Mike Gonzalez
From SoSH
| Born: | May 23, 1978 |
| Birthplace: | Corpus Christi, Texas |
| Hometown: | Deer Park, Texas |
| Height: | 6' 2" |
| Weight: | 213 lbs |
| Bats: | Right |
| Throws: | Left |
| Drafted: | 1997: 30th Rd. by the Pittsburgh Pirates |
| College: | San Jacinto North-College (TX) |
| High School: | Harvest Christian Academy (Pasadena, TX) |
| Other Teams: | Pittsburgh Pirates 2003-2006 Atlanta Braves 2007-Present |
| Years with Boston: | 2003 |
Michael Vela Gonzalez (born May 23, 1978 in Corpus Christi, Texas) is a left-handed relief pitcher for the Atlanta Braves.
Contents |
Overall Career
Gonzalez was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 30th round of the 1997 amateur draft. After pitching at all three levels of Pittsburgh's minor-league system, Gonzalez was traded to the Boston Red Sox on July 22, 2003 with Scott Sauerbeck for Brandon Lyon and Anastacio Martinez. Gonzalez spent 9 days in the Red Sox organization, appearing in two games for Pawtucket, before the Pirates reported that Lyon was damaged goods. On July 31, 2003, Gonzalez was traded back to the Pirates along with Freddy Sanchez for Jeff Suppan, Anastacio Martinez, and Brandon Lyon. Upon his return to Pittsburgh, Gonzalez appeared in 16 games as a LOOGY posting a 7.56 ERA in 8.3 innings.
Following two successful seasons in middle relief and as a setup man, Gonzalez spent 2006 as the Pirates' closer, going a perfect 24-for-24 in save opportunities while compiling a 2.17 ERA in 54 innings. On January 17, 2007, Gonzalez was traded to the Atlanta Braves along with Brent Lillibridge for Adam LaRoche and Jamie Romak.
Moment in the Sun
- In 2006, as the Pirates' closer, Gonzalez was a perfect 24-for-24 in save opportunities.
Trivia
- Purchased a Ping-Pong table for the PNC Park home clubhouse in May 2006.
Transactions
- June 4, 1996: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 17th round of the 1996 amateur draft, but did not sign.
- June 3, 1997: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 30th round of the 1997 amateur draft. Player signed June 24, 1997.
- July 22, 2003: Traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates with Scott Sauerbeck to the Boston Red Sox for Brandon Lyon and Anastacio Martinez.
- July 31, 2003: Traded by the Boston Red Sox with Freddy Sanchez and cash to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Brandon Lyon, Jeff Suppan, and Anastacio Martinez.
- January 17, 2007: Traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates with Brent Lillibridge to the Atlanta Braves for Adam LaRoche and Jamie Romak
External Links
- Baseball-Reference.com - Career Statistics and Analysis
