A few messages down Cary showed me why Gomes would be available in the FA draft:

I can understand Gomes being in the FA draft. In 2004, he only hit .071 in 5 games. If that manager either a) didn't believe in his potential or b) had too many immediate needs and didn't have room for a prospect, I think it's understandable to drop an .071 outfielder thus putting him in the FA draft. Remember Chris Carpenter was in a number of FA drafts last year, which was likely because of previous injury.