Bobby Beat 2000 v2: Goutones injured, returns, P.O.W. x2

[jiminyhopkins]

Washington, DC--

George Goutones entered the 2000 MBBA season fresh off of signing a 3 year contract extension in the offseason, not to mention a .296-37-112 campaign the year before.

Not 3 weeks into the season, however, the veteran third baseman sprained his ankle and was placed on the DL. It was the first of many significant injuries the club suffered in the first half, pretty much spelling doom for any playoff chances the team may have had.

But the story here wasn't the injury, but his return. Bobwhites team trainer Guy McDonald was continually impressed by Goutones' dedication to his rehab and willingness to put in extra work once he began the road back.

After being activated in June, Goutones immediately began contributing, recording 7 hits in his first 12 AB. Throughout the month, the third baseman pushed his OPS into the high .900's as he settled into his customary #3 slot in the order. July saw a 16 game hitting streak after the All Star break, but it was the month of August in which Goutones really was dailed in.

In the first two weeks of August, Goutones garnered back to back Player of the Week honors, scorching opposing pitching to the tune of .407-4-7 the first week and dialing it up to .414 with 11 RBI the second. All of this seems to fly in the face of the latest scouting reports, which suggest that the ankle injury may have affected his swing.

The club can only hope the scouts are mistaken, as Goutones' 3 year, $19,000,000 extension kicks in next year!

[recte44]

"Gout" - from the northwoods of 'Sconnie.