Gonzo!!

The Next AL MVP?

Mark Teixeira, Miguel Cabrera and Paul Konerko. One thing besides being in the elite class of first baseman, they have all shared something this year. They've all been in the shadow of Adrian Gonzalez in baseball's first half. Since being acquired in the winter, for a package of prospects, headlined by Casey Kelly (#23 ranked prospect in the majors), Gonzalez has transcended the Red Sox lineup, taking over the number 3 spot, and putting up astronomical numbers.

Along with his 17 home runs, "Gonzo" has 77 RBI's and is hitting at a .354 clip, both of which are first in the AL. Leading two out of the three triple crown categories, and having just inked a 7 year 154 million dollar contract, it's still rare to hear or see Adrian talking to the media, and when he does, still remains a humble, grounded individual with the hunger to improve further.

To go along with the triple crown stats, new-age sabermetrics display the break-out, dominant season Gonzalez is having.

4th in WAR (Wins Above Replacement)
3rd in OPS (On-base plus Slugging)
4th in WRC+ (weighted runs created)

With numerous sabermetric stats showing Gonzalez is having, arguably the best season since David Ortiz in 2006, the seven years Gonzalez is due to have at Fenway Park seem to be a match made in heaven.With his swing so elegant and graceful, deceiving pitchers with his ability to hit any pitch in any location, it seems likely that Gonzalez is likely to win the MVP this year, and igniting, somewhat premature comparisons to former Red Sox great, Carl Yazstremski.