Adrian Gonzalez’ Hot Bat Is Great News For Dodgers
By Pablo Jacobo
Los Angeles Dodgers 1B Adrian Gonzalez started off the year making history by hitting five home runs in the first 3 games in the season. Gonzalez went on a tear to begin his campaign by collecting 19 hits through nine games while batting a blistering .528 leading the majors in every offensive category.
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As the season progressed Gonzalez’ averages began to tumble as he cooled off considerably. After hitting .383 in April, the following months he hit .274 (May), .248 (June) and .216 (July). Fans didn’t pay attention to his reduced production because the Dodgers were winning and enjoying rookie sensation Joc Pederson’s great season. But as soon as their bats went MIA, fans were getting restless.
The good news for LA is that A-Gone is finding his groove again. In the month of July he’s hit seven home runs in his last 11 games. He accomplished a nice little nugget with his last two bombs.
Adrian Gonzalez: Hit HR in both segments of suspended game, Dodgers-Nationals
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 18, 2015
1st to do so since Joe Carter for Blue Jays, May 3-4, 1996
For whatever reason the Dodgers have lost countless games this year due to the lack of run support. It’s concerning because despite being first place (51-40) in the division they are struggling against teams with winning records (8-19). To make matters worse, LA is 18-23 on the road. Not a good sign for a team with championship aspirations.
A good sign for LA is that Gonzalez’ latest home run binge in July will help translate to more wins. Just like in the beginning of the year when the Dodgers looked unbeatable, Gonzalez was the catalyst. In the 2015 season, El Titan is tied with Pederson for team-lead 20 home runs and 58 RBI. He’s hitting .285 this year which is slightly higher than his 2014 season BA of .283. The way he’s swinging the bat now, his average should rise quickly and be a positive sign moving forward.
Adrian Gonzalez has 20 home runs in 91 team games. His quickest to 20 home runs since 2010 with Padres (90 games). He hit 31 HR that year
— Eric Stephen (@ericstephen) July 18, 2015
Last season Gonzalez led the entire majors with 116 RBI. His production with the bat earned him his second silver slugger award becoming the first Dodger infielder since Eric Karros to win it in 1995.
As of now Gonzalez is on pace to fall short of his 2014 RBI production according to the MLB’s website fantasy projections. He is slated to hit 29 home runs and knock in 98 runs. Take that with a grain of salt because the way he’s knocking balls out of the park, those projections are going to be meaningless.
In the last 15 games, Gonzalez in 52 plate appearances is slugging .577 with seven jacks. With the added rest over the All-Star break, the 33-year-old should continue his hot streak. Hopefully the team catches on and it translates to more wins, especially on the road. LA is on a 10-game road trip.
The way the inconsistent hitting has plagued the Dodgers, Gonzalez may have to carry this team all the way to October. Can Gonzalez keep it up is the question. For LA fans, let’s hope that beautiful swing continues whacking away.