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Gio Gonzalez Would Love to Finish Career With Mets

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Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas Hall, a writer with MMO, recently offered an opinion. “Gio Gonzalez Would Fit Perfectly With The Mets.” I agree. The Mets hierarchy should focus on acquiring a veteran pitcher that can fit. 

They should consider and offer a contract to Gio Gonzalez.

Okay, I am not being partial here with the same opinion. Let me explain. As many know, Gio and I established a good relationship over the years. Gonzalez, of Latino descent, enabled me to get up close with my affiliation writing for latinosports.com a web site that focuses on the Latino ballplayer.

So Gio Gonzalez gets his starts in New York with the Oakland A’s, Washington Nationals, and Milwaukee Brewers against the Yankees and Mets.  I am up there in the press box and Gonzalez would always get the win.

In fact, during that span I have been the “Lucky Charm.” Gio on the mound and me in the press box, the record over the years is 9-2 with a 2.50 ERA.

Okay, let’s get to the point. Thomas Hall made his case. He wasn’t partial. Far as I know, the writer has been an astute follower of Gonzalez and respects  his ability to give a team innings. Gonzalez is also a great addition to the clubhouse.

James McCann, the newest Mets catcher will tell you last season in the White Sox clubhouse, Gonzalez was a leader. I also have heard similar opinions from those who have been on the roster of the A’s, Nationals and Brewers.  

And the Mets could use the veteran 35-year old left-hander. Gonzalez and I had a chat Thursday after his long tossing sessions near his home in Miami, Florida. 

Last season with the White Sox, the left hander sustained a nagging muscle strain to his shoulder.  The White Sox did not pick up his option of a one-year deal. Gonzalez won 21 games with the Nationals in 2012 and came up second in NL Cy Young Award balloting.

He continues to throw and is feeling fine and  informed me that long tossing is leading to strength and the preparation to hopefully sign on with another team.  It’s been almost four sessions of throwing every other day and constant conditioning.

So his health is not an issue. It’s not the age. Gonzalez can still throw with an average fastball and a good changeup. Understand, though, It’s baseball economics for the Mets and 29 other MLB teams in putting the best 26-man roster that can lead them to October. 

In the end, though, this is baseball and a business. Teams are still in that holding pattern and there has not been a ton of free agent signings with new teams.

Reportedly, owners are citing the loss of significant revenue from a curtailed 2020 season due to no revenue stream from fans and concessions. 

With Gio Gonzalez still searching for a team, the task is not easy and teams should be seeking a veteran arm and leader in the clubhouse. 

He said to me, “I would love to finish my career in New York. I feel great. Citi Field for some reason is my comfort zone.”

Last  year there was speculation that the Mets were looking at giving Gonzalez an opportunity before he signed on with the White Sox. 

That was then. This is now. Gonzalez, and many have noticed that Steve Cohen and the new regime are a buzz of baseball. The acquisitions of McCann, Trevor May, and the trade for Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco have put opposing teams on notice.

And by all means the Mets are not done with their strategy to fill some gaps. George Springer is still in the discussion as is reliever Brad Hand.

Add Gio Gonzalez to the mix.  Why?

Well, the rotation and bullpen can use a veteran. Gonzalez knows New York. He knows McCann. I won’t go into specifics with the percentages of ERA and WHIP of last season. 

That was not the real Gio Gonzalez we saw in 2020. An injury, short season, back and forth from the rotation to the pen disrupted his rhythm. 

So here is my pitch why the Mets need to pursue Gio Gonalez. And before you begin the criticism, I can compare another situation with a former Mets pitcher.

Remember, Carlos Torres was considered a journeyman. 

I can recall as every Mets fan will. A few years back the Mets and manager Terry Collins took a chance with the right-hander. He bounced around a bit and got the call from Triple-A Las Vegas. Except for a late 2015 struggle, Torres came out of the pen as a long reliever and had that role of a spot starter.

Collins said that Torres was that valuable guy you needed on a pitching staff. 

Gio can also be that important tool and continue his success on the mound at Citi Field. He can provide that veteran leadership and help a younger core of hurlers  including a struggling Steven Matz.

So here are the Mets and they need to take the chance. Sign Gio Gonzalez to a minor league deal and take it from there at a minimum cost. 

Nothing to lose here. A lot to gain if it works out. 

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