eastbaybaseball

  The San Diego Padres are coming off a dismal season, where they finished in last place  in 2008 after finishing third in 07′ and winning the division in 06′.  The Padres are in rebuild mode and are trying to shed salary and build from within their minor league system, as they moved short stop Khalil Greene to the Cardinals and are trying to move 2007 Cy Young Award winner and ace Jake Peavy and his big salary.  The Padres have a few strong pieces in their core in first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff, and right fielder Brian Giles.  But their rotation, bullpen, and the rest of the lineup are weaknesses for this team. So don’t look for the Padres to contend in 2009, but expect them to play some solid fundamental ball and compete.  So far, the Padres have upgraded their minor league system with the trade of Khalil Greened, have signed free agent pitcher Kevin Correia (from Giants) to help their rotation out, re-signed infielder Luis Rodriguez, who will play second for the Padres in 09′, and have signed backup catcher Elezier Alfonzo (from Giants).  The Padres will most likely sign a short stop, either David Eckstein or the aging Omar Vizquel and that will most likely complete their offseason, unless they trade ace Jake Peavy in a blockbuster deal. So that is what is on tap for the San Diego Padres.

Projected Lineup:

1 Jody Gerut CF, after being out of the majors the last two years, made a strong comeback and had a solid year for the Padres in 08′.

2 David Eckstein SS, solid defender and great bunter, best days are behind him.

3 Brian Giles RF, .306 BA 13HR, homeruns are down, and off the field problems have been the story

4 Adrian Gonzalez 1B,  2008 All Star Nominee, swatted 37HR in 08′

5 Kevin Kouzmanoff 3B, hit into a triple play in 2008 against the Giants, swatted 23HR in 08′

6 Chase Headley LF, upcoming player, potential to hit 20+ homeruns

7 Nick Hundley C, young hitting and catching prospect

8 Luis Rodriguez 2B, hit .287 in 202 AB for the Pads in 08′

Projected Rotation:

SP1 Jake Peavy - Ace, 2007 Cy Young Award Winner, Big Salary/Contract

SP2 Chris Young- Solid #2, had an up and down year due to an injury after getting hit in the face by a long drive off the bat of the great Albert Pujols.

SP3 Cha-Seung Baek

SP4 Josh Geer- Upcoming Pitching Prospect, expect some more growing pains in 08′

SP5 Kevin Correia- San Diego local product,  had a terrible season for Giants in 08′, hopes to start off fresh with his hometown team and anchor the bottom of the rotation.

Closer Heath Bell- 23 Holds, 3.58 E.R.A in 2008, transition to closer should go well for this power pitcher.

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