Anthony Gose and his "very frustrating" year

Ask Anthony Gose to describe what this year has been like, and he won’t mince his words.

“It’s been very frustrating,” said the 23 year-old, recalled by the Toronto Blue Jays from AAA Buffalo.

After a 23 at-bat showing with the Blue Jays earlier this year in which he went 7-23 (.304 batting average) Gose was sent down to Buffalo. Instead of improving on those numbers, he digressed and at times his attitude got him benched.

While his attitude went south, so did his hitting.

“Was I happy I was sent down? No.  I wasn’t thrilled about being sent down,” said Gose. But it wasn’t his frustration at playing in the minor leagues that got the best of the speedy outfielder. It was his performance at the plate that led to his at times poor behaviour.

“It wasn’t so much being sent down it was the fact that I couldn’t hit the ball,” said a candid Gose, just hours after being recalled to the Blue Jays. “In order for me to be here I have to hit the ball. It definitely was frustrating going out every night. You guys see the numbers. 130 strikeouts in 300 at bats and you give those numbers to anybody they are going to be happy.”

To be fair, Gose had 121 strikeouts in 393 at-bats, but you get the point. His .239 batting average in Buffalo had him questioning if he was even going to get called up to the big leagues this year.

But in the last 10 games with the Bisons, Gose was hitting at nearly a .300 clip, and cut down his strikeouts.

“I just kind of said forget about it. Whatever happens, happens,” said Gose. “I didn’t expect to come here now. I figured at best a September call up if I get called up at all.”

But since returning to the Blue Jays in mid-August, Gose has not produced much of an impact. He has had 26 at-bats and has struck out 8 times while batting .231.