Pitcher Joe Kennedy, 28, dies suddenly

TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Free-agent pitcher Joe Kennedy died in Florida Friday of unknown causes at the age of 28.

"This is tragic and stunning news," said J.P. Ricciardi, general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, one of three teams Kennedy pitched for in 2007.

Kennedy was visiting his wife's family in the Tampa, Fla., area, got up from sleeping in the middle of the night and collapsed. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, a sheriff's representative said.

An autopsy was ordered.

The left-handed pitcher had a career record of 43-61 with a 4.79 ERA in seven seasons with Tampa Bay, Colorado, Oakland, Arizona and Toronto. He pitched for the A's, Diamondbacks and Blue Jays in 2007 but had not signed with a team for 2008.

"We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Joe's passing," A's official David Forst said. "He was a valued teammate and friend to everyone with the A's organization."

Kennedy, his wife, Jami, and 1-year-old son lived in the Denver area.