Career
Brower was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 56th round of the 1991 amateur draft, but did not sign, choosing instead to attend the University of Minnesota, where he was named a Big Ten Conference All-Star in 1994. He was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 6th round of the 1994 draft, and signed on June 5. He spent nearly four years in the Rangers system before being released early in 1998. He quickly signed with the Cleveland Indians, spending the 1998 season in AA, then splitting the next two seasons between the Indians and their AAA club.
Brower was traded to the Cincinnati Reds following the 2000 season. Midway through the 2001 season, the Reds traded him to the Montreal Expos for pitcher Bruce Chen. That November, he was traded to San Francisco in the trade that sent Liván Hernández to the Expos. In 2004, he tied the Giants' team record for appearances with 89.
Following a disappointing start to the 2005 season, Brower was released by the Giants on June 12, and signed by the Atlanta Braves. He signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles prior to the 2006 season, but was released three months later. He was subsequently signed by the San Diego Padres, who traded him to the Florida Marlins on August 1. He did not pitch for the Marlins at the Major League level, but appeared in 16 games for their AAA club.
Brower signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates prior to the 2007 season, but was released after appearing in six games for their AAA club. He was signed to a minor league contract by the New York Yankees, and served as the closer for their AAA club, posting a 1.65 ERA and earning 20 saves. On August 6, 2007, he was promoted by the Yankees, replacing Mike Myers on the 40-man roster.
Brower pitched in three games for the Yankees, posting a 13.50 ERA in 3.1 innings, surrendering 8 hits and two walks. In August, he was optioned back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and later released by the Yankees after refusing a minor league assignment. In December, Brower agreed to a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds. On May 30, 2008, Brower was traded by the Reds to the Chicago Cubs for cash considerations. Brower was released in July and signed with the Houston Astros. After making only two appearances with Triple-A Round Rock, Brower was released so that he could sign with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of the Japanese Central League. He is currently the pitching coach for the Kane County Cougars.
Read more about this topic: Jim Brower
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