Lets see he's given up runs in his last 3 outings, got the loss and has a blown save in 2 of those outings, Pitt is out of contention, and they plan on using Gonzalez as the closer for next season. So...why not give the ball to Gonzo in the 9th???
Do they really plan on using Mike Gonzalez as their closer next year? For the Pirates' sake, I hope not. 23 walks in 35 innings? That's not what you want from your closer. Not that I think Mesa is a whole lot better, but at least he has a track record - over the last 5 years, he's had one truly terrible year, one not-so-good year (this year) and 3 good years. I think if they'd planned on using Gonzalez next year, they probably would have dealt Mesa by now.
Well, that may be. But the last couple of outing Mesa has had have been awful. Why not give the youngster Gonzo a look to what he's made of in the 9th?
Havok1517 wrote:Is Mesa even signed beyond this year? For soem reason I'm thinking he's not.
No he's not, but from what I hear he likes it in Pittsburgh, and they (McClendon in particular) like having him there, so there would be a good chance of him being re-signed. Anyway, I'm sure some Pirates fans could give you a more in-depth opinion on the situation.
What happened to orginal nicknames? If we called every Gonzalez "Gonzo", we'd have 10 of them!
Mercer Boy is a Pitt fan and lives in the area, so I'm sure he can give some insight into what's going on with the closer role in Pit. Myself, I don't like Mike G's walks. Not real pretty and not what you want in a closer. Plus he's a lefty, and very few closers are left handed. Used more in situational matchups, rather than closing games.
Yes doctor, I am sick. Sick of those who are spineless. Sick of those who feel self-entitled. Sick of those who are hypocrites. Yes doctor, an army is forming. Yes doctor, there will be a war. Yes doctor, there will be blood.....
I believe the Pirates have a team option on Mesa (since I think I remember reading that he would be willing to move to another team if he was traded but only if they picked up his option). I think, as closers go, it was a reasonable option (like $2.75M or $4M).
Anyway, as happens with every other player in baseball, he's going through a slump right now. As a whole, though, he's done a solid job as closer, he likes Pittsburgh, and he is a cheap closer for a cheap team. I doubt they make a move, especially if they plan to pick up that option.
He may not be an elite closer, but he's gotten the job done for the most part this season. And it isn't as if Mike Gonzalez has been lights out all season to warrant being handed the job simply because Mesa has had a rough stretch the last week or so.
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Where is Mercer Boy? I'm waiting for an answer. I have Mike Gonz taking up a bench spot in an NL-only keeper. He's cheap so I'll probably keep him regardless.
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by Havok1517 » Sat Sep 03, 2005 12:29 am 
