Game MVP: Yan Gomes [5/12/13]

Continuing the MVP Series (read this[hyperlink to first MVP article] for details), yesterday’s game MVP is Yan Gomes.  To get your Yan Gomes virtual card, send me an e-mail to thejake4eternity@gmail.com, with the phrase “BrazilianBorn” in the subject line.  This virtual

image will come in handy later for contests and leaderboards, including Indians Bingo.

Yan Gomes (Catcher, #10)

MVP Rating:  Impact

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Game Stats:

-3 for 4 (.750 batting average)

-2 singles, 1 double (1.000 slugging percentage)

-Run scored (7th on the season)

-Perfect defense (0 passed balls, 0 stolen bases)

Details:

Yan Gomes has filled in nicely as the Tribe’s backup catcher while Lou Marson has been injured. Personally, I think his numbers are a pleasant change from Marson’s below average slash line, and his defense has also been better, throwing out over 50% of would-be base stealers.  The Indians acquired Gomes from the Blue Jays this offseason, along with Mike Aviles, for relief pitcher Esmil Rogers.  This is looking like one of the better moves made by any team this offseason, as both Aviles and Gomes have put up impressive numbers both offensively and defensively.  Gomes is also the first Brazilian-born player to reach the major leagues.

In Sunday’s game, Gomes put up another fantastic offensive performance, slapping a triad of base hits and playing solid defense behind the dish.  He crossed the plate on an early-game double by Jason Kipnis.  His .750/.750/1.000 game slash line raised his numbers for the season to .268/.279/.561.  His average is impressive for a backup catcher, and his slugging percentage is the third best on the team.

Gomes is likely to be sent back to Triple-A to continue his development once Marson comes off the DL.  The Tribe wants him to eventually become an everyday catcher, and he’ll see more playing time in Columbus.  But the Brazil native is likely to become an important part of the Cleveland Indians’ future.  Expect to see Gomes a lot more in years to come.