Starting Rotation- Trading Mat Latos to Cincinatti for Edinson Volquez was a trade of swapping perennial aces. Look for Volquez to get Bud Black's nod to start the year, this kid is coming off a rough couple of years but if he shows the stuff he had back in 2008 then the Padres will be okay at the front end of the rotation. Look for Tim Stauffer to be the #2 man, coming off a year in which he lead the team ERA, he will be a solid fit there. The next three rotation spots look to be a competition between Clayton Richard, Dustin Moseley and Cory Leubke. Richard and Moseley are coming off seasons that were cut short by injury so we will see how they both bounce back. Leubke split 2011 between the bullpen and the starting rotation, but it should be interesting to see how a full season in the rotation goes for him.
Bullpen- Huston Street will take over the closer job vacated by Heath Bell, and he has some big shoes to fill in, but with a handful of years of closing experience under his belt, he should do fine. Anthony Bass saw some time in the rotation last year but the plan for him looks like he will end up in the 'pen. Veterans Luke Gregerson, Micah Owings and Joe Thatcher all have plenty of big league experience to help this team and guide youngster Andrew Cashner. Owings will be a nice fit in a long relieve role and could even crack the starting rotation.
Catcher- Nick Hundley owns the job heading to Spring Training, but if he proves otherwise look for John Baker to take the job. Hundley is looking to take the job and be the everyday catcher so expect big things from the Arizona product.
Infield- The infield will be anchored by the veteran play of Orlando Hudson, the "O-Dog" doesn't seem to be losing any of skills and will provide Gold Glove defense and leadership at second base. Shortstop Jason Bartlett looks to build on a great first season in San Diego. Third base will go to Chase Headley, who has proved he is very worthy of the job since the team got rid of Kevin Kouzmanoff. First base will go to the newly acquired Yonder Alonso, the Reds were very high on him but knew he wouldn't get a crack with Joey Votto there, so now Alonso gets his shot in San Diego and has the potential to be an All Star. Look for Evereth Cabrera to be the utility man here.
Outfield- Speedster Cameron Maybin will man CF, and will again wow us with his outstanding defensive play. Newly acquired Carlos Quentin will be in left and bring his veteran presence to a young outfield. Right field looks to be Will Venable's job, but he will have a couple guys breathing down his back for the job. Chris Denorfia, Mark Kotsay and Kyle Blanks will compete for the RF job come Spring Training.
Lineup-
1. Cameron Maybin- If he gets on, look out! 40+ Steals easy!
2. Orlando Hudson- Will hit near .300.
3. Jason Bartlett- Not your typical 3hole but he can fill the void.
4. Carlos Quentin- Can he power through the ocean breeze?
5. Yonder Alonso- Young and with a great bat.
6. Chase Headley- Should hit close to .290.
7. Will Venable- Has some pop, could slide up a few spots.
8. Nick Hundley- Good hitting catcher, should slide up.
9. Pitcher's Spot- Just Bunt!
The Padres will have a good mix of veterans and youngsters on this ball club but this is not the one that Padre fans would like to see on the field. With the departure of most of their top talent in the past few years, fans will have to cope with this rough patch. But the future does look very bright for this organization. This year looks to be another cellar year for them and approaching 90 loses again doesn't look to be out of question. But in the NL West you never know what will happen, so Padre fans don't put your heads down, just take this rough patch with a grain of salt and look ahead to the future.
-Buddy
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