Home » Spring Training 08 » Gomez Up, Humber Down
8
March 25, 2008 Spring Training 08 Joe Janish

Gomez Up, Humber Down

Carlos Gomez sprinting to first base for the Minnesota TwinsIn case you’re interested, Carlos Gomez has won the starting centerfield job for the Minnesota Twins.

Gomez hit .278 with 10 stolen bases in 16 spring training games.

Said manager Ron Gardenhire:

“Overall, it’s the excitement that he brings. I know there will be some moments where we all scratch our heads and all those things. He brings that extra little flare right now. He’s kind of the unknown. We watch him run around and he can ignite a baseball team. Right now, that’s what we are looking for — people who can ignite us and maybe get us to a level everyone says we can’t get to.”

Meanwhile, Philip Humber was one of the last cuts of camp, and will begin the season in AAA — despite a sparkling 1.29 ERA over 14 innings.

“This is the best I’ve felt in pro ball by far,” Humber said. “I feel like I’m in control of all my pitches. I feel like I’ve got life on my fastball, and I can really attack hitters with three good pitches. I’m excited. If I keep throwing the way I’m throwing, I don’t have any doubt I’ll be back here soon.”

Kevin Mulvey and Deolis Guerra were not expected to compete for Major League jobs, and were reassigned to minor league camp earlier this month.

Joe Janish began MetsToday in 2005 to provide the unique perspective of a high-level player and coach -- he earned NCAA D-1 All-American honors as a catcher and coached several players who went on to play pro ball. As a result his posts often include mechanical evaluations, scout-like analysis, and opinions that go beyond the numbers. Follow Joe's baseball tips on Twitter at @onbaseball and at the On Baseball Google Plus page.
Related Articles
  1. Micalpalyn March 25, 2008 at 9:39 am
    Further evidence that the Twins will see a respectable return. Although I see Humber as a Bobby Jones type I think he also will be up eventually.

    As for Gomez. I am happy for this oppurtunity he has. But I cant help wonder how he would have looked this Spring head to head with F-Mart. To me F-mart had a better Spr showing than either Gomez (last Yr) or even Millz.

  2. Coop March 25, 2008 at 10:01 am
    can we get a do-over on the Santana trade and inc Pelf and not Humber? LOL Just kidding – 20/20 hindsight is always a bitch. But hey – whatever. Can’t complain now that we have the ace of aces acing the staff. SIGH. in other news, are you coming to the BP next week, Joe??? You have to – you’re under orders. LOL
  3. Walnutz15 March 25, 2008 at 11:04 am
    Bye-Bye Mr. Register — I think there’s little chance he clears…

    Register on waivers, likely headed elsewhere

    Reliever Steven Register has been placed on waivers, two sources unaffiliated with the Mets told the Daily News. That signals that Mets officials intend to turn elsewhere – presumably to Joe Smith or Brian Stokes – if Duaner Sanchez is not ready to break camp with the team.

    Sanchez is next scheduled to pitch tomorrow, but he has yet to make relief appearances on consecutive days. Back-to-back appearances are a prerequisite to Sanchez being on the Opening Day roster, Wiilie Randolph has said.

    Scouts believe Register, a Rule 5 pick from the Rockies, is likely to be claimed off waivers and end up in some team’s MLB bullpen for the start of the season.

    If he did clear waivers, the Mets, who paid $50,000 for Register, would have to offer him back to Colorado for $25,000. It’s believed the Mets at that point would try to work out a trade with the Rockies that would make Register permanently part of the Mets’ organization.

  4. Micalpalyn March 25, 2008 at 11:16 am
    Not so sure: I think there is a good chance that Omar pulls him back IF he is claimed. but this moves essentially gives Omar the possible option of having Register as a candidate for the Heath Bell shuttle. I think Register is fine. I think he has earned a spot in the BP. but Omar recognizes that WHEN Sanchez is ready he would have to make a roster move and at that point he’d like to be able to option someone of HIS choice and not have to retain Register simply because of Rule V stipulations. That said he has been burned by RULE V as recently as last yr in losing Flores who he did not think anyone would chose or retain for a whole yr.

    Frankly my confidence in Joe Smith is not high.

  5. Walnutz15 March 25, 2008 at 12:23 pm
    Tack Gotay onto the Waiver Wire, too.

    He’s been placed on waivers himself……

  6. Micalpalyn March 25, 2008 at 12:52 pm
    Which means Omar is gambling he will pass thru and if he does not then Ahern and Tatis can bring depth.
  7. isuzudude March 25, 2008 at 1:44 pm
    In other news, Reed Johnson as signed with the Cubs. damn.
  8. Walnutz15 March 25, 2008 at 1:48 pm
    ^ Truth.

    Per Rotoworld:

    Cubs signed outfielder Reed Johnson, who had been with the Blue Jays, to a one-year contract.

    The Red Sox, Rays, Rangers and Mets were also interested in Johnson, a career .308/.371/.462 hitter against lefties. The Cubs wll use him as Felix Pie’s platoon partner in center. Since there shouldn’t be much time available for him against righties, he’d be a mediocre $1 pick in NL-only leagues. Matt Murton remains a candidate to be dealt.

    http://www.rotoworld.com/conte…MLB&id=3657