CBRACKE
Loading ...
I think that the performance of Twins outfielder Carlos Gomez on Wednesday should go a long way towards soothing any remaining wounds the Minnesota faithful feel from the offseason trade of superstar pitcher Johan Santana. Facing the White Sox, Gomez went 4-for-6 with two runs and three RBI, becoming the first Twins hitter in 22 years to hit for the cycle. The late Kirby Puckett was the last Twins batter to accomplish the feat.
“It’s amazing,” Gomez told the Associate Press. “Kirby Puckett, I saw the video of the player. He is an All-Star and I can’t explain it to you. That’s unbelievable.”
What’s unbelievable is that Gomez hit just .232 last year in 125 at bats with the Mets and has over .285 just once in three minor league seasons. At just 22-years of age, he possesses huge potential, but expectations were that he wouldn’t hit as well as he has so far this season. The reasoning isn’t because he strikes out too much, it’s simply that he doesn’t draw enough walks–something very common with younger players.
The fact of the matter is his contact rate ((ab-k)/ab) has been slightly better than the league average, even last season when he hit a paltry .232. His batting eye (bb/k) is right around the league average over the last couple seasons, proving that while he certainly has room for improvement, he isn’t as bad as the assessment of some scouts above would seem to indicate.
After last night’s performance thrust him onto more of a national stage, it may seem like a no-brainer to say this, but he is not a sell high in my mind. He’s someone who could play a significant role in fantasy outfields all season. My expectations for his projected 2008 numbers are: .270, 105 runs, 6 homers, 54 RBI, 60 stolen bases. Fantasy owners shouldn’t have a problem finding room for that in their lineup.
No Comments so far
Leave a comment
Leave a comment
Line and paragraph breaks automatic, e-mail address never displayed, HTML allowed:
<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>