At least four teams have "serious interest" in the out of options Alberto Gonzalez, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson (via Twitter). Ladson names the Athletics, Astros, Padres, and Braves as teams who are eyeing the Nationals' infielder.
Last Sunday, we heard the Padres were "looking hard" at Gonzalez, who has the ability to play an array of defensive positions. Though the 27-year-old posted just a .578 OPS in part-time duty for the Nationals a year ago, he has played well this spring, hitting .365/.400/.404. Still, with Jerry Hairston Jr. and Alex Cora on board, there may not be room for Gonzalez on the Nats' Opening Day roster.
Astros or Padres.
Why would they even consider taking Cora over Gonzalez? Does it have anything to do with the word “intangibles”?
The Jays should look into him for 3B, so they can move Bautista back to RF.
He makes a lot of sense for the Braves because of his versatility and their lack of depth at CF and SS. If they had Gonzalez they could have a bench of him, Ross, Hinske AND carry two reserve OF in Matt Young and Wilkins Ramirez.
Edit: Wilkin, I mean.
That’s why they named IF Brandon Hicks as there back up utility player…He plays good defense and he’s hit good so far in ST.
Yeah, I can live with Hicks, it’s just that I have little faith in his bat (this ST notwithstanding). Plus while Hicks is a good defender, he has played primarily SS while Gonzalez has played almost equal amounts of SS and 2B with a decent amount of 3B.
Gonzalez does not want to be a “Bench” player. That is one of the reasons the Nats are looking to move him.
I wasn’t aware he was in a position to make demands. What I mean to say is, when has he ever shown the ability to start?
Any team that has to start Gonzalez for any period of time, is screwed.
Gonzalez is a cry baby and complains about the manager behind his back. They’ll move him for less than Morgan’s return.
The Braves don’t need this guy. I like having Hicks as the backup SS/3B because of his superior defense, and God knows the Braves aren’t the best defensive team. And Matt Young can play backup CF/2B, plus he’s a base-stealing threat. Why would we need Alberto Gonzalez and his -0.5 oWAR? Brandon Hicks did better than that in only 6 plate appearances for the big league Braves last year.