Brandon Gomes' answers to a reporter's questions don't change much, year to year.
And if you know Gomes, that makes sense. His answers reflect his professional career philosophy of hard work, smart work, listening more than talking, building solid trusting relationships and approaching every day as a learning experience. That philosophy has rapidly taken him to significant heights with the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball organization.
As a vice president and assistant general manager with the Dodgers, Gomes, 34, is busier than ever. He was promoted from Director of Player Development to VP/assistant GM last month, during spring training.
Seemingly very comfortable living and working in L.A., Gomes has not forgotten his Fall River roots. Approached for an interview a couple of weeks ago, the Durfee High and Tulane University grad and former major league pitcher with Tampa Bay explained, in a quick text, that he was ultra-busy that week but to please get back to him the following week.
The Herald News did just that and the ever-efficient Gomes worked in interview time on his drive into work at Chavez Ravine Saturday morning (PCT). Yes, he assured, he was operating his phone on a hands-free basis on the L.A. freeway system.
"I'm very pleased to have this opportunity, to be in this position," said Gomes, who started his front office career as Dodgers' as Minor League Pitcher Coordinator. in September of 2016 "Me feelings are all positive on all sides."
Asked how the emotion involved with ascending to high management with a major league baseball team compared with the thrill of making it to the major leagues as a player, Gomes paused briefly, and then said, "Good question. It's equal. It's as exciting. It's the next step over the course of my career. I'm learning something every day and giving my input."
There may be no aspect of a professional sports general manager's (or assistant general manager's) job more conspicuous, more open to media and public scrutiny, than player evaluation. Trades. Free agent signings. Re-signing or not re-signing your own players. Stars. Role players. Putting the team puzzle together, again and again. GMs and assistant GMs can look like geniuses, or they can leave the fans and critics wondering what the heck they were thinking.
As is his style, Gomes calmly and thoughtfully embraces that challenge.
"Everyone comes from a different background in the game so I can only speak to my own process," Gomes wrote in a text. "It’s a combination of watching/playing games, talking with scouts, Player Development staff, and diving into the numbers to try and get as clear of a picture as possible about the player. As far as making decisions, it’s a collaborative effort with the group offering opinions and coming to a decision that we feel will be best for the organization."
Gomes answers to Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers' president of baseball operations. Friedman was Tampa Bay's general manager when Gomes played for the Rays, and they had more than a few conversations in those days, laying the groundwork for Gomes' career transition from player to front office.
“Brandon has made a significant impact on our operations in each of the roles he has held," Friedman said in an email. "He’s exceptional at connecting with people and this promotion was an obvious move when you combine that with his mind for the game as well as his on-field experience. He will be integrally involved in our efforts across all departments as we work hard to bring a World Championship back to our great fans.”
Being involved in all departments means, of course, that Gomes' phone doesn't get shut off. A call or text or email might come at any time. From almost anywhere. Couple that with the significant hours at Dodger Stadium and Gomes is resigned to the fact that there will be days when seven hours of snooze time simply are not on life menu.
"I like to sleep," he said, "but I'd rather be productive than get sleep."
Email Greg Sullivan at gsullivan@heraldnews.com. Follow him at GregSullivanHN.