Scouting Report for LHP Tom Gorzelanny

Mets face the first Left-handed starter of the series, Tom Gorzelanny. The former Pirates prospect was traded to the Cubs mid-season last year, and has begun to show signs of turning around his career. I doubt he will ever be the future ace that he looked like in 2007 (when the Pirates made it throw 30+ meaningless innings in September), but he can be a useful arm in the rotation.

He has a herky-jerky delivery (turns his back to the hitters to create deception), and throws from a high 3/4s arm slot. He throws 88-92 (velocity has been more in the 90s since coming over to the Cubs), a solid change-up that runs down and away from righties, and both a slider and curveball (he utilizes his slider a lot more, throwing his curve only a few times a game). He's a fly ball pitcher who has swing and miss stuff (9 K/9 last year), but also has inconsistent command and  has struggled with walks previously (6 W/9 in 2008).

He left his last start after getting hit in the shoulder, but he says he will be fine to make the start.


For Mets starter Johan Santana's scouting report, click here : Johan Santana