Diamondbacks sign OF DaVanon, DFA LHP Gosling

[Doc. Scott]

Arizona has picked up OF Jeff DaVanon (formerly of the Angels) on a one-year deal... in the process designating LHP Mike Gosling for assignment.

Sure, Mike's a post-op who's struggled in the two years since... but he's also just 25 and has a Stanford pedigree (2nd round, 2001)- he also jumped right to AA coming out of college at age 21 and pitched really well in El Paso, a hitter's park (2002). Then missed all of '03. Past two years he's bounced between AAA Tucson and the D-Backs without much success.

Scouting report says he has a good fastball/changeup combo but has trouble throwing strikes and has an awkward delivery. Sounds like a smart pitching coach could be of help.

Plus, if Wayne Krivsky becomes GM, he might pick Gosling up- the Twins originally drafted Mike out of high school in 1998. The 40-man is full, but surely if a prospect-ager like Bubba Nelson can make it through waivers, surely Jung Bong or Mike Burns can...?

[REDREAD]

I agree, it's worth a shot.. it's not as if our 40 man roster is bursting with talent.

I know some people dislike the cattle call mentality, but I think we should be investigating more guys like this. Even though the success rate is likely to be low, it won't take much to upgrade our staff a little bit.

[Gallen5862]

Should we Dfa Bong to pickup Gosling? I would have to believe that Bong could make it through waivers. Then we could send him to AAA.

[Az. Reds Fan]

Having been able to watch Gosling over the past couple of years, I'd definately say he's worth a gamble.

The only problem being is that we've already got two other Gosling type pitchers in our rotation. Williams and Claussen. All three are fairly soft tossing lefties who tend to give up alot of walks and hits.

But with that being said, he wouldn't be a bad insurance policy down in AAA.

[Doc. Scott]

I wouldn't characterize Claussen as a "soft-tosser". Williams, yeah, sure.

Gosling needs some work for certain. But he's right at that point after arm surgery that a pitcher tends to regain effectiveness, plus his problems sound like mechanics things a pitching coach could fix rather than fundamental issues like having an Eighty-Seven Express for your bread and butter.

[flyer85]

Originally Posted by Doc. Scott

I wouldn't characterize Claussen as a "soft-tosser". .

Claussen rarely broke 88 last year, that certainly doesn't qualify as a hard thrower. Williams sits right around there with his velocity. The difference between the two is Claussen relies more on his fastball where Williams likes to pitch off his changeup.