Octavio Dotel
Encyclopedia
Octavio Eduardo Dotel is a Domincan
professional baseball
pitcher
who is currently a Free Agent.
He has pitched for 12 different ML teams, tying a major league record held by pitchers Mike Morgan
and Ron Villone
; Matt Stairs
holds the record for a position player, having played for 13 teams. Other players who have played with many teams include; Paul Bako
who has played with 11 teams, Arthur Rhodes
who has played with 9, Kenny Lofton
who has played with 11, and Jose Mesa
who has played with 8; coincidentally, for the last two months of the 2011 season, Dotel and Rhodes were teammates with the St. Louis Cardinals
, both playing a role in that team's unexpected run to a world championship
, the first for both men.
and was signed by the New York Mets
as an amateur free agent in 1993. He played for their minor league affiliate in the Dominican League through 1994 and then promoted through the Mets' minor league system for the next several seasons.
Dotel made his major league debut on June 26, 1999 for the New York Mets
and lost. His first MLB win came July 1, 1999 against the Florida Marlins
. He ended the season as the winning pitcher in the 1999 National League Championship Series
game five against the Atlanta Braves
.
He was voted Player Of The Week for the week of July 25, 1999.
and minor leaguer Kyle Kessel to the Houston Astros
for Mike Hampton
and Derek Bell
.
In 2000 Dotel amassed 3 win
s in 16 games started
as well as 16 saves as his role converted from starter
to relief pitcher
for the Astros, filling in as closer for an injured Billy Wagner
. This season marked the first time in National League
history that a pitcher had over 15 starts and 15 saves (the only other season in MLB history came in the American League
in 1999, when Tim Wakefield
won 6 games in 17 starts and attained 15 saves for the Boston Red Sox
).
In 2001, Dotel again began the season as a starter but quickly moved into the bullpen
as the setup man for closer Billy Wagner
. Dotel had an excellent season in 2002; he led all relievers with 118 strikeout
s, helping secure a well-reputed bullpen for the Astros at that time. By 2003, Dotel and Wagner were joined by future Astros closer Brad Lidge
and all three partook in a historic event when six Astros pitchers combined for a no-hitter
against the New York Yankees on June 11, 2003 (the most recent in Astros history).
After the 2003 season, Wagner was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies
and Dotel started 2004 as the closer for the Astros.
in a three-team trade that brought slugger Carlos Beltran
to the Astros, minor leaguer Mike Wood
, Mark Teahen
, and John Buck to the Kansas City Royals
. Dotel served as closer for the Athletics and finished the 2004 season with a career-high 36 saves (22 for the A's and 14 for the Astros).
Dotel began 2005 as closer for the Athletics again, but had a rough start and soon went on the 60-day disabled list on May 19. He underwent Tommy John surgery
on June 1, ending his season after just 15 games.
in December 2005. He missed the first four months of the 2006 season, recovering from his Tommy John surgery
. Dotel had a setback after developing tendinitis in his elbow while on a rehab assignment with the Trenton Thunder
. This pushed his return back into August as he went through another minor league assignment with the Columbus Clippers
. Dotel pitched his first game in a Yankees uniform on August 16, coming into the game in the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles
, facing two batters with one strikeout and one walk. He finished the season playing in 14 games with no record and an ERA of 10.80
for a guaranteed $5 million.
in exchange for pitcher Kyle Davies. He made his Braves debut on August 1, throwing a scoreless ninth inning in a 12–3 rout of the Astros. On August 10, Dotel was placed on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain. He made his return on September 22 escaping a bases-loaded jam which eventually led to a Braves win. He finished the season 2–1 with a 3.76 ERA.
.
, plus bonuses for games finished. The deal also included a club option for 2011 for $4.5 million with a $250,000 buyout. Dotel started the year as the pirates closer and stayed the closer until he was traded. Dotel recorded 21 saves in 2010 with the Pirates.
for James McDonald
and Andrew Lambo. He appeared in 19 games with the Dodgers and had a 3.38 ERA and 1 save during that period.
for a player to be named later. Dotel was ineligible to play on the postseason roster, but it made no difference as Colorado missed the playoffs. Dotel finished playing in 8 games with the Rockies, and going 0-1 with a 5.06 ERA.
with a club option for 2012 on January 3, 2011. He earned his 50th career victory on April 8, 2011 against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
.
with Edwin Jackson
, Marc Rzepczynski
and Corey Patterson
for Colby Rasmus
, P. J. Walters
, Trever Miller
and Brian Tallet
.
On October 31, 2011 it was announced that Cardinals would not pick up his team option for the 2012 season, making Dotel a type A free agent.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
professional baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
who is currently a Free Agent.
He has pitched for 12 different ML teams, tying a major league record held by pitchers Mike Morgan
Mike Morgan
Michael Thomas Morgan is a former right-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. He competed for twelve different teams over 25 years, and is one of only 29 players in baseball history to date to have played Major League baseball over four decades...
and Ron Villone
Ron Villone
Ronald Thomas Villone Jr. is a Major League Baseball left-handed relief pitcher who is currently with the Somerset Patriots. He has not been on the same team for more than two years in his major league career and due to his many baseball travels, some of his teammates have affectionately referred...
; Matt Stairs
Matt Stairs
Matthew Wade Stairs is a former Canadian professional Major League baseball outfielder, first baseman, designated hitter, and pinch hitter. He played for 12 different teams, a major league record he shares with Octavio Dotel, Mike Morgan and Ron Villone...
holds the record for a position player, having played for 13 teams. Other players who have played with many teams include; Paul Bako
Paul Bako
Gabor Paul Bako II is a catcher in Major League Baseball who is currently a free agent. Bako is an example of a baseball "journeyman", having played for 11 different major league teams during his 12-year career...
who has played with 11 teams, Arthur Rhodes
Arthur Rhodes
Arthur Lee Rhodes, Jr. is a Major League Baseball left-handed relief pitcher.-Career:Rhodes played high school baseball at La Vega High School in Waco, Texas. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2nd round of the 1988 Major League Baseball Draft.Rhodes made his MLB debut with the Orioles...
who has played with 9, Kenny Lofton
Kenny Lofton
Kenneth Lofton is a former Major League Baseball outfielder known for his great speed on the base paths as well as in the field, award-winning defensive play , timely hitting, and playful spirit. He batted and threw left-handed...
who has played with 11, and Jose Mesa
José Mesa
José Ramón Nova Mesa [MAY-sah] is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher. His nickname was "Joe Table," the literal translation of his name in the English language....
who has played with 8; coincidentally, for the last two months of the 2011 season, Dotel and Rhodes were teammates with the St. Louis Cardinals
2011 St. Louis Cardinals season
The St. Louis Cardinals' 2011 season was the 130th season for the franchise in St. Louis, Missouri, the 120th season in the National League, and the sixth season at Busch Stadium III. The Cardinals began their season at home against the San Diego Padres on March 31, coming off a 86-76 season and...
, both playing a role in that team's unexpected run to a world championship
2011 World Series
The 2011 World Series was the 107th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff was played between the American League champion Texas Rangers and the National League champion St...
, the first for both men.
New York Mets
Dotel graduated from Liceo Cansino Afuera High School in the Dominican RepublicDominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
and was signed by the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
as an amateur free agent in 1993. He played for their minor league affiliate in the Dominican League through 1994 and then promoted through the Mets' minor league system for the next several seasons.
Dotel made his major league debut on June 26, 1999 for the New York Mets
New York Mets
The New York Mets are a professional baseball team based in the borough of Queens in New York City, New York. They belong to Major League Baseball's National League East Division. One of baseball's first expansion teams, the Mets were founded in 1962 to replace New York's departed National League...
and lost. His first MLB win came July 1, 1999 against the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...
. He ended the season as the winning pitcher in the 1999 National League Championship Series
1999 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Tuesday, October 12, 1999 at Turner Field in Atlanta, GeorgiaThe Braves began their eighth consecutive NLCS with a 4–2 victory over the Mets, defeating a team they left for dead two weeks earlier...
game five against the Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
.
He was voted Player Of The Week for the week of July 25, 1999.
Houston Astros
On December 23, 1999, Dotel was traded with Roger CedenoRoger Cedeño
Roger Leandro Cedeño , is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and switch-hitting batter who had an 11-year career playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, and St. Louis Cardinals.Signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as an undrafted amateur free agent in...
and minor leaguer Kyle Kessel to the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
for Mike Hampton
Mike Hampton
Michael William Hampton is a left-handed former Major League Baseball pitcher. During his career, Hampton was well known for being one of the best hitting pitchers of his time, as well as for his large contract and frequent injuries.-Early career:Mike Hampton was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in...
and Derek Bell
Derek Bell (baseball player)
Derek Nathaniel Bell is a former Major League Baseball player. Primarily a right fielder and center fielder, Bell batted from the right side and threw with his right hand. He is 6'2" tall, and during his playing career, he weighed 215 pounds.-Amateur and minor league career:Bell played amateur...
.
In 2000 Dotel amassed 3 win
Win (baseball)
In professional baseball, there are two types of decisions: a win and a loss . In each game, one pitcher on the winning team is awarded a win and one pitcher on the losing team is given a loss in their respective statistics. These pitchers are collectively known as the pitchers of record. Only...
s in 16 games started
Games started
In baseball statistics, games started indicates the number of games that a pitcher has started for his team. A pitcher is credited with starting the game if he faces the first opposing batter...
as well as 16 saves as his role converted from starter
Starting pitcher
In baseball or softball, a starting pitcher is the pitcher who delivers the first pitch to the first batter of a game. A pitcher who enters the game after the first pitch of the game is a relief pitcher....
to relief pitcher
Relief pitcher
A relief pitcher or reliever is a baseball or softball pitcher who enters the game after the starting pitcher is removed due to injury, ineffectiveness, fatigue, ejection, or for other strategic reasons, such as being substituted by a pinch hitter...
for the Astros, filling in as closer for an injured Billy Wagner
Billy Wagner
William Edward Wagner , nicknamed "Billy the Kid", is a retired Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He pitched for the Houston Astros , the Philadelphia Phillies , the New York Mets , the Boston Red Sox , and the Atlanta Braves...
. This season marked the first time in National League
National League
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs, known simply as the National League , is the older of two leagues constituting Major League Baseball, and the world's oldest extant professional team sports league. Founded on February 2, 1876, to replace the National Association of Professional...
history that a pitcher had over 15 starts and 15 saves (the only other season in MLB history came in the American League
American League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
in 1999, when Tim Wakefield
Tim Wakefield
Timothy Stephen Wakefield is an American professional baseball pitcher. Wakefield began pitching with the Red Sox in 1995, making him the longest-serving player currently on the team. Wakefield is also the oldest current active player in the majors, and one of two active knuckleballers, the other...
won 6 games in 17 starts and attained 15 saves for the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
).
In 2001, Dotel again began the season as a starter but quickly moved into the bullpen
Bullpen
In baseball, the bullpen is the area where relief pitchers warm-up before entering a game. Depending on the ballpark, it may be situated in foul territory along the baselines or just beyond the outfield fence. Also, a team's roster of relief pitchers is metonymically referred to as "the bullpen"...
as the setup man for closer Billy Wagner
Billy Wagner
William Edward Wagner , nicknamed "Billy the Kid", is a retired Major League Baseball relief pitcher. He pitched for the Houston Astros , the Philadelphia Phillies , the New York Mets , the Boston Red Sox , and the Atlanta Braves...
. Dotel had an excellent season in 2002; he led all relievers with 118 strikeout
Strikeout
In baseball or softball, a strikeout or strike-out occurs when a batter receives three strikes during his time at bat. A strikeout is a statistic recorded for both pitchers and batters....
s, helping secure a well-reputed bullpen for the Astros at that time. By 2003, Dotel and Wagner were joined by future Astros closer Brad Lidge
Brad Lidge
Bradley Thomas "Brad" Lidge is a reliever who is currently a free agent. Nicknamed "Lights Out", he is the all-time leader in strikeouts per nine innings among pitchers with at least 200 appearances in their career...
and all three partook in a historic event when six Astros pitchers combined for a no-hitter
No-hitter
A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
against the New York Yankees on June 11, 2003 (the most recent in Astros history).
After the 2003 season, Wagner was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
and Dotel started 2004 as the closer for the Astros.
Oakland Athletics
On June 24, 2004, Dotel was traded to the Oakland AthleticsOakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
in a three-team trade that brought slugger Carlos Beltran
Carlos Beltrán
Carlos Iván Beltrán is a Major League Baseball outfielder.-Early life:In his youth, Beltrán excelled in many sports, with volleyball and baseball being his favorites. At his father's urging, he gave up volleyball to concentrate on baseball when he was seventeen...
to the Astros, minor leaguer Mike Wood
Mike Wood (baseball)
Michael Burton Wood is a former professional baseball pitcher. He has played all or part of five seasons in Major League Baseball, and one in Nippon Professional Baseball....
, Mark Teahen
Mark Teahen
Mark Thomas Teahen is an American-Canadian professional baseball infielder for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball....
, and John Buck to the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
. Dotel served as closer for the Athletics and finished the 2004 season with a career-high 36 saves (22 for the A's and 14 for the Astros).
Dotel began 2005 as closer for the Athletics again, but had a rough start and soon went on the 60-day disabled list on May 19. He underwent Tommy John surgery
Tommy John surgery
Tommy John surgery, known in medical practice as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, is a surgical procedure in which a ligament in the medial elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body...
on June 1, ending his season after just 15 games.
New York Yankees
Dotel signed a one year deal with the New York YankeesNew York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
in December 2005. He missed the first four months of the 2006 season, recovering from his Tommy John surgery
Tommy John surgery
Tommy John surgery, known in medical practice as ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, is a surgical procedure in which a ligament in the medial elbow is replaced with a tendon from elsewhere in the body...
. Dotel had a setback after developing tendinitis in his elbow while on a rehab assignment with the Trenton Thunder
Trenton Thunder
The Trenton Thunder are an American Minor League Baseball team and are the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. The Thunder play in the Eastern Division of the Eastern League, and are the two-time defending league champions...
. This pushed his return back into August as he went through another minor league assignment with the Columbus Clippers
Columbus Clippers
The Columbus Clippers are a minor league baseball team based in Columbus, Ohio. The team plays in the International League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. The team is owned by the government of Franklin County, Ohio....
. Dotel pitched his first game in a Yankees uniform on August 16, coming into the game in the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
, facing two batters with one strikeout and one walk. He finished the season playing in 14 games with no record and an ERA of 10.80
Kansas City Royals
Dotel became a free agent at the end of the 2006 MLB season. On December 8, 2006, he agreed to a one-year contract with the Kansas City RoyalsKansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
for a guaranteed $5 million.
Atlanta Braves
On July 31, 2007 the Royals traded Dotel to the Atlanta BravesAtlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves are a professional baseball club based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Braves are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Braves have played in Turner Field since 1997....
in exchange for pitcher Kyle Davies. He made his Braves debut on August 1, throwing a scoreless ninth inning in a 12–3 rout of the Astros. On August 10, Dotel was placed on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain. He made his return on September 22 escaping a bases-loaded jam which eventually led to a Braves win. He finished the season 2–1 with a 3.76 ERA.
Chicago White Sox
On January 21, 2008 he agreed to a two year, $11 million deal with the Chicago White SoxChicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
.
Pittsburgh Pirates
On January 21, 2010, Dotel agreed to a 1-year, $3.25 million deal with the Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
, plus bonuses for games finished. The deal also included a club option for 2011 for $4.5 million with a $250,000 buyout. Dotel started the year as the pirates closer and stayed the closer until he was traded. Dotel recorded 21 saves in 2010 with the Pirates.
Los Angeles Dodgers
On July 31, 2010, Dotel was traded to the Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
for James McDonald
James McDonald (baseball)
James Zell McDonald is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.-Los Angeles Dodgers:...
and Andrew Lambo. He appeared in 19 games with the Dodgers and had a 3.38 ERA and 1 save during that period.
Colorado Rockies
On September 18, 2010, Dotel was traded to the Colorado RockiesColorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
for a player to be named later. Dotel was ineligible to play on the postseason roster, but it made no difference as Colorado missed the playoffs. Dotel finished playing in 8 games with the Rockies, and going 0-1 with a 5.06 ERA.
Toronto Blue Jays
Dotel agreed to a 1-year, $3.5 million deal with the Toronto Blue JaysToronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
with a club option for 2012 on January 3, 2011. He earned his 50th career victory on April 8, 2011 against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
.
St. Louis Cardinals
On July 27, 2011, Dotel was traded to the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
with Edwin Jackson
Edwin Jackson
Edwin Jackson is an American professional baseball pitcher.-Early life:Jackson's father, Edwin Jackson, Sr., a military cook, was stationed in Germany at the time of his birth. Jackson is one of 27 major league players who were born in Germany...
, Marc Rzepczynski
Marc Rzepczynski
Marc Walter Rzepczynski is an American professional baseball left-handed pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals.The Toronto Blue Jays blogosphere gave Rzepczynski the nickname "Scrabble".-Amateur career:...
and Corey Patterson
Corey Patterson
Donald Corey Patterson is an American professional baseball free agent outfielder in Major League Baseball. He is the older brother of outfielder Eric Patterson.-Amateur career:...
for Colby Rasmus
Colby Rasmus
Colby Ryan Rasmus is an American professional baseball outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball.-Early years:...
, P. J. Walters
P. J. Walters
Phillip DeWayne "P. J." Walters is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.-Personal life:Walters was born March 12, 1985, in Dothan, Alabama. He is married to Brittney....
, Trever Miller
Trever Miller
Trever Douglas Miller is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.-High school:...
and Brian Tallet
Brian Tallet
Brian Curtis Tallet is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He stands 6' 6" in height. Brian Tallet pitched for the LSU Tigers and won a national championship in 2000....
.
On October 31, 2011 it was announced that Cardinals would not pick up his team option for the 2012 season, making Dotel a type A free agent.