While the season is still very young, the changes to Anthony Gose’s swing are showing up in his results at the plate, and Jeff Sullivan of Fangraphs wonders if his revamped mechanics will lead to a surprising offensive season from the 24-year-old speedster. Upon being traded to the Tigers, Gose and Detroit hitting coach Wally Joyner worked to lower the positioning of his hands prior to the swing, and Gose is also swinging with more of an upward plane. Sullivan also points out that Gose is doing a better job of keeping his weight back, and he provides GIF breakdowns of Gose’s former swing versus his new cut. It had become clear that the old version of Gose wasn’t ever going to hit much, Sullivan writes, and while the reworked swing may be little more than “a new way to fail,” he writes that Gose’s upside with the new mechanics is greater, and the team’s recent success with reclamation project J.D. Martinez lends further reason for optimism.
A few more notes from the AL Central…
- Shaun Marcum accepted his outright assignment to the Indians’ Triple-A affiliate earlier today, writes MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian, and the veteran knew at the time of the call-up that he’d likely only be on the roster for one day. “He knew coming in that it was going to be one [game],” manager Terry Francona told Bastian. “After he pitched so well, we were trying to figure out maybe a way to get around [designating him]. I think after talking through it, it’s not a fun thing to do, but I think it’s probably the right thing to do.” Marcum fired five innings of one-run ball Sunday for Cleveland, striking out four hitters against three walks (although two of the free passes were intentional). Those five frames marked his first big league work since 2013, and by accepting an outright to Columbus, Marcum will be able to serve as depth for the Indians again in the future should a need arise.
- Twins GM Terry Ryan again expressed disappointment when asked by Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press about Ervin Santana’s suspension. “People are going to test positive because kids are kids and men are men,” said Ryan. “…You shouldn’t make that mistake. … If they take something, they ought to know what it is. That’s all, regardless of where you bought it or if it came from a reputable drug store or nutrition store or wherever. They’ve been educated pretty well about this program, and they know they’re going to get tested. They ought to know what’s going in (their bodies).”
- The White Sox haven’t announced a starting pitcher for Sunday’s contest yet, but before South Side fans get excited, Dan Hayes of CSN Chicago reports that the nod will not be going to top prospect Carlos Rodon. Manager Robin Ventura has said someone on the active roster will make the start. While Hector Noesi has made just one outing, off-days have allowed the Sox the opportunity to skip him in the rotation, with Jose Quintana taking his spot. Of course, the fact that Noesi struggled badly in his lone start — six walks and four hits in 4 2/3 innings against the Twins — and may be skipped in the rotation suggests that his grasp on a rotation spot isn’t necessarily all that firm. For what it’s worth, Rodon whiffed nine hitters against two walks in five innings of two-run ball in his Triple-A debut this season.
Gose = JBJ. Only JBJ can’t play, because the Red Sox have 36 other outfielders.
Love watching Gose and Iglesias do their thing defensively so far. If they can each hit .250, their defense makes them equivalent of .300 hitters.
Those guys are runners too, keep the OBP high and steal some bases and their low average isn’t all that bad if it doesn’t dip below .250
Loving devon travis on our side of the trade so far. Gose never found it here in toronto, always liked him. Hope the best for him. wow…wow..wow… devon travis just hit a homerun 3 seconds ago lololol. not even joking… as im typing about him. wow.
Travis has been great, and has a lot more pop in his bat than I expected. Nice to see Gose doing well also. A trade that has worked out really well for both sides so far.
Thinking of Gose’s inability to catch on in Toronto makes me wonder how much of that is the way Toronto is managed? Who was the last young up-and-coming position player that worked out in Toronto? Goes was always pegged as having MLB talent but just couldn’t get it right north of the border.
Considering they have focused on drafting pitching over position players, the chances are pretty slim.
Maybe Toronto tried t take advantage his speed and the artificial surface at the Rogers Center to make him the next Willie McGee. Looks like the Tigers are trying to take advantage of the huge outfield gaps at Comerica.
Gose’s ability to get on base will be a key for the Tigers offense all year. Even last year’s dismal output in Toronto gave him a better OBA than Kinsler. I also like that his early hitting has allowed Kinsler to be moved to the 2 spot in the order, where he has suddenly found that right field does exist! Last year he was a dead pull hitter. This could be a case where finding Gose to help fill the leadoff spot, actually helps improve the 2nd hitter as well!
Well, I guess if the Drug Store is that reputable, why are they selling the product in the first place?
I mean if ‘Lefty’ owned a vitamin shoppe or whatever, I wouldn’t sell the product.
Really, if it doesn’t grown on a tree, it is not for me!
I’m hoping the sox can find a creative reason to park Danks on the DL and replace him with Rodon. Noesi might break out at some point but we pretty much know Danks is going to pitch a good game about once per month and give up a ton of runs in all his other starts.
Couldn’t agree with you more. Danks needs to be sent down to minors or trade him even if at a lost. It’s Rodon time.
Platooning with Rajai this year can only help Gose. Travis was blocked by Kinsler. The Jays park is a better fit for him.
No matter how this works out long term, it was a smart move by both teams.
Good for Gose. I liked him, but he just couldn’t hit well enough for Toronto. Even now, he’s still not going to be an elite bat with his low, low walk rate (0 BB so far), but hitting .250 with 15 HR will keep him in the bigs at least.
Terry Ryan pretty much hit the nail on the head there