Justin Gonzales is one of the most exciting Red Sox prospects. He ranks as the fourth-ranked prospect according to Talk Sox rankings. Pushed up the organizational ladder, the 19-year-old has more than held his own in High-A Greeneville.
But sometimes we have to remember these are people. In this case, Gonzales is still young, a kid. Mistakes will happen and lesson are hopefully learned.
On Wednesday night in Greeneville, the Drive had a 10-6 lead in the bottom of the seventh. With two runners on, Gonzales stepped to the plate and hit his 13th home run of the season. He certainly took his time and admired the blast, especially down the first base line. He was pleased to have turned a four-run lead into a seven-run lead late int he game. When he crossed home plate, it was clear that Hub City catcher Cal Stark commented to Gonzales.
The two exchanged some words (pleasantries, I'm sure). Teammates hustled to the batter's circle but just a little too late. Whether you want to say that Gonzales "slapped" Stark or "took a punch at" the Spartansburgers' backstop, he made contact. See for yourself...
Certainly, there will be a suspension by the league for this, but the Red Sox also have an opportunity to let a potential future star know that it just isn't alright to be taking swings at opponents. The Sox could add a few games to the suspension. They could go big and suspend him for the rest of the season. Organizations have done that before.
With other very young top prospect types on the Drive roster, it feels like the Sox need to make some sort of statement.
Of course, it is also 100% need to hear both sides of the story before reacting and finalized a plan. We don't know what was said. It's very possible that something was said that, maybe didn't warrant, but certainly understandable.
What do you think? Gonzales is 19. He's in High-A. He isn't an option for a big-league call up, so the remaining six weeks won't alter that timeline either way. What would you do if you ran the Red Sox? (Just regarding this situation. Use the rest of the forum to discuss those other things!)
