List of top 100 performers in the game - MLB 2012 Update - Part 8
12. Adrian Gonzalez
Despite playing half of his games at Petco Park, Adrian Gonzalez had an absolutely great time with the San Diego Padres. During his tenure with the Padres, the striker hit 32 home runs with 100 RBI’s and an impressive .888 OPS in five seasons. After completing
a successful run in San Diego, Gonzalez arrived at Boston where he achieved impressive results.
“We're seeing the emergence in one of the best players in the National League”, said Padres manager Bud Black.
Padres executive Kevin Towers said, “He's a tremendous role model. He represents the city and this organization very well.”
With the benefit of a more hitter friendly park, many analysts believed that Gonzalez will raise his game to a higher level. After moving into the Red Sox’s side, he did exactly that as he helped Boston secure memorable wins in Majors League Baseball.
In his first season with the Sox, he batted with a sensational .338 average and nearly won the American League batting title. The striker went on finish in the top 10 in the AL with 117 RBI’s, .957 Ops and 153 wRC+. In addition to his exceptional hitting
skills, the left hander was an asset in the field as well as he won his first Golden Glove award at the first base.
Gonzalez’s father, while speaking about his son said, “Seeing my kids playing together when they played with Mazatlan, I was so happy. But now with the Padres, it's a different story. Seeing them play in the same team that I can go to every day is very good,
very nice.”
While the Red Sox are struggling to find the best pitchers for their 2012 season campaign, it will not be a bad idea to start building a team around the terrific hitter. If Gonzalez can maintain his fantastic form in the year 2012, he will be very difficult
to stop. In fact, the only person who is capable of stopping him is himself. The Red Sox will be looking to capitalise on the advantage of having one of the best hitter in their line-up.
13. Felix Hernandez
Felix Hernandez has done a marvellous job for the Mariners since he joined the club. Although he did not get too much help from his team-mates in the past few years, Hernandez got things done when he was on the mount. Born in Venezuela, the right handed
pitcher is considered to be one of the most powerful pitchers in game right now.
After he burst onto the scene in 2005, Hernandez has not looked back. With his amazing pitching and throwing abilities, he made MLB hitters look like school boys. In twelve starts, he managed a decent 2.67 ERA and 3.34 K/BB.
However, it was not until 2009, when he found his real game play. Ranked in the top five among all starters for the last few seasons, he earned an impressive 2.73 ERA in 249.2 innings. If he continues to perform in the same fashion, he is likely to register
his name as a Hall of Famer.
Continued in part 9
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