Adrian Gonzalez grew up in San Diego rooting for the Padres, but always admired Fernando Valenzuela.

Gonzalez realizes that the Dodgers' large Mexican-American fan base will identify with him.

"Hopefully, I can come close to doing what Fernando did here," he said. "But everything good comes from doing your work on the field."

Gonzalez was often criticized by the Boston media.

"They didn't like that I was a calm person. I won't throw my helmet, I won't scream, I won't use bad words if I strike out. That's what they want over there."

Gonzalez lost some of his power while with the Red Sox, hitting 27 home runs in 2011 after averaging 34 over the previous four seasons.

"What took my power away was the Green Monster," said Gonazlez.