Adrian Gonzalez

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This article is about the Major League Baseball player. For the footballer, see Adrián González (footballer).

**Adrian Gonzalez**
Gonzalez, playing for the Padres in 2007
San Diego Padres — No. 23
First Baseman
Born: May 8, 1982 (1982-05-08) (age 26)
Bats: Left	Throws: Left
Major League Baseball debut
April 18, 2004 for the Texas Rangers
Selected MLB statistics (through June 9, 2008)
Batting average	.285
Home Runs	78
Runs batted in	262
Teams
Texas Rangers (2004–2005) San Diego Padres (2006–present)

Adrian Gonzalez (born May 8, 1982 in San Diego, California) is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the San Diego Padres. He was the first overall pick in the 2000 draft by the Florida Marlins. The son of Mexican parents, Gonzalez lived twelve years of his youth in Mexico. He played for Mexico in the '06 World Baseball Classic. He plays winter ball in the Mexican Pacific League for the Mazatlan Deers (as a foreign).

[edit] Playing career

Gonzalez was the first infield position player to be drafted first overall since Alex Rodriguez in 1993. Adrian was drafted out of Eastlake High School and given a $3 million signing bonus. After a wrist injury, the Marlins felt Adrian would be hindered swinging the bat, so he was subsequently traded to the Texas Rangers in a deal for Ugueth Urbina. Adrian played for Texas in 2004 and 2005. After the season, he was traded to the San Diego Padres along with pitcher Chris Young and outfielder Terrmel Sledge. In return, the Rangers received Adam Eaton and Akinori Otsuka. Originally seen as an eventual replacement for Ryan Klesko at first base, Adrian was given the job when Klesko underwent shoulder surgery.

With extended playing time at first base in 2006, Gonzalez continued to improve his hitting, and showed flashes of gold glove caliber defense. In his first full season, he led the Padres in batting average (.300) and home runs (25). He was the first player in Petco Park history to have more than one multiple home run game.

In 2007, Gonzalez lead the padres in home runs again (with 30) and had a team-high 100 RBI.

His brother is fellow Padre Edgar Gonzalez.

[edit] External links

Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball-Reference, or The Baseball Cube
Official website

Preceded by Josh Hamilton	First overall pick in the MLB Entry Draft 2000	Succeeded by Joe Mauer

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San Diego Padres current roster

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Major League Baseball number one overall draft picks

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