Oct/083
Luis Gonzalez To Ride Off Into the Grand Canyon?
We have all read the reports that Larry Beinfest has the permission of ownership to retain any of his arbitration eligible players back for the 2009 season. We can expect most of the core to be retained but guys like Kevin Gregg and Luis Gonzalez are still up in the air. Gonzo came over to the Fish last year as an open book. Use him as you wish and keep him around the young guys as a mentor. He did a decent job with the Fish hitting .261 with 26 doubles, 8 home runs and 47 RBI in 341 at bats. It appears Gonzo will probably not be back with the squad and is looking to ride off into the Arizona sunset. The AZ Central reports…
Luis Gonzalez has one final wish.
He wants a spot on Arizona’s bench next season. He wants to finish his career as a member of the Diamondbacks. He’ll carry the lineup card to home plate, if necessary.
“I’m open to accepting whatever role necessary if the opportunity arises,” said Gonzalez, 41.
What a great guy. This is a guy who left the D-Backs with a sore relationship with GM Josh Byrnes and has since had a change of heart. He came to the Fish with the same attitude as he will head to the D-Backs. Quite frankly, I think the D-Backs owe it to him.
I think the commenters on AZ Central agree.
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6:29 am on October 23rd, 2008
That’s one guy I wold clearly miss, and I think it would be a loss for the Marlins. Not for his .261 or 47 RBIs as much as the quiet leadership he brings to a bunch of young guys. He would be a loss to this team. Nice guy.
Save Gonzo !
9:41 am on October 23rd, 2008
[Comment ID #431322 Will Be Quoted Here]
I agree. He is just one of the good guys in the game. Quite honestly I would have rather retained Gonzo than Helms at 2 years.
I think he would like to finish his career where he had the most success. I could see him becoming a player/coach.
9:48 am on October 23rd, 2008
I guess Helms opened things up for a lot of other trading options. But you’re right, Gonzo first. Perhaps a 1 for each should have been done. But if he wants to finish AZ, I support him.