Derrick Turnbow, the One-Season Wonder

Thomas Derrick Turnbow was born in Tennessee in 1978 and was selected in the fifth round of the 1997 draft by the Philadelphia Phillies. Derrick Turnbow was developed as a starter in the minors, but in 2000 he was nabbed by the Angels in the Rule 5 draft, despite having no AA or AAA experience. The Angels moved Turnbow to the bullpen for the year - essentially stashing him on the major league roster so they wouldn't have to return him to the Phillies. He was sent back to the minors in 2001, and the shift to the bullpen was permanent. An arm injury cost Turnbow much of the next two years, and he struggled upon returning to the bullpen. He tantalized with his explosive fastball but frustrated with bouts of wildness, and after several seasons with the Angels organization, Turnbow was waived in October 2004. Milwaukee claimed the big right-hander.

Turnbow surprised many by making the club in 2005, and after Mike Adams struggled in the closer role, manager Ned Yost gave the job to Turnbow. He would have a magnificent season, posting 39 saves and a 1.74 ERA. He was second in the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award. The Brewers rewarded Turnbow with a three-year contract worth $6.5M. 

The 2006 season began well enough for Turnbow as he registered eight saves in the first month. But then the old bugaboo - his control - would rear its ugly head. His play was uneven for the next couple of months, but he still managed to record 23 saves and an All-Star game nomination. But then the wheels came off - and would never be put back on. His post-All-Star numbers were an ugly 0-5 record and an ERA of 11.29 - causing him to lose the closer's job.

Turnbow would rebound somewhat in 2007, managing a 4.63 ERA in 69 innings. But in 2008, things got ugly. He began the season walking 13 batters in six innings. The Brewers sent Turnbow to AAA, where things only got worse - 41 walks and ten wild pitches in 18 IP. The Brewers released him after the season.

Turnbow unsuccessfully attempted comebacks in 2009 and 2010 with the Rangers and Marlins, respectively, but with no luck. After his release during 2010 spring training, he decided to call it quits. Turnbow was 32.

After retiring, Turnbow stepped away from baseball, joining a financial planning firm where he now specializes in wealth management services. He lives in Seattle, Washington, with his family.

Turnbow is the classic example of a pitcher with a ton of ability (98 mph fastball, outstanding for the mid-to-late-2000s) but one who struggled with control. Many attributed his brilliant 2005 season to the work Turnbow did with pitching coach Mike Maddux. Fans loved the big, shaggy-haired righty who could throw heat with the best of them, and for one season, he was as good as any relief pitcher in baseball. Unfortunately, Turnbow could not repeat his success, and he quickly faded from the baseball scene. 

Turnbow's 39 saves in 2005 rank 4th all-time, and his all-time save mark of 65 ranks 80th. 

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