Shawn Windsor

Detroit Free Press

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Former Detroit Tigers centerfielder Anthony Gose threw a limited bullpen session in front of a few of the team’s coaches, including manager Brad Ausmus.

“I was very impressed,” said Ausmus. “His delivery was good. Smooth. Not a lot of effort involved. The ball came out good. Had real good finish.”

Gose, who played centerfield for the Tigers in parts of the past two seasons, was sent to the minors last season. This spring, he was given a non-roster invite to big league camp. Earlier this week, he was sent back to the minors.

That’s when Gose, who pitched in high school, suggested to the Tigers he might be willing to try it again. Before he was drafted, he could reach 97 m.p.h. with his fastball.

Ausmus didn’t use a radar gun when Gose pitched Tuesday. He figured Gose would pitch to the gun and might hurt his arm. But Ausmus didn’t need a radar gun to see there was some possibility. Gose threw 20 pitches.

“He said he hadn’t pitched in nine years,” said Ausmus. “It was impressive. Certainly worth exploring.”

If Gose agrees to move forward, Ausmus said they will put him in a pitching program in the extended spring training season – used mostly for injured players or players otherwise trying to find their way back.

It’s not a simple matter of standing on the mound and pitching, he said.

“Everyone thinks you just have to pitch,” he said.

But there are more bullpen sessions.

“(And he) probably won’t even throw a breaking ball until the third or fourth bullpen,” said Ausmus. "Then, he’s got to face live batters. Then he’s got games, which he can do in extended. He’s also got to learn how to field his position. He’s got to learn how to cover first base. He’s got to learn to field a bunt. He’s got to learn to control the running game. It’s not just throwing balls. There are other things that go with it.”

He’d also have to incorporate a pitcher’s shoulder exercises and conditioning.

Ausmus said Gose hasn’t fully committed – though Ausmus thinks he will – because he’s worried if he starts to pitch, he’ll be forgotten as a centerfielder.

“It’s still ultimately his decision whether he does it or not,” said Ausmus. “He may not want to give up on centerfield. (There is a) good possibility he will throw bullpens, continue pitching, maybe DH, and play a little outfield. That was the suggestion.”

“He’s not old,” Ausmus continued. “I think he understands it might be a real opportunity for him.”

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