Stephen Gonsalves - 2015

MinnFan4Life · April 15, 2015

Name: Stephen William Gonsalves

Born: 07/08/1994

San Diego, CA

Age: 20 years Old

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 190 Lbs.

Position: Starting Pitcher

Throws: L Bats: L

Drafted: 2013 4th Round Pick#110

In the 4th round of the 2013 First Year Player draft, the Minnesota Twins selected High School pitcher Stephen Gonsalves. Gonsalves pitched for Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego, California. A highly touted young pitcher, Gonsalves had an outstanding junior season. He had a 10 - 0 record striking out 79 batters in 66 innings. His senior season wasn't viewed as favorably or at least some scouts didn't feel they saw the progression they thought they should with another season. Still, Gonsalves posted a 6 - 1 record in 9 starts with an ERA of 2.19

Gonsalves had, at one time, been considered a potential 2nd round talent, if not better - even as a high school pitcher. The Twins were able to draft him in the 4th round. He signed shortly after the draft and reported mid-season to pro ball.

2013

Gonsalves was assigned to the Gulf Coast League Twins at Rookie Level.

He appeared in 5 games, making 2 starts. Posted a 1-0 record with a 0.63 ERA in 14 Innings.

He was promoted to the Elizabethton Twins in the Appalachian League.

He appeared in 3 games there, starting all 3. Posted a 1-1 record with a 1.29 ERA in 14 Innings to finish the short season.

2013 Totals 2W - 1L ERA 0.95 28 Innings 39Ks/11BBs WHIP 1.02

2014

Gonsalves began his first full season ball at Elizabethton.

He appeared in 6 games there, all as a starter. Posted a 2-0 record with a 2.79 ERA in 29.1 Innings pitched before being promoted to Cedar Rapids in the Midwest League.

He finished the 2014 season in Iowa. Low A

He appeared in 8 games in Cedar Rapids, again starting all 8. Posted a 2-3 record with a 3.19 ERA in 36.2 Innings pitched.

2014 Totals 4W - 3L ERA 3.02 65.2 Innings 70Ks/21BBs WHIP 1.14

2015

Gonsalves will begin the season again at Cedar Rapids. If he continues to progress as he has thus far, it's logical to expect him to advance to Ft Myers around midseason.

Editorial: This fan is extremely high on Gonsalves. He has been highly thought of since early in his high school career. Left handed (enough said). Big, tall kid with solid frame - but not too tall as many believe has contributed to Alex Meyer's control issues. Has room to fill out with should give him the body type that many covet for durability. While he does not have stuff that would likely be described as filthy, such as Jose Berrios or Felix Jorge - demonstrates steady control, variety of pitches and pretty good poise. In my brief chances to talk to him, seems to be a humble, well grounded young man. Could be a very solid mainstay in the rotation of the future. Considering where he has been ranked prior to the draft as a high schooler (always DIFFICULT to project), could be a steal as a fourth round draft pick. Frequently overlooked on these pages with the names of prospects like Alex Meyer, Trevor May, Kohl Stewart and my favorite Jose Berrios - Gonsalves is definitely a pitcher fans should keep an eye on. I will. Personally, I tweeted Stephen - telling him that the Twins could give him a 21st birthday present of a promotion to High A Ft Myers by July. All accounts that I am aware of rank him as a good teammate and a team first type of player. Again, while the stuff may not necessarily be described as nasty - the adjective "Workhorse" could apply to him in the future if he continues to improve and develop.

nytwinsfan · April 15, 2015

Great profile! I've read in a number of places that Gonsalves' biggest weakness is his breaking ball. See for example, here (#15), here (although for ESPN insiders only), and here (#13). If you see anything about how his breaking ball is progressing, that would be particularly interesting, as it is probably the main thing limiting him from being a top tier prospect in the near future.

MinnFan4Life · April 18, 2015

Gonsalves Wins First Start of Season

The Cedar Rapids Kernels began their 2015 campaign on the road with a 3 game series at Kane County. I had expected Stephen Gonsalves to be at the top of the rotation for the Kernels. However, he was the starting pitcher on April 11th for game 3 vs Kane County and was looking to lead his team to a sweep on the road, as the Kernels had won the first two games to begin 2 - 0.

Spoiler Alert: He did just that.

Gonsalves turned out a quality start as the Kernels won the game 5 - 3 to begin the year a perfect 3 and 0 with a road sweep. Gonsalves was impressive, pitching 6 complete innings. He allowed just 1 earned run, coming on a solo home run surrendered with 2 outs in the bottom of the first inning. He was not perfect, however. Besides the home run given up in the first inning, Gonsalves had a throwing error in the second inning that allowed the runner to advance to second and also had a wild pitch in the fifth inning. But it was an extremely solid performance. It was good enough to earn the win and move his record to 1 - 0 to start 2015. He allowed the single run, while giving up 5 hits over the 6 innings. Far more impressively, he totaled 9 Ks without issuing a single walk.

Game Recap

1st Inning:

1st Batter - Strikeout

2nd Batter - Fly Ball CF

3rd Batter - Solo Home Run

4th Batter - Ground Ball back to Mound, Threw runner out at first.

2nd Inning:

1st Batter - Infield Hit Back to Gonsalves; Throwing error advances runner to 2nd Base

Gonsalves Responds

2nd Batter - Strike Out :shoot:

3rd Batter - Strike Out :shoot:

4th Batter - Fly Ball CF

3rd Inning:

1st Batter - Pop Up 3rd Base

2nd Batter - Double to LF

3rd Batter - Fly Ball CF

4th Batter - Strike Out

4th Inning:

Gonsalves Retires the Side in Order

1st Batter - Strike Out

2nd Batter - Ground Ball to Gonsalves, Throws out Runner

3rd Batter - Strike Out

5th Inning:

1st Batter - Single

2nd Batter - Strike Out

3rd Batter - Fly Ball CF

Wild Pitch Advances Runner

4th Batter - Strike out :shoot:

6th Inning:

1st Batter - Fly Ball LF

2nd Batter - Single

3rd Batter - Strike Out

4th Batter - Ground Ball 1st Base

That was all for Gonsalves. Cedar Rapids brought in a new pitcher to start the 7th Inning. But it was a very nice way to begin the year.

W 1W - 0L 6IP 5 Hits 1R 1ER 9Ks 0BBs

I feel that this is the type of game to expect from Gonzalves most of the time. He has pretty solid control. Thus the key stat, 9 Ks and 0 BBs. This is his game and what we would love to see from all our pitchers at every level. He rarely gets himself into trouble. Should he continue along these lines, it would not be surprising to see him promoted to Ft Myers somewhere around the middle of the season. Having spent some time already in Cedar Rapids last season, it would fall in line with the Twins' typical time table and to date, his development would warrant a midseason promotion. One of his big keys will remain the Strike Out to Walk Ratio. This player has a very realistic chance to take a spot in the middle of the rotation for the Twins in the future. Keep your eye on him!

bulldozier14 · April 23, 2015

Watching his start right now...he looks absolutely overpowering. Not hits or walks through 3, 5 K's. I am excited to see where this kid goes.

MinnFan4Life · April 25, 2015

Great profile! I've read in a number of places that Gonsalves' biggest weakness is his breaking ball. See for example, here (#15), here (although for ESPN insiders only), and here (#13). If you see anything about how his breaking ball is progressing, that would be particularly interesting, as it is probably the main thing limiting him from being a top tier prospect in the near future.

Very perceptive. You are correct. His breaking ball if far from a refined pitch. I hate to "say" anything that could be considered negative about Gonsalves, because I am such a big fan. Guilty of thinking more with my heart than my head, especially with prospects. However, he has been able to find success to this point, largely with a solid fastball and effective change up - combined with above average control. His curveball tends to the slower, big bending breaking pitch used to try to keep batters honest. It is far from an out pitch, at this point. He has begun to work hard on a slider. I believe that this could be a very effective addition to his arsenal. He is bringing it along slowly, as he develops more feel and confidence in the pitch. He does not throw it often, mostly to left handed batters. But if it continues to develop, it could make him that much tougher when added to the fastball and change up. Ultimately, it is hoped that it will work more effectively than a standard straight curveball and, in time, may even become his out pitch.

Again, I hesitate to say anything that isn't completely positive because I am so high on his potential. Truth is, right now, none of his pitches are ranked as highly above average. His fastball is typically 91-92. Maybe touching 93 on some occasions. But keep in mind, Gonsalves is only 20. We have had him in the organization since he graduated high school. I see the potential to add some velocity as he matures and continues to fill out. He uses the changeup efficiently. Given new pitching coach Neil Allen's belief in the use of the change up, this could be an area to refine even more. His poise and control are currently his greatest assets.

If I were to make an honest assessment of his future with the Twins, I would say ...

Imagine a day where we have actually built a true, effective starting rotation featuring pitchers like JO Berrios etc. Gonsalves would fit in nicely as a solid, innings eating, workhorse #3 guy in that rotation. His future is quite bright. As slowly as the Twins move prospects through the system, he has ample time to make the slider a pitch he can confidently use at any time, regardless of the count. It appears that as injuries, promotions etc. happen - we could see Gonsalves advance to Ft Myers well before my original midseason projection. I definitely can see this kid making it all the way to Target Field. Keep an eye on him.

MinnFan4Life · April 25, 2015

Gonsalves 2nd Start - Another Dandy

Left handed pitcher Stephen Gonsalves took the hill for his second start of the 2015 campaign on April 17 versus the Peoria Chiefs. Both Gonsalves and the Cedar Rapids Kernels looked to continue their red hot start to the season.

Spoiler Alert: Both were successful

The young left hander's first start of the year was an impressive 6 inning Win in which he allowed only 1 earned run on 5 hits, while striking out 9 batters and not walking any. The tall hurler stayed in his groove in start number two.

Gonsalves pitched 7 innings in his second start. Once again, he gave up only a single earned run, allowing 5 hits. This outing, he fanned 10 batters while walking one. Unfortunately, the score remained tied 1-1 after Gonsalves finished his seventh inning of work - so he took a no decision. Zach Tillery replaced Gonsalves in the 8th and pitched two shutout innings. Tillery worked both the 8th and 9th innings and was credited with the win as the Kernels scored late to secure another victory.

Gonsalves' Line

ND 7IP 5 Hits 1 Run 1 Earned Run 10 Ks 1 BBs

Game Recap

1st Inning

1st Batter - Strike Out (swinging) :shoot:

2nd Batter - Line Drive back to Gonsalves - 2nd out

3rd Batter - Walk

4th Batter - Fly Ball - CF

2nd Inning

1st Batter - Ground Ball 2nd base, Runner out at 1st 4-3

2nd Batter - Single to RF, Runner at 1st

3rd Batter - Strike Out (looking)

4th Batter - Double to LF, Scores Runner from 1st

5th Batter - Pop up to Nick Gordon SS, Side Retired

3rd Inning

1st Batter - Single, Runner at 1st

Gonsalves, Pick Off attempt - Throwing Error, Runner to 2nd

2nd Batter - FC Ground Ball to Gonsalves, Throws Runner Out at 3rd

3rd Batter - Ground ball Double Play, Short to Second to 1st 6-4-3

Side Retired

4th Inning

1st Batter - Fly Ball LF

2nd Batter - Single LF, Runner on 1st

3rd Batter - Strike Out (swinging)

4th Batter - During At Bat, C Brian Navarreto Throws Out Runner Attempted Steal, 3rd Out Caught Stealing 2-4

5th Inning

Gonsalves Mows Down the Side :shoot:

1st Batter - Strike Out (swinging)

2nd Batter - Strike Out (swinging)

3rd Batter - Strike Out (swinging)

6th Inning

1st Batter - Ground Out Third to 1st, 5-3

2nd Batter - Fly Ball RF

3rd Batter - Strike Out (looking)

7th Inning

Gonsalves Reaches Double Digit Strike Outs :shoot:

1st Batter - Strike Out (swinging)

2nd Batter - Strike Out (swinging)

3rd Batter - Double to RF, Runner on 2nd

4th Batter - Strike Out (looking)

That finished his day. Two consecutive quality starts to begin the season. Unlucky to not get the win in his second start, but the Kernels did end up with the victory. After two starts, Gonsalves' stat line is ...

2015 1W - 0L 13 IP ERA 1.38 10 Hits 2 Earned Runs 19Ks 1BB

Again, Keep on eye on this guy. He is good!!!

MinnFan4Life · April 27, 2015

Gonsalves Throwing Gems Like People Throw Away Trash

Left handed pitcher Stephen Gonsalves toed the rubber on the road on April 23rd for his third start of the season. He was pitching for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in the final contest of a three game series against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, a Brewers affiliate. For the second time in three starts, Gonsalves was in position to give the Kernels a series sweep on the road if he could best the opposing team.

Spoiler Alert: Victory, Sweep, and Domination

Gonsalves produced another stellar pitching performance. He threw 7 shut out innings, yeilding just a single hit that never left the infield and allowing only three base runners in his best start of the year. He is rolling along like a machine. He has begun 2015 in full stride. He threw 90 pitches in this 7 inning gem, 59 of them being strikes. His control continues to impressive, as 2/3 of his pitches were strikes and moving his stat line to 30 strike outs versus only 2 walks in 20 innings of work to start the year. You would have to expect that he will likely be the first Kernels starting pitcher promoted to Ft Myers, when the need arises.

Game Recap

1st Inning

1st Batter - Ground Out to 1st Base, 3U

2nd Batter - Fly Ball CF, F8

3rd Batter - Ground Ball to Gonsalves, 1-3

2nd Inning

Gonsalves Mows Down the Side :shoot:

1st Batter - Strike Out (looking)

2nd Batter - Strike Out (looking)

3rd Batter - Strike Out (swinging)

3rd Inning

1st Batter - Strike Out (looking)

2nd Batter - Pop Out SS, F6

3rd Batter - Strike Out (swinging)

4th Inning

1st Batter - Strike Out (swinging)

2nd Batter - Bunt Single, Runner on 1st

3rd Batter - Gonsalves Hits Batters, Runners 1st & 2nd

4th Batter - Fly Out CF, F-8

5th Batter - Fly Out LF, F-7

5th Inning

1st Batter - Fly Out LF, F-7

2nd Batter - Strike Out (swinging)

3rd Batter - Strike Out (swinging)

6th Inning

1st Batter - Strike Out (swinging)

2nd Batter - Strike Out (swinging)

3rd Batter - Pop Out 2nd Base, F-4

7th Inning

1st Batter - Ground Out to 2nd Base, 4-3

2nd Batter - Bunt Attempt Catcher to 1st Base, 2-3

3rd Batter - Walk

4th Batter - Strike Out (looking)

That was the end of Gonsalves's day, after throwing 90 pitches in 7 shut out innings. It appeared that he might be on his way to suffering another tough-luck no decision, since the game was scoreless for 5 innings, until the Kernels finally broke through and scored in the 6th inning. Gonsalves took it from there and the Kernels ended up with a 3 -0 victory and a 3 game sweep. During his last start, the game was tied at 1 after 2 innings and Gonsalves was sadled with a no decision as the Kernels didnt take the lead until the 8th inning, with Gonsalves completing 7 full.

His line for this game was ...

Win 7 IP 0 Runs 1 Hit 11Ks 1BBs

It's hard to imagine Gonsalves starting the season any better. In 3 starts to this point, he has gone out a produced ...

Game 1 - 6 Innings P, 1 Run, 5 Hits, 9Ks, 0BBs Win

Game 2 - 7 Innings P, 1 Run, 5 Hits, 10Ks, 1BBs No Decision

Game 3 - 7 Innings P, 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 11Ks, 1BBs Win

With those 3 starts, his stat line for 2015 is ...

3 Starts

2 - 0 20 IPs ERA 0.90 2 Runs 11 Hits 30 Ks 2 BBs

MinnFan4Life · April 29, 2015

Gonsalves Receives Award

Twins prospect Left Handed starting pitcher Stephen Gonsalves was named the Midwest Leagues pitcher of the week - for the week ending April 26. This award was awarded largely on his performance on April 23rd versus the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. During this start, Gonsalves went 7 complete innings - allowing just 1 hit and 3 total base runners. Gonsalves walked 1 batter while striking out 11 Timber Rattlers.

One would think that with his start to the season - Gonsalves would be in line to be named pitcher of the Month for the Midwest League, as well. See the recap of his 1st 3 starts in the post above. This kid is on a roll so far. Very effective and consistant.

Steven Buhr · May 5, 2015

Good interview with Stephen from the "Talking Twins" guys over the weekend.

http://www.talkingtwinsbaseball.com/stephen-gonsalves-cedar-rapids-kernels-video-interview/

nytwinsfan · May 5, 2015

Thanks. Interesting about the breaking ball, which by all accounts is the one thing he's lacking. Does it make sense for him to work on both a curveball and slider? Does he really need both? Or he is just trying to figure out which of the two works best for him?

Steven Buhr · May 5, 2015

Thanks. Interesting about the breaking ball, which by all accounts is the one thing he's lacking. Does it make sense for him to work on both a curveball and slider? Does he really need both? Or he is just trying to figure out which of the two works best for him?

If his goal is to make it to the big leagues, working on one or the other might make sense. If his goal is to be a top of the rotation pitcher, he probably wants 4 pitches.

Working on 2 at once vs mastering one, then working on the other, is a legitimate question for him and Henry Bonilla to discuss and I'd imagine they have.

I haven't seen every pitch he's thrown so far, but for what it's worth, I don't recall seeing much, if anything, of his new slider. I'd call most of the breaking balls I've seen him throw so far a curveball.

tobi0040 · May 5, 2015

I think he has sort of figured out low A. He needs to be promoted. Clearly his two pitches are good enough here. Maybe a higher league will force him to mix in other pitches.

8 starts last year in CR. 36.2 IP, 3.19 ERA, 44 K. 11 BB.

4 starts this year in CR. 27 IP, 1.33 ERA, 38 K. 3 BB.

amjgt · May 21, 2015

Gonsalves article on MiLB:

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?content_id=125689472&fext=.jsp&sid=milb&vkey=news_milb&ymd=20150520

MinnFan4Life · June 2, 2015

Gonsalves Ripping Through MWL in Dominating Fashion

So Seth unveiled this year's version of the Adopt - A - Prospect project. And I was super pumped to grab one of my top 3 favorite prospects in the entire Twins organization - Southpaw Stephen Gonsalves. He came right out of shoot, firing on all cylinders. He has not slowed down since.

I have though. Slowed down, that is. Since mid-May, I have not been able to keep pace with Gonsalves. I have fallen behind badly in updating his section. The main reason, it's plain boring. Start after start, it's the same thing over and over again ...

Gonsalves goes 6 innings, Gonsalves goes 7 innings.

Gonsalves allows 1 earned run or less.

Gonsalves strikes out 10 times as many batters as he walks.

Gonsalves is pitcher of the week.

Gonsalves is pitcher of the month.

Gonsalves has used up all of the known adjectives for excellence.

Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah.

Same old same old. Well, that sounds a lot better than I am lazy and a professional procrastinator anyway.

I have recapped some of his games. While it's fine to look at his final stat line - I like to review the games, batter by batter he faces. I think it gives you a little better feel for how he has pretty much mowed through the competition that he has faced at this level and will lend credit to the argument that his promotion to Ft Myers is already long overdue. Later, I will attempt to catch up on the game recaps and address the questions about his breaking pitches. Stephen has graciously given me some of his time on multiple occasions and has replied to a number of questions.

But for the time being, let's try to play a little catch up be reviewing the tall lefty's outstanding performance through the first full two months covering all 8 starts he has made for the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

Game# Date WorL IP Hits ERs Ks BBs ERA

1.) 4/11 1 - 0 6 5 1 9 0 1.50

2.) 4/17 0 - 0 7 5 1 10 1 1.38

3.) 4/23 1 - 0 7 1 0 11 1 0.90

4.) 5/1 0 - 1 7 5 2 8 1 1.33

5.) 5/7 1 - 0 5 3 1 5 4 1.41

6.) 5/14 0 - 0 4 4 2 4 0 1.75

7.) 5/20 1 - 0 6 1 0 7 3 1.50

8.) 5/26 1 - 0 6 3 0 12 1 1.31

Season Totals

Games W - L Innings Hits ERuns KOs BBs ERA

8 Starts 2015 5 - 1 48IP 27 7 66 11 1.31

In these games, Gonsalves has allowed only 2 Home Runs - Using mostly his fastball, change up and location. He has hit 4 batters in the above 8 starts. Opposing batters have a paltry .163 batting average vs Gonsalves and he has posted an impressive Whip of 0.79 A tremendous first two months HAS TO have a promotion to High A Ft Myers coming VERY SOON.

I will try to do a better job of keeping up with more timely updates. This kid is for real. I have NO DOUBT that he will find his way to target field, just not as soon as many of us would like.

tobi0040 · June 2, 2015

Could not agree more about the promotion. These are video game numbers.

MinnFan4Life · June 3, 2015

FINALLY, the Good One Has Come Back To Ft Myers!

Special Thanks to the Rock for using one of his catch phrases. And as much as I love this guy, I have to admit that it IS too early to call Stephen Gonsalves the Great One. But for the first two months of this season, Gonsalves HAS pitched like a Great One.

And around mid-evening on Monday, Gonsalves let us know the answer to one of the top 5 questions regarding Twins minor league affiliates... When is Stephen Gonsalves going to be promoted to High A Ft Myers Miracle? On Monday, following another dominate start in which he threw 7 shutout innings with 12 strike outs in Cedar Rapids - Gonsalves tweeted that he had been informed he would be moving up to Ft Myers. This move is not official yet. Cedar Rapids Kernels team mate, pitcher Jared Wilson HAS been officially promoted to the Miracle to pitch in one of two games during a double header tomorrow. At this point, I don't know if Wilson will also stay with the Miracle or be sent back down to Cedar Rapids after he lends a hand to Ft Myers' rotation for the double header. Having just pitched on Monday while taking a no-hitter into the 7th, Gonsalves wont be available to pitch again until Friday. After Wilson starts one of those two games in the twin-bill - a corresponding roster move will take place to make Gonsalves' promotion official. And a well deserved promotion it is. The tall southpaw typically went through most of the Midwest League like a hot knife through soft butter. The 20 year lefty certainly had nothing left to prove at that level. He will begin his Miracle career late this week, wearing the #22 jersey. I wish him well, thank him for always being gracious with his time, and am excited to see how he handles facing another level of competition.

Loosey · July 7, 2015

I see the Gonsalves thread hasn't been updated since his promotion to Fort Myers. Since I am also quite high on him I will give a brief update since he clearly deserves one. I hope I am not stepping on your toes MinnFan4Life, if I am, just let me know and I'll back off your prospect.

Stephen's first two starts were a little rocky compared to the gems he was pitching in Cedar Rapids, but that was to be expected getting bumped up a level to high as a 20 year old pitcher. In his first outing he gave up 3 runs in 5 1/3 innings while walking 3 and only striking out two while giving up only his 3rd HR of the season. His 2nd start was a little rockier yet only making it 3 2/3 innings and again giving up 3 runs. He again walked 3 batters, not sure if he was pressing facing the tougher competition after having impeccable control in A- ball. In his third appearance he was cruising along until he got into trouble in the 5th. He gave up 2 runs in 5 innings on the day walking 4 while only striking out 2. However, in start number 4 things seemed to start clicking. He went 5 innings striking out 5 while only walking 2. He gave up no runs while scattering 5 hits (4 singles and a double). And now yesterday Gonsalves pitched his finest game for the Miracle going the furthest he has since he was with Cedar Rapids. 7 innings, 3 hits, 7 K's, only 2 walks and most importantly 0 runs allowed.

Over his last two starts he has allowed 0 runs in 12 innings while striking out 12 and only walking 4. Now in 5 starts in Fort Myers, Gonsalves has a 2.77 ERA in 26.0 innings with 18 strikeouts and 14 walks. As he continues to improve the K/BB ratio should continue to rise as he figures out the Florida State League.

In my opinion I would say his time in Fort Myers has been successful so far. An adjustment period to start, but beginning to shape into the pitcher we saw in CR. I expect he will stay in FM the rest of the year and build up that confidence he had early in the year, while continuing to work on the breaking ball he will need as he moves up the ladder.

Edit: - I forgot to mention he is also doing this while 3 years younger than the average competitions age in the FSL.

drjim · July 7, 2015

Very successful transition. I was skeptical as he was moving but after the initial adjustment he has been great.

Mike Sixel · July 7, 2015

I love that they were able to sign this guy.......

Loosey · July 22, 2015

I assume MinnFan4Life doesn't mind I have started writing Gonsalves write-ups so I will continue:

After his last two starts Gonsalves has a full year ERA of 1.68 between low A and high A. As expected the domination he had in Cedar Rapids has been occuring in Fort Myers, but he has been playing very well and appears to be on track to take the next step, most likely next year at some point, but the concerns of him stumbling in Fort Myers have appeared to pass.

His FM line is ERA 2.50 with a 22/20 K/BB ratio. He has only been going about 5 IP/start in FM but has yet to give up more than 3 runs (earned or unearned) in a start hopefully as he learns the league over the rest of the year he will go deeper into games.

His most resent start on Sunday he went 5 innings giving up 1 run on 6 hits, 2 walks and 2 strikeouts. Bringing his July ERA down to 1.06.

Again we do have to remember he just turned 21 a few weeks ago and is considerably younger than his competition. I am excited to see his development as he matures.

Loosey · July 30, 2015

UPDATE:

Per "Off The Baggy's" twitter account @tlshwerz:

Stephen Gonsalves Last Five Starts:

28 IP 26 H 5 R 3 ER 12 BB 18 K 0.96 ERA

Clearly was ready for the move to Fort Myers. Continue to impress and improve.

Kwak · July 30, 2015

Twelve BBs in 28 innings? 1.5 K/BB ratio ? Red Flags!

drjim · July 30, 2015

Twelve BBs in 28 innings? 1.5 K/BB ratio ? Red Flags!

Absolutely.

"Red flags" might be a little strong, he is still young and adjusting, but this isn't some dominating performance no matter what the era might be.

Loosey · July 30, 2015

I think "Red flags" is quite strong. 2 of those outings he had 4 walks each. So, yeah it would be nice to see a higher K ratio, but he will stay in FM the rest of the year and hopefully improve. He is 3 years younger than the average age in FM. The guy just had his 1st legal drink a few weeks ago.

Brock Beauchamp · July 30, 2015

Twelve BBs in 28 innings? 1.5 K/BB ratio ? Red Flags!

Not even a light pink flag.

He's 20 years old in A+ with eight starts.

If he finishes the season and is still walking batters at that rate, then the flag turns a slightly darker shade of pink. Still not even close to red, though.

Kwak · July 30, 2015

Not even a light pink flag.

He's 20 years old in A+ with eight starts.

If he finishes the season and is still walking batters at that rate, then the flag turns a slightly darker shade of pink. Still not even close to red, though.

...and that 5.8K/9 ? Normally, you roast these guys over the hot coals for hours. Sorry, un uh, Gonsalves projects as a future Scott Diamond--exactly the sort of "prospect" who is combined with others to acquire a veteranto fill a position of need.

Brock Beauchamp · July 30, 2015

...and that 5.8K/9 ? Normally, you roast these guys over the hot coals for hours. Sorry, un uh, Gonsalves projects as a future Scott Diamond--exactly the sort of "prospect" who is combined with others to acquire a veteranto fill a position of need.

Gonsalves is several inches taller and throws 2-4mph faster than Diamond. They're hardly the same player.

Fun fact: Diamond never struck out more than 7.9 per 9 in his MiLB career. Ft Myers is the first time Gonsalves has struck out less than 8.1 per 9 (and has spent most of his MiLB career striking out 10+ per 9).

Gonsalves isn't some can't-miss prospect but he's a nice piece and scuffling through eight starts at a higher level isn't exactly rare.

Jham · July 30, 2015

I think "Red flags" is quite strong. 2 of those outings he had 4 walks each. So, yeah it would be nice to see a higher K ratio, but he will stay in FM the rest of the year and hopefully improve. He is 3 years younger than the average age in FM. The guy just had his 1st legal drink a few weeks ago.

Nice use of the "legal" qualifier, if I remember reading his draft profile correctly... Florida State League has always been pitcher friendly, I believe. But he still is quite young and has time to develop a plus pitch along the way.

bulldozier14 · July 30, 2015

Nice use of the "legal" qualifier, if I remember reading his draft profile correctly... Florida State League has always been pitcher friendly, I believe. But he still is quite young and has time to develop a plus pitch along the way.

It's a pitcher's league because of the big parks. That has nothing to do with Gonsalves' strikeout numbers, but probably has a bit to do with his very low ERA.

Brock Beauchamp · July 31, 2015

Aaaaaaannnnnd Gonsalves struck out 8 in just 5 innings last night.

I will never understand why people get so riled up over a handful of games.

Somebody let me know if Gonsalves can't miss bats in 2016. That's when I'll care.

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Stephen Gonsalves - 2015

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