J.M. Gold

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #24 prospect in 2003
  If the Brewers hadn't taken Gold 13th overall and handed him a $1.6 million bonus in 1998, he might have been filtered out of the organization by now. They are intent on getting a return for their investment, however. Remember, they drafted him ahead of Nick Neugebauer. Gold, who has pitched just 68 innings since having Tommy John surgery in 2000, has inspiring stuff when he's 100 percent. He has a mid-90s fastball and a sharp curveball. His delivery is so fluid and easy that it's hard to figure out how he has been hurt so much, though the same was true of another injury-prone Brewers first-rounder, Jeff D'Amico. Gold needs to stay healthy so he can work on his changeup and command. He's expected to be good to go at the start of spring training, but it's doubtful he'll advance past high Class A in 2003.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #9 prospect in 2002
  After a fast ascent in the organization, Gold fell completely off the Brewers' radar screen after having Tommy John surgery in 2000. Scouts were anxious to see if he would regain the stuff that made him a firstround draft pick, and after the long recovery he showed his arm was sound again. Gold was taken a round ahead of Nick Neugebauer in 1998, which tells you how highly the Brewers regarded him. He could throw 95 mph consistently with a sharp-breaking curve, and showed flashes of that after returning in 2001. He's learned a lot about conditioning and dedication along the way, and is hungrier after losing a season. Because he had mechanical flaws in his delivery, Gold was a prime candidate to break down. Having gone through the grueling recovery from Tommy John surgery, he now understands the importance of staying fundamentally sound. It was a big wakeup call. Barring any recurrences of elbow problems, Gold should get back on the fast track. Assuming he can stay healthy, he has the upside of a No. 2 or 3 starter in the majors.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #18 prospect in 2001
  The organization's No. 5 prospect a year ago, Gold blew out his elbow after seven starts at Beloit and required Tommy John surgery. Because he struggled with his mechanics from the time he was selected in the first round of the 1998 draft, his injury didn't surprise many scouts who have seen him pitch. Concerns about the flaws in his delivery as well as past arm problems prompted some clubs to pass on him out of high school. The good news is that Gold is only 20 and has plenty of time to bounce back from the yearlong rehab process. Whether he can regain the 95 mph fastball and sharp-breaking curve that made him a first-rounder remains to be seen, though it seems most pitchers these days are returning from Tommy John surgery better than ever. Once he's deemed ready to pitch, Gold probably will go back to Beloit, but not until the weather warms up.
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  Ranked Milwaukee Brewers #5 prospect in 1999
  Background: The Brewers had no idea Gold would still be available when they drafted 13th overall slot and were thrilled beyond words when he slipped into their hands. He had been No. 1 on their list of prep pitchers all along. They took it easy with Gold's introduction to pro ball. Strengths: Gold is a power pitcher with a fastball in the 94-95 mph range and a hard, sharp-breaking curveball. Combine that with a maturity and poise beyond his years and you begin to understand why the Brewers are so excited. Weaknesses: Gold throws slightly across his body, which is a cause of slight concern. He also has one of those bulky bodies that will need constant diligence to keep toned. Shoulder surgery three years ago does not appear to be a factor. The Future: Gold is so advanced for his age that the Brewers will see how he does in spring camp and decide if he's ready to open the 1999 season at Class A Beloit.