Good things happen when Carlos Gomez can get on base.
Gomez didn’t get the start today, but when he entered the game in the 10th inning, he drew a walk on four pitches — just his 7th walk of the season — and all hell broke loose from there. With Craig Counsell up, Gomez tried to steal second, Counsell bunted towards third, and Gomez never stopped running. Counsell was out at first, but when Xavier Nady tried to throw out Gomez at third, the ball sailed out of play and Gomez ran home for the game-winning score.
Honestly, it was probably one of the most exciting moments of the season so far. We’d have more like it if Gomez would become more patient at the plate.
He’s shown flashes of his potential this year, even showing improvement in some areas (his SLG is up, he’s hitting for more average, and his K rate is down). His OBP is also up a few points over last year’s numbers with the Twins, but that’s due to the higher batting average — he’s actually walking less than he did last year.
I’m still a fan of what Carlos Gomez could become — he’s only 24, and like we saw today, when he is patient, he can become a dangerous weapon. I still prefer to see him in the lineup almost every day — with the team so far out of contention, there’s really no reason to sit Gomez every few days just to keep Jim Edmonds happy with a start. Edmonds won’t be with the team next year; Gomez will be. Here’s to hoping we see more of this in the near future. When Gomez is on, there’s not a more exciting player on the roster.
W: John Axford (3-1)
L: Bob Howry (1-1)
CHC HR: Xavier Nady (4)
MIL HR: Corey Hart (16)
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