TVT 2044.11 - Flashback: 2041 Angel Gonzalez

[StormZ_23]

Angel Gonzalez is having a fantastic start to the 2044 season. He has the most WAR out of every batter in the Frick League. Over the past few seasons, he has stuck around the 4 WAR mark. Then you look at the 8.4 WAR in 2041 and you think, what happened? Was that year a fluke? What has changed this year? Well, this year he has been used as a leadoff hitter when he faces RHP. He does not draw many walks, but he was put in that spot due to the fact that the Mounties don't have a true leadoff hitter. However, Gonzalez has thrived so far. This incredible start to the season has fans reminiscent of Gonzalez' 2041 season. Let's take a look back at that season.

2041 was an incredible season for Gonzalez. He won the FL Sawyer Silk award as he led the Mounties to their first playoff appearance since 2031. Let's just list his stats:

AVG: .364
OPS: 1.072
wRC+: 161
WAR: 8.4
2B: 62
HR: 39
RBI: 139
SB: 54

Apart from stolen bases, Gonzalez hasn't exceeded any of his career highs that were set in 2041. That season was an offensive explosion for the Mounties and Gonzalez led that explosion. What's interesting is that he was not the leadoff hitter against RHP in 2041, he was typically between the #2 and #3 spot. He continued to occupy those spots in 2042 and 2043, but he was never able to repeat that 2041 season. So, is Gonzalez the leadoff hitter the Mounties have needed all along? I hope so, I'm curious what he will look like a month from now. Let's hope he continues this upward trajectory and signs a contract extension sometime soon.