Lance Cormier

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Lance Cormier

| image = Lance Cormier 2010.jpg

| image_size = 250

| caption = Cormier with the Tampa Bay Rays

| position = Pitcher

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1980|8|19}}

| birth_place = Lafayette, Louisiana, U.S.

| bats = Right

| throws = Right

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = June 19

| debutyear = 2004

| debutteam = Arizona Diamondbacks

| finalleague = MLB

| finaldate = May 21

| finalyear = 2011

| finalteam = Los Angeles Dodgers

| statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Win–loss record

| stat1value = 24–28

| stat2label = Earned run average

| stat2value = 5.07

| stat3label = Strikeouts

| stat3value = 276

| teams =

Arizona Diamondbacks ({{mlby|2004}}–{{mlby|2005}})
Atlanta Braves ({{mlby|2006}}–{{mlby|2007}})
Baltimore Orioles ({{mlby|2008}})
Tampa Bay Rays ({{mlby|2009}}–{{mlby|2010}})
Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2011}})

}}

Lance Robert Cormier (CORE-mee-ay) (born August 19, 1980) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays, Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Early years

Cormier went to Lafayette High School and graduated in 1998. He attended the University of Alabama, and in his pitching career there, he went 31–16 with a 3.98 ERA and 17 saves. Lance started his career as a closer and recorded a University of Alabama freshman record 11 saves. In 2000, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League.{{cite web |title=Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League |url=http://capecodbaseball.org.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/2012website/archives/Current%20Year/All_Time_MLB_CCBL_Alumni.pdf |access-date=September 25, 2019 |website=Cape Cod Baseball League |publisher=}}{{cite web |title=2000 Wareham Gatemen |url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/college/summer/stats.asp?Y=2000&T=Wareham_Gatemen |access-date=September 23, 2021 |website=The Baseball Cube |publisher=}} In his junior year, he switched to being a starting pitcher and went 20–8 in the last two seasons of his college career. A highlight of his college career includes being a first team Academic All-American in his senior year. He graduated in 2002 with a degree in finance.{{Cite web |title=Lance Cormier: Biography and Career Highlights |url=http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=433578 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205111420/http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=433578 |archive-date=February 5, 2009 |access-date=March 10, 2022 |website=Tampa Bay Rays |publisher=MLB.com}}

Professional career

=Initial drafts=

Twice Cormier was drafted by a major league team, but he did not sign for either. On June 2, {{baseball year|1998}}, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 40th round (1,190th overall) of the 1998 Major League Baseball draft, but did not sign.{{Cite web |title=40th Round of the 1998 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?year_ID=1998&draft_round=40&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round |access-date=March 10, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} On June 5, {{baseball year|2001}}, he was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 10th round (296th overall) of the 2001 Major League Baseball draft, but again he did not sign.{{Cite web |title=10th Round of the 2001 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?year_ID=2001&draft_round=10&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round |access-date=March 10, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} The Arizona Diamondbacks drafted him in the fourth round (129th overall) of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft on June 4, 2002.{{cite news |last=Zenor |first=John |date=June 5, 2002 |title=Tide's Brown leads state draft choices |page=B3 |work=The Gadsden Times |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=afMwAAAAIBAJ&pg=3773,494468&dq=baseball+lance-cormier&hl=en |access-date=July 26, 2010}}{{Cite web |title=4th Round of the 2002 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?year_ID=2002&draft_round=4&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round |access-date=March 10, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

=Arizona Diamondbacks=

In 2002, Cormier pitched for the Single-A South Bend Silver Hawks and the Yakima Bears. In 11 games (three starts) with the Silver Hawks, he went 3–0 with 17 strikeouts and a 2.93 ERA in 27.2 innings.{{Cite web |title=Lance Cormier Minor Leagues Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=cormie001lan |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} With the Yakima team, he went 0–0 with three strikeouts and a 27.00 ERA in one inning. His combined statistics for the year was a 3–0 record with 20 strikeouts and a 3.83 ERA in 28.2 innings pitched.

Cormier made 15 starts for the Lancaster JetHawks in {{baseball year|2003}}, going 6–5 with 59 strikeouts and a 3.82 ERA, before being moved up to the Double-A El Paso Diablos. In nine games (eight starts) with the Diablos, Cormier went 2–3 with 26 strikeouts, and a 6.10 ERA. He also earned a promotion to the Triple-A Tucson Sidewinders, going 1–1 with a 2.60 ERA and 11 strikeouts in five games (four starts). His stats for the season were an 9–9 win–loss record, 96 strikeouts, and a 4.19 ERA in 163.1 innings.

Cormier started {{baseball year|2004}} with El Paso, going 2–3 with a 2.29 ERA in 10 games, including one of his best games on May 6, where he allowed two hits in seven innings and struck out 10. In May, he was promoted to Triple-A Tucson, where he went 1–1 with a 1.77 ERA in three starts.{{Cite web |last=Gilbert |first=Steve |date=June 18, 2004 |title=Notes: Valverde out of action |url=http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/ari/news/ari_news.jsp?ymd=20040618&content_id=774377&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040920102617/http://arizona.diamondbacks.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/ari/news/ari_news.jsp?ymd=20040618&content_id=774377&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp |archive-date=September 20, 2004 |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=Arizona Diamondbacks |publisher=MLB.com}} On June 18, he was called up to the big leagues when pitcher José Valverde was placed on the disabled list. Cormier's first major league start was on June 19 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and he took the loss, allowing seven runs on six hits in 1.1 innings as the Devil Rays went on to win 11–4.{{Cite web |date=June 20, 2004 |title=Martinez drives in five runs in win |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/240619129 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312070153/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/240619129 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 12, 2022 |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=ESPN |publisher=Associated Press |language=en}} After the game, he was sent back down to Tucson, where he was elected the Diamondbacks Minor League Pitcher of the Month for June.

After being brought back up to the majors in July, he recorded his first big-league RBI on July 24.{{Cite web |date=July 25, 2004 |title=Arizona's slump reaches 13 straight |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/240724129 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312070145/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/240724129 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 12, 2022 |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=ESPN |publisher=Associated Press |language=en}} On July 29, Cormier beat the Houston Astros, 6–4. He pitched six innings while striking out five, and recorded his first major league hit.{{Cite web |date=July 29, 2004 |title=Hillenbrand clubs two-run HR |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/240729118 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312070204/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/240729118 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 12, 2022 |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=ESPN |publisher=Associated Press |language=en}} He made a move to the bullpen after losing his next two games. From August 29 to September 11, batters only hit .136 off Cormier. In his first Major League action, he was 1–4 with an 8.14 ERA in 17 games (five starts).{{Cite web |title=Lance Cormier Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/cormila01.shtml |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}

In {{mlby|2005}}, Cormier appeared in 67 games for the Diamondbacks, going 7–3 with a 5.11 ERA. His seven wins tied for fourth place among National League relief pitchers. He pitched 18 scoreless innings at the beginning of the season, and on April 29, he recorded a career-high four strikeouts against the San Diego Padres. He compiled a 1.04 ERA in his last nine games of the season.

=Atlanta Braves=

File:LanceCormier.jpg in {{mlby|2007}}.]]

On December 7, 2005, Cormier was traded to the Atlanta Braves along with pitcher Óscar Villarreal for catcher Johnny Estrada.{{Cite web |date=December 7, 2005 |title=Braves trade Estrada to Diamondbacks |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2251206 |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=ESPN |publisher=Associated Press |language=en}} He made his first appearance for the Braves on April 3, {{mlby|2006}}. After being demoted to the Richmond Braves on August 21, Cormier was called back up to the big league team four days later on August 25.

Cormier suffered an injury during spring training {{mlby|2007}} which kept him out for the season's first two months. In his season debut on June 3, he allowed eight earned runs in only four innings against the Chicago Cubs.{{Cite web |date=June 3, 2007 |title=DeRosa granny helps Cubs end six-game skid |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/270603116 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929003948/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/270603116 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=ESPN |publisher=Associated Press |language=en}} In his next start, he allowed five earned runs again against the Cubs.{{Cite web |last=Curtwright |first=Guy |date=June 9, 2007 |title=Cormier rocked by Cubs again |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070608&content_id=2013962&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070714190604/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070608&content_id=2013962&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl |archive-date=July 14, 2007 |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=Atlanta Braves |publisher=MLB.com}} He was later sent down to Triple-A Richmond. After pitching a complete game shutout in Richmond, Cormier was called up on August 2. He allowed two earned runs in relief against the Colorado Rockies on August 3.{{Cite web |date=August 3, 2007 |title=Colorado Rockies at Atlanta Braves Box Score, August 3, 2007 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ATL/ATL200708030.shtml |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}} On August 11, his first start since June 3, Cormier allowed four runs in four innings against the Philadelphia Phillies and left with a no-decision.{{Cite web |last=Bowman |first=Mark |date=August 11, 2007 |title=Mahay's effort helps Braves top Phils |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070811&content_id=2143164&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822040644/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070811&content_id=2143164&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl |archive-date=August 22, 2007 |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=Atlanta Braves |publisher=MLB.com}} He earned his first win of the 2007 season on August 27, allowing two runs in seven innings pitched against the Florida Marlins.{{Cite web |date=August 27, 2007 |title=Braves rebound from losing slump with huge win over Marlins |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/270827128 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312070157/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/270827128 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 12, 2022 |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=ESPN |publisher=Associated Press |language=en}} He won consecutive starts for the first time in his career one start later against the Philadelphia Phillies.{{Cite web |date=September 3, 2007 |title=Braves rebound from losing slump with huge win over Marlins |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/270903115 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312070159/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/270903115 |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 12, 2022 |access-date=March 11, 2022 |website=ESPN |publisher=Associated Press |language=en}} He finished the season a disappointing 2–6 with a 7.09 ERA in 10 games (nine starts).

Cormier was designated for assignment on November 30, {{mlby|2007}}, to make room for Tom Glavine.{{Cite web |last=Bowman |first=Mark |date=December 1, 2007 |title=Cormier designated for assignment |url=http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071201&content_id=2314970&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203033813/http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071201&content_id=2314970&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl |archive-date=December 3, 2007 |access-date=March 12, 2022 |website=Atlanta Braves |publisher=MLB.com}} Consequently, he was released on December 7, {{mlby|2007}}.{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2007 |title=Atlanta Braves Release Pitcher Lance Cormier |url=http://ww.chattanoogan.com/2007/12/8/118356/Atlanta-Braves-Release-Pitcher-Lance.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092441/http://ww.chattanoogan.com/2007/12/8/118356/Atlanta-Braves-Release-Pitcher-Lance.aspx |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2014 |website=The Chattanoogan}}

=Baltimore Orioles=

On January 21, {{mlby|2008}}, Cormier signed a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training with the Baltimore Orioles.{{Cite web |last=Fordin |first=Spencer |date=January 22, 2008 |title=Orioles ink Cormier to Minors deal |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080121&content_id=2352409&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123053038/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080121&content_id=2352409&vkey=hotstove2007&fext=.jsp |archive-date=January 23, 2008 |access-date=March 12, 2022 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media}} He began the season with the Triple-A Norfolk Tides before being promoted to the Orioles on May 3.{{cite web |date=May 3, 2008 |title=Lance Cormier Promoted to Baltimore Orioles |url=http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/050308aaa.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514154221/http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/050308aaa.html |archive-date=May 14, 2008 |access-date=May 14, 2008 |website=Alabama Crimson Tide}} He was 3–3 with a 4.02 ERA in 45 games for the Orioles.

=Tampa Bay Rays=

On January 16, {{mlby|2009}}, Cormier signed a one-year, $675,000 contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.{{Cite web |last=Topkin |first=Marc |date=January 16, 2009 |title=Rays sign reliever Lance Cormier |url=http://blogs.tampabay.com/rays/2009/01/rays-sign-relie.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122055636/http://blogs.tampabay.com/rays/2009/01/rays-sign-relie.html |archive-date=January 22, 2009 |access-date=March 12, 2022 |website=St. Petersburg Times}} After the season, the Rays signed him to a one-year, $1.2 million contract to avoid arbitration.{{Cite web |last=Axisa |first=Mike |date=December 12, 2009 |title=Players Tendered Contracts |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/12/players-tendered-contracts.html |access-date=March 12, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}} In two seasons with the Rays, he was 7–6 with a 3.55 ERA in 113 games.

=Los Angeles Dodgers=

On February 16, 2011, Cormier signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and made the big league club out of spring training.{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Tony |date=February 16, 2011 |title=Dodgers sign Cormier to battle for bullpen spot |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=6127588 |access-date=March 12, 2022 |website=ESPN |language=en}} The Dodgers mostly used him in long relief, where he was 0–1 with a 9.88 ERA before he was designated for assignment on May 24.{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Tony |date=May 24, 2011 |title=Dodgers purchase contract of RHP De La Rosa |url=https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/mlb/news/story?id=6584857 |access-date=May 24, 2011 |website=ESPN |language=en}} On June 2, he cleared waivers and became a free agent.{{cite web |title=Dodgers {{!}} Lance Cormier becomes free agent |url=http://www.fantasysp.com/player/mlb/Lance_Cormier/1643654/dodgers-lance-cormier-becomes-free-agent |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722044038/http://www.fantasysp.com/player/mlb/Lance_Cormier/1643654/dodgers-lance-cormier-becomes-free-agent |archive-date=July 22, 2011 |access-date=June 2, 2011 |work=KFFL |publisher=FantasySP}}

=Return to Tampa Bay=

Cormier signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays on June 6, 2011. He was assigned to the Triple-A Durham Bulls.{{cite web |last=Nicholson-Smith |first=Ben |date=June 6, 2011 |title=Rays Sign Lance Cormier |url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/06/rays-sign-lance-cormier.html |access-date=June 6, 2011 |work=MLB Trade Rumors}} With Durham, he appeared in 20 games (four starts) and was 4–3 with a 5.51 ERA.