Toronto Blue Jays all-time roster: Starting Pitcher – Jimmy Key (1984-1992)
A solid starting pitcher who was routinely among the league leaders in winning percentage and ERA+, Jimmy Key may be one of the more overlooked pitchers in his time.
Interestingly, Key started his career in the bullpen, serving as a closer for a time as he racked up ten saves with 63 appearances in his rookie season. He found his groove the next year when the Blue Jays put him in the starting rotation. That year, he made the All-Star Game while posting a 14-6 record with a 3.00 ERA and a 1.119 WHiP. In 1987, Key led the league with a 2.76 ERA and a 1.057 WHiP, finishing second in the Cy Young ballot, but did not make the All-Star Game.
That season set the stage for what his time in Toronto would be like. Key finished his tenure with the Blue Jays with a 116-81 record, posting a 3.42 ERA and a 1.196 WHiP. Despite having a mere 944 strikeouts in 1695.2 innings pitched, he minimized the damage with his impressive control, issuing only 404 walks.
Key may not have been overpowering by any stretch of the imagination, but he was quite effective. He relied upon his command and his ability to spot his fastball and slider, although he would occasionally lose his mechanics and leave both pitches up. Injuries also derailed his career at points, as he missed a good deal of five seasons due to various ailments, particularly with his elbow.
When healthy, few pitchers were as good as Jimmy Key. The problem was making sure that he could take that next turn on the mound.
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