2004 Bowman, Jared Wells

#195 Jared Wells

Just like yesterday, here is a card of a player that I thought never played in the Major Leagues. But, unlike most players that appear on a Bowman "First Year" card, Jared has pitched in eight big league games and all eight of them were in 2008. Come to find out, I was even at two of the games that he pitched in.

Jared was drafted by the Padres in the 31st round of the 2002 draft and he made his professional debut the following year. He moved up through the Padres system steadily and was in AAA by 2006. After a full season of AAA ball in 2007, Jared began '08 in AAA, as well. But, he got called up in May and made his Major League debut against the Reds on the 24th. He pitched a scoreless inning and he must have impressed Bud Black enough becuase he was brought into a tied game in the 11th inning the next night. He gave up a couple of runs in that game, but the Padres were able to rally and win it. That was the last time he pitched in the National League. Two days later, he was traded to the Mariners for Cha-Seung Baek.

The Mariners sent Jared back down to AAA only to recall him back up in September. He didn't do too well with them in the six games he appeared in, but it was with the Mariners that I saw him pitch. I saw him pitch first at Rangers Ballpark and then two weeks later in Kansas City.

For the season, Jared finished with a 0-0 record with a 8.64 ERA in 8.1 innings while striking out 5 and walking 7. I got to see 4 of his 7 base on balls.

Jared pitched in the Astros system this past season.

This card was given to me by Rod, from Padrographs.