SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The return of Carlos Gonzalez sparked a feel-good festival at Salt River Fields this week. His bright smile and easy laugh instantly brightened the mood at the Rockies’ spring training home.
But the warm fuzzies won’t last if Gonzalez doesn’t produce on the field, and after his struggles last season, legitimate questions remain about just how productive the 32-year-old right fielder will be. A sizzling September was encouraging, but 2017 was still one of the most maddening seasons of his 10-year career. He batted .262 with a .762 OPS, 14 homers and 57 RBIs, his worst numbers since his injury-marred 2014 season (.