FLAME THROWING, SPEED BURNING ANTHONY GOSE
GO-GO GOSE
Anthony Gose was once a major league hitter who hit .240 for Toronto in roughly 1,200 plate appearances.
He switched to pitching several years ago, after his age 27 season, and the still-hard-throwing lefty is bringing it well for the Mets this spring in a bullpen role.
But wait...
There’s more…
I also just noticed that while he was a kid rising in the minors, he STOLE 70 OR MORE BASES TWICE! And had 358 total pro steals.
What a versatile reliever he could be for the Mets, if he sharpens up enough to have lots of MLB time this year.
Besides relief, he could legitimately pinch hit, or pinch run, in a pinch.
THE OAKLAND A'S SIGNED THEIR BUTLER LONG TERM
THE BUTLER DID IT!
Breakout Brent Rooker has been referenced by me several times this winter after his monster 2024 season, when two years earlier, he was a 27 year old with extreme struggles.
I noted in MLB Trade Rumors the following about another As player:
“Oakland hit pay dirt with Lawrence Butler, another slugger who struggled greatly but had the time to develop their skills at the major league level. The A’s signed Butler to a 7 year extension plus a club option for 2032, with a $3MM signing bonus and $2.25MM in 2025.
"He’ll then earn salaries of $3.25MM, $5MM, $8MM, $10MM, $14MM and $16MM from 2026-31. The As’ option is $20MM, with a $4MM buyout. The contract also contains escalators that can push the option value north to $26MM, per the report. In all, Butler can max out at $87.5MM over eight years if he hits all those escalators and the option is picked up.
“A 6th round pick out of high school in 2018, Butler struggled over his first few minor league seasons…The lefty hitter reached the majors in 2023 and hit .211 over his first 42 games. While he got out to another relatively slow start last year, a monster second half demonstrated his potential. Butler raked at a .300/.345/.553 clip with 13 homers and 32 extra-base hits after the All-Star Break. Among qualified hitters, he ranked 10th in all MLB in wRC+ over that stretch.”
Maybe we extend a few Metsie guys soon, too. Especially if they can do it like the Butler did it.
2 comments:
I don't know if I would hire a Butler for $60M. Yes he had a great second half, but if he has a mediocre statistical career, how does 3-4 months justify that kind of extension?! I know the Braves have been very successful in keeping payroll down by providing early extensions, but that is with specific prospects that have demonstrated potential. To me the A's have spent foolish money.
Paul, it is risky with a limited track record, but who knows if he hits like that again in 2025 if his price would double. S far this spring, 10 games, Butler is at .357/.379/.643. Rooker has sputtered early at 4 for 24 with 9 Ks.
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