Joe Blanton retired — practically speaking anyway — last season. But he’s making a comeback with the Royals this spring. And ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick has a story about him today. Guess what?
Blanton, 34, weighed more than 250 pounds early in his career. But he’s in stunningly good shape this spring and reported to Surprise weighing in the range of 215 to 220 pounds. He also pronounced himself emotionally and mentally reinvigorated by a summer away from the game.
Hmm . . . “stunningly good shape?” Is that — could that be . . . ?
He is, actually. RT @mikebloodworth Is he in THE BEST SHAPE OF HIS LIFE???
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) February 24, 2015
Blanton is 34 years old and has a combined 5.09 ERA in 541 innings dating back to 2010, so any edge he can get will be helpful. Good luck, Joe.