Jonathan Albaladejo the best of the Bluefish
RHP Jonathan Albaladejo was a 15-game winner -- with 164 strikeouts in 172 innings -- earning independent Atlantic League pitcher of the year honors for the Bridgeport Bluefish in 2016. Photo courtesy Atlantic League.
Where in the world is Jonathan Albaladejo?
By Devon Teeple
GMs Perspective
There are so many players that show a glimpse of promise and all of sudden they’re gone. Jonathan Albaladejo’s first season in the majors (2007) saw him take the mound 14 times for the Washington Nationals. He posted a 1.88 ERA and struck out 12 in 14 innings surrendering only two walks. By all accords, everything seemed on the up and up.
Five years later and after 66 appearances, Albaladejo would never appear in a Major League game again. He’s not the first to have a career like this and he won’t be the last. But after 17 years at the pro level and over 660 games, these players should be praised not forgotten. There’s only so many Mike Trouts and Chris Sales around. It’s the grinders, those guys who may not be the most talented and may not grace the cover of SI, but make the game go around. You don’t necessarily need a home run to wins games, you need singles and sac bunts. Not glamourous, but I think you get what I’m trying to say.
Drafted in 19th round pick of the 2001 amateur draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates out of Miami-Dade College, Albaladejo has literally played all of the world. For part of the past eight past seasons he’s spent time in the Venezuelan Winter League, Puerto Rican Winter League, Japan Central League, and Mexican League. And during that time he’s gone 15-22 with a 2.94 ERA. And if you look at the complete body of work in MiLB, he’s appeared in over 770 innings, sports a cumulative ERA of 3.28, a WHIP of 1.16 and a SO/W ration of 4 to 1.
With all that being said, the 6-foot-7 right-hander has been relatively forgotten by the world until he earned Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year honors while suiting up for the Bridgeport Bluefish in 2016.
“Jonathan was outstanding on the mound for us last season so we’re thrilled to have him back,” said Bluefish general manager Paul Herrmann. “It will also be great to have a young player such as Ozney (Ozney Guillen, son of former MLB shortstop, Ozzie Guillen) join us this season. He’s incredibly passionate about the game and has a strong desire to succeed. Jonathan’s dominance and Ozney’s versatility will be dynamic to our club this season in our quest for an Atlantic League championship.”
Last year, Albaladejo made 15 starts, totaled 172 innings and racked up 15 wins against six losses. His 164 strikeouts set a new Atlantic League record and his wins eclipsed the previous Bluefish franchise best.
At 34, it’s by no means the end of the road for him, he’s obviously got a lot left in the tank. And if 2017 shapes up anything like last year’s award winning season, he might get a shot back in the majors.
Devon Teeple is the Founder and Executive Director of The GM’s Perspective. He is a former professional baseball player with the River City Rascals & Gateway Grizzlies. Currently, he is a Manager at a financial institution in Northern Ontario Canada, and can be reached at devon@thegmsperspective.com. You can follow The GM’s Perspective on twitter and Facebook.