Thursday, September 12, 2013

Best Seasons: Jeff Russell - 1989.

Time for number 28 on T.R. Sullivan's Top 50 Seasons in Rangers history. Today we take a look at Jeff Russell's 1989 effort.

Russell, shown here on a signed 1988 Fleer card, had been named to the All-Star game in 1988 while in the Rangers starting rotation. In 1989 he was moved to the back end of the bullpen and became the team's closer.

In 72.2 innings over 71 appearances Jeff compiled a 1.98 ERA and a 0.950 WHIP. Both were best on the team that year. He led the league in games finished with 66 and in saves with 38.

After bouncing back and forth from the rotation to the bullpen it looked like Jeff Russell had found a role that suited him. He was named to the All-Star team as a closer just a year after making the team as a starter. He also received some consideration for the Cy Young award.

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