Guest Blogger: @MattJHolder
2011 was a forgettable year for the San Diego Padres, they finished 23 games back of first place with a 71-91 record. 2012 will most likely end with the same results as 2011 because of the Padres’ lack super-stardom.
The Padres pitching staff is missing a true ace after they dealt Mat Latos to the Reds for Yonder Alonso, Edinson Volquez and two other prospects. Volquez could be the ace for the Padres if he returns to his 2008 form when he was an All-Star. Clayton Richard is a consistent lefty who will win games. Tim Stauffer, Corey Luebke and Dustin Moseley finish out the not so intimidating starting rotation. That has to leave fans pessimistic about the season although PETCO Park will help this pitching staff.
The Padres’ bullpen will have new faces after Heath Bell took his talents to South Beach and Mike Adams was traded to the Rangers in 2011. The Padres acquired Huston Street from the Rockies. Street is an exciting acquisition because if healthy he could end up giving the Padres the same production Heath Bell provided. Luke Gregerson is the only reliever really worth talking about as he will be the 8th inning guy and had a 2.75 ERA last year.
The Padres are going to be an interesting team offensively. They lack a superstar but have a top tier prospect in Yonder Alonso. Alonso has the ability to hit 30 home runs and drive in 100. Alonso could develop in 2012 and become the superstar that the Padres need. The Padres acquired Carlos Quentin who will help solidify the middle of the order with Chase Headley. Cameron Maybin will play center field for the Friars. He is already entering his 6th year in the big leagues and is only 24 years old. Look for Maybin to blossom into a top 10 center fielder this year. The Padres are solid up the middle with the “O-Dog” Orlando Hudson and Jason Bartlett. Nick Hundley is a solid catcher and is proficient at calling a game.
The Padres are going to have a hard time winning games but we all know that in a crazy NL West, you can be last one year and first the next. San Diego will have fun seeing some young players perform and develop but I don’t expect them to finish above 3rd in the NL West .
The Padres are going to have a hard time winning games but we all know that in a crazy NL West, you can be last one year and first the next. San Diego will have fun seeing some young players perform and develop but I don’t expect them to finish above 3rd in the NL West .
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