Prospect Profile: Brian Gonzalez had strong debut season in O's system

When the Orioles finally made a draft pick last June, they selected a high school player with their top pick for the fifth time in six years. But unlike in some recent years, they didn't have one of the top picks in the draft. In fact, this time the Orioles' first selection came on Day Two and in the third round of the First-Year Player Draft. With the 90th overall selection, the Orioles tabbed left-handed pitcher Brian Gonzalez from Archbishop McCarthy High School in Florida. Gonzalez had a very solid first season in pro ball. Gonzalez, who turned 19 on Oct. 25, debuted in the Gulf Coast League, where in eight starts over 24 2/3 innings, he had an ERA of 0.00. He allowed 11 hits and one unearned run with eight walks and 25 strikeouts. Then in two late-season starts for short-season Single-A Aberdeen, he went 0-1 with an ERA of 5.00. In nine innings he gave up 10 hits with two walks and 11 strikeouts. Gonzalez already rates high in pitchability, which means he has several quality pitches and understands how to mix them and use them. IronBirds manager Matt Merullo only saw him for those two starts, but was impressed with Gonzalez, who the Orioles signed to a $700,000 bonus that was $105,800 over slot. "He is a big, husky kid, a burly guy and has a nice presence on the mound," Merullo said. "Some young guys have a good arm and you have to teach them how to go from a thrower to a pitcher. But he already has a feel for what hitters are trying to do and can read swings. "He just has a good awareness of what he is able to do and how to do it. He has a chance to do some nice things. He's smart to go along with a good body and the left arm." Gonzalez, who is 6-foot-1 and 230 pounds, already has three solid pitches. "He throws a good curveball for strikes," Merullo said. "The fastball, he pitches from 88, 89 to 93 and he can locate it. But the pitch that stood out to me was the curve. The ability to throw it for strikes and also as a get-me-over pitch. He can bounce it in the dirt with two strikes if he wants to. He doesn't overthrow it and that is pretty impressive for his age. Just one of those kids that has the gift to spin the ball. He's already got a good changeup, but you throw in that curveball, the third pitch and that equates to a starter." A big strong kid, Gonzalez projects as someone that could turn into a quality innings eater. "Yeah, because he does it real easy," Merullo said. "Not only does physically everything work well, you can see a kid that is good but can also pitch well when he doesn't have his best stuff. He's just advanced in the way he handles himself out there." A former big league catcher, Merullo said Gonzalez reminded him of current O's minor league pitching coach Wilson Alvarez as a lefty with three good pitches. He also impressed with a solid attitude. "He always had a smile on his face. Not an ounce of prima donna or 'look at me.' Just happy to be there and pitch for his team," Merullo said. "This guy's stuff right now is there. It's just a matter of that overused word, 'consistency.' But Gonzalez is what (prospects) look like. Thinking about Wilson Alvarez when I saw him at 20 years old, I see a class guy that could have a good career ahead of him." With that, welcome to a new recurring feature here with "Prospect Profile." During the offseason, I'll profile several of the top prospects in the O's organization and maybe even some that show promise, but have not yet garnered much publicity or attention. Stat of the day: Taking a look at the O's minor league wins leaders this season: 14 - Tyler Wilson, Norfolk 11 - Steven Brault, Frederick; Sebastian Vader, Frederick 10 - Zach Davies, Bowie; Blackmar, Frederick