First-Half Grades: First Base

Adrian Gonzalez was an unproven young hitter coming to a club whose manager has shown a reluctance to give such players consistent playing time. An injury to Ryan Klesko, however, forced Bruce Bochy’s hand — and Gonzalez responded to the opportunity.

Despite a subpar on base percentage (.316), Gonzalez has demonstrated that he can hit for average and power at the big-league level. He leads the Padres in home runs (13) and is tied for second in doubles (16) at the All-Star break. No 24-year-old currently in the majors has more home runs this season.

Perhaps more importantly, Gonzalez has provided stellar defense, showing good instincts around the bag and instilling confidence in his infielders by being able to dig up just about anything they throw at him. Gonzalez easily is the best defensive first baseman the Padres have had since Wally Joyner was in San Diego.

The only downsides so far have been a low walk total (18 in 302 AB), a poor showing against southpaws (.226/.250/.290 in 62 AB), and a general inability to contribute much with runners in scoring position (.216/.287/.297 in 74 AB). All but one of his homers this year have been solo shots.

But we’re nitpicking. This is a guy who wasn’t supposed to make the team out of spring training and he’s been one of the more consistent offensive producers in the first half. Gonzalez is young and has room to grow. He has been a pleasant surprise who — as the Padres have indicated by their willingness to move Klesko — doesn’t figure to yield his position anytime soon.

Grade: B

1 Responses »

  1. I think Adrian is a B+, particularly when you compare him to Klesko. Ryan hda only 18 homers all year last year. Adrian had 13 in the first half. Ryan only knowked in 58 all year last yeare , while Adrian had 37 in the first half. When you consider Adrian’s defense, price, and age, he is a huge improvement over Ryno.