Gonzalez seeks help from Mr. Padre

By: DAN HAYES - Staff Writer | Tuesday, January 29, 2008 10:37 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO -- This offseason, Adrian Gonzalez sought out Tony Gwynn's opinion of his approach at the plate. The two worked together twice a week, as recently as last week.

The 25-year-old has posted strong numbers in his first two seasons with the Padres, but he sees room for improvement. So does Gwynn.

The Hall of Famer who is now the baseball coach at San Diego State likes what he's seen from Gonzalez, but frankly, he believes the first baseman is capable of much more by cutting down on his mistakes. That development is the focal point of the pair's hitting sessions this winter at Tony Gwynn Stadium on San Diego State's campus.

"I'm gonna give it to 'em straight up," Gwynn said with a laugh. "With Adrian, it's simple. He's got a great swing, a great approach. In his case, it's more mental every time. He feels he's gotta do certain things like he's got to hit home runs and try to drive in runs. At times you have to take what they give you. ...

"You're talking about a (potential) .320-.330 guy hitting (.282)."

Gonzalez is coming off a season in which he had career highs of 30 home runs and 100 RBIs.

In two full seasons he has averaged 27 homers and 91 RBIs. But he's also struck out 253 times, including 140 in 646 at-bats last season.

That's why he went to Gwynn -- the two share agent John Boggs -- with an open mind, saying he's intent on improving his approach.

"He feels I can do more with my abilities," Gonzalez said. "A lot of times I get myself out, and he's trying to make me eliminate all those at-bats where I got myself out because my mentality and approach weren't right. ... Anybody would be dumb not to listen to Tony and not just try but to apply what he's telling you."

One point Gwynn is emphasizing with Gonzalez is utilizing his bat control and trying to go to the opposite field with more frequency. Of Gonzalez's 81 hits at Petco Park last season, only 18 went to the left of second base.

Too often, Gwynn said, he sees the 25-year-old trying to be pull-happy even if with pitches on the outside part of the plate. That leads to more mistakes. Ý

"He should take advantage," Gwynn said. "If they give you balls out over the plate you don't have to pull them. He'd go up and strike out. The (opposite field) is his strength. That's what he does best. Sometimes you have to remind him."

Manager Bud Black complimented Gonzalez's study habits and knowledge of how opposing pitchers will approach him. And he thinks that as he continues to develop, he'll become an even better hitter with an improved on-base percentage and more RBIs.

"He has the ability to do a lot of different things with a pitch," Black said. "He should continue to get better just based on the fact that sometimes he expands the zone a little too much. That's a good sign. Once he realizes there are some times that pitchers are going to pitch around him, and he learns to lay off certain pitches, you'll really see some great productivity."

Gwynn and Black also think the time is right for Gonzalez's game to mature.

For one, there's no uncertainty surrounding Gonzalez's contract status as he's locked up through 2010, with a club option for 2011. He also has two full seasons of knowledge at his disposal and 1,557 career plate appearances.

"Now let's find out how good a hitter you can be," Gwynn said. "Go up and be smart and let's not be trying to do too much. Pick your spots, drive in the run. In the three hole that's your job.

"He can really be something."

Contact staff writer Dan Hayes at dhayes@nctimes.com.