George Kontos-RP New York Yankees, San Diego Padres August 18th, 2012

After talking to John Baker, I sat down and noticed a Giants player coming down to the bullpen to perform a bullpen throwing drill.  I saw the name Kontos on his back, and honestly, I didn't know who he was or anything about him.  After his throwing drill, he walked out to the OF and started talking to Will Venable and several other Padres players.  I researched him quickly using my phone, and found out he was a relief pitcher who started the season in AAA and had been called up on June 10th, 2012.  He had a 2.33 ERA and in 33 inning had struck out 29 and walked only 8.  He started to walk back to the dugout and I called out to him and he walked over and signed my ball.  I asked George who his favorite player was and he said, "Kerry Wood, I grew up watching him pitch with the Cubs." 

When I got home, I researched George and found out he was drafted by the Yankees in 2006 and converted to a reliever.  He pitched well in the minors and was drafted in the rule 5 draft by the San Diego Padres in 2011, explaining why he was chatting with several Padres players.  The Padres decided not to keep him (a HUGE mistake) and the Yankees took him back.  He was traded to the Giants just before the 2012 season for catcher Chris Stewart.  It looks like the Giants have a keeper in George Kontos.

On April 28th, 2013, George took an updated photo with me for the blog.