I'm posing this question to those hard core fans that know the ins and outs of this organization. Who is this kid Andy Gonzalez? I saw him play yesterday and he looks like he has his act together. He made some pretty solid defensive plays and looked good swinging the bat. Thanks in advance.

He's not really a kid. He'll be 27 this season, far from a prospect. Judging by his minor league stats, his hitting ability is about average, patience is above average, has virtually no power to speak of, and is a mild threat to steal. He is pretty versatile defensively, having played every position on the diamond at some time or another (well, with the exception of pitcher or catcher), but is primarily a middle infielder. I don't know much about his fielding ability, but he did make some nice plays the other day, and the broadcasters spoke highly of his defense, so I'm guessing that is where his value is.

 

Also, he is new to the organization. He signed in January as a minor league free agent. He spent 2001-2007 in the White Sox organiaztion and 2008 in the Indians organization, with a little bit of major league playing time in 2007 and 2008, where he struggled immensely

He's made an impression on me defensively this spring. Good fielding instincts with soft hands and a decent throwing arm. I like what I saw in him and I'll be following him closely in New Orleans. If Helms gets injured, he's a good insurance policy to have down in the minors.

On both Sunday and Monday I saw him make some great defensive plays. He really saved the no-no on Sunday, if the club wants to get better defensively he might be an option, more so than Andino, if keeping an extra infielder.

On both Sunday and Monday I saw him make some great defensive plays. He really saved the no-no on Sunday, if the club wants to get better defensively he might be an option, more so than Andino, if keeping an extra infielder.

 

Don't forget Andy is one heck of a hitter, he won the puertorican league batting title over a lot of other really talented players including major leaguers, Against some very high level of pitching talent as well

He's not really a kid. He'll be 27 this season, far from a prospect. Judging by his minor league stats, his hitting ability is about average, patience is above average, has virtually no power to speak of, and is a mild threat to steal. He is pretty versatile defensively, having played every position on the diamond at some time or another (well, with the exception of pitcher or catcher), but is primarily a middle infielder. I don't know much about his fielding ability, but he did make some nice plays the other day, and the broadcasters spoke highly of his defense, so I'm guessing that is where his value is.

 

Also, he is new to the organization. He signed in January as a minor league free agent. He spent 2001-2007 in the White Sox organiaztion and 2008 in the Indians organization, with a little bit of major league playing time in 2007 and 2008, where he struggled immensely

 

 

And I was just going to go look where we got him from. You saved me some time.

I have watched Andy play from his early years in Ponce, he does have some power since he has a Hanly Ramirez type body. Much more than Amezaga for sure. Came up as a SS and has played all positions on the diamond except pitcher and catcher. Can steal a few bases. Does have a nifty glove although Amezaga is a bit better defensively IMO. He would be the best replacement for Amezaga on the Roster, obviously much better hitter than Alfredo

He would be the best replacement for Amezaga on the Roster, obviously much better hitter than Alfredo

 

There is nothing to back that up. Amezega at the same age in the minors was significantly better. 50-100 points of OPS better from 25-27 and Alfredo is not a bad hitter vs. RHP anyhow.

I am going by his performance in Ponce Leones for the past 3 or 4 years . He has a lot more power than that gnat of Amezaga. His stats in the minors have been underwhelming but believe me this guy can handle the bat