Notable Numerals: Adrian Gonzalez
Last week’s Notable Numerals took us on a journey through the unreal stats of Carl Crawford. As players report to Fort Myers and we get closer to the 1st full squad workout of the Spring, let’s take a look at the other headline-grabbing name that will be joining the Boston Red Sox in camp for the 1st time this Spring, Adrian Gonzalez. Gonzo has been in the majors for at least parts of 7 seasons with the Texas Rangers and then San Diego Padres before being traded to the Sox in December. At age 28, he is one of the best left-handed power-hitters in the game and still has room for growth and improvement. His presence will surely be felt in the Sox lineup this season. Without further ado, let’s take a glimpse at some telling stats from Gonzo’s career thus far.
Home runs the past 5 seasons. For those of you curious, that amounts to an average of 32.2 home runs per season for the big slugger. His power numbers have been impressive, to say the least, since he joined the San Diego Padres in 2006. When you factor in the park that the Padres play 81 games in per season, Petco Park, is statistically pitcher-friendly, his numbers are even better looking. The good news for Gonzo is that Fenway Park is most decidedly a hitter-friendly park and his natural swing will place his home runs at the Green Monster’s mercy, just over 300 feet from home plate. He has the potential to eclipse his career high of 40 home runs in 2009 and many believe he has a legit shot at hitting 50 in the near future.
* * *
Of the possible 810 regular season games played since joining the Padres in 2006. Gonzo has been one of the most reliable and consistent forces on the Padres over the last 5 years, playing practically every day, no matter what. He has been extremely durable and wants to be on the field every day, even if he has a nagging injury, like his shoulder issue last season. When breaking it down further, Gonzo has missed just 5 games over the last 4 years, playing in no less than 160 games each season. After the year the Sox had in 2010, health and toughness are 2 wonderful qualities in a player that will benefit the team in the long run, because injuries will inevitably rear their ugly head.
* * *
Batting average on 1st pitches throughout his career. The Red Sox identity over the past several years has been a team that grinds out at-bats and wears out a pitcher until he makes a mistake. Gonzo is a different type of player. He strikes-out more than he walks most years and is a big proponent of swinging earlier in counts than a Kevin Youkilis, for example. To add to his high average, Gonzo has a .702 slugging percentage on 1st pitches, which is higher than any other count. Having that knowledge, some pitchers may try to pitch around Gonzo on the 1st pitch, but when ahead in the count (1-0, 2-0 or 3-0), his average doesn’t drop much (.343), so there isn’t much of an advantage for opposing pitchers to waste the 1st pitch.
* * *
Percent of the time Gonzo hit a Grand Slam when hitting with the bases-loaded in 2010. He accumulated 3 Grand Salamis in 12 plate appearances last season, proving his ability to hit big in very clutch situations. With runners in scoring position, Gonzo hits at .312 with a .557 slugging percentage. He doesn’t shy away from big RBI and run-scoring opportunities, which he will surely see more of in the meat of an impressive lineup in Boston. With Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia setting the table and Kevin Youkilis or Carl Crawford likely in the 3-hole, you can bet Gonzo will see men on base in front of him a ton in 2011 and as a result, hopefully drive in 100+ runs for the 4th time in his career.
* * *
Intentional walks the last 2 seasons combined. Both of the past 2 seasons, Gonzo has finished 2nd in the league in intentional walks, to no one’s surprise. He had an ok lineup around him in San Diego, with him as the definite centerpiece of power, making him a target for the free pass often. Last season, he was walked 35 times, but in his new, more impressive lineup, opposing pitchers will likely be more cautious about issuing the free pass. If you walk Gonzo, then the pitcher will likely need to face a combination of David Ortiz, J.D. Drew, Kevin Youkilis, or Carl Crawford, depending on the actual batting order. As we have seen in the past with the Sox, if you walk someone intentionally, it generally comes back to bite you because of the sheer number of talented hitters in the lineup.
It is no surprise to anyone that Gonzo is one of the best hitters in baseball and now being added to a stacked lineup and playing in a hitter-friendly park, his numbers will likely only continue to improve. He is 28 and in his prime, coming off 4 straight 30+ home run and 99+ RBI seasons. With his recent arrival in Fort Myers, the little concern with his recovery from off-season shoulder surgery seems to be disappearing, because he has declared himself healthy and ahead of schedule. If he is ready to go on opening day and is able to play in 150+ games this season, Sox fans could be witnessing history with his offensive skill and focus. Spring is in the air…