All-Time Indians: Juan Gonzalez

Juan Gonzalez was signed by the Indians on January 9th, 2001 to a one-year, $10 million contract, marking the final desperate attempt at winning a World Series while the magic of the mid to late 90’s was surrounding the ball club. Like the Tribe, Juan Gonzalez was a dominant force in Major League Baseball during much of the 90’s. Signed as an amateur free agent by the Texas Rangers in 1986, Gonzalez made a tremendous impact in his first full season of play in 1991. That would be the first of nine straight seasons of some of the most impressive displays of hitting in all of baseball. During that period Gonzalez averaged 37 HR and 117 RBI while posting a triple slash of .296/.346/.588. Gonzalez was one of the greatest run producers during the 90’s, especially from 1995-1998 when he played in 511 games, racking up 514 RBI. In 1998, Gonzalez became the first player since Hank Greenberg in 1935 to accumulate 100 RBI before the All-Star break. Gonzalez was a two-time MVP award winner during his time with the Rangers (1996, 1998). Surprisingly, he was only named to two All-Star games during this period (1993, 1998).

Following the 1999 season, with only one year remaining on his contract, Gonzalez was traded to the Detroit Tigers in a nine-player deal. The next season was one of the worst seasons of Gonzalez’ career; while he hit .289/.337/.505 for a OPS+ of 116, he only played in 115 games, hitting just 22 home runs. Detroit’s Comerica Park, which was brand new at the time Gonzalez arrived in Detroit, may have been a blessing in disguise for the Tribe. Gonzalez’ distaste for Comerica’s spacious dimensions was one of the driving forces behind him rejecting a reported 8 year, $140-million extension in 2000. Gonzalez was granted free agency after his one season with the Motor City Kitties.

Still reeling from the loss of long-time slugger Manny Ramirez to free agency, the Indians brought in three new faces to make up for Ramirez’ output, including Gonzalez, Ellis Burks, and Marty Cordova. All three had great seasons for the Tribe, but it was Gonzalez who would have the greatest impact. Once again Gonzalez was an RBI machine during the first half of the 2001 season, accumulating 83 RBI in 79 games; leading to him being voted as a starter in the All-Star game.

The 2001 Indians lineup was one of the best lineups the Indians have ever had and stacks up against any of the 90’s Indians teams. Lead by fellow All-Star selection, Roberto Alomar, all-time Tribe slugger Jim Thome, and rookie southpaw C.C. Sabathia, the Indians won their 6th AL Central crown that season, finishing six games ahead of the second place Minnesota Twins.

That season saw Gonzalez re-established himself as one of the premier sluggers in the game. He finished the year with a triple slash of .325/.370/.590, while hitting 35 home runs and driving in 140 RBI. Along with earning his third career All-Star selection, Gonzalez finished 5th in the MVP vote in 2001 and earned his 6th career Silver Slugger award. His 140 RBI was the second highest total in the AL that seasons, his .325 batting average was 6th in the American League, his .590 SLG was good for 5th, he finished 6th in OPS with .960, 9th in home runs, his 148 OPS+ was the 8th best rate.

In the first round of the playoffs, the Indians would face off against the Seattle Mariners, a team that won a record 116 games that season. Gonzalez had a great series, hitting .348 with 3 doubles, 2 home runs, and 5 RBI. Despite Gonzalez’ efforts, the Tribe dropped the ALDS to the Mariners in 5 games.

Following his one year stay with the Tribe, he was granted free agency and signed a two year deal with Texas Rangers. Gonzalez was plagued by various injuries during his short stay in Texas and would be granted free agency at the end of the 2003 season. He signed on with the Kansas City Royals, but again was unable to play a full season due to injuries. After being granted free agency after the 2004 season, Gonzalez signed a one-year deal to comeback to the Indians for the 2005 season. He made just one plate appearance that season before tearing his hamstring while running out a grounder.

Despite spending his most successful seasons in Texas, Gonzalez feels more fondly of his time in Cleveland. Gonzalez appreciated the Cleveland fan base and has been quoted in an ESPN Dallas article as saying, “I saw what a passionate fan is … . They involved themselves in the game in the heat of the moment, they involved themselves in the game. In Cleveland, they fall in love with their ballplayers. But a lot of people see us just as machines that produce.”

Gonzalez’ single at bat in the 2005 season would be his final at bat in the majors. He spent time in the Independent League in 2006 as well as in the Puerto Rican league during 2006-2007. He was invited to spring training with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008, but after suffering another injury, he retired from Major League Baseball.