Players You Forgot the Pittsburgh Pirates Drafted: Part 4

Pitcher Scott Baker

Scott Baker was one of the Minnesota Twins stalwart starters in the late-2000s and early 2010s. But before he became one of the Twins more recognizable pitchers in their history, he started out by being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 36th round of the 2000 draft.

Though the Pirates did not sign him, Baker went on to be drafted in the 2nd round by the Twins in 2003. He quickly became one of the Twins more notable pitching prospects, and made his debut just two years later in 2005. In his first 53.2 innings, Baker pitched to a 3.35 ERA, 3.82 FIP, and 1.15 WHIP with a mediocre 14.8% strikeout rate, but strong 6.5% walk rate and 0.8 HR/9.

After a sophomore slump caused Baker to have a poor 2006 season, Baker broke out in 2007. Though his ERA was a mere 4.26, he carried a solid 3.89 FIP, 6% walk rate, and a then career high 20.1% K rate.

From 2007 to 2011, Baker pitched to the tune of a 3.98 ERA, 3.86 FIP and 1.24 WHIP in 821 innings of work. Baker was known for his outstanding control with a 5.7% walk rate, and solid 19.4% strikeout rate. His walk rate with the Twins of just 5.6% is the 13th lowest mark in their franchise history.

His career highlight was throwing a one hitter vs the Kansas City Royals on August 31st, 2007. Baker, who averaged just 6.4 K’s/9 in ‘07, struck out 9 total, allowed one walk, and just one hit that happened to be a weak liner into no-mans-land.

Scott missed all of 2012 because of injury, and served as pitching depth for the Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, and LA Dodgers in his final three years of his career. But nobody can take away that no hitter from the right-hander.