Who would have though that veteran shortstop Alex Gonzalez would become such a hero? 

The 33 year old spent the first half of the season swatting homers at an uncharacteristically rapid rate for the Toronto Blue Jays, earning some rare headlines in the process. Then he was traded to the Atlanta Braves this past Wednesday and given a welcome fit for a king, reportedly being “greeted with a standing ovation from his Braves teammates” on his arrival on Thursday and getting cheered to the rafters by the Turner Field crowd. 

Gonzalez would be forgiven for feeling a little embarrassed by all the new-found attention he’s been receiving lately, particularly as his warm reception in Atlanta was as much about the feelings against the player he has replaced than the feelings towards him.  Continue reading →