Taylor Buchholz
Colorado Rockies – No. 35
Relief pitcher
Bats: Right Throws: Right
debut
April 7, 2006, for the Houston Astros
Career statistics (through 2008)
Win-Loss	18-21
Earned run average	4.42
Strikeouts	194
Stats at Baseball Reference
Teams
Houston Astros (2006) Colorado Rockies (2007-present)

Taylor Buchholz (born October 13, 1981 in Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania) is a pitcher with the Colorado Rockies in Major League Baseball. His rookie season was in 2006.

Buchholz stands at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 220 lbs. He bats and throws right-handed. He did not go to college. He lives in Springfield, PA during the offseason.

He attended Springfield Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, the same high school that produced Mike Scioscia. As a high school standout, Buchholz dominated batters in the Delaware County Central League. In a May 2000 home game against feared rivals, the Penncrest Lions, Buchholz delivered a one-hit performance, retiring 18 of 19 batters in an impressive 4-0 victory. Buccholz only surrendered one hit during the game, a scorching single by the Lion's talented center fielder, Jeff Smith, who drove a 3-0 fastball past third baseman, Michael Rappaport.

Buchholz started out as a minor leaguer for the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2003, he was dealt with Ezequiel Astacio and Brandon Duckworth to the Astros for all-star closer Billy Wagner. Originally forgotten by many fans due to Astacio and Duckworth both quickly being brought up to the majors, Buchholz proceeded to impress scouts in the minors, showing promise for the future. After going 6-0 with a 4.81 ERA in 20 games for the Astros Triple A Affiliate Round Rock Express in 2005, Buchholz was called up to the Astros main roster in the 2006 season.

His first success came in his second major league appearance in what was almost a complete-game one-hit shutout against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The first hit came when second baseman Eric Bruntlett double-clutched the ball before throwing, allowing runner Chris Duffy to reach first base safely. After Jack Wilson singled, Astros manager Phil Garner pulled Buchholz and brought in closer Brad Lidge, who struck out Jason Bay to end the game. Buchholz ended up going 8 2/3 innings and giving up only two hits.

On July 29, 2006, Buchholz was sent down to Triple A Round Rock.

According to SI.com, Buchholz was included as part of a proposed December 7, 2006 trade with the Chicago White Sox to bring Jon Garland to the Astros. The trade, however, fell through when Buchholz failed his physical.^[1] Buchholz denies this, telling the Houston Chronicle that he hasn't had a physical since prior to the 2006 season.^[2] These rumors were cast off by White Sox general manager Ken Williams.^[3]

On December 12, the Astros traded Willy Taveras, Taylor Buchholz, and Jason Hirsh to the Colorado Rockies for Rockies pitchers Jason Jennings and Miguel Asencio.

In the 2007 season, Buchholz was utlized by the Rockies as a starter. This was not the right fit for Bucholz as he was sent to the bullpen to be the Rockies many inning relief pitcher. In 2008, Buchholz took up the role as a set up man for Rockies closer, Brian Fuentes. He has been stellar in that role, utilizing pinpoint controll, and a nasty curve. Taylor nearly was picked to the National League All Star game by manager Clint Hurdle.

He is of no relation to Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz. ^[4]

• Named the Houston Astros' top prospect in 2004 by Baseball America.
• Named "Pitcher with Best Control" prior to the 2004 season by Baseball America.
• Ranked as the Houston Astros' No. 7 prospect before the 2005 season.
• Florida State League Pitcher of the Year in 2002.
• Participated in American Legion baseball leagues.

• MLB Profile