Corine Gatti - AHN Sports Contributor
Milwaukee, Wisconsin (AHN) - The Milwaukee Brewers traded shortstop J.J. Hardy to the Minnesota Twins for center fielder Carlos Gomez Friday.
Brewers GM Doug Melvin said it was hard to depart with fan favorite, Hardy, but wanted to build around Gomez's speed.
"Carlos brings to our club great speed, athleticism and energy at a position that we needed to fill," said Melvin. "His defense will serve as a key component to us improving our pitching. At only 24 years of age, Carlos can further develop the offensive aspect of his game and give us a different look to our lineup," Melvin told the Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel.
Gomez batted .229 with three homers and 28 RBI during the 2009 season.
He collected 15 doubles and stole 14 bases. Gomez started his career with the New York Mets in 2007 and was traded the following season to the Twins.
In his first season with Minnesota, he had 24 extra base hits, including seven homers, with 59 RBI.
Hardy batted .229 and posted 11 homers with 47 RBI in 2009. He became the Brewers starting shortstop in 2005.
"J.J. has been a steady performer for the Brewers," said Melvin. "His professionalism and popularity with our fans and his teammates made this difficult, but he has been given the opportunity to go to a great organization to play and perform at the high level he is capable of playing."
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