Scott Kazmir

Scott Edward Kazmir is a professional baseball pitcher currently signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim of Major League Baseball (MLB). He is among the promising young pitchers currently in the league and was the 2007 American League Strikeout Champion, with 239.

While playing for Cypress Falls High School in his senior year, Kazmir struck-out 172 batters in 75 innings. He immediate became a sought-after recruit and was verbally committed to attend the University of Texas. However, he was drafted as the 15th overall pick by the New York Mets during the 2002 MLB Draft.

On July 30, 2004, Kazmir was traded to the Devil Rays, along with Joselo Diaz for Victor Zambrano and Bartolomé Fortunato. The trade was widely derided in New York, where Kazmir's exploits were well documented.

Kazmir broke into the superstar status in 2006. He landed in the 22nd spot for most strikeouts by a left-handed pitcher, after compiling a 10-8 record with 163 strikeouts and a 3.24 ERA in 144.2 innings pitched. He was voted to represent the AL in the 2006 MLB All-Star game.

On August 22, 2006, Kazmir became Tampa Bay's All-Time Leader in Strikeouts after he struck out eight Texas Rangers.

On May 14, Kazmir signed a 4-year contract extension worth $28.5 million, plus a final year option making it worth a potential $39.5 million. He was once again called to represent the AL for the 2008 MLB All-Star Game.

On August 28, 2009, Kazmir was traded to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for two minor league players and a player to be named later.