Colorado Rockies’ Jim Tracy assigns Carlos Gonzalez to left-field – MLB News
Jim Tracy, the Manager of Colorado Rockies, is making Carlos Gonzalez the usual left fielder rather than moving him in the order of all three outfield spots.
It looks as if Tracy is very pleased with Gonzalez performance during 2010 as he managed to win the Gold Glove Award and the National League hitting title as well. Gonzalez is a tremendous player with immense talent. Tracy recognises these qualities and
had decided to assign Gonzalez with left-field position.
Gonzalez was okay with decision as he understands the importance of working on a team effort and although individual talents are good, it usually takes a group performance to take home a win.
Carlos said, "I'm here to play whatever he wants me to play. He told me I'm going to play once in a while in center field. He told me that I deserve it because of the Gold Glove. But at the same time, I'm here to help the team. I'm not here to win Gold Gloves."
Playing in left-field allows the team to let Gonzalez perform at his own pace and also the ability to conserve energy for hitting. Gonzalez is extremely talented and can field in any position on the field, however for now it seems that Tracy wants him to
be in left-field during Spring Training to see how it goes and whether or not to carry this same strategy into the regular season.
Tracy said, "I think it's only fair to Carlos Gonzalez that we put him in one place and leave him alone -- the eve of the team's first Spring Training game against the D-backs in the inaugural game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.”
Gonzales expressed his imposing position as, Gonzalez, who strikes .336 with 34 home runs and 117 RBIs in 2010, ended second among National League outfielders in fielding with a .996 average. It didn't trouble him that he began 55 games in the middle, 34
in right and 51 in left.
As Spring Training starts, the Colorado Rockies will be looking to put in a good performance and try to dominate and win as many games as possible. The spring session will give the team the ability to try out different field positions and line-up changes.
The Rockies are fully aware of the potential that Gonzalez has and how they can effectively use his talents to win ballgames. The spring session will give not only the team to put in some measurable improvements, but the players as well.
It will be interesting to see how Gonzalez manages his new left-field position and what impact it may have on his overall performance for the team.
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