Randy Choate, a left-handed pitcher known for his role as a specialist in Major League Baseball, spent his career primarily as a relief pitcher. Born on September 5, 1975, in San Antonio, Texas, Choate attended Florida State University, where he played college baseball for the Seminoles. His performance at the collegiate level caught the attention of professional scouts, leading to his selection by the New York Yankees in the fifth round of the 1997 MLB Draft.
Choate made his MLB debut with the Yankees on July 1, 2000. During his time with the Yankees, he was often utilized as a left-handed specialist, a role that involves facing primarily left-handed batters in critical situations. This role, sometimes referred to as a "LOOGY" (Lefty One-Out GuY), became a defining aspect of his career. Choate was part of the Yankees' roster during their 2000 World Series championship run, although he did not pitch in the postseason.
In 2004, Choate was traded to the Montreal Expos, who later became the Washington Nationals. His stint with the Expos/Nationals was brief, and he spent the 2005 season in the minor leagues. Choate's career saw a resurgence when he signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006. He spent two seasons with the Diamondbacks, further establishing himself as a reliable bullpen option.
Choate's career took another turn when he joined the Tampa Bay Rays in 2009. His time with the Rays was marked by consistent performance, and he played a crucial role in their bullpen. In 2010, Choate led the American League in appearances with 85 games, showcasing his durability and effectiveness as a specialist. His ability to neutralize left-handed hitters made him a valuable asset for the Rays during their playoff runs.
In 2011, Choate signed with the Miami Marlins, where he continued to excel in his specialized role. However, his tenure with the Marlins was short-lived, as he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in July 2012. Choate's time with the Dodgers was brief, but he contributed to their bullpen depth during the latter part of the season.
The St. Louis Cardinals became Choate's next destination when he signed a three-year contract with the team in December 2012. During his time with the Cardinals, Choate continued to perform his role effectively, helping the team reach the postseason in multiple seasons. His experience and skill in high-pressure situations were assets to the Cardinals' bullpen strategy.
Choate's career concluded with the Cardinals in 2015. Over his 15-year MLB career, he appeared in 672 games, maintaining a 3.90 ERA and recording 218 strikeouts. His ability to consistently perform as a left-handed specialist allowed him to extend his career and contribute to several teams' successes over the years.
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