The San Diego Padres just about made the postseason in 2010, but slid off to finish the year. That terrible play progressed on to 2011 when they ended the year at 71-91. Let's take a look at the offense the Padres will bring to the table this year. If you'd like more information on the squad have a look at our San Diego Padres 2012 predictions article.
Projected Hitters
Nick Hundley (Catcher) - The Padres hope Hundley can play an entire year in 2012, as he has suffered through a bunch of wounds during the past. But the aptitude for this guy is amazing, as he batted .288 with 9 homers and 29 RBI in only 281 at-bats.
Yonder Alonso (First Base) - After being stuck behind Joey Votto in Cincinnati last season, he will finally have the chance to get consistent playing time in San Diego this season. He hit .330 with 5 home runs and 15 RBI in 45 games with the Reds last season, but he will be able to still need to fight for the top spot, as Jesus Guzman is also a player the Padres seem to like after posting a .312 average with 5 home runs and 44 RBI in just 247 at-bats.
Orlando Hudson (2nd Base) - In his first year in San Diego, Hudson was a big disappointment. He batted a career-worst .246 and had plenty of defensive lapses that you can not have at the major league level. He could be a career .277 hitter, so he can still bounce back in 2012, but as of now his spot is in danger.
Jason Bartlett (Shortstop) - Another guy who disappointed massively last year was Jason Bartlett. The 32-year-old batted just .245 with a.308 OBP. He has not managed to meet expectancies made when he batted .320 with 14 homers and 66 RBI with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2009. He can still get his opportunities at the start of the year, but if he doesn't show any improvement, then his job could be nearly as good as gone.
Chase Headley (Third Base) - Injuries limited his time in the field, as he just played 113 games due to an injury to his left pinkie. He still managed to hit for a career-best .289 average. Though he turns just 28 in May, his power stats have been on a steady decline since nailing 12 homers with 64 RBI in 2009.
Carlos Quentin (Left Field) - The Padres are in serious need for Quentin to be a contributor in the heart of the lineup. In just 118 games last year, he hit 24 homers with 77 RBI with the Chicago White Sox. He has hit at least 21 homers in every one of the past four years, including a career-high 36 in 2008. The burning question now is whether or not he will be able to keep up that pace now that he's playing lots of his games at pitcher-friendly Petco Park.
Cameron Maybin (Center Field) - Maybin was arguably the best player for the Padres last season. He showed an all around game last season, playing outstanding defense while also setting career highs with 82 runs, 136 hits, 24 doubles, 8 triples, 9 home runs, 40 RBI and 40 stolen bases. The 24-year-old certainly has his best years ahead of him and he is a player that will definitely grow to be a force in the approaching seasons.
Will Venable (Right Field) - Venable was so bad last season that he was sent down to the minors to attempt to fix his damaged swing. The 29-year-old ended up hitting just .246 with 9 home runs and 44 RBI. His job may be in peril if he doesn't show evidence of turning things around, as Guzman could easily move from first base and nick his starting spot.
Projected Hitters
Nick Hundley (Catcher) - The Padres hope Hundley can play an entire year in 2012, as he has suffered through a bunch of wounds during the past. But the aptitude for this guy is amazing, as he batted .288 with 9 homers and 29 RBI in only 281 at-bats.
Yonder Alonso (First Base) - After being stuck behind Joey Votto in Cincinnati last season, he will finally have the chance to get consistent playing time in San Diego this season. He hit .330 with 5 home runs and 15 RBI in 45 games with the Reds last season, but he will be able to still need to fight for the top spot, as Jesus Guzman is also a player the Padres seem to like after posting a .312 average with 5 home runs and 44 RBI in just 247 at-bats.
Orlando Hudson (2nd Base) - In his first year in San Diego, Hudson was a big disappointment. He batted a career-worst .246 and had plenty of defensive lapses that you can not have at the major league level. He could be a career .277 hitter, so he can still bounce back in 2012, but as of now his spot is in danger.
Jason Bartlett (Shortstop) - Another guy who disappointed massively last year was Jason Bartlett. The 32-year-old batted just .245 with a.308 OBP. He has not managed to meet expectancies made when he batted .320 with 14 homers and 66 RBI with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2009. He can still get his opportunities at the start of the year, but if he doesn't show any improvement, then his job could be nearly as good as gone.
Chase Headley (Third Base) - Injuries limited his time in the field, as he just played 113 games due to an injury to his left pinkie. He still managed to hit for a career-best .289 average. Though he turns just 28 in May, his power stats have been on a steady decline since nailing 12 homers with 64 RBI in 2009.
Carlos Quentin (Left Field) - The Padres are in serious need for Quentin to be a contributor in the heart of the lineup. In just 118 games last year, he hit 24 homers with 77 RBI with the Chicago White Sox. He has hit at least 21 homers in every one of the past four years, including a career-high 36 in 2008. The burning question now is whether or not he will be able to keep up that pace now that he's playing lots of his games at pitcher-friendly Petco Park.
Cameron Maybin (Center Field) - Maybin was arguably the best player for the Padres last season. He showed an all around game last season, playing outstanding defense while also setting career highs with 82 runs, 136 hits, 24 doubles, 8 triples, 9 home runs, 40 RBI and 40 stolen bases. The 24-year-old certainly has his best years ahead of him and he is a player that will definitely grow to be a force in the approaching seasons.
Will Venable (Right Field) - Venable was so bad last season that he was sent down to the minors to attempt to fix his damaged swing. The 29-year-old ended up hitting just .246 with 9 home runs and 44 RBI. His job may be in peril if he doesn't show evidence of turning things around, as Guzman could easily move from first base and nick his starting spot.
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