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Meet the Dragons: Scott Gaffney

J. Meric/contributed Scott Gaffney, pitcher, # 26, Dayton Dragons 2009

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By Marc Katz, Staff Writer Updated 8:22 PM Saturday, August 1, 2009

Fast facts: RHP, 23 years old, from Westbury, N.Y.

Claim to fame: Played third base and shortstop while pitching just a little at Penn State.

Quote: “Being from a cold climate, I hadn’t played much baseball in high school. I was a basketball player (a 6-foot-3 point guard). A scout told me I ought to be a pitcher, but I went to Penn State and after four games, won the starting job at third. I pitched a little on Sundays. My sophomore year, my coach thought I’d get a better chance at being drafted if I played shortstop.”

History: Drafted in the 12th round by the Reds in 2007, Gaffney was told he would be a pitcher and was 1-2 with a 6.00 ERA in 20 games (24 innings) at Billings, Mont.

Injury: “I heard something pop in my elbow at Billings, but I continued to pitch. In the offseason, I was throwing and heard it pop again. I had Tommy John surgery and sat out all last year.”

Rehabbing: “I was in Sarasota rehabbing. I pretty much got up at 7 and worked out till noon or 1, then went to the beach. It was pretty boring. I went back to school, too. I was short 16 credits.”

Today: Gaffney, coming off a pulled groin, is 4-4 with a 3.10 ERA in 34 games (402/3 innings). He also has five saves, and with Aguido Gonzalez promoted to Sarasota, probably will become the Dragons’ closer.

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