Gonzalez rewarding Rockies' patience

PHILADELPHIA -- Earlier this season, Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez said his thirst to win led him to actually welcome an August demotion to the Minors last year.

He went from the nowhere-bound Athletics to Triple-A Sacramento, which was in the Pacific Coast League playoffs. Gonzalez earned co-Most Valuable Player honors.

Rockies at a glance 2009 record: 92-70 2008 record: 74-88 Clinched NL Wild Card NLDS matchup: Rockies at Phillies Postseason tix: Information WHO ARE THESE GUYS? • Gonzalez: Bat on fire • Bullpen: Hitting stride • Gonzalez: Rewarding Rox • Giambi: Impact beyond bat • Tulowitzki: Ready for return • Cook: Returns right on time • Barmes: Credit to Tracy • Marquis: Living in moment • Ubaldo: Big-game pitcher • Helton/Giambi: Leaders • Stewart: Emerging star • Tracy: Quiet leader • Street: Mutual admiration • De La Rosa: Earning trust • Ubaldo: Sending a message • Helton: Resurgent slugger • Morales: On the attack • Tulowitzki: Vigorous finish More Rockies coverage • Rockies fall to brink of elimination Timely hits in short supply for Rockies Snow could shake up Rockies' plans Winter-like weather forces Game 3 postponement Postponements a postseason tradition Patience to play into Game 3 lineup De La Rosa could return for NLCS Rockies' run coincided with 'pen hitting stride Hammel takes unusual route to playoffs Extra off-day alters both clubs' options Resilient Rockies hold on to win Game 2 Torrealba provides rare gift Injury might be blessing for Cook Rockies put faith in Hammel Phillies can expect chilly reception Seeking spark, Tracy juggles lineup Bats silent against Lee in opener Ubaldo hits wall after fourth inning Rockies, Phillies filling familiar roles Colorado set to Cook up gem in Game 2 Wind makes for wild adventure in Philly Top of lineup is taste of future Beimel expects to draw tough tasks Injured De La Rosa to miss NLDS Rockies learned from run in 2007 Atkins embraces opportunity in NLDS Rockies not to be underestimated De La Rosa to test groin in 'pen session NLDS awaits after loss in finale Rockies fall in LA, finish with Wild Card Surging Rox trim deficit to one Playoff-bound Rox look to build on '07 Rockies clinch playoff spot, eye division Wild Card magic number trimmed to one Iannetta's walk-off homer lifts Rox Barmes' fantastic catch in question Rockies know focus can't diminish Rockies take rubber game from Cards Loss to Cards trims Wild Card lead Torrealba's sac fly gives Rox big win Gonzalez returns to Rockies' lineup Rox drop chance to extend lead Cook returns in heat of race

"It was fun in the Minor Leagues," Gonzalez said. "I had the opportunity twice to win championships. That was pretty exciting.

"But nothing compares with this."

No longer needing to get his kicks in Triple-A, Gonzalez is an integral part of a Rockies team that finds itself in a good position against the Phillies in the National League Division Series.

Colorado has split two games with defending World Series champion Philadelphia, with Gonzalez going 5-for-9 with a double and two runs scored.

He went 3-for-5 with a double and a run from the leadoff position in Thursday's 5-4 Game 2 victory. Manager Jim Tracy swapped Gonzalez with center fielder Dexter Fowler, who hit second.

Gonzalez singled off Cole Hamels in Thursday's first inning, then stole second. Fowler bunted Gonzalez to third, and Gonzalez scored on Todd Helton's fielder's-choice grounder.

Tracy referred to Gonzalez and Fowler, both 23, as "two kids, two young studs that have quite a future in this game at the Major League level."

Gonzalez struggled immediately after being called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs in June. But a strong second half brought his batting average to .284, with a .353 on-base percentage. He wound up hitting .300 in 110 leadoff at-bats and .327 in 52 at-bats from the No. 2 spot.

"You just want to have the opportunity to play, no matter where you hit, one or two," said Gonzalez, known around the clubhouse as "Little Pony" because of the slightly longer tuft of hair down the middle of his head, which teammate Brad Hawpe compared to a horse's mane. "You just want to be in the lineup, do your best, help the ballclub win."

When Gonzalez was hitting .202 with 25 strikeouts in 84 at-bats, Tracy faced calls to send him back to Colorado Springs. Glad the Rockies felt he was past that, Gonzalez worked his way back into playing time and became a force.

"It was really hard for me, but when you're not doing very good, you have to keep yourself happy and try to keep working, just win your job back," Gonzalez said. "That's what I did.

"When you get to play more, you're going to feel better at the plate. The key was being patient, waiting for my opportunity."