Luis Gonzalez
| IP | 480 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 4.069 |
| WHIP | 1.604 |
| BB/9 | 6.131 |
| SO/9 | 7.613 |
- Full name Luis Enrique Gonzalez
- Born 02/27/1983 in Santurce, Puerto Rico
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 205 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Florida Air Academy
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Drafted in the 11th round (340th overall) by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2001.
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Another Puerto Rican standout playing at Florida Air Academy, Luis is not related to Andy. He hadn't pitched much before this spring, when he excited scouts by throwing a heavy fastball in the low 90s. He dropped back to the mid-80s as the draft approached. He's also a prospect as a corner outfielder, though there's more interest in him as a pitcher. He has a good swing with occasional power, plus a strong body (6-foot-2, 190 pounds).
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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It would have been easy to slip through the cracks with Jacksonville, Baseball America's 2005 Minor League Team of the Year, but Gonzalez did get noticed after his performance out of the Suns bullpen--so much so that when the Dodgers didn't protect him on their 40-man roster, the Rockies took him in the major league Rule 5 draft. He has to stick on Colorado's big league roster throughout 2006, or else clear waivers and be offered back to Los Angeles for half his $50,000 draft price. An outfielder and a high school teammate of Brewers prospect Prince Fielder in high school, Gonzalez moved full-time to the mound as a pro. He diligently has crafted a three-pitch repertoire, highlighted by a 91-94 mph fastball. Gonzalez has a sturdy, durable frame and a simple delivery with some deception. He relies heavily on his fastball, which he spots well to all four quadrants of the strike zone. His 79-81 mph slider is an average offering that's effective against lefties. He has developed a slightly above-average changeup that has good fade against righties. Gonzalez has some feel for pitching, and when he gets on top of the ball, some life to his stuff. He struggled in his first taste of Triple-A in July, and will get another chance there in 2006. He profiles as a middle reliever or lefty specialist in the big leagues.
