Shortstop Alex Gonzalez, the most recent addition to the Braves' starting lineup, is enjoying one of his most productive seasons at the plate, and he seems to be fitting in nicely with his new double-play partner, second baseman Martin Prado. Gonzalez, who was acquired from the Blue Jays on July 14, had 17 home runs, 27 doubles and 52 RBIs entering Friday night's against the Marlins, the opener of a three-game series this weekend at Sun Life Stadium. The 33-year-old shortstop, who is in his 12th Major League season, has more doubles, home runs and extra-base hits as a shortstop than any other player in the big leagues this season. Gonzalez went 4-for-5 with two RBIs in Atlanta's 8-0 win Thursday against San Diego, and he has hit safely in six of his seven games since joining the Braves. Defensively, Gonzalez seems to be making the transition with his new team just fine. "He does everything so easy," Prado said. "Good shortstops and good-hands guys, they have the ability to make everything so easy." Braves manager Bobby Cox said that Gonzalez still has the range and ability to make the big plays at shortstop. "He's always been a great defender," Cox said. "He's got quick feet, quick hands, and his range is plenty good." Prado said that the biggest difference between Gonzalez and former Braves shortstop Yunel Escobar, who was part of the trade with the Blue Jays, is that Gonzalez has a little more experience. "That's the only thing that's different to me," Prado said. No one will argue, however, that Gonzalez's bat has made a major difference. This weekend's series is a homecoming for Gonzalez, who lives in South Florida and played for the Marlins from 1998-2005. This is the first time in almost two years, when he played for the Reds, that Gonzalez has returned to Sun Life Stadium and its "fast" and "quick" infield, as the shortstop described it. "You get some funny bounces," said Gonzalez, who said he had to acquire about 20 tickets for family and friends for Friday night's game. http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/...12549764&vkey=notebook_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
