I’m happy to see that Mike Gonzalez has gotten back to Baltimore.
While I believe he should have received an MRI before being signed, there is no reason to believe was damaged goods when he did.
In the 2nd half of 2009 Gonzalez pitched in 35 games, covering 32.1 innings.
He allowed 21 hits, 15 walks, with 35 k’s. He held hitters to a .183 average, and a 1.11 era.
It is hard to believe he was able to accomplish that, if he was damaged. He hasn’t pitched this year because he got hurt, it happens. Being hurt does not equate to damaged goods. Damaged goods implies that there is no amount of rehab that is going to occur to get back healthy and to the past level of performance.
I hope people can remember that his rehab in the Minor Leagues, and even his first few outings here in July with the O’s, has essentially become ‘Spring Training’ for Gonzalez.
It can be debated if he was the right option for the O’s to sign this off-season. It can be debated if giving up a 2nd round draft choice to sign him, had merit. What can not be debated is that if he is healthy enough to be pitching, it should be believable enough that he will find his form. When he does, he is going to help this team.
Someone will ask what I am basing that on. I am basing that on his career numbers.
He has pitched 282.2 innings in his ML career, and has allowed just 218 hits, with 333 k’s.
Opposing hitters have a .636 lifetime OPS against Gonzalez.
You want to comment on his control, fine.
You want to say that with 7 blown saves in 17 opportunities last year, that he was miscast as a closer – that is fine.
However, you can not say the guy is not talented when you look at his K rates, and hits per IP for his career.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.