Baltimore Orioles Closer Mike Gonzalez Implodes Again

I was watching the Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays game on Thursday night and when Orioles’ closer Mike Gonzalez loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth, it looked like manager Dave Trembley was going to throw up in his mouth.

I could only imagine what Trembley was thinking or how he was feeling when Gonzalez blew his second save in three chances yesterday against the Toronto Blue Jays. I know it’s only four games into the season, but Trembley has to be already losing patience with Gonzalez.

The lefty, who was signed by the Orioles to a two-year, $12 million contract in the offseason, has appeared in three games this year and has given up five hits, four runs, and has walked four in two innings.

That is terrible.

Not only is he killing Trembley’s health, but he is killing the Orioles’ spirits. There is nothing more demoralizing to a young team than working really hard to build a lead for eight and a half innings and then have the closer blow it in the ninth.

If this keeps up, I am not sure how much longer Trembley will stay with Gonzalez. Trembley could always turn to Jim Johnson for saves if need be. Johnson did save 10 games last year for the O’s.

I have Gonzalez on my fantasy team and I am contemplating picking up Johnson just for insurance. If you have the room on your roster, I suggest you do the same.

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