Javelina, Gonzalez Finalize 3-Year Contract

In a move that should come as a surprise to no one, the Julian Javelina and All-Star 1B Adrian Gonzalez have reached an agreement on a new 3-year contract that will keep Gonzalez with the team through at least the 2014 season, and probably beyond. Both sides had plenty to say about the pact.

"I'm just glad to be back," said Gonzalez. "[GM Jamie] Hoyle was the first person to recognize my talents and give me some long-term security. Now I'm back with the team I won my only Championship with; I can't complain."

Hoyle expanded on that.

"Adrian is back home, plain and simple," said Hoyle. "Not only is he an outstanding and special player, but he's a leader. We never expected to have a shot at drafting him, but we're happy we did. He's an important building block for us."

The Javelina are expecting Gonzalez's power to rebound some now that he's a year removed from shoulder surgery. While it seems unlikely he'll return to hitting 40+ HR again, it's not unreasonable to expect him to approach 35 home runs and 100+ RBI, all while posting above average average, run and walk totals.

Projections: .335, 105, 32, 115, 80