19 April 2007

For the last part of 2006, Mike Gonzalez sat on the bench with elbow troubles after a truly dominant season as the Pirates closer. Now, after finding little of last year's success in spring training and the first couple weeks of the new season, Gonzalez will have an MRI on his left elbow after feeling some discomfort. All it has been called is a tender elbow and a little sore by both Bobby Cox and Gonzalez, who says he is going to be fine. It doesn't sound like something that should be a problem, just a precautionary measure. The southpaw reliever has gotten the past two days off and will not pitch tomorrow either. If the worst case scenario plays out and he makes a trip to the DL, Joey Devine has been phenomenal minus a couple hit batsmen. In 8.1 innings for Mississippi, the 2005 first-round pick has a 1.04 ERA, an 11/1 K/BB ratio, and has limited hitters to a .172 BAA. Also, Phil Stockman made his first appearance for Richmond after last year's injury. The 6'8" righty threw two perfect innings with three strikeouts to earn the win. Hopefully it doesn't come to this, but if he is out, all isn't lost.