2002 Edmonton Trappers

2002 Edmonton Trappers (81-59 Record) Affiliation:  Minnesota Twins

Pacific Coast League Champions

Two time American League Cy Young award winner (2004 &2006) left-hander Johan Santana appeared in 11 games for the Trapper finishing the year with a record of 5-2 and a 3.14 ERA. Originally signed by the Astros out of Venezuela in 1995 as an international free agent, Santana was selected in the 1999 rule 5 draft by the Marlins and traded the same day to the Twins for minor league right-hander Jared Camp. The four time All-Star (2005-2007, 2009) has amassed a record of 133-69 with a 3.10 ERA over his 11 year career with the Twins and Mets.  

Current Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer played in 86 games, hitting .309 with 20 HRs and 53 RBIs in his only season with the Trappers. The former 1^st round pick, 9^th overall in the 1997 Draft has 1000 Major League games under his belt and holds a .270 batting average while hitting 121 HRs and driving in 510 runs during his 10 year career, all with the Twins.

Australian right-hander Grant Balfour spent 2 years with the Trappers appearing in 69 games compiling a record of 4-6, a 4.41 ERA and 8 saves. Signed by the Twins in 1997 as an international free agent Balfour has gone on to make 261 appearances over his 7 year career, with a record of 19-10, a 3.81 ERA and 8 saves as a member of the Twins, Brewers, and Rays. He joined the Oakland Athletics in January 2011 as a free agent and is expected to play an important role as a member of their bullpen during the upcoming season.  

 

Manager John Russell spent parts of 3 seasons with the Trappers (1999-2002) before going on to become a Major League manager with the Pittsburgh Pirates where he spent 3 years at the helm (2008-2010)compiling a record of 186-299. During his 10 year playing career (1984-1993) he hit .225 with 34 HRs and 129 RBIs as a member of the Phillies, Braves, and Rangers. He played catcher, 1^st base and the outfield during his career.