Report: D-backs among 3 teams in attendance to scout Adrian Gonzalez
Jan 24, 2019, 2:05 PM | Updated: Jan 25, 2019, 12:34 pm
Los Angeles Dodgers' Adrian Gonzalez, right, hits an RBI-single as Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Jeff Mathis watches during the third inning of a baseball game, Friday, April 14, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
(AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
The Arizona Diamondbacks were reportedly one of just three teams that sent observers to an Adrian Gonzalez showcase last week, according to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group.
The other two teams were the American League’s Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals.
But 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s John Gambadoro reported Friday that while the Diamondbacks did look at Gonzalez, they are not interested.
D-backs fans should know Gonzalez well; the 36-year-old first baseman played for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2012 through 2017 and was previously with the Padres from 2006 to 2010. He has also spent time with the Rangers, Red Sox and Mets, the latter of whom he played for last season.
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In 2018, Gonzalez had what was arguably the worst statistical year of his career. He hit .237 in New York, recording six home runs and 26 RBI with a .672 OPS and five doubles over 54 games. It was a decline from his days that earned him five All-Star appearances, four Gold Glove awards and two Silver Sluggers.
The D-backs have somewhat of a void at first base with the trade of Paul Goldschmidt to St. Louis, but already have Jake Lamb, Wilmer Flores and Christian Walker in their organization, all of whom are capable of manning that position. But Flores and Lamb’s services may also be needed elsewhere on the field, so adding depth at first couldn’t hurt.
The D-backs’ pitchers and catchers will conduct their first formal spring training workout on Feb. 13.
