1997 Season
Even after tearing ligaments in his left thumb playing winter ball and opening the season on the disabled list, Juan Gonzalez was one of baseball's most productive hitters. Despite missing all of April, he still managed his fourth 40-plus homer season and his second straight with at least 131 RBI. Gonzalez also hit nine first-pitch homers. He returned as the team's designated hitter, but moved to right field regularly in June.


Hitting
Few guys hit the ball harder than Gonzalez. He can be pitched to, as he'll chase breaking balls in the dirt rather than take a walk, but he's murder on just about everything thrown in the strike zone. He appeared less patient than in his 1996 MVP season, perhaps because the Rangers were struggling to score runs. Gonzalez hits for more power against lefties than righthanders, but he has no major platoon differential. He's hit better than .320 with men in scoring position in each of the last two seasons, helping him drive in 275 runs in 267 games. That's once-in-a-generation production.


Baserunning & Defense
Gonzalez is a one-dimensional player who doesn't attract attention in the field or on the bases. He lacks the range to be an outstanding right fielder, but has a strong enough arm to cut down runners trying to stretch singles into doubles. The risk of injury keeps Texas from trying to run with Gonzalez, who has good speed for a big man.

CREDIT: espn.com