Carlos Gonzalez: 2014 Player Grade
Carlos Gonzalez played in only 70 games this season and had a bizarre, injury-plagued year.
Carlos Gonzalez had a couple of bizarre injures in 2014. Those, coupled with the lack-luster play Gonzalez gave when he was healthy, led to a season he and most Rockies fans will soon want to forget.
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Gonzalez first landed on the DL in early June with discomfort in his finger. It was then discovered Gonzalez had a tumor in his finger that Rockies trainer Keith Duggar later described as “fatty mass with tentacles.”
Gonzalez had surgery to remove the tumor and remained on the DL until mid-July.
After returning from the DL, Gonzalez played in only 18 games before he landed on the DL again with torn patella tendon in his left knee, an injury that would eventually end his season.
Even when Gonzalez was playing, his numbers were still disappointing. In 2014 he hit .238/.232/.431 with 11 home runs and 38 RBI in 70 games. During the 18 games he played in between his DL stints, he hit .188 with 25 strikeouts in 69 plate appearances.
Defense also was a problem for Gonzalez this year. He posted his worst defensive season ever and was a constant hindrance in the outfield.
It might be time the Rockies consider parting ways with the former All-Star. With $16 million coming his way in 2015, it might be smart for the Rockies front office to start talks with other clubs about a possible trade.
Corey Dickerson has more than proved that he can play the outfield every day and it might be time the Rockies give him the full-time position. A Gonzalez trade would make this possible.
Regardless, it’s no question that his 2015 season will be leaps and bounds better than his 2014 season, especially if he is 100 percent healthy. The real question is if he will still be wearing purple and black come Opening Day.
2014 Grade: D-