The White Sox have agreed to sign right-hander Miguel Gonzalez to a minor league deal, according to Eduardo A. Encina of The Baltimore Sun (on Twitter).
Gonzalez was released by the Orioles late last week. The Orioles made the right-handed hurler a “competitive” offer to pitch in the minors, but he apparently felt that he had a better opportunity waiting for him in Chicago. Gonzalez also received interest from the Yankees, but it was the White Sox who made the strongest push for his services.
The 31-year-old has been a member of the Orioles’ starting five since his MLB debut in 2012. From 2012 through 2014, Gonzalez pitched to a strong 3.45 ERA with a so-so showing in K/9 (6.4) and BB/9 (2.9). However, he was unable to replicate those results in 2015 when he posted a 4.91 ERA with 6.8 K/9 and 3.2 BB/9. 144 2/3 innings. Whether Gonzalez was the beneficiary of good luck in his first three big league seasons or he just suffered a down year in ’15, he’ll look to get back to his old form in the White Sox organization.
Nice add for the white sox. Never can have enough pitching.
Enough LOL! Outside of Sale there rotation is weak
“Their” rotation is a top-10 caliber one from #1 through #3 with Chris Sale, Jose Quintana and Carlos Rodon. Their #4 and #5 are the question marks but how many teams don’t have similar concerns? That was the reason for the White Sox adding Miguel Gonzalez who reportedly was also sought by other clubs as well.
For the White Sox sake, hopefully they won’t need to call on Gonzalez. If Mat Latos resembles the pitcher from 2010-2013 and not the troubled injury prone one of the last two years their rotation could easily become a top-10 staff overall. I don’t have a problem with an inning eater like John Danks manning the #5 spot in 2016 either. Since he has returned to full health from medical issues he has averaged 31 starts and over 186 innings pitched the last 2 seasons. That in itself provides value to the staff and the bullpen.
One good thing about Danks is that he can handle the royals. I appreciate that about him.
Djtommyaces right……..
TROLL
Another angry Sox fan that can’t handle a critical critique
I don’t know if he had a better opportunity in Chicago. That rotation in Baltimore is mediocre at best, a few good starts and he could have been considered their number 1-2
Once Don Cooper gets his hands on him, he’ll square Gonzalez away.
Just like he’s squared away Latos?
You’re right. Look at Coopers lousy record.
You ever qualify to do something for 14 years?
Yeah Actually I am. Coop works for Reinsdorf, who also employs John Paxson as the VP for the Bulls. He shouldn’t have his job. Robin shouldn’t have his job. Coop lost his magic touch 4 years ago. Just because they’re employed by the most loyal owner in sports who hates change, doesn’t mean they are qualified.
Cubsfan2489 don’t you have better things to do? Like rooting for your cubbies?? After all you guys have all the hype in the world. being crowned champs before winning it all. Worry about your team at catcher, bullpen, and team staying healthy. I know if my team was that stacked I wouldn’t be wasting my time being some jag fan carrying about there operations as you appear to be.
Thanks for reiterating everything you have been listening to on Chicago sports radio.
Last time I checked, the Cubs (they aren’t mine, I don’t have any ownership, therefore they aren’t “my Cubs” have 3 catchers who are solid, and a bullpen that appears to be the same. As with any club, I hope they stay healthy. But other than that, I was just pointing out that I don’t think coop is as good as he use to be. Look at Shark last year, and just about any other project the last 5. Good luck to the Sox, that’s a tough division just like the NL central will be
Can Cooper show him how to get 2-3 MPH back on his fastball? He’s lost both velocity and location. He’s been leaving everything up and got hit hard because of it. Which says he is probably overthrowing. That points to maybe a bigger velocity drop than the radar gun is saying.
I do hope he can bounce back. He is a really good guy to have on your team.
Surprised the Dodgers didn’t make a push for him considering their injury situation and the fact that Ross Stripling is their #5 at the moment…Rick Honeycutt, the National League and a pitchers park could’ve worked nicely for him to rebound
Dodgers have enough reclamation projects
Solid depth pickup for the rotation, especially since the White Sox were able to ink him to a minor league deal. Gonzalez struggled mightily last season and even more so this spring. Still in all, he was a decent if unspectacular starter from 2012-2014.
Gonzalez will have an opportunity to get his game on track with pitching coach Richard Dotson at AAA, perhaps with some added input from Don Cooper who has seen him work in the A.L. for 4 seasons as a member of the Orioles against the White Sox hitters. Good luck to him, the White Sox may need him sooner rather than later with questions at the back end of their rotation.
I got a frever! And the only prescription…is more cutters. If Don “Cutter” Cooper wants more cutters, we should probably give him more cutters. Cooper one trick pony jokes aside, Gonzalez velocity appears to be down and hasn’t looked up to the task since his injuries last year.
Another reason to be “bullish” on the White Sox chances in 2016.
Last year at this time the White Sox had a back end rotation of John Danks and Hector Noesi to open the season along with Carlos Rodon, Kyle Drabek, an aged Brad Penny and troubled Tommy Hanson (may he rest in peace) as depth options in their system.
This season the White Sox begin the year with a returning and seemingly improved John Danks and an accomplished, albeit troubled Mat Latos bringing up the back of the rotation. Rodon made an impressive MLB debut and will assume the #3 spot in place of Jeff Samardzija. Meanwhile, another MLB pitcher with good credentials in Miguel Gonzalez will offer system depth, along with Jacob Turner and 2015 AAA pitcher of the year Erik Johnson at Charlotte, along with #1 prospect Carson Fulmer at AA Birmingham.
Not to lose sight of your post’s point, but Hanson wasn’t with the Sox after November of 2014.
You are correct. Hanson was a AAA depth option for the White Sox in 2014 and pitched in the Giants system last season before his untimely and unfortunate passing last year.
This post made me remember how good Drabek looked as a prospect…I definitely didn’t think he’d flame out the way he has
Imo Drabek was never able to regain his stuff after his TJ with the Blue Jays. Too bad because he looked lights out when he was coming up with the Phillies.
Whenever I saw his name mentioned somewhere I always thought of Doug Drabek. One of the better pitchers of the early 90’s.
Kyle Drabek will begin the season pitching in the Diamondbacks organization. He also happens to be Doug Drabeks son.
When you are picking up starters who weren’t good enough for the Orioles rotation, so much so that they ate his contract (pro rated), it’s not worth looking forward to what he might provide you. The White Sox have been cheap, and here is another example. Shouldn’t the goal be to find someone better than Danks?
The White Sox are saving their shekels, with help from retired Adam LaRoche, for a bigger acquisition as the summer trade deadline approaches. It may be needed in the rotation, although that may be less necessary now with the added depth piece of Miguel Gonzalez.
I’m thinking more in terms of another Gonzales (Carlos) come July 31st. (lol)
Good point styemeedone