WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2009
DSL:  261/333/337, 92 AB, 5 2B, 1 3B, 7 BB, 7 K, 3-6 SB

Caught about half the time in the DSL and had a decent debut with the bat, posting the same number of walks as strikeouts.  Threw out 23% of base stealers.

2010
DSL:  349/414/542, 235 AB, 17 2B, 5 3B, 3 HR, 14 BB, 19 K, 5-10 SB

Was one of the best hitters in the DSL in his second season, although he was old for that league at age 21.  He again showed very good plate discipline.  He threw out 27% of basestealers.

2011
A-:  302/375/388, 139 AB, 5 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 14 BB, 15 K, 3-7 SB

As they generally have done with Latin American prospects who are older than the norm for the rookie level, the Pirates brought Gonzalez straight to State College rather than sending him to the GCL.  He had a strong season, making the New York-Penn League All-Star team and again controlling the strike zone very well.  He only threw out 17% of base stealers and had seven passed balls, after committing only three in his two DSL seasons, so he probably has work to do on defense.  He missed the last three weeks of the season with a shoulder strain.

Gonzalez will turn 23 just before the 2012 season, which he’ll no doubt open at West Virginia.  That’s old for the level, but he’s making good progress and catchers often develop more slowly than other hitters, anyway.  Ideally, he might make it to Bradenton before the end of the year.  It’d be helpful if he did, because he’ll be eligible for the Rule 5 draft after the season.