Former Giant Chulk settles in with River Cats
The seven-year veteran joins the River Cats after playing for three Major League teams, including the San Francisco Giants. Beginning this season he has one thing on his mind - winning. And for winning, he came to the right place, to a Sacramento team that has secured nine South Division titles in 11 years.
"I know they have a good history here," Chulk said. "They like to win here. And I really want to win because it makes the season go by quicker and a lot more fun for the guys."
Chulk was signed to the River Cats in December after spending the beginning of the 2010 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, where he saw time in Triple-A Indianapolis. He finished up last season pitching with Hiroshima in the Japanese League.
He said he is enjoying the atmosphere in the clubhouse with his fellow River Cats, and that he really bonded with the other players during Spring Training.
During his time in the Major Leagues, Chulk pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays (2003-06), Cleveland Indians (2009) and the Giants (2006-08).
While with the Blue Jays, Chulk made 129 appearances. In 2005 he posted a 3.88 ERA, and let the lowest percentage (4 of 37, 11.8 percent) of inherited runners score in the American League.
With the Giants, he was a key member of their bullpen. In his first year in San Francisco he was not scored upon in 19 of 28 outings.
"I had a great time getting to play against Oakland," Chulk said of his time with the Giants. "Maybe that's how they got a look at me."
The 32-year-old spent a year with the Indians organization after attending Spring Training as a non-roster invitee.
Over his seven Major League seasons, Chulk posted a 4.33 ERA in 276.1 innings pitched.
He pitched his last game in the big leagues in on May 5, 2009, at Toronto. In total, Chulk spent a total of four years and 62 days in the MLB.
Chulk, a Florida native, loves being able to play in California and was happy when he got the call about playing for Sacramento.
He said the main difference for him between the Major Leagues and the Minor Leagues is the traveling. In the Minors, players are required to leave a lot earlier to get on the road for away games. But he said he has adjusted.
This season, aside from wanting the River Cats to go out and win as much as possible, his personal goals are to limit his number of walks and keep his delivery consistent.
Chulk saw his first outing in a River Cats uniform on Opening Night, April 7, against the Tacoma Rainiers. He pitched 2.0 innings of relief and struck out four en route to a 6-2 win. Chulk got the win for the game.
All Chulk wants to do is win.