Justin Turner Goes 3-for-3 in Mets Shutout of Marlins; Alex Gonzalez Leads Brewers Past White Sox

Players of the Day for Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Grapefruit League

Turner: 3-for-3

Six Mets' pitchers combined to shut out the Florida Marlins on four hits for a 7-0 win and third baseman Justin Turner went 3-for-3 with two singles and a home run, each hit producing an RBI.

Turner, like the entire Mets organization, had his ups and downs in 2011, but managed to hit .260 with 50 RBI in 117 games while providing steady, if unspectacular defense at second, third and short.

With regular shortstop Jose Reyes and third baseman David Wright injured parts of last season, Turner was forced to play different positions throughout the season. Reyes was picked up my Miami but was not in Wednesday's game. Likewise, Wright was not in the Mets' lineup, making Turner, the utility man once again.

Gonzalez: 2B, 3B

Cactus League

Shortstop Alex Gonzalez doubled, tripled and drove in four runs for Milwaukee as the Brewers topped the White Sox, 10-6, in exhibition ball at Glendale, AZ.

Gonzalez, a journeyman shortstop who has played thirteen seasons - mostly with the Marlins - spent 2011 in Atlanta, where he hit .241 in 141 games but may be a solid fit for the Brewers if he can keep his strikeouts down and his fielding solid. Gonzalez made only 12 errors in 633 chances last year and was a part of 79 double plays.