DENVER -- During the holidays, we share trinkets and joy, but this is the story of a gift presented on Sept. 24.
Rockies star outfielder Carlos Gonzalez watched with pride from the visitors' dugout in Los Angeles as the Dodgers presented corner-infield prospect Edwin Rios, who hit 27 home runs at three levels in his first full pro season, with their Branch Rickey Minor League Player of the Year Award. The performance was Rios' thank you for all Gonzalez gave last winter, and continues to offer.
"I don't want to say something corny or anything, but it was crazy," recalled Rios, who at 22 is 8 1/2 years younger than Gonzalez.