Juan Gonzales - sleeper or dud?

[lesgrant]

This is a guy that's frustrated me over the last two seasons with his injuries and trades. He clearly functions the best in Arlington. His brief time spent in Detroit was a disaster. Now with his move to KC things might deteriorate once again. Kaufmann was a hitters' park last year but they moved the fences back this fall? Even so this guy's still got some pop. (.290/30/100 if healthy 75% of the year)

Is Juan Gone worth a middle round pick or pass?

[trevisc]

it's hard to consider him a sleeper because if he's healthy he's gold. But he hasn't been. So you can basically draft him knowing you could get 130 games or 90 games. So i'd say a 10-12th round draft would be about right for him.

[Tribe-Fan]

I pick the guy in the middle rounds, at least I have the last few years. I was able to trade him off last year right before he got hurt. I think he can still put up great numbers in KC. That is a pretty good lineup and the pitching is still a bit weak in the AL central. He played pretty well in a contending setting in Cleveland, and if KC can stay in the race I think he can do that again. If Pena can't get into his head then no one can.

I look for a very good year from Gonzo. I think he still misses some games, but 400-500 AB's can get the the guy 30+ HR and a boatload of RBI, probably around 100, plus he usually has his BA hovering around .300. I'll go out on a limb and say 475 AB's, 34 HR, 110 RBI, .295 BA. He is 34, but I think he has 1 MVP caliber season left, especially if he is thinking hall of fame. A full season and 40 HR / 125 RBI is not completly out of the question.

[CrimeDog]

He loses some of his appeal heading out of Texas, that's where he's always produced, however, the guy is an offensive force when healthy. He had something like 27 homers and around 80 rbis around the all-star break. If he stays healthy for even 130 games, he's a great sleeper pick around the 10th round.

[prodpaul]

Yeah if he is there by the 9th or 10th round I will grab him.

Of course you're talking to the person who thought Mulder would have a better year than prior last year <img src=/forums/images/smiles/kiss.gif>

[kentx12]

I believe he will have a good year but I dont believe he would be available in a draft at the time when I would take a chance on him.

[Lofunzo]

it's hard to consider him a sleeper because if he's healthy he's gold. But he hasn't been. So you can basically draft him knowing you could get 130 games or 90 games. So i'd say a 10-12th round draft would be about right for him.

I agree. No sooner but maybe worth the chance there if other options are less appealing.

[Madison]

If healthy, he could be a monster again. Will he stay healthy though? The upside is very hard to pass up in the middle rounds of the draft. Personally, depending on the options availiable, I could see myself taking the gamble.