer role for the Cubs and saved 34 games. The next season he piled up 28 between Chicago and Cleveland but started to dwindle after that.

3. Tom Gordon

SEATTLE – AUGUST 29: Pitcher Tom Gordon #36 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the game on August 29, 2005 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees won 7-4. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE – AUGUST 29: Pitcher Tom Gordon #36 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the game on August 29, 2005 at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The Yankees won 7-4. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Dee’s dad was drafted by Kansas City in 1986. He made his first two starts in ’88, returning in ’89 with a spot in the rotation. He racked up 144 starts in his first couple years with Kansas City before signing with Boston in 1995 and transitioning to the bullpen. In 1998 Flash led the league in saves converting 46 of 47 opportunities, also earning his first All-Star appearance. Although he would not be an elite closer again, he became a very reliable reliever with a couple of years as closer mixed in throughout the rest of his 21-year career.

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