In a blockbuster deal between the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers that sent San Diego star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, along with Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford, and Nick Punto to the Dodgers, the newly owned Dodgers are pushing for a playoff run. Prior to the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Dodgers made key acquisitions in Hanley Ramirez, Shane Victorino, and Joe Blanton in hopes to catch up to the NL West leading San Francisco Giants. With the addition of star Adrian Gonzalez and strengthing their bench and pitching rotation with Nick Punto, Carl Crawford, and Josh Beckett the Dodgers are hopeful of beating out the Giants and making the playoffs. In Gonzalez’s first year as a Red Sox, after leaving the San Diego Padres with a 7 year 154 million dollar contract, rumors of a frustrated and unsettled Adrian Gonzalez rose. With Boston, Gonzalez had a batting average of .300, with 15 home runs, and 86 runs batted in. Boston believed that it was time to start thinking of the future and restart, due to all the frustration with the players and the staff.

The possibility of a trade of this caliber happening was slim to none. When the trade went down Dodger fans were ecstatic and San Diego native Adrian Gonzalez was happy as well. In L.A. Adrian is closer to home and now with a team that presents a chance of making the playoffs. Wearing his old number, 23, Adrian Gonzalez made his Dodger debut on Saturday August 25, 2012 against the Marlins, and in his very first at bat wearing Dodger blue Gonzalez received his first standing ovation following a 3-run home run. It seems that the SanDiego star’s future is bright in L.A.