Player to Watch (8/8/08) - Part I
Alberto Gonzalez: SS/2B Washington NationalsMLB Comparison: David Eckstein
MLB Ready: 65/100
Needs to Improve: Power, base running, hitting with runners on base
Today's player to watch is 25-year-old shortstop Alberto Gonzalez of the Washington Nationals. After struggling severely as a back up in the first four months of the season, Gonzalez stepped up while starting shortstop Christian Guzman was sidelined with a thumb injury.
In the four games Gonzalez played from August 1-4, he had 6 hits in 13 at bats, 3 doubles, 2 walks, and 3 runs. Also, the Nationals won all four of those games, tying their longest winning streak of the season.
Guzman is now back in the Nationals' starting lineup and Gonzalez is back on the bench. Unfortunately for Gonzalez, Guzman signed a 2-year extension with the Nats on July 23, so it seems the team will stick with him.
However, Gonzalez is listed as the backup second baseman behind Pete Orr on the team's depth chart. With Orr playing really poorly this season, there is a good chance that Gonzalez will see more playing time there and, hopefully for him, eventually become an everyday player in this lineup.
Hey, David ...
Totally agree about Alberto Gonzalez. I don't know why Brian Cashman traded him ... When he came up earlier in the year, when Derek Jeter was injured, he played really well, getting a few hits, playing great defense, and showed excellent speed and good fundamental baseball skills ... I would much rather have Gonzalez on the Yankees bench, then Wilson Betemit ... This trade of Alberto Gonzalez, by the Yankees, went mostly un-noticed because of all the other big trades that took place at the trading deadline. I think the Yankees originally got Gonzalez, and Ross Ohlendorf, when they traded Randy Johnson to Arizona. Now both players are gone ... We can't complain about Ohlendorf leaving, 'cause he was part of the Nady deal with the Pirates. But, Gonzalez ??? ... I didn't like the deal when I heard about, and now it looks even worse, the way Gonzalez is playing ... The Yankees really don't have a starting spot for him, though. So, that's why he was traded ... David, maybe you can do a follow-up on this story, and give a profile of the player [pitcher] the Yankees got in return for Gonzalez? ... Excellent report !!! ... It will be fun to follow Alberto Gonzalez's career, because I think he can be a star player for many years !!! Take care .... and, Go Yankees !!! ... Jimmy [27NYY] ...
http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/
Report any abuse or spam