Centerfielder Anthony Gose has had his share of challenges with the Detroit Tigers. After Gose was assigned to the Toledo Mud Hens last season, he had problems assimilating with the team and got into a heated argument with Lloyd McClendon. After the incident with McClendon, Gose ended up off the 40-man roster and seems to be replaced by newcomer Mikie Mahtook, JaCoby Jones, and Tyler Collins. Good news for Gose – he’s back at spring training with something to prove.
Anthony Gose arrives in Lakeland as long shot in crowded center field #tigers #detroit #MLB https://t.co/hPZ3HcP6cK pic.twitter.com/PaWL0bQsKw
— Tigers 101 (@Tigers_101) February 17, 2017
Upon arrival, Gose spoke briefly with reporters from MLive.com at training camp. He answered questions about whether or not he considered playing for a new organization after he was designated for assignment in January 2017.
“I didn’t even think about it. I just show up and play for wherever I’m at.”
This new, tight-lipped, Anthony Gose might be just what the doctor ordered. With the Tigers expected to employ a platoon in center field this season, an emotionally controlled Gose has a decent shot. He has plenty of experience with the cavernous center field of Comerica Park.
However, he has stark competition in Jones, Mahtook, and Collins. Gose will need to make some up some ground in the locker room and as a teammate in order to see the major league field, again, this year.
For his part, manager Brad Ausmus told Chris McCosky at the Detroit News that the team is looking for Gose to contribute this season.
“I like Anthony a lot,” Ausmus said. “We put a lot of time in together in the batting cages and I want to see him be successful. Like with anyone, this game can make you emotional. But I thought, overall, he was very good about it. He handled it well.”
General manager Al Avila is also looking for Gose to rebound in 2017.
“Anthony Gose is a very talented young man and he’s only 26 years old,” general manager Al Avila said last month. “The reason we are bringing him back to spring training is we feel like, at his age, he still has the ability to reach his potential.
“If he does, if he even comes close to that, we’re going to have a pretty good center fielder and a good asset to our team.”
Here’s to hoping he reaches that potential.
