Gonzalez (knee) is no longer using crutches and remains optimistic that he'll be at close to full strength by the start of spring training, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reports. Gonzalez first underwent the season-ending procedure on his left knee on Aug. 19, after he played through tendinitis for much of the season. The 28-year-old said he still has difficulty climbing stairs, but with a slow and steady approach to the rehab process, he believes he'll creep closer to 100 percent health in the coming months.