Watching Mike Gonzalez Is Not For The Weak of Heart

For the last two years, the Baltimore Orioles relied on George Sherrill to close games for them.

Now, the Orioles look to another lefty, Mike Gonzalez, to fill that role.

Unfortunately, for the health of Orioles’ fans, the two might be a little too similar.

While effective, Sherrill was perpetually on the brink of giving fans preemptive heart attacks and was cold-heartedly cruel with the way he somehow seemed to intentionally get into trouble, only to work out of it, and get the save.

I remember watching an Orioles game last year, in which Sherrill had a one run lead and walked the bases loaded. Just when I was about to curse him through my television, he saved himself by striking out the side to get the save.

Even after the win I was still angry, because Sherrill somehow managed to age me two years in the span of 20 minutes.

Sherrill may be gone this year, but the ninth inning might be just as stressful for Orioles fans, with Mike Gonzalez as closer.

When it was announced that the Orioles had signed Gonzalez this offseason, I was like most fans; I was excited because I was told I should be. I hadn't ever seen him pitch, but his ERA looked solid, so I was optimistic.

After a sketchy spring training and two dicey appearances, Gonzalez is looking more and more like a cardiac-arrest-in-waiting than anything else. 

Through three games, Mike Gonzalez has had two save opportunities, has blown one and loaded the bases before closing out the second. 

He has struggled with control and as Orioles broadcaster Jim Hunter said last night, "When he misses, he misses badly."

While not as bad as Gonzalez has been, Sherrill had spells of control issues as well. In fact, Sherrill’s 5.6 BB/9 in 2008 is very similar to Gonzalez’s 5.2 in 2004, when he was used exclusively as a closer in Pittsburgh.

These guys aren’t exactly the only two Orioles closers to experience control issues either.

Chris Ray struggled with reeling in his monster arm throughout his stint as closer in 2006 and 2007. Even the great bullpens of the 1990s had unpredictable arms like that of Armando Benitez and Arthur Rhodes, who averaged around 4.5 BB/9 while in Baltimore.

As you can see, stressful ninth innings aren’t exactly a new phenomena.

Based on his career numbers, I have no doubt Gonzalez will be an above average closer.

While not the dominating force of a Jonathan Papelbon or Mariano Rivera, he does seem to have that raw emotion. Combine that with a windup that is difficult to figure out in just one at-bat, it seems like he could be successful in the role he has already ad some experience in

However, I have a feeling that he will more often than not make things interesting before getting the save.

Even though I am always happy with a win, it wouldn’t be so bad to make it seem easy on occasion.