Washington Nationals add Mike Gonzalez to bullpen as relievers suffer injuries – MLB News
Given the weakened bullpen in absence of Brad Lidge and Drew Storen, it was indispensable for the Nationals to have a veteran reliever in their ranks. Inking an agreement with Mike Gonzalez was already under discussion. However, the very state of the bullpen,
which got exposed miserably in few games, compelled the management for expeditious completion of the deal.
Having weak relievers means that starters can anytime see their effort binned. As it happened with the Nationals for number of times that their starter will breeze through scoreless inning and relievers will spoil everything, concerns regarding this peaked
over the last few days.
Gonzalez is now at the disposal of the manager, Davey Johnson. As soon as he finds him good enough during his time in the Minor-League, he can bring him right into the Majors.
Immense experience Gonzalez has under his belt can provide the Nationals’ bullpen some much needed stabilisation.
Nationals’ General Manager Mike Rizzo calls the development as a boost in their prospects. Having a veteran pitching during save situations is far safer an option than sending someone, who is prone to meltdown.
While elaborating his decision to sign him, he said Gonzalez has been under his scan for many years.
He further stated that Gonzalez has all what it takes to adjust to an ambiance of the Nationals club-house.
“He’s a veteran, left-handed relief pitcher that can give us some depth and some options for down the road,” Rizzo said. “Just been a fan of his from afar. I scouted him for years with the Pirates and the Braves. I just liked the way he gets after it. He’s
got good clubhouse makeup, and he’ll fit into the clubhouse very well.”
An ideal scenario for the Nationals will be fast-paced recovery by Storen and Lidge, considering preparations they carried out before the season and great performances they hold in prospect ahead in the season.
Until then, Gonzalez will like to bring all his experience into play to make sure that he lives up to the kind of performance the management is wanting.
Gonzalez will be looking to spend time in the Minors and impress pitching coordinator, Spin Williams with his control on the mound. Only then, he will be promoted to the Majors, as per the reports.
Getting to the Majors at the earliest is something he will be looking forward to.
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