The Cincinnati Reds non-tendered outfielder Jonny Gomes on Saturday, according to the MLB.com.
Gomes posted impressive power numbers in 2009, batting .267 with 20 home runs and 51 RBI in just 281 at bats.
The problem was his feast-or-famine numbers against right-hand pitching. He hit 15 home runs in 180 at bats, but managed only 29 non-homer hits on his way to a .244 average against righties.
The move capped a fairly uneventful MLB Winter Meetings for the Reds. The team expressed interest in infield utility man Craig Counsell, but it looks like he may stay in Milwaukee.
Gomes was just one of several surprise names on the non-tendered list across the league along with former Pirates closer Matt Capps, former A's outfielder Jack Cust and former Rockies infielder Garrett Adkins.
Gomes may still resign with the club, but the move shows how much the organization belives in an impressive batch of young players.
Youth Movement
The Reds have seen a bevy of young talent enjoy success in recent years. Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce and Johnny Cueto have all show flashes of brilliance in their young careers and that trend may continue in 2010. Here are some interesting numbers from some Cincinnati up-and-comers:
Drew Stubbs hit eight home runs and stole 10 bases in just 180 big-leauge at bats in 2009. He stole a combined 33 bases in the minor leagues in 2008. Look for Stubbs to start in center and perhaps provide the Reds this kind of pop they could use at the top of the order.
Drew Sutton has averaged over 80 runs and 20 steals the last three seasons in the minor leagues. He struggled mightily during his time in the majors in 2009 and likely is more of a long-term guy, but with Counsell not coming to town, Sutton could see some at bats.
Chris Heisey had a stellar 2009 minor league season, batting .314 with 22 home runs, 91 runs, 77 RBI and 21 steals. Again, probably more of a long term solution, but its easy to see how a guy like Gomes gets cut with so much promising young talent in the pipeline.
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