Juan González

:For the journalist and radio host, see Juan Gonzalez

Best years

González' first full season was 1991. It was his first of many 100-plus RBI seasons, proving himself a capable middle of the line-up run producer. He improved his batting average and home run totals over the next few seasons, leading the league in homers in 1992 (43) and 1993 (46).

Related Topics:
1991 - Batting average - Home run - 1992 - 1993

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On the strength of González' steady production at the plate, Texas finished first the AL West division in 1996, 1998 and 1999, although they were eliminated in all three seasons by the New York Yankees in the American League Championship Series. Between 1996-98, González averaged 45 home runs and 144 RBI, the most productive period in his career. He won the American League MVP award in 1996 and 1998. Many consider his MVP award in 1996 to be injustice, as González's number were far outmatched by Albert Belle, who was unpopular with the media (coincidentally, the media selects the MVP).

Related Topics:
AL West - 1996 - 1998 - 1999 - New York Yankees - American League Championship Series - American League MVP award - Albert Belle

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Fearing they would be unable to meet González' rising salary demands, Texas elected to trade him in the postseason, eventually settling on a deal with the Detroit Tigers. On November 2, 1999, he was traded with Danny Patterson and Gregg Zaun to Detroit for Frank Catalanotto, Francisco Cordero, Bill Haselman, Gabe Kapler, Justin Thompson and Alan Webb.

Related Topics:
Detroit Tigers - November 2 - 1999 - Danny Patterson - Gregg Zaun - Frank Catalanotto - Francisco Cordero - Bill Haselman - Gabe Kapler - Justin Thompson - Alan Webb

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The following season was a disaster for González and the Tigers as a team. 2000 was the opening year for Detroit's new ballpark, Comerica Park, and the team's management had counted on strong seasons from the team's new players to draw interest from fans. But, hampered by injuries and unable to adjust to Comerica's unfavourable dimensions, González had one of the poorest seasons of his career. Detroit had gambled on the one-year remaining on his contract hoping to spark fan interest and lost. however, this move turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Tiger fans, for it ultimately lead to the firing of General Manager Randy Smith in early 2002.

Related Topics:
2000 - Comerica Park

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González resurrected his career in 2001 with the Cleveland Indians, where he was asked to fill the void left behind as a result of Manny Ramirez' free agency departure to the Boston Red Sox. González batted a career-best .325 with 35 home runs and 140 RBI, leading the Indians to the postseason.

Related Topics:
2001 - Cleveland Indians - Manny Ramirez - Boston Red Sox

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On January 8, 2002, González signed with the Texas Rangers. On January 6, 2004, he signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Kansas City Royals.

Related Topics:
January 8 - 2002 - January 6 - 2004 - Kansas City Royals

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In 2004, González was sidelined with a lower back injury on May 22. He missed the rest of the season.

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