Carlos Gonzalez, a Rockies outfield prospect who could turn out the be the key to the trade that sent Matt Holliday to the Athletics, knocked two home runs and drove in five runs for Zulia in a 9-2 victory over Caracas in Venezuelan Winter League play

Gonzalez had been out since Nov. 21 with Dengue fever, which has been something of an epidemic in Maracaibo, where the Zuila Aguilas play. The illness, which includes the sudden onset of headaches and muscle and joint pain, is known in some circles as bone crusher disease.

After recovering from that, Gonzalez crushed baseballs.

"I'm very happy to come back this way," Gonzalez said.

The 2-for-4 performance improved Gonzalez's batting average to .321, with two homers and 13 RBIs in 16 games.

Gonzalez, 23, has been considered a top prospect for several years, first for the D-backs and then for the Athletics, who obtained him as part of the deal that sent pitcher Dan Haren to Arizona.

Gonzalez hit .242 with four home runs and 26 RBIs in 85 games with the Athletics last season. At Triple-A Sacarmento, he hit .283 with four homers and 28 RBIs in 46 games during the regular season, and earned co-MVP honors in the Pacific Coast League playoffs.

The Rockies obtained the left-handed-hitting Gonzalez, left-handed starter Greg Smith and right-handed reliever Huston Street for Holliday, a three-time All-Star.

Gonzalez will be given a shot in center field, where Ryan Spilborghs is the frontrunner. Gonzalez also could get a look in left field.