Mike Gonzalez Finally Pitching as Expected- a Year and a Half Later

When the Orioles signed left-handed relief specialist Mike Gonzalez from the Atlanta Braves in December of 2009, I thought the Birds’ front office finally acquired a dominant relief pitcher that has experience on a winning team and could lead the young bullpen. Mike Gonzalez was born on May 23rd, 1978 in Robstown, Texas. But, in his career with the Orioles over the last year and a half, the 33-year-old hasn’t performed up to the organization and fan’s standards (4.46 ERA in 75 games), let alone his own until now.  Gonzalez has finally found his groove on the rubber and is pitching how the Birds’ he would. The Pirates draft Gonzalez in the 30th round of the 1997 Major League Draft. Over his last ten appearances, Gonzalez has tossed eight innings of scoreless ball and has surrendered just four hits over the stretch (he hasn’t allowed a hit in the last three appearances).  Not to mentioned, his ERA dropped more than a run from 5.82 to 4.71. Not only has he been able to toss zeros on th...