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On this day in 2006 the Brewers and Mets swapped pitchers. New York sent veteran journeyman Geremi Gonzalez and his 4.93 career ERA to Milwaukee, where he would make his final 21 appearances for the Crew. In exchange, the Brewers sent 27-year-old righty Mike Adams to New York, presumably not knowing he was on his way to becoming one of the game's premier setup men.
Adams never actually appeared in a game for the Mets. A couple of months after this trade he was claimed off waivers by the Indians, who eventually traded him to the Padres. Adams made 209 appearances over four seasons in San Diego, though, posting a jaw-dropping 1.66 ERA and striking out 241 in 217 innings of work. San Diego later traded him to Texas for prospects, so the decision to pick him up off the scrap heap continues to pay dividends.
All told, Adams has a 2.31 ERA over 375 career relief appearances, striking out better than nine batters per nine innings. 2013 is his first season as a member of the Phillies.
With help from Brewerfan.net and the B-Ref Play Index, happy birthday today to:
- Wisconsin Timber Rattler Alfredo Rodriguez, who turns 23.
- 1999-2000 Brewer Jason Bere, who turns 42.
- 1974-76 Brewer Bob Hansen, who turns 65.
- 1971 Brewer Al Yates, who would have turned 68.
Today is also the 29th anniversary of Ted Simmons' two triple game in 1984, which we covered in this space last year, and the 44th anniversary of Hank Aaron's 500th double in 1969, which we covered in this space two years ago.