Jonny Gomes

No matter how great the thrill of winning a championship might be, sports are a business. Reserve outfielder Jonny Gomes found that out the hard way on Thursday as the Kansas City Royals announced they have declined their club option on the veteran, making him a free agent. 

The Kansas City Royals added outfield depth Monday before the stretch run of the 2015 season in the form of Jonny Gomes, announced the team.     

There are moments rare enough that you try everything in your power to keep them etched in your memory—like when Jonny Gomes pitches an inning of relief for the Atlanta Braves.

Yes, Jonny Gomes, the left fielder.

After splitting time between the Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics in 2014, free agent Jonny Gomes is reportedly attracting interest from the Atlanta Braves.      

MLB.com's Mark Bowman provided the news:

Gomes hit a combined .234/.327/.330 with six home runs and 37 RBI in 112 games between the Red Sox and A's last season.

Though 2015 doesn't officially begin until January 1, the Chicago Cubs have already kicked off their 2015 by making a huge splash in free agency and a few trades during the 2014-15 offseason.

When the Boston Red Sox signed Jonny Gomes last winter, he was billed not only as a destroyer of left-handed pitching, but as a guy who would be instrumental in cultivating their clubhouse culture.

Human beard Jonny Gomes decided a lifetime of memories wasn't enough to savor his 2013 World Series triumph, so he went out and got a massive tattoo to commemorate the moment. 

You gotta love early-season baseball statistics.

At Jonny Gomes' current pace, he will end the 2011 season with 58 home runs and 150 RBI. It would go down as one of the greatest seasons of all time, and Gomes would be celebrated as a hero around these parts.

I'll make a fearless prediction, and say he falls somewhat short of that.

However, at least in the early going, Gomes is displaying a different approach at the plate that reflects in his numbers.

If the Milwaukee Brewers are the chief contenders for the Reds’ crown, all looks good in the Queen City. The Reds just finished sweeping the Brew Crew at Great American Ballpark with a 12-3 pasting, powered by 19 hits.

Catcher Ryan Hanigan led the way with a 4-for-4 outing with two home runs, three runs and four RBI. Brandon Phillips added three hits including a two-run homer.

Let me preface this article by saying that Jonny Gomes is one of my favorite players on the Reds.

I am wondering if being 'unofficially' awarded the left-field job prior to the start of camp hasn't sapped the slugger of his hunger.