Carlos Gonzalez: When Are The Rockies Going To Call This Slugger Up?

Who has won the Matt Holliday trade?

If one were to look at just one of the prospects the Rockies received in the trade, Carlos Gonzalez, and viewed his Triple-A Colorado Springs stats, one could argue either way.

Gonzalez, an outfielder in the Rockies' farm system, has been absolutely tearing it up for the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. And when I mean tearing it up, that might be an understatement.

The undrafted free agent who originally signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks is just 23 years old, but has already been in three different Major League Baseball organizations.

In 2007, he, along with five other Arizona Diamondbacks, was traded to the Oakland A's organization for ace pitcher Dan Haren. Gonzalez spent limited time in the Diamondback's organization and never reached the major league level.

In November 2008, there was a trade between the Oakland A's and the Colorado Rockies. The deal, which sent Matt Holliday to Oakland for Gonzalez, closer Huston Street, and pitcher Greg Smith, was Gonzalez's second trade of his career.

Gonzalez saw a little bit of major league action last year with the Athletics. After being called up to the majors half way through the season, Gonzalez played 85 games with the Athletics. He batted just .242, and drove in 26 RBI on four home runs. But that little bit of major league experience proved crucial for Gonzalez.

This year, the outfielder started the season in Triple-A, and has won the hearts of many Rockies fans.  

Through 29 games, Gonzalez is batting .313 with three home runs, 31 RBI, and 16 extra base hits, including six triples. Gonzalez has 35 hits on the year and has an OBP of .414.

With 26 runs scored and four stolen bases, Gonzalez easily took home the Rockies' minor league batter of the month in April this year.

With his incredible first month in the minors, Gonzalez is a sure September call up, if not earlier for the struggling Colorado Rockies.

However, he might find it hard to get some playing time with the great play of outfielders Dexter Fowler, Brad Hawpe, Ryan Spilborghs, and Ian Stewart.