San Diego Padres
(76-86) – 4th Place NL West
Ever since PetCo Park was built in San Diego, the Padres
have had a tough times scoring runs.
2012 was no different, as the Padres finished in the bottom third of the
league in runs scored, batting average, and home runs. Add to the fact that the Padres are young and
rebuilding, and that does not point to a successful season.
Pitchers- The
Padres lacked consistency from their starting rotation in 2012. Like a lot of the other teams finishing with
poor records, the Padres used far too many starters in 2012; 15 to be
exact. Clayton Richard and Edinson
Volquez were the only two Padres starters to compile more than 100 innings. Both put up respectable numbers, with 3.99
and 4.14 ERA’s, respectively. After
those 2, Eric Stults, Jason Marquis, and Anthony Bass made the most
starts. Starter/reliever Andrew Cashner,
who was acquired from the Cubs for Anthony Rizzo in the off-season, struggled
to stay healthy throughout the year.
Closer Huston Street was exceptional when healthy, but he suffered an
injured groin which kept him out for the last few months of the season. Luke Gregerson and Dale Thayer, who might win
the award for best facial hair in the league, both did a decent job filling in
for Street, as the two converted 16 of 23 save opportunities.
Infield- Third
baseman Chase Headley was a remarkable story in 2012. Amidst trade rumors galore, Headley put up a
MVP caliber season. His numbers were
ridiculous, including a .286 batting average, 31 home runs, and a National
League leading 115 RBIs. First baseman
Yonder Alonso, who was acquired for Mat Latos, had a good first season for the
Friars. The power numbers weren’t there,
which isn’t surprising given that PetCo Park is where left handed power hitters
go to die. Alonso did however have a respectable
.273 batting average and should remain a fixture in the middle of the lineup
for years to come. Young 2nd
baseman Logan Forsythe put up an identical average to Alonso and also will be
part of the future mix. Jason Bartlett
was injured early in the year, and guys like Alexi Amarista and Everth Cabrera
failed to replace Bartlett’s glove or his bat.
Cabrera did put up an impressive 44 stolen bases in 115 games. Catcher Yasmani Grandal, who will serve a 50
game suspension this upcoming season, had a great 2012, hitting .297 and
smashing 8 home runs in under 200 at bats.
Third baseman Chase Headley had an astounding 2012 season
and is one of 4 finalists for the NL MVP award
(Image courtesy of strandedclub.wordpress.com)
Outfield- Center
fielder Cameron Maybin played the most games in the outfield for the Padres in
2012. While he struggled at the plate,
there is no doubt Maybin is one of the best defensive outfielders in the
league. Carlos Quentin didn’t disappoint
in the power department, despite his injury problems. Quentin was 2nd on the team with
16 home runs in just 86 games. Other
players contributing in the outfield included Will Venable, Chris Denorfia, and
Mark Kotsay. Denorfia had the most success,
finishing 2nd on the team with a .293 batting average. Will Venable also provided a spark, hitting
26 doubles, 9 triples, 8 home runs, and stealing 24 bases in just over 400 at
bats.
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