Brewers Call-ups: Hector Gomez

Feb 25, 2014; Maryvale, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Brewers infielder Hector Gomez (62) chases a base hit during a Spring Training inter-squad practice game at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

Hector Gomez made his Milwaukee Brewers debut last night in Chicago, playing the final three innings of a 7-1 loss to the Cubs. But that was not his major league debut; that came in 2011 for Colorado, when he rapped out two hits in six at-bats in a two-game span as a September call-up.

To say he is well-traveled might be an understatement–Gomez, 26, has played for eight different teams in eight leagues at six levels (counting the three ‘A’ leagues as separate levels) since 2006. The San Pedro de Macoris native was signed by Colorado in the 2004 amateur free agent draft.

He began his pro career in 2006, playing 62 games at two levels, Rookie and ‘Low’ A, where he hit a combined .312 with 21 extra-base hits in 247 ABs.

In 2007 he played a full season at A Asheville with a slash line of 266/309/421 in 534 at-bats. The 6’3, 200 pounder showed good pop, knocking out 53 ‘long hits.’

The following year was a lost season–most likely to injury–as he played in only one game in ‘High’ A Modesto. In 2009 he returned and played well, slashing 275/310/423 in slightly more than a half-season.

Gomez must have been injured again in 2010, as he only played 27 games at two levels.

He finally got healthy in 2011 and played in 102 games at AA Tulsa, but only hit .235 with 43 long hits in 425 ABs. He earned a September call-up to Colorado and got his first big league hit against the Giants on September 17.

The shortstop began 2012 in Modesto, but was waived after three games and was picked up by the Brewers. He played only 23 games at Brevard County (High A) and struggled, batting just .105 in 76 at-bats.

Since then, he played a full season at AA Huntsville in 2013 and AAA Nashville in 2014. This season, he slashed 282/325/483, his best overall season. He banged out 46 extra-base hits in 408 ABs.

He is a big infielder and comes from the ‘Cradle of Shortstops’ and shows some promise as a defensive player. He was named as having the ‘Best Infield Arm’ three different seasons in the minors and was also named as the ‘Best Defensive Shortstop’ in 2007.

Gomez doesn’t walk much and strikes out a bit more than you would like, but has extra-base power. With Jean Segura in a slump and Elian Herrera having some defensive problems, don’t be surprised if Gomez gets some playing time as the year winds down.