Spring Training Interview with Mike Gonzalez

I caught up with the Braves new lefty reliever Mike Gonzalez about two weeks ago in the Braves clubhouse. Mike was a very interesting interview. He's sort of got a surfer's, or California boy's attitude - lot's of "man's," and very laid back - I enjoyed talking to him immensely.  After some of his answers I let out little giggles because I was so tickled by what he was saying and how he was saying it - he probably thought I was a little weird. But behind that laid back attitude I could tell there was a competitor itching to compete. Gonzo is going to be a GOOD one this year, and a great guy to have on the team.

Martin Gandy: So, how's your spring going?

Mike Gonzalez: It's going real well, man. Doing good, getting everything together.

MA: You've gotten beat up in a couple of outings early this spring, is that just you getting the kinks out or something else?

MI: No, man, I don't even care; I could care less about the outings during spring training - they don't mean anything.

MA: Is it just more of how you feel?

MI: Yeah, all I'm worried about is how my arm feels and how I feel body-wise. I could care less about anything else.

MA: And regarding how you feel arm-wise and body-wise, are you fully back?

MI: I'm right there; I'm feeling right where I need to be right now.

MA: So you feel that you're pitching at 100% this spring after the injury?

MI: No, there's no situation with the elbow. The elbow is one hundred percent already, there's nothing wrong with that. Just getting myself physically ready for it.

MA: How did you find out about the trade?

MI: My General Manager in Pittsburgh called me up and then the General Manager from the Braves called me up.

MA: Where you excited?

MI: Definitely, man! Of course, you know, it's obviously something new, but it's the Atlanta Braves, man. You know, winning tradition, the guys are winners here, and as a player that's what you want is an opportunity to win ballgames, and that's what I was given. So, definitely I was excited.

MA: How is the Bobby Cox spring camp different from a Jim Tracy spring camp?

MI: Ah, well you know what, the Jim Tracy spring camp was great, man. You've got to remember I just had one year of it and it was good, but you've got to remember it's more of a rebuilding process over there. You're having to work with a lot of young guys, and most of them are major league rookies as opposed to Bobby Cox you're dealing with a lot of veteran guys, guys that know what they need to be doing. I wouldn't say it's easier, it's just a little more laid back. I guess he treat's you like men; you know what you need to do to be successful and that's what we do.

MA: What's your favorite thing about the Braves spring camp so far?

MI: Like I said, "treat's you like a man." Let's you do what you pretty much need to do to get yourself prepared for the season. That's giving the pitcher a lot of confidence in what they need to do.

MA: Going from being a closer in Pittsburgh to a setup man here, how do you handle the roles differently?

MI: You know what, it's really not that big a difference, man. I've been doing the same thing as I was doing in the ninth, man. It's all the same to me; I'm aggressive, I go out there and try to get the three outs - that's the way it's always been. It's not going to be a problem whatsoever, man. I've obviously setup and been successful, I've closed and been successful. So, I'm just looking forward to winning ballgames now.

MA: Is this one of the best pen's you've seen?

MI: Nah, it's not one of the best, it's THE best. Obviously everyone's going to have their own opinions and everything, but you can't sit there and obviously notice that you've got three closers in the bullpen, and the other three guys aren't too shabby either - they're taking care of business, they've got some good arms. It's definitely an up-up thing - if not THE best then one of the best in the league.

MA: What do you do when you're not playing baseball?

MI: I just hang out; just chill out. I'm a homebody, man. I don't like to get caught up too much in the mix, just stay home and get myself ready for the next day.

MA: Who is the team to beat in the Nation League?

MI: It's obviously the Mets, man. The Mets have proven what they're capable of doing. I don't give the Cardinals much respect, I just never have, that's just how it is. The Mets; the Phillies are pretty good too. I'd guess I'd have to say the Mets.