Carlos Gomez extension struck at right time for Brewers

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If you had told me prior to last season the Brewers would extend Carlos Gomez into his free agent years, I would have said they were crazy. Well, that's exactly what the team did today in tying up the center fielder through the 2016 season.

After last season's success, which was Gomez finally realizing what the Twins, Mets and Brewers had all hoped for, it's a move that is very telling of a Brewers franchise, finally gaining financial stability and gaining credibility along with the ability to sign players long-term.

Signing Ryan Braun through the 2020 season makes sense because he's an MVP. Signing Yovani Gallardo makes sense because he has the potential to be the ace of a pitching staff. Signing Gomez initially seems like a stretch, but actually makes sense, too. The 27 year old had already cemented himself has a stellar defender, but the Brewers were waiting for him to emerge as the type of offensive player they could rely on to play every day.

Baseballreference.com shows they finally have that player. Gomez had his career best output last season in many key offensive categories. His batting average (.260), on-base percentage (.305), slugging percentage (.463) and OPS (.768) are reasons why he now has a $24 million contract. He also had career highs in doubles, homers and stolen bases.

While he still showed signs of that player who seemingly had a bet going with Yuniesky Betancourt as to who could be worse at the plate (he struck out 98 times and walked just 20 times last season), the offense was livable consistently for the first time since he arrived in Milwaukee last season.

As Gomez told Adam McCalvy in his story on Brewers.com, he knows he has work to do. Manager Ron Roenicke agrees, but likes the direction Gomez is going and should be part of a solid team that will remain together until at least 2015.

The contract extension for Go Go comes just in time for the year he gets his first bobblehead. Fittingly enough it is of him making a catch. It's what he does best. Plan for it June 9!