Tim Stauffer: The Ultimate Swingman

Jun 3, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig (66) takes a lead as San Diego Padres relief pitcher Tim Stauffer (46) pitches during the game at Dodger Stadium. Dodgers won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Tim Stauffer, 32, has been pitching for the San Diego Padres since 2005. He pitched for the University of Richmond in Virginia and was drafted by San Diego in the 1st round in 2003. He is 28-34 and has made 73 starts, most of them spot starts. He was a full-time starter in 2011 when he went 9-12 with a 3.73 ERA. Though he has had his rough moments this year, nobody can deny that Stauffer has been somewhat of a jack-of-all-trades for this ball club. He also has 406 career strikeouts. He is actually 33rd on the franchise list in appearances with 158 and 24th on the list in strikeouts, with 406. That might not seem like much, but he has quietly been a steady hand from the bullpen.

Stauffer can be a free agent at the end of this year and, with the right price, the Padres should bring him back. This year, he is 2-2 with a 4.19 ERA. Erase that awful outing against the Diamondbacks, his ERA would easily be under 4. In a pinch, he is a great player to go to. When he had to make a spot start against the Cubs this year, he pitched 5 innings of shutout ball on 5 strikeouts, only allowing 2 hits.

He may never be an All-Star, a 15-game winner or a 200-strikeout guy, but we have to pay the man his due. He has been there when the team has needed him. He didn’t always pitch a masterpiece, but he could always be counted on. He has 38 strikeouts in just over 34 innings. That is reliable. Bud Black can feel confident putting Stauffer in any situation, and know he has the experience and ability to overcome any challenges.