Baltimore Orioles considering free agent Jonny Gomes - MLB News
Free agent Jonny Gomes is on the Baltimore Orioles wish list. He played the 2012 season with the Oakland Athletics. Given the kind of depth the Athletics have in the outfield, it is unlikely that Jonny will get a call up from the team.
A native of Petaluma, California, the right-hander is likely going to be playing various role for the Orioles should they finalise a deal with him. It is expected that he will play as an outfielder as well as on first base and may also assume the role of
a designated hitter.
Gomes has shown decent career numbers in his 10 Major League seasons. He has a career batting average of .244 with a .334 on-base percentage. He managed a .262 average in 2012 with a .377 on-base percentage for the Athletics this year. He went long on 18
occasions and also had 47 RBI’s in 279 at-bats.
Jonny will be a good value player as well. His last year’s salary with the Oakland ballclub was $1 million. Gomes is relatively weak as a fielder but a placement in the outfield can help in that matter. He can be particularly useful against the left-handed
pitchers, having a career batting average of .284 and an on-base percentage of .382.
Gomes 2012 season against the lefties was even better as e posted a .299 batting average with a .413 on-base percentage and going long 11 times against them. He also hit 26 of his 47 RBI’s against the left-handers in 196 at-bats.
Jonny was signed in the 18th round of draft in 2001 by the Tampa Bay Rays after graduating from the Santa Rosa Junior College. He suffered a heart attack during the winter holiday season in 2002 and put himself in further jeopardy by showing up
at the hospital more than a day later. He was in good health at the time of his heart trouble and team doctors kept medications for him in case he had another heart attack.
The 31-year-old has so far represented four teams in his Major League career including a six year stint with the Tampa Bay Rays. The association ended when Tampa Bay did not offer him a contract in 2008 and Gomes became a free agent.
The Orioles are keeping an eye on all prospects at the moment in the free agent market. Many have suggested that Josh Hamilton is also ranking high on the wish list of the ballclub. The team has already signed a few deals for the Minor League and more signings
are likely going to be made soon.
Gomes could be an interesting pick for the Orioles. He can be devastating against the left-handed pitchers though he does have some weaknesses with the glove, which will be a matter of concern. His low salary could also play a part in his signing. For now
it’s time to wait and see how the club goes about it.
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