Phillies Trade Chips: Jeanmar Gomez
By Matt Veasey
GOMEZ TO THE PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Gomez spent two seasons with the Bucs back in 2013-14, mostly as a reliever. He did receive eight starts for Pittsburgh during his first year after coming over in a January 2013 trade from the Cleveland Indians.
Gomez had been a starting pitcher with the Tribe from 2010-12, making 38 starts over his first 42 big league appearances with Cleveland, with whom he had signed as a 17-year old amateur free agent out of his native Venezuela back in 2005.
With the Pirates, Gomez went 5-2 with his lone career Save, had allowed just 135 hits over 142.2 innings. He signed as a free agent with the Phillies in January of 2015.
The Bucs have an NL All-Star in closer Mark Melancon, so Gomez would slot into a setup role in Pittsburgh, as well as be around for spot Saves when Melancon goes too many consecutive days, or as insurance in case of an injury.
Frankly, I’m listing Gomez as a Pirates possibility because of two things: the team’s familiarity and likely comfort with his history, and a number of rumors that the Bucs have been looking at him.
However, Pittsburgh has at least a quartet of righties between ages 27-30 who have done reasonably well in a setup and middle innings role in Arquimedes Caminero, Neftali Feliz, Jared Hughes and A.J. Schugel.
If the Pirates are interested, Phillies fans need to understand that even with his success this year and solid track record, Gomez may not bring back anything of major value.
There are financial considerations for any acquiring team, as he is arbitration eligible after this season, and can become a free agent after next season.
Think about someone such as Max Moroff, an infielder who some see as a future utility infielder, while others see him as a potential big league 2nd baseman. The 23-year old could have value to the Phillies in either role as they continue their rebuilding program.
Next: GOMEZ LEAVES HIS HEART IN SAN FRANCISCO