WHIV 2062.4- Ramon Gonzalez has "Phenom" Of A Season

[recte44]

When a veteran pitcher signs for just over $1.5 million a year in the BBA, it's fair to say that not much is to be expected from him. The Las Vegas Hustlers were hoping, at least, that Ramon "Phenom" Gonzalez would make the team at age 36. That's right, the Hustlers baseline expectations of the veteran Gonzalez was just for him to make the team. "I just like pitching here," said Gonzalez, a native of Madrid, Spain. He had earned 1.9 WAR combined for Vegas in the 2060 and 2061 seasons, after which the Hustlers signed him to a two year extension at very low risk. "I figured I'd probably pitch out of the bullpen again, honestly," said Gonzalez with a grin. "Never did I expect this season to unfold as it did."

WIth Carlos Berrera on the IL for at least the first half of the year, Gonzalez stretched out in Spring Training and prepared to at least compete for a rotation spot. "The odds were definitely against him," admitted manager Henry Rectenberg. "In hindsight, I don't recall really thinking he was a real candidate for the rotation." His spring performance changed minds. "Not sure what it was," mused Gonzalez. "I was just throwing loose all spring. The ball was doing what I wanted it to do. My confidence kept growing and growing."

So, Gonzalez opened the season as the Hustlers fifth starter. He would never relinquish his rotation spot, ultimately starting 32 games. That was the second highest total of his career (33 GS with Calgary in 2055). He finished with a 9-8 record in 194.1 IP, with 43 walks, 143 strikeouts, 3.66 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 4.2 WAR. He set career highs in WAR and strikeouts.

"What Ramon has done for us this year.....," Rectenberg trailed off and collected his thoughts. "I can't say enough about how important he was to our team. I shudder to think where we'd be without him."

Gonzalez flashed a wide smile. "I love to pitch, man. I love it even more when I pitch like this."

[BaseClogger]

I’ve always wondered what the story was with why he wasn’t in the draft.

[Trebro]

What a steal! That's 3rd starter quality.