NC Times: Adrian Gonzalez an asset that needs protection

Reverse Psychology Marketing…the Jon Garland method.

Avoiding Gonzalez in crucial situations has been the modus operandi of opposing pitchers since early in the 2008 season. Without a legitimate power hitter to protect him in the lineup, pitchers would rather walk Gonzalez than let him beat them.

Last season, Gonzalez—who homered every 13.8 at-bats—walked a National League-high 119 times, including 22 of the intentional variety. Though he led the Padres in plate appearances with runners in scoring position, Gonzalez had 33 fewer at-bats in those situations than Kevin Kouzmanoff and 29 fewer than Chase Headley, because he walked 52 times.

“Usually when I do a scouting report, there’s going to be one guy in that lineup that’s not going to beat me in any situation,” said new Padres pitcher Jon Garland, who walked Gonzalez in five of 15 matchups last season. “If I’m pitching to the Padres, and he’s up with the bases loaded, I don’t care if I walk him because I would rather give up one (run) than four.”

...Garland might disagree, however. He wants to see the hitters around Gonzalez prove they’re worthy.

“Most people think if the bases are loaded, you have to attack that guy, and you don’t,” Garland said. “If you’re up a couple (runs) and you believe in your guys, I’d rather walk him and the next guy get me and give up the one than letting him get me.”