The Albany Times-Union has a story on pitcher Murillo Gouvea, who is Brazilian, plays baseball and not soccer! (anyone else find this a little stereotypical?)
Gouvea, on being one of 12 Brazilians in the minors:
"I'm working on just throwing strikes," Gouvea said. "Throwing strikes and getting outs."
That current combination of knockout stuff and a lack of consistent command suggests Gouvea may be best suited for a relief role -- in nine appearances as a reliever for the Astros' rookie-ball affiliate in Greenville, N.C., last season, Gouvea sported a 3.77 ERA over 282/3 innings, striking out 30 and walking only eight.
But for now, he's just happy to be breaking the mold and, perhaps, blazing a trail.
"We don't have too many great players in Brazil, but there is talent," Gouvea said. "If one person born in Brazil gets to the major leagues, it could really open the doors."
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
