Video: Adrian Gonzalez Discusses Mattingly’s Extension, Australia
First baseman Adrian Gonzalez enjoyed a strong 2013 campaign after coming over from the Boston Red Sox in the blockbuster trade in 2012. He helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win their first National League West title and advance to the NLCS for the first time since 2009.
The 31-year-old took the time to discuss the new extension for manager Don Mattingly via MLB.com:
It’s always great to have stability, knowing who’s in charge and having a guy that we all respect and we all enjoy being behind.
Mattingly finalized a three-year deal with the team that’ll keep him in Los Angeles until at least 2016. Gonzalez was one of the key contributors and most consistent bat for the Dodgers last season and seems to be happy with the extension. Excitement has begun to spread around the organization and Gonzalez says he’s worked harder this off-season after being so close to the World Series in 2013.
The Dodger season will begin a little earlier this season, as the Dodgers are slated to take on the Arizona Diamondbacks in Australia for the 2014 Opening Series. Gonzalez gave his thoughts on starting the season a little earlier:
You just go about it the same way and Australia will be a fun experience. Two games that will matter. The strange thing is gonna be playing exhibition games after you play two regular season games.
Here’s the video of Gonzalez talking about Mattingly and the start of the season:
