Mauro Gomez Continues to Be Nice Surprise at Big League Level After MVP Season in Pawtucket

Editor’s note: The temperature gauge is a Bill James-created statistic that measures how hot or cold hitters are. We will spotlight Red Sox and opposing team temperatures on game days.

Mauro Gomez is having himself a nice little week.

The minor league journeyman earned a Crash Davis sort of accomplishment earlier this week when he was named the MVP of the International League. It’s a nice enough recognition, no doubt, but it also means that Gomez spent much of his year in Pawtucket, not up with the big club.

However, he’s getting his chance to shine at the major league level right now. While the Red Sox are alive in a mathematical sense only, the last month represents a chance for Gomez and others. It gives them the chance to prove to the big league brass that they deserve life in the majors.

Gomez is cashing in thus far. The infielder smoked three hits on Wednesday night in Anaheim, and he’s now hitting .364 (8-for-22) in his last six appearance. That stretch includes another multi-hit performance on Aug. 25 where he also walloped his first career home run.

Below are the temperatures for the Red Sox and Angels for Aug. 30.

Red Sox
Mauro Gomez, 84
Jacoby Ellsbury, 83
Dustin Pedroia, 83
Scott Podsednik, 78
Mike Aviles, 77
James Loney, 75
Pedro Ciriaco, 71
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, 70
Ryan Lavarnway, 70
Cody Ross, 68
Ryan Kalish, 67
Jose Iglesias, 49

Angels
Albert Pujols, 89
Howie Kendrick, 81
Erick Aybar, 78
Alberto Callaspo, 76
Vernon Wells, 74
Chris Iannetta, 73
Maicer Izturis, 73
Torii Hunter, 72
Bobby Wilson, 69
Kendrys Morales, 67
Mike Trout, 66
Mark Trumbo, 49