Player Profile: Grant Balfour

Grant Balfour - RHP - Tampa Bay Rays
Born: 30 December 1977
Birthplace: Sydney
MLB Debut: 22 July 2001 with Minnesota Twins

Balfour grew up in Sydney and originally played as a catcher. He represented Australia at various levels, and pitched at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. He made his major league debut on 22 July 2001 against Seattle. He pitched 1.2 innings of relief and gave up 2 walks, 1 hit and 1 run, while striking out 2. In his second outing, also against Seattle, he gave up 2 home runs in one inning. He didnt stay in the top league for long, on 29 July 2001 he was optioned back to Edmonton. He also played in the 2001 All Star Futures Game.

Balfour spent 2002 in the minors, pitching relief in Triple-A Edmonton. He had a good year at Edmonton in 2003, and was selected to play in the Triple-A All Star Game. He was called up to Minnesota late in the season, and played two stints (3 July to 16 July, and 18 Aug to season end). He pitched mainly in relief, but also got one start against the Angels on 3 September. In that game he walked 5 and allowed 4 hits, for 4 runs, over 2.2 innings. He finished 2003 with 30 strikeouts over 26 innings, and an ERA of 4.15.

He entered 2004 as the Twins' ninth best prospect according to Baseball America. He spent a bit of time on the DL with shoulder problems including tendinitis. On his return he had 36 outings in relief. He got a taste of post-season action, with two October outings against the Indians, after the Twins won the AL Central Division.

Balfour missed all of 2005 after needing Tommy John surgery. In January 2006, he was signed by the Reds, but spent most of the year on the DL, recovering from arm and shoulder injuries. On 5 October 2006, Milwaukee claimed him from waivers, and he signed a one year contract. Brewer's catcher Johnny Estrada was impressed by Balfour, saying he was 'unbelieveable' and had 'sharp stuff'. Balfour had a couple of outings for Milwaukee, before he was traded to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on 28 July 2007 for Seth McClung. He appeared in 25 games for the Rays in 2007 and avoided any major injuries.

Balfour is currently trying to secure his spot in the Rays' bullpen for 2008.