Michael Gonzalez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #20 prospect in 2004
  Gonzalez had a nutty 2003 season. He was kept back at extended spring training because of back spasms before spending time with the top three clubs in the Pirates system. Then Pittsburgh shipped him to Boston with Scott Sauerbeck for righthanders Brandon Lyon and Anastacio Martinez in a July 22 trade that looked one-sided in the Red Sox' favor. After the Pirates subsequently claimed Lyon had an injured elbow, they reworked the trade nine days later and reacquired Gonzalez. He has rare velocity for a lefthander, dialing his fastball up from 92 to 95 mph when the occasion merits. He also has a hard slider to complement his heater, giving him two plus pitches. Gonzalez has a history of injuries, including shoulder and knee surgeries. He also has a hard time harnessing his stuff and is prone to giving up walks and homers. Gonzalez hasn't developed a feel for a changeup. He didn't look ready for the majors when he joined Pittsburgh late last season. He could win a bullpen job with a good spring training, though more time in Triple-A seems likely.
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  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #9 prospect in 2003
  Gonzalez made slow progress through the system and had arthroscopic shoulder surgery after the 2000 season. He earned a spot on the 40-man roster following an outstanding Arizona Fall League in 2001. Gonzalez missed two months last season because of arthroscopic knee surgery, but finished the season in Double-A before shining again in the AFL. Gonzalez throws hard for a lefthander, with his fastball routinely reaching 95 mph. He also has a slider with good late life and an adequate changeup. Gonzalez isn't afraid to pitch inside and knock hitters off the plate. Gonzalez needs to improve the command of his pitches and polish up his changeup if he's to stay in the rotation. He was skittish facing major leaguers during exhibition games last spring, a sign he could use a shot of confidence. Gonzalez probably will go to Triple-A this season, though he'll have an outside shot to make the big league club in the spring. Gonzalez initially will pitch in relief once he reaches the majors and could become a rare lefthanded closer.
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  Ranked Pittsburgh Pirates #30 prospect in 2002
  Gonzalez went to the Arizona Fall League at the end of last season only after righthander Justin Reid was scratched because of a tired arm. He made the most of his stint, ranking second in the AFL with a 1.99 ERA. He was so impressive that the Pirates placed him on their 40-man roster so they wouldn't lose him in the Rule 5 draft. Gonzalez throws a fastball that routinely reaches 90-92 mph and a sharp slider. He has yet to totally get the feel for throwing a changeup, which makes his future more likely as a reliever than starter. The Pirates always have liked him, though his stock slipped when he struggled in Class A in 2000. He had arthroscopic shoulder surgery that October and quickly rebounded. The Pirates aren't scared to rush pitchers, particularly lefties, so Gonzalez will compete for a spot in their bullpen this spring.