3-time All-Star closer is attempting comeback after missing all of 2003 season following trio of right shoulder surgeries...one of all-time premier stoppers, he enters 2004 campaign 11th with 314 career saves...now 34 years of age, became youngest hurler ever to reach 300-save plateau when he accomplished feat during 2002 season at age of 32...owns 85.3% lifetime save percentage, having converted 314-of-368 opportunities...since joining Giants prior to 1998 campaign, has amassed franchise-record 206 saves (breaking former mark of 199 held by Rod Beck)...in fact, despite layoff, save total is 4th-highest in majors and 2nd in NL over last 6 seasons (behind SD's Trevor Hoffman, 217)...with 43 saves in 2002, became just 4th pitcher in ML history to have 4 separate 40-save campaigns, joining Hoffman (5) Dennis Eckersley (4) and John Wetteland (4)...also became 1st pitcher in franchise history to post 3-consecutive 40-save seasons (career-high 45 in 2001 and 41 in 2000), while adding to his own club record with his 4th 40-save campaign (40 in 1998)...ranks 3rd all-time with 11 career post season saves, trailing only Mariano Rivera (30) and Eckersley (15)...is 9-time Rolaids Relief Man Award monthly winner, 3rd most all-time (behind Lee Smith's 13 and Eckersley's 11)...reached 30-save plateau for 7-consecutive seasons from 1996-2002, 2nd-longest such streak in ML history (behind Hoffman's 8-year run from 1995-02)...is 2nd pitcher in Giants' franchise history to record at least 20 saves in 5-straight years (Rod Beck, 1993-97)...originally Texas' 32nd round pick in 1987 draft...dealt to Florida, where he established Marlins' franchise records in career saves (108) and appearances (268).
Graduated from Los Alamitos (CA) High School in 1987...lettered in football and baseball...was high school teammate of first baseman J.T. Snow in both football and baseball...is son of Dick Nen, former 1st baseman with Dodgers, Senators and Cubs (1963, 1965-68 and 1970)...married (Jendy Saurenman, Oct. 29, 1994)...2 daughters (Taylor Nicole, Aug. 15, 1997 and Rylee Brooke, April 29, 2002).
A Giant in the Community:
Has donated $20,600 to Make-A-Wish Foundation since coming to San Francisco in 1998, donating $100 for each of his 206 saves while with Giants...also served as foundation's spokesperson while hosting reception at SBC Park for critically ill children and their families...attended 2003 Big Bam! fundraiser, signing autographs and taking photos with all invitees to reception raising money for breast cancer research...last season, attended function to promote first ever Giants Wives' cookbook, which benefits Giants Community Fund...has also made monetary contribution for each save to Garth Brooks' "Touch Em All" Foundation while participating in foundation's day at SBC Park in 2001...participates in Giants Wives' post-game auction and clinic to raise money for Junior Giants and Comfort for Kids, which provides specialized medical care to children throughout Bay Area who are facing a life-threatening illness...supports Diamond Skills, which is intended to encourage youth participation and emphasize "fun" elements of baseball...encouraged fans to "Always Wear Their Seatbelts" through Safe Travel Saves Lives campaign during Giants' Travel Safely Day at SBC Park in 2001...has been active participant in Organ Awareness Day at SBC Park with Mark Gardner and his late wife Lori, while lending image to baseball cards given to fans entering ballpark on that day...teamed with City and County of San Francisco Sheriff's Department to promote "Resolve to Stop the Violence Day" in 2000...also participates in clinics for Junior Giants baseball leagues at ballpark, teaching basics of throwing and pitching to youngsters...has gone on Giants' offseason Care-A-Van, visiting youth groups, schools and hospitals throughout Northern and Central California...also assists with Giants Kids and Rewards Clubs activities...donated $3,500 to Make-A-Wish Foundation in 1997 while with Florida, contributing $100 per save.
2003
Missed entire season after suffering partial rotator cuff tear that required trio of arthroscopic right shoulder surgeries...final procedure was performed May 6 in Wilmington, Delaware by Dr. Craig Morgan, who performed similar surgery on Curt Schilling in 1999...began rehab program immediately following procedure...originally underwent debridement of labrum Nov. 8, 2002, arthroscopic surgery performed by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles...following extensive rehabilitation and one Spring Training appearance, was placed on Disabled List prior to club's season opener in San Diego March 31...underwent diagnostic arthroscopy and debridement of rotator cuff April 18, surgery also performed by Dr. Yocum in LA...when shoulder failed to respond, third procedure was recommended...was transferred to 60-day DL July 13...lone appearance of season in game conditions came during Cactus League play March 29, when he worked 1.0 inning against Oakland at SBC Park.
2002
Enjoyed yet another stellar campaign, posting 43 saves to earn All-Star status for 3rd time and become 4th pitcher in baseball history to have 4 separate 40-save seasons...43 rescues represented 2nd-highest total in his career and 3rd-best mark in franchise history...put together post season that ranks among best ever for closers...7 saves tied NYY's John Wetteland (1996) and ANA's Troy Percival (2002) for most rescues in single playoffs...was scoreless in 9 of 10 October outings, allowing just 1 run in 9.0 innings...closed out 5 of SF's 7 victories to reach World Series, then had pair of saves in Fall Classic...finished season ranked 5th in NL with 43 saves (in 51 opportunities), while tying for 3rd in NL Rolaids Relief Man points with 122 (ATL's John Smoltz was champion with 164)...was unscored upon in 53 of 68 efforts (77.9%)...entered in 8th inning on 8 different occasions, converting 7 of 8 save chances while logging combined 10.2ip (2er, 1.69 ERA)...had trio of memorable saves, with 1st coming April 29 as he preserved 8-5 SF win over Philly on day his wife, Jendy, gave birth to couple's 2nd daughter, Rylee Brooke...became 16th pitcher to reach 300-save milestone when he closed out 11-10 victory over Cubs Aug. 6 at Pac Bell...worked final 1.1 innings to end SF's 6-5 triumph over LA Sept. 9, recording 200th save in Giants uniform to establish new franchise record...also notched longest save in over 7 years July 6 at Arizona, blanking Diamondbacks over final 2.0 frames (3h,0bb,2so) to preserve 3-2 SF victory...dominated down stretch, helping Giants to playoff berth by converting his last 9 save attempts and 14 of his last 15 opportunities...collected 1st ML hit Sept. 9 vs. LA, singling off Dodgers' Paul Shuey.
2001
Enjoyed best statistical season of stellar career...was named NL Fireman of Year by The Sporting News...led NL with career-high 45 saves (in 52 chances), while finishing 3rd in circuit in Rolaids Relief Man standings with 121 points...45 saves were 2nd highest total in franchise history, behind 48 notched by Rod Beck in 1993...also paced NL with 71 games finished, while tying for 7th with career-high 79 appearances...overall, went 4-5 with 3.01 ERA (26er, 77.2ip)...allowed just 9.4 baserunners per 9.0 innings, 2nd behind only Felix Rodriguez (9.1) among NL relievers...held opponents to .203 batting average against (58-for-286), 7th lowest mark for senior circuit relief hurlers...was dominant against right-handers, allowing just 22 hits in 136 at-bats (.162)...moved into 16th place on all-time ML save list and into 2nd place in franchise annals during season...passed Greg Minton for 3rd place in Giants history with 8th save of campaign (126th as Giant) by closing out 4-2 win May 4 at Philadelphia...recorded 127th SF save (10th of season) May 19 at Atlanta, firing perfect 9th frame to preserve 6-3 triumph over Braves and move past Gary Lavelle on franchise list...had dominating opening month, finishing April with 1-0 mark and 6 saves (7 chances) with 0.82 ERA (1er, 11.0ip)...struck out side in perfect 9th frame to close out 3-2, Opening Day triumph over San Diego for 29th consecutive save (dating to July 2000)...save streak ended with blown chance in eventual 8-7 SF win April 4 vs. Padres, however, earned victory when SF plated run in bottom of 9th...converted 8-straight save opportunities over 15 outings April 11-May 5, while forging 1.20 ERA (2er, 15.0ip)...saved 5 of SF's wins in perfect 6-0 homestand June 12-17...was 13-for-15 in save opportunities in June, 2nd highest save total for any month in career, behind only 14 in July 2000 (ML record for that month)...finished just 2 saves shy of all-time ML record for June (NYY's John Wetteland in 1996 and STL's Lee Smith in 1993)...won NL Rolaids Relief Man Award for June with 33 points, highest total in majors (NYY's Mariano Rivera, 31) and 13 points more than closest senior circuit competitor (NY's Armando Benitez, 20)...had longest stint as Giant in final game before All-Star Break, working 3.0-perfect frames against Milwaukee (4so)...blew 1st save opportunity of 2nd half July 12 at Seattle, but converted 13 of next 14 opportunites...after blowing save July 31 vs. Pittsburgh, was perfect 9-for-9 in save opportunities over next 17 outings...concluded campaign with 6 straight saves and 7 consecutive scoreless efforts (6.2ip,4h,0r,5so).
2000
After starting season slow due to his recovery from off-season arm surgery, Giants closer had incredible 2nd half to propel him to 4th place finish in Cy Young voting...finished season tied for 3rd in NL with career-high 41 saves (in 46 chances), 4 back of FLA's Antonio Alfonseca...of his 5 blown saves, SF won 3 of 5 contests...also tied for 2nd in NL with 63 games finished (5 behind NY's Armando Benitez)...his 1.50 ERA was best among NL relievers while his .162 (37-for-228) batting average against was 2nd among league's relievers...in 32 outings after All-Star Break, went 1-0 with 24 saves and 0.85 ERA (3er, 31.2ip)...converted final 28 straight save opportunities (last blown save was July 2 vs. LA)...28-save stretch was longest streak of year in majors...etched career-high 41st save Sept. 29 at Arizona, surpassing previous high of 40 in 1st season with Giants in 1998...his 39th save of season helped Giants clinch NL West title as he recorded final 3 outs in SF's 8-7 triumph vs. Arizona, Sept. 21...however, had 27-outing (25.2ip) scoreless streak snapped by allowing 1er (2h,1so) in contest...induced fly-out to CF by Jay Bell to end game with tying run on 2nd base...was scoreless in 30 of last 32 outings (30.2ip,2er,13h,46so, 0.59 ERA), while yielding just 4er in last 48 efforts (45.2ip, 0.79 ERA)...2nd half numbers were fueled by historic July...established ML record for most saves in that month with his 14th on July 31 in Milwaukee...overall in July, was 2-0 with 0.60 ERA (1er, 16.0ip) and 14 saves (15 chances)...during month, yielded just 4 hits (.075 avg. against, 53 at-bats) while issuing just 3 walks and striking out 27...limited opposing hitters to .091 batting average (6-for-66) with runners in scoring position, lowest mark in NL...finished 3rd in National League Rolaids Relief Man standings with 115 points (Alfonseca - 122; Benitez - 119)...prior to last 41 outings (since June 12), ranked 19th in Rolaids standings and was tied for 12th in NL with just 8 saves...had not been listed among NL Rolaids Relief Man leaders (top-10) all year until final week of 1st half...recorded just 4 saves in each of season's 1st 3 months, ending June with 1-3 record and 12 saves (4 blown)...went 0-1 with 2 blown saves in back-to-back games at Anaheim June 5-6...suffered 4th blown save and 2nd loss of year June 6 vs. Angels, entering with 5-4 lead in 9th inning before allowing 2er (0.2ip, 3h, 2bb, 2so, 1bb, 1so)...following loss June 6, ERA stood at season-high 3.26...lowered mark 1.76 points in last 47 contests (from 3.26 to season-ending 1.50)...suffered 3rd and final loss of season June 18 vs. Houston, surrendering 2 unearned runs in bottom of 11th for 4-2 defeat...worked 2.0 innings in contest for longest outing of season...in 42 appearances after last loss, went 3-0 with 31 saves...earned save in both games of split doubleheader July 4 vs. Colorado...became 1st Giants hurler to record 2 saves on 1 day since Minton turned trick August 24, 1984 at Shea Stadium vs. Mets...save in 2nd game was #200 for his career...notched 2nd win of season July 2 vs. Dodgers, however, not before suffering 5th blown save...entered with 5-4 lead, 1-out and runners on 1st and 3rd in 8th inning and allowed game-tying run to score on wild pitch...proceeded to toss 1.2-scoreless innings, setting stage for Marvin Benard's dramatic walk-off homer on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball...blown save vs. Dodgers would be last of year...logged 2.1-scoreless frames in 2 games of NLDS vs. Mets.
1999
Earned 2nd straight NL All-Star appointment, however had to
decline invitation due to inflammation in right elbow...was
plagued by elbow ailment much of year, finally being shut down
last week of season...still managed to record 37 saves, tying for
5th in NL, just 4 behind MON's Ugueth Urbina who led with
41...finished 37-for-46 in save opportunities on year, including
successful attempts in each of last 8 chances (beginning Aug.
29)...marked 4th straight season he has had at least 35 saves,
giving him 147 over last 4 seasons...ranked 7th in NL for
Rolaids Relief Man standings with 83 points, as HOU's Billy
Wagner led circuit with 117...paced NL in games finished with
64, while team-high 72 appearances tied for 12th in
league...however, had career highs in both blown saves (9) and
losses (8), tying for NL-high in each category...finished season
with career-high 7-game losing streak, beginning with June 26
defeat vs. Los Angeles and culminating with Sept. 25 setback
vs. Arizona in final appearance of season...had pair of 9-outing
scoreless streaks, May 7-22 (10.1ip, 1-0, 5 saves, 1 blown
save) and June 1-18 (10.2ip, 2-0, 3 saves)...retired 42 of 72 1st
batters faced (58.3%), while stranding 7 of 15 inherited runners
(46.7%).
1998
Was overpowering, establishing career-best mark of 40 saves
while garnering 1st All-Star selection...yielded just 1.52 ERA
and .180 opponents batting average against (59-for-327), also
setting career standards in appearances (78), innings pitched
(88.2) and strikeouts (110)...converted 40 of 45 save
opportunities (88.9%), finishing 4th in N.L. in total saves...was
unscored upon in 62 of 78 appearances on season
(79.5%)...had streak of 24 straight conversions from May 6-July
31 (36 outings, 4er, 44.1ip, 0.82 ERA)...won back-to-back N.L.
Rolaids Relief Man of the Month Awards in May and June,
marking 5 times in his career he has captured honor (also June
'97, May '96, Aug. '96)...again won relief award in June, posting
29 points (9 saves, 1 win, no blown saves, 0.55 ERA,
1er,16.1ip)...his 29 points matched SD's Trevor Hoffman and
MIL's Bob Wickman, however won on 1st tie breaker with lower
ERA...worked 2.0 perfect frames in Giants' debut March 31 at
Houston, striking out 5 of 6 batters faced...recorded 1st save
with Giants April 4 vs. Diamondbacks, striking out side in 9th
inning to preserve 5-3 triumph...posted 1st win with Giants April
7 in home opener vs. Houston, logging pair of perfect frames in
SF's 5-4, 10-inning victory...worked 1.0 frame in Mid-Summer
Classic July 7 in Colorado (3h,3r,1er)...notched save #40 Sept.
25 at Colorado, working perfect 9th inning as SF claimed share
of wild-card lead for 1st time since July 17...was successful on
each of his last 4 save chances to end regular
season...suffered defeat Sept. 27 at Colorado, surrendering
leadoff HR to Neifi Perez to snap 8-8 tie in bottom of 9th...did not
work in Wild Card tie-breaker game Sept. 28 at Chicago.
1997
Completed 5th season with Florida as overpowering closer for
Marlins' World Championship club... finished 2nd behind
Cincinnati's Jeff Shaw in National League Rolaids Relief Man
standings with 9-3 record and 35 saves in 42
opportunities...ranked among league relief leaders in victories
(tied for 1st with Pittsburgh's Marc Wilkins), games finished
(2nd, 65) and saves (tied for 6th, 35)...converted 35-of-42 save
opportunities...named Rolaids NL Relief Pitcher of Month for
June, when he converted 10-of-11 save opportunities while
going 1-0 with 2.03 ERA...his 9 relief wins established record
for most wins in season by Marlins hurler (Richie Lewis, 7 in
'93)...allowed no earned runs in 7 of his 8 playoff appearances
and garnered 1 victory and 4 saves...posted 1-0 mark while
yielding no earned runs in 2 outings (2.0ip) against Giants in
National League Division Series...hurled 2 perfect 1.0-inning
stints in cashing in 2 saves vs. Atlanta in NLCS...appeared in 4
World Series games against Cleveland, notching 2 saves and
finishing another Marlins' win.
1996
Became Marlins' career saves leader with 73 in his 4th season
with Florida...tied for 6th in NL with 35 saves, 6th with 75
appearances and 2nd in games finished with 66...was
20-for-his-last-21 in save opportunities... averaged 10
strikeouts per 9.0 innings (92 SO, 83.0 IP)...named NL Rolaids
Relief Man winner in August (2-0, 9 saves and 1.04 ERA) and
May (1-0, 7-for-7 in save opportunities)...Baseball America's
manager's survey rated his fastball 2nd best in Majors...notched
5th win of year Aug. 25 vs. Cincinnati to tie career-high 5 wins
set in '94...logged 14th save and 52nd of career June 16 at
Pittsburgh to become Marlins' all-time saves leader, breaking
Bryan Harvey's previous club mark of 51...became Marlins'
career appearance leader April 9 with his 124th
appearance...Richie Lewis held previous mark with 123 from
1993-95.
1995
After slow start, established then-career-high 23 saves...had
just 4 saves and 3.69 ERA in 28 games at All-Star Break, but
came back to pick up 19 with 2.38 in 34 games in 2nd half...19
saves after break were tied with Tom Henke of St. Louis for 4th
in NL (John Franco, Trevor Hoffman and Todd Worrell each had
20)...tied for NL lead with PHI's Heathcliff Slocumb with 54
games finished...ranked 9th with .212 batting avg. allowed with
men on base (28-for-132)...gave up 4 home runs in 31.2
innings before All-Star Break and only 1 in 43.0 innings after
break...averaged 7.67 strikeouts per nine innings before and
10.85 after...had .793 save percentage (23-for-29) to finish 9th
in league...saw his Major League record streak of 15
consecutive save conversions to start career end with blown
save vs. Atlanta May 4...allowed just 3 of 14 inherited runners to
score.
1994
Blossomed in Marlins' closer role following season-ending
injuries to Bryan Harvey and Jeremy Hernandez...converted his
1st 15 save opportunities...streak is longest of its kind in Majors
since blown saves were first tracked in 1988...posted 1st ML
save May 18 at New York, pitching 2.0-perfect innings...allowed
only 1 of 28 inherited runners to score.
1993
Reached Major Leagues for 1st time, dividing season between
Texas and Florida...made ML debut with Texas April 10 vs.
Boston, allowing 2 runs in 2.0 innings...lost 4-3 at Toronto April
27 in 1st ML start...recorded 1st Major League win May 2 vs.
Milwaukee, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits in 6.0 innings...Rangers
won 13-2...was placed on DL June 11 with strained right
groin...was sent to Oklahoma City on rehab assignment June
21...appeared in 6 games (5 starts) for 89ers, going 0-2 with
6.67 ERA (21er, 28.1ip)...was traded to Florida July 17...made
his NL debut vs. Colorado July 20 in relief of Chris
Hammond...started his 1st NL game in place of Hammond July
25 vs. Cincinnati and collected 1st NL win...limited Reds to 2
hits in 6.0 innings while fanning career-high 8.
1992
Opened season at double-A Tulsa in Texas League...missed
remainder of season with nerve problems in his
shoulder...underwent rehab program throughout season and
off-season.
1991
Had injury-plagued campaign at Tulsa, which included 3 stints
on DL and only 6 starts....had tightness in right elbow April 17
vs. Arkansas...had arthrogram April 20 to remove scar tissue
which had formed from September 1990 surgery (bone
chips)...was sidelined until June 10...was 0-2 with 7.62 ERA in 3
starts and was placed back on DL after feeling pain in elbow
June 28...returned July 8, allowing 4 runs in 5.0 innings vs.
Arkansas...was summarily placed on DL for remainder of
season...had bone spur removed from elbow July 24.
1990
Split campaign between single-A Charlotte and Tulsa...opened
season on Charlotte's Disabled List with strained right
forearm...made 2 starts after being activated from list April
26...landed back on DL May 6 with sore right elbow...returned to
action May 24...had 2 bone chips removed from right elbow
Sept. 26.
1989
Posted 4th lowest ERA (2.41) in South Atlantic League, while
pitching for Gastonia...finished 7th in league with 46
strikeouts...tied for 1st on club in starts (24) and was ranked
2nd in innings pitched (138.1)...averaged 9.5 strikeouts per 9.0
innings, 2nd best in circuit...held opponents to .195 batting avg.,
3rd best in league...did not pitch after Aug. 24 due to sore right
shoulder.
1988
Opened season with Gastonia before being assigned to Butte
June 17...finished 2nd on Butte club with 13 starts.
1987
Opened his professional career with Gulf Coast Rangers...was
32nd round pick in June Draft after being scouted by John
Young...participated in Florida Instructional League that fall.
