Jonny Gomes

by vtcub on Dec 7, 2007 6:17 PM EST Comment 2 comments

I believe part of the answer in right field should be Jonny Gomes. Before you jump all over me, consider the following: Gomes has a career .292/.396/.537/.932 against right handed pitching. I think he could be a very effective player if platooned with a free agent like Shawn Green or Cliff Floyd, who both hit righties very well. I realize that such a platoon would be horrendous defensively, but in this situation I think the pros outweigh the cons. Also consier the facts that Gomes is very affordable, and according to Baseball Reference, his most comparable player by age is Carlos Pena, who was without a doubt the Rays' most valuable player for the 2007 season.

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Re: Jonny Gomes

Jonny (and Rocco for that matter) both could be a big help to the team in 08 and beyond. But counting on either or especially both for significant ABs looks problematic to say the least. Both are more ? than player right now.

If Jonny and Rocco are only to be used v. LHP, you are probably only getting 250 plate appearances tops for them. Such a scenario makes it almost impossible to carry both. I would just want to feel that any guy brought in would be a significant upgrade from Rugs who would be next in line. I am afraid that some of the names that I am hearing are in declining mode and could be expensive dead weight.

FWIW, I'd rather see Jonny in RF than LF because I like his arm more than most and his range would be slighly less exposed in RF.

BTW, B-Ref's comparisons are considered to be useless for the most part.

by ttnorm on Dec 7, 2007 6:42 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Gomes can definitely be an answer

Because, as you mentioned, he has that spectacular line against right-handed pitching. The Rays need to explore all of their options via free agency and trade. If they can get a better player through either of those channels, then they should go after that player. But, failing that, they should drop back on Gomes and try to find him a platoon partner. That would be perfectly fine for next season.