Alexis

Gomez

Gomez, one candidate to play center field for the Royals after Carlos Beltran is dealt, is batting .190 in 11 games for Omaha.

Gomez is supposed to be out of options next spring, but if the appeal goes through, the Royals will be able to send him back to Triple-A. It’s not a big deal either way, as Gomez doesn’t project as a regular or even a very good bench player after having two years added on to his listed age last spring.

Gomez homered twice off starter Tommy Phelps and later against Colter Bean and Jesus Colome. The 28-year-old had one homer in 83 at-bats with the Tigers earlier this season and three in 138 at-bats for Toledo. He’ll likely rejoin the Tigers soon, but he shouldn’t have any fantasy value.

Again? Gomez hit .222/.263/.333 with two RBI in 36 at-bats during his first stint with the Tigers, and he had just a 683 OPS for Toledo. Neither Ryan Ludwick nor Josh Phelps has excelled for Toledo, but each is more capable than Gomez of making a positive contribution in Detroit.

Gomez ceased being viewed as a potential regular in March 2003, when it was revealed that he was two years older than his listed age. Now it doesn’t even look like he should have a career as a reserve. He was hitting just .251/.285/.392 for Omaha. Don’t expect him to get much playing time.

Detroit doesn’t need another center fielder who can’t hit. Gomez appeared to have some promise before an extra two years were added on to his age in March 2003. As is, he doesn’t even project as a decent reserve.

The move opens up a 40-man roster spot Vance Wilson. Gomez was claimed off waivers from the Royals in October. He’ll probably make it through this time.

Gomez, who spent a couple of weeks on Detroit’s roster last season and went 3-for-16, hit .307/.348/.450 with 21 SB in 424 AB for Triple-A Toledo. The former Royals prospect might have a slight chance of beating out Nook Logan for a bench spot next spring, but the Tigers will probably continue to go with Logan’s superior glove.

No team in baseball should have room for both Nook Logan and Gomez on their roster. One of the two is more than enough. Gomez, who was batting .293/.341/.409 with 11 steals for Toledo, should get some playing time in center field against right-handers. He probably won’t have any fantasy value.

Gomez hit .341 this spring, but he had just two extra-base hits and three walks in 41 at-bats. He’d be a weaker option as a fifth outfielder than DeWayne Wise, who was already sent down.