Ranking the N.L. West in 2015: Right Field
Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Carlos Gonzalez may not seem like the best option to be atop this list, given his injury issues. However, when healthy, there is no denying that Gonzalez is, quite simply, the best all around right fielder in the National League West.
Gonzalez is a true power/speed player, notching four consecutive seasons with twenty or more home runs and stolen bases from 2010 through 2013. That perfomance helped him to two All-Star berths, a Silver Slugger award and a third place finish in the 2010 MVP award. Over that time, Gonzalez produced a .311/.370/.556 batting line, hitting 108 home runs and stealing 87 bases.
Yet, Gonzalez is far more than just an offensive presence. He won a Gold Glove award in 2010, 2012 and 2013, and has proven to be an excellent defensive player anywhere in the outfield. In 2011, when Gonzalez did not win the Gold Glove award, he led National League outfielders with twelve assists.
If healthy, Carlos Gonzalez is one of the best players in baseball, and the best right fielder in the National League West.