A pessimist might look at it as the handwriting on the wall. However, Nick Gonzales is choosing to be optimistic in the Pittsburgh Pirates' spring training camp in Bradenton, Fla.
Gonzales lost his job in the starting lineup in December when the Pirates traded for Tampa Bay All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe. Gonzales was heartened when, after the trade, he was told he was still a big part of the team in a phone call from general manager Ben Cherington.
Gonzales is penciled in as the opening-day shortstop. However, Konnor Griffin, the top prospect in baseball, could unseat Gonzales by opening day on March 26 when Pittsburgh visits the New York Mets.
Yet instead of pouting, Gonzales is turning spring training into an adventure. He is relishing getting the opportunity to play shortstop, a position he has appeared at in 30 games during his three major-league seasons.
“I feel like it stretches my athleticism, and I'm able to challenge myself,” Gonzales told Pirates Roundtable. “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of it.”
It is easy to be skeptical of Gonzales’ ability to play shortstop after he had minus-11 defensive runs saved in 85 games at second base last season. In fairness, Gonzales’ range was compromised after he sustained a non-displaced fracture of his left ankle when he hit a home run on opening day against the Miami Marlins. Gonzales’ ankle had already been weakened when he fouled a ball of it during spring training.
Gonzales was limited to 96 games last season and hit .260/.299/.362 with five home runs.
“I was in a situation where it was non-weight bearing for six weeks, so I couldn’t do much but walk around with my leg on a scooter,” Gonzales said. “When I came back, I felt like I was playing on a flat tire. It was a weird feeling.”
Gonzales is healthy now and locked in competition with the 19-year-old Griffin, who is creating buzz throughout baseball.
“It’s a friendly competition,” Gonzales said. “Everyone knows how good Konnor is, and I enjoy being around him. I’m trying to help him adjust to the big leagues, and he has taught me a few things, too.”
The competition will be paused next week when Gonzales begins playing for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. Gonzales is a native of Tucson, Ariz., but is eligible to be on Mexico’s roster because his paternal great-grandfather was born in that country.
“It’s going to be great to compete with some of the best players in the world,” Gonales said. “It’s going to be fun. It’s something I’m really excited about.”
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