In our last matchup, we had yet another blowout (not surprising really considering how bad the lower seeds were), with Jose Contreras easily overcoming Ronny Cedeño.
Here’s our next matchup:
4. Jeff Hoffman, 2023
Jeff Hoffman
came up with the Rockies in 2016, and as most Colorado pitchers do, he struggled. After a couple of decent seasons in Cincinnati, Hoffman was a free agent and spent 2023 Spring Training with the Blue Jays. They chose not to include him on their Opening Day major league roster, so he returned to free agency. The Phillies signed him to a minor league deal, and he was famously used to pitch to a rehabbing Bryce Harper.
Harper said that Hoffman was really good, so the Phillies added him to the major league roster, and he soon developed into a top setup reliever, making the All-Star team in 2024.
13. Chad Qualls, 2012
Chad Qualls had a lengthy career as an effective reliever. After a solid year with the Padres in 2011, signed him to bolster their middle relief for 2012. (Keep in mind, that the Phillies had gotten used to getting at least seven strong innings from their starting pitchers the year prior, and middle relief wasn’t thought to be an especially demanding job.)
Just like the rest of the 2012 Phillies, Qualls was a major disappointment. He was used as one of their primary setup men to start the season but largely faltered in that role. At the end of June, he had a 4.60 ERA and five blown saves, so the Phillies shipped him off to the Yankees. He was also bad in New York, so the Yankees traded him to the Pirates less than a month later.
Annoyingly, Qualls would rebound to have a good season for the Marlins in 2013.
Who should advance? Vote now!
