Adrian Gonzalez

2013

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2012

Statistically, 2011 was the best of Gonzalez's career, as he posted career-highs in hits, runs, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. There was a sense he'd hit more homers in the move to Boston, but there's little else to complain about. He had a couple of nagging injuries, but was in the starting lineup 159 times and has missed just seven games in the past three seasons. Gonzalez is locked in as Boston's starting first baseman after signing a seven-year extension with the club early in the 2011 season.

2011

Gonzalez once again had a great season as a member of the Padres. He stayed healthy, hit 30 homers for the fourth straight season, hit for a good average (.298), and was an on-base machine. He had better numbers on the road (.315/.402/.578) than at home (.279/.383/.438), but that's understandable considering Petco Park. In the offseason, he was finally traded to Boston. The improved park and lineup should boost his stats and finally show the world what he's capable of achieving. Few first basemen will have as much upside as Gonzalez heading into 2011.

2010

Should Gonzalez be traded, he would immediately become the second-best first baseman in fantasy. On the road last year, he hit .306/.402/.643, and he's had big home/road splits due to playing in Petco Park for four years running. In Fenway Park, in a lineup where he bats with runners on a lot, he'd have production numbers like Ryan Howard. Until then, he'll just have to be a great player whose fantasy value is less than it should be.

2009

Gonzalez, who has only missed one game over the past two seasons combined is as productive as he is reliable, setting a career high in homers and RBI during the 2008 campaign. But beware, his HR/FB rate was extremely lofty and is likely to regress, making it difficult for him to match his 2008 total of 36 bombs. That said, he is now in the class of sluggers that can be counted on for 30 homers and 100 RBI. His only fault is a high strikeout rate, which tempers his batting average a bit, so he will need a little good fortune to hit better than .280.

2008

Gonzalez reached some nice round numbers in 2007: 30 homers and 100 RBI. He also hit .282, a departure from his .304 mark in 2006 but still a strong offensive season in one of the majors' most pitcher-friendly home ballparks. Gonzalez increased his doubles total from 38 to 46 in 2007 and is a well-balanced young hitter who can drive the ball to all fields. Think of Gonzalez like a sea-level Todd Helton, circa 2003. At 25 years old, he should be entering his prime as San Diego's starting first baseman.

2007

Gonzalez cemented his status as a cornerstone of the Padres' future plans with a huge 2006 season, his first full major league campaign. He's a good all-around hitter who will split the gaps and also hit the ball over the fence. Expect Gonzalez to anchor the middle of the Padres' lineup for years to come.

2006

The power started to come in 2005, which was Gonzalez's only real weakness before. He was blocked in Texas by Mark Teixeira and Phil Nevin, so he could now win a starting job at first base with the Padres after coming over in the Adam Eaton trade. While playing in a pitcher's park won't help, he could surprise if he wins regular playing time.

2005

Gonzalez is still not showing a great deal of power, but he's still young for his level. Mark Teixeira is considered the long-term solution at first base in Texas now, so Gonzalez may be dangled as trade bait.

2004

Gonzalez tanked during his first exposure to Triple-A, and then was dealt to Texas in the Ugie Urbina swap. He didn't hit particularly well at Double-A following the trade either, but he flashed decent power and a good eye during the Arizona Fall League. A strong spring could land him with a job in Arlington, especially since Rafael Palmeiro left for Baltimore.

2003

Jason Stokes got all the ink in 2002, but all Gonzalez did was hit .266/.344/.437 with 96 RBI as the youngest everyday player in the Double-A Eastern League. That's two levels higher than Stokes, and Gonzalez is three and a half months younger. There's nobody in the pipeline between Gonzalez and Derrek Lee, so the Marlins will probably let him try Triple-A in 2003 and see how he does. If he looks ready, and if Florida is out of the playoff hunt and decides it needs to cut payroll again, he could be the starting 1B by the end of the year.