2009 FBS Bust Player: Mike Gonzalez

Team: Atlanta Braves
Throws: Left

Position: RP

Back when he was on the lowly Pirates, Mike Gonzalez was quietly one of the better relievers in all of baseball. For three straight seasons he posted an ERA of 2.70 or better, and his last year in Pittsburgh he was a perfect 24 of 24 in save opportunities. Then, he went to Atlanta and it has all been downhill from there. He was off to a stellar start before an elbow injury derailed his season, and it required Tommy John surgery. Gonzalez missed an entire year of action before coming back to pitch late in 2008, but he wasn't nearly as effective. He didn't blow too many saves (14 of 16), but his walks and ERA flew through the roof. I know the cliche about pitchers coming back from Tommy John is that in the second year they are back to normal, but it is still a very risky proposition. He seems to be higher up people's draft boards than he should be, as he is being drafted just after some pretty reliable closers. He isn't going among the elite, but higher than a guy with an over 4.00 ERA last year should be. He appears to have the job locked down, which is one positive, but think of this. Are you sure he is fully back from the surgery, and ready to make 70 appearances? How good are the Braves? Did they really do anything to make you think that they will contend this offseason? What, bringing back Tom Glavine is exciting? Lowe and Vasquez are OK, but that doesn't make them much more than a .500 team. Gonzalez will get some saves, but he won't get to 30, and his other statistics won't help you win any categories.

Prediction: 3.74 ERA, 56 Ks, 24 saves, 1.34 WHIP