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US Presswire file photo Mike Gonzalez posted a 4.36 ERA last season with the Orioles and Rangers. |
Gonzalez, 33, owns a 2.91 ERA in nine career seasons with the Pirates, Braves, Orioles and Rangers, though he's battled injuries and poor performances the last two seasons. He had knee surgery over the winter and remained unsigned when the season began.
Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo said there had been some mild interest in Gonzalez that perked up after veteran right-hander Brad Lidge landed on the disabled list with a sports hernia.
"I scouted him for years with the Pirates and the Braves," Rizzo said. "I just liked the way he gets after it. He's got good clubhouse makeup, and he'll fit into the clubhouse very well."
Gonzalez will report to the Nationals' extended spring training complex in Viera, Fla., and work with pitching coordinator Spin Williams. He'll probably join the roster at Class AAA Syracuse once he's ready to appear in games.
"I couldn't envision him coming right to the big leagues," Rizzo said. "He'd have to get some innings under his belt and get stretched out and get his arm strength to major-league standards before he gets here."
9 comments:
Should Sean Burnett be worried?
So, to summarize: Corey Brown needs to stay in the minors
Apparently, Davey sees Corey Brown as a lead-off hitter. Not surprising since Davey has said he thinks Desmond could end up as a #3 hitter. Brown has started every game this season and always bats lead off. He WAS NOT doing that much at all last year in Syracuse.
If Desmond gets injured its my guess that you might see Corey Brown up at that point if his performance in AAA warrants it.
Should Sean Burnett be worried?
Gonzalez, 33, owns a 2.91 ERA in nine career seasons ... he's battled injuries and poor performances the last two seasons. He had knee surgery over the winter and remained unsigned when the season began.
No, Burnett shouldn't be worried ... now Cory Van Allen? Attie Severino? They should be worried ...
Syracuse could definitely use Gonzalez today. Has developed problems with gopher balls and his K to strike out ratio isn't as good as it was ...
But he looks a lot better than anything on the left side of the bullpen currently in Syracuse.
Good move if he can get in shape fast and move out of XST.
Minor league contract for a vet with upside, I like it. 4 years ago a guy like this would've been our set up man.
Side note, Spin Williams is an awesome name for a pitching coach.
Soul Possession, My PFB Hitterish Sofa said...
Should Sean Burnett be worried?
should sean burnett be pitching?
No, Sean Burnett should be our closer on the road right now, until Druuuuu gets back.
Looks to me like Rizzo is giving himself flexibility for trades as he approaches the deadline, in case a bat is needed (i.e., Morse or Werth can't return or, god forbid, there is another injury).
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