Mariano Gomez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #26 prospect in 2005
  Bidding to become the first big leaguer from Honduras, Gomez was on the fast track until mid-2003. He was shut down in July that season with a strained ligament in his left middle finger, then made just eight appearances last season because of the same problem. The Indians hired a specialist to help him with his rehabilitation, as the injury is rare and more regularly seen in rock climbers. When he's healthy, Gomez has impressive stuff. He works with a 91-93 mph fastball, a plus changeup and a slurvy breaking ball and plus changeup. He'll have to do a better job of consistently repeating his pitches. Overly demonstrative on the mound, he also could use some maturity. But his biggest need is to get back on the mound and make up for missed time. Cleveland hopes he'll be ready to go in 2005 and plans on sending him back to Double-A.
• 
  Ranked Cleveland Guardians #17 prospect in 2004
  Signed at age 16 out of Honduras, Gomez has made impressive strides in full-season ball over the last two years. His size, strength and mix of pitches are all positive attributes. Gomez whips his fastball at 89-90 mph with a quick arm. He also has a plus breaking ball with slurvy action, as well as a changeup. He tends to get too emotional at times, which prevents him from maintaining his delivery. Gomez is very intelligent--fluent in three languages--but a worrier, dwelling on things he can't control rather than concentrating on that which he can. He's inconsistent with his breaking ball at this point. Gomez has added 30 pounds since he signed, and at 6-foot-5 he has the frame to handle more, which could mean additional velocity. He's poised for a breakout campaign but needs to prove he can handle the rigors of a complete season. Last year, he didn't pitch after July 14 because of a strained ligament in his left middle finger. He'll move a step up to Double-A in 2004.