Brendan Ryan, known for his defensive prowess, spent a decade in Major League Baseball primarily as a shortstop. Born on March 26, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, Ryan attended Lewis-Clark State College in Idaho, where he honed his skills before being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2003 MLB Draft.
Ryan made his MLB debut with the Cardinals on June 2, 2007. His early years with the team were marked by his exceptional fielding abilities, which quickly became his trademark. While his offensive numbers were modest, his defensive skills were often highlighted as among the best in the league. In 2009, Ryan posted a .984 fielding percentage, showcasing his reliability and range at shortstop.
In 2010, Ryan's tenure with the Cardinals came to an end when he was traded to the Seattle Mariners. His time in Seattle further solidified his reputation as a defensive specialist. During the 2012 season, Ryan led all major league shortstops in defensive runs saved, a testament to his ability to prevent runs with his glove. Despite his struggles at the plate, where he often batted near the bottom of the lineup, his defensive contributions were highly valued by the Mariners.
Ryan's career took another turn in 2013 when he was traded to the New York Yankees. With the Yankees, he continued to be utilized primarily for his defensive skills, often serving as a late-inning replacement or a backup infielder. His role with the team was to provide depth and stability in the infield, particularly during times when the Yankees faced injuries to their starting players.
In 2015, Ryan was traded to the Chicago Cubs but was released before the season began. He later signed with the Washington Nationals but did not make an appearance for the team. Ryan's final MLB appearance came with the Los Angeles Angels in 2016, where he played a handful of games before being released.
Throughout his career, Ryan was often praised for his work ethic and professionalism. His defensive skills were consistently recognized by teammates and coaches, earning him a reputation as one of the best defensive shortstops of his era. While his offensive statistics may not have stood out, his ability to contribute defensively made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for.
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