Loading ...Alex Gonzalez is making his return to the Reds lineup today against the Netherlands. He’s playing DH. I can’t see any way this guy will be ready for Opening Day after being injured for the last six seasons (or so it seems). I wish Gonzo the best, but I would not be surprised if his knee exploded while rounding first base at some point. He’s just had so many problems.
Meanwhile, Dusty Baker thinks highly of Gonzalez:
“A very good player,” Baker said. “I talked to people in Boston, talked to people in Florida, they told he’s one of the best they’ve ever seen. That is huge coming out of the shortstop position. They’re involved in almost every play.”
“Not to mention, that he’s another offensive threat. He’s a guy with power, a guy who can move the ball around.”
I don’t even know what to say about that.
“A guy who can move the ball around.”
What in Johnny Bench’s name can that possibly mean?
He’s saying he can hit behind the runner, or to second base to advance the runner to third.
I guess he’s forgotten he strikes out once every five plate appearances…with a .295 OBP….
wow…just looked up Gonzalez’s most comparable players…many are catchers?
I mean…Mike Macfarlane, Eddie Broussoud, Juan Uribe, Darryl Spencer, JOE OLIVER, Mike Heath, Dan Wilson, Michael Barrett, Ernie Whitt.
It’s one of the oddest groups I’ve seen…players are usually compared to similar position players but here numbers 2-4 are middle infielders…I suppose it shows he’s unique…he hasn’t “declined” yet, but to this point, if his career stopped today, 7 of the 10 are catchers.
Even odder…the players are also as listed as most similar at a certain age….well, for our Alex Gonzalez, his most similar player at ages 23, 27, 28, and 29….is the other Alex Gonzalez (mainly Blue Jays)
The fact is if Gonzalez returns and is healthy with an above-average defense and an average to slightly below average offense(with HR power) I’d take it over Keppinger’s average to above average offense(singles and doubles power) with god awful defense.
I don’t think Gonzalez will be ready by opening day and if he isn’t I hope a combo of Hairston and Keppinger can work out ok.
Keppinger is not a shortstop and neither is Hairston.
Best option is really Brandon Phillips on any account, but if Gonzalez can play, he will, due to his contract.
If Gonzalez can’t play, and I think it’s certain Phillips won’t be moving to shortstop, they’ll play Hairston with Keppinger backing him up, and it won’t be pretty.
Keppinger will hit better than 2008, Hairston will hit worse, and Gonzalez will decline from 2007….and he won’t be as mobile as he was before.
Alex had a lot of personal distractions in 2007, and I feel for him…but, he really didn’t impress me in the field in 2007 when he was playing.
There isn’t a perfect post for this…. but Willy Taveras created HAVOC today for the Dominican Republic today as he went 3-3 while leading off. Celebrate good times, come on?
Oh, and he was HBP, meaning he was on base 4 times today! HAVOC.
So Dusty talked to people who haven’t seen Gonzalez regularly in at least three years. That’s good. Ya think maybe he could’ve just talked to some people in Cincy, seeing as that’s where he plays now, and has since before Dusty came on?
As for the offensive threat…just wow.
Does Baker really believe the stuff that comes out of his mouth?
Just who are these people in Florida and Boston?
I’m not sure who Dusty talked to in Florida, but I’m pretty sure the Boston info must’ve come from Sam Adams.
Lots of Sam Adams!
Gonzo is the key to the success of the team. If he can perform 5 times a week at his career average numbers on offense and defense the whole team is stronger. The guy has had nothing but bad luck with the Reds. Two lost seasons to injuries and a sick child.
He should be strong, spending a year rehabbing, have fresh legs and with this being his contract year a strong motivation.
His play allows everyone else to get back to the roles where they perform the best. Keppinger can be a utility guy and a strong bat off the bench. Hairston can be in the outfield and at backup at second base. The bench could be a positive rather than a below average negative.
Mark, your analysis is dead on correct; what happens with Gonzalez makes a difference on so many fronts.
Frankly, it will be a great success for him to come back, and that’s why I’m amazed the Reds didn’t address this (re-signing Hairston did not address this). He’s old for a shortstop coming off a missed season coming off a season of distractions.
I wish him the best and we need him.