LAKEWOOD, NJ – Before Monday’s game, Hagerstown Suns’ outfielder Carlos Gomez picked up a ball by the third base dugout. Then, on a dare, proceeded to throw the ball over the right-centerfield wall and hit one of the advertisements behind the concourse.

It’s that type of raw talent the 19 year-old possesses.

Gomez is the ‘tools’ type of player scouts drool about. Even though his average is only .271 and has eight home runs, Gomez leads the lead with 59 stolen bases and has 45 RBI. His power numbers will increase as the 6’4”, 190 lbs Dominican native fills out with age and his average has increased over the past two months as he learned to hit in the more competitive South Atlantic League.

“It’s real different here,” Gomez said through his teammate Ambiorix Concepcion. “Last year, in Kingsport, they first throw fastballs and then throw breaking ball. But here now they throw different things on different counts.”

Playing in the Appalachian League (Rookie) last year, Gomez hit .287 with one home run and 20 RBI in 150 at bats. He gained praise from manager Mookie Wilson, who called the outfielder his “best player.”

And the accolades continue - this time from Hagerstown manager Gene Richards.

“[This year], Gomez came into his own,” Richards said.

Even though there was a logjam of outfielders playing for the Suns, the manager made sure Gomez was in the daily lineup. He has playing in 112 games with 457 at bats this season, which is second on the team to Concepcion and much like fellow outfielder, Gomez feels 2005 has been a success.

“I enjoyed and a learned a lot from my first full season, coming from a short season,” Gomez said. “I improved my program in the game [this year].”

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