Local player Eric Gonzalez talked to the Under 18 Spanish baseball players during their training camp in Tenerife about his experience in professional baseball. This year he starred in A+ with the Padres and reached AAA in September. After this, he played with Tiburones de la Guaira.
Eric Gonzalez
- Born September 5, 1986 in San Juan de la Rambla/Tenerife
- Selected by San Diego Padres in 24th Round of 2008 Amateur Draft
- 12-7, 93 GP, ERA 4.83, 164 IP, 152 SO, 42 BB combined between 2008 and 20010 (Rookie to AAA)
Mister-Baseball: How was your 2010 Season?
Eric Gonzalez: It didn’t start the best as possible. I had a back injury and I couldn’t prepare me during half season. The competition is very hard but I could take the correct way and finished playing the Venezuelan Winter League before to return to my home for a break.
MRBB: How was your last experience in Venezuela?
EG: It was a very important opportunity in one of the best winter leagues in the World. It helped me to work at my weaknesses alongside of “big league” teammates. It was a cool experience.
MRBB: How will you address this rest time at home?
EG: It was a long season to play in the winter league with a big effort physically and mentally. I’ll try to rest as good as possible, have a nice Christmas with my family and start ready into the next season.
MRBB: What is your goal for the 2011 Season?
EG: I would like to have a healthy season and after this point, play the leagues where I can show my best performance, take the opportunities and reach my highest level.
MRBB: How do you see the European and Spanish baseball level from the USA?
EG: The level in Europe is growing every year. It is a long way to reach the traditional countries but step by step the level is getting better. In Spain it is similar and now the top level teams are very close, the league is getting better and this is very good for the championship development.
MRBB: What do you think European baseball needs for better performance?
EG: It needs better competition, play more games would be great and it will be the difference. At least fifty or sixty games a year or to play during the whole year would be a start. In the most part of Europe the money and the weather is a handicap.
Mister-Baseball thanks Jorge Miqueleiz for doing the interview with Eric Gonzalez.