Two years ago Jonny Gomes was a castoff from the Tampa Bay organization.
The Reds signed him to a minor league contract in January 2009 and invited him to spring training. Gomes did not make the opening day roster, starting the 2009 season in Louisville.
The Reds brought him up on May 22 to use him in spot duty and to pinch hit. He responded with a .267 average with 20 home runs and 51 RBI in 98 games. Baker matched him against certain pitchers.
He started the season with the Reds and played a lot more, 148 games with a .266 average, 18 home runs and 86 RBI.
Baker penciled in the 30 year old as a starter but Gomes has struggled. After hitting six home runs in the first couple weeks of the season, Gomes has struggled. In 36 games, Gomes is hitting .186 with six home runs and 17 RBI.
The Reds brought Fred Lewis into the organization under similar circumstances, although he signed a major league contract. Lewis strained an oblique muscle late in spring training. He was placed on the disabled list and completed a long rehab assignment.
"I've liked what I've seen from Lewis so far. I am trying to match him up in situation that he's most likely to succeed like I did Jonny Gomes two years ago," Baker said. "Some guys are high ball hitters of low ball hitters. I thought that Jonny might be ready to play against anybody but maybe that's not the case yet. I try to play guys against certain pitchers. There are regular guys that you hope can hit anybody, then there are guys that you spot against certain pitchers."
"I am in a situation where I'm going to try to figure out when to use Freddie, against whom and give him the best chance. The same with (Chris) Heisey and Jonny Gomes. There was a point where everybody wanted Jonny Gomes to play everyday. Then there was a point where everybody wanted Laynce Nix to play everyday. Then they wanted Heisey to play everyday. Those guys are more matchup guys at this point in their career than everyday guys. The requests change on who's hot. But if you do that only, the cold guys never get the chance to get their strokes back."
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
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