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OFFENSIVE CHANGES COULD BE MINIMAL IN '09 posted 6/22/08 by Jason Martinez Despite a disappointing season for the Padres, the team's offense might be the least of their worries going into the off-season. Just a few weeks ago, most observers would have guessed that the Padres would be looking to fill at least two spots in the outfield, shortstop, and second base next season. And while many of those observers have not changed their thinking completely, I am one who believes that the lineup that the Padres put on the field as early as Tuesday, assuming Brian Giles and Kevin Kouzmanoff are healthy enough to play, could feature 8 of the 9 players that take the field on opening day 2009. This lineup includes Jake Peavy, who is scheduled to start. 1) Jody Gerut, CF: I know there are still many of you that aren't sold on Gerut as an everyday player. But as for me, personally, I am now a believer. You can't argue with a .289 batting average and .369 on-base percentage from the leadoff spot, to go along with flawless defense in center field and the occasional web gem. And trust me. That's not a soft .289. He usually hits the ball hard, whether it finds a hole or finds a glove. At 30 years of age, he is in the prime of his career and should be for a few more seasons. The Padres could plug him into any of the three outfield spots and get more than adequate production. 2) Edgar Gonzalez, 2B: It's hard to be completely sold on a guy who has a total of 93 major league at bats but it's obvious that Gonzalez knows how to handle the bat. He can hit the ball to the opposite field, as well as drive the ball to the gaps (9 doubles) and drive in runs (10 RBI). The Padres can do a lot worse at 2B. If Gonzalez proves between now and the end of the season that he is not a starting second baseman in the majors, they could still turn to Matt Antonelli, who was considered one of the top 2B prospects before struggling at AAA this season. 3) Brian Giles, RF: There is still a chance Giles could be traded before the July 31st deadline if the Padres fall out of contention, but the 37 year-old is still playing at a high level and the Padres might decide to exercise his option for 2009, which would give them one less position to worry about filling. 4) Adrian Gonzalez, 1B: Forget trying to hype Adrian for the All-Star game. It's a given that he's heading to New York to represent the Padres. This guy should really be in consideration for the NL MVP. He is easily one of the top 10 hitters in all of baseball and people are starting to notice. 5) Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B: 'Kouz' might be the most expendable player on the team, with Chase Headley ready to step in at 3B, if needed. However, Kouzmanoff is just 26 years old, solid defensively, and has legitimate home run power to all fields. If he is traded, the team would be in the market for a left fielder, unless he's traded for a LF, of course. 6) Chase Headley, LF: Headley has two home runs in his first five games, and just missed hitting the ball out in three other at bats. He appears to be ready for the major leagues and should be here for a long time. This guy will hit enough to play any position on the diamond. 7) Khalil Greene, SS: He's under contract through 2009 and then he'll be a free agent. Naturally, there will be trade talk involving Greene. And although his trade value had declined greatly, it will once again skyrocket when he finishes with another 20+ HR season. Still, the Padres cannot replace his combination of defense and power and should do everything they can to sign him to an extension. 8) TBA, C: It might be Josh Bard. It might be Nick Hundley. It could be a player yet to be acquired. Regardless, the catching position is in desperate need of an upgrade. A combination of Bard and Hundley would be adequate, but with few holes to fill, Towers could aggressively pursue a talented catcher in a trade. With the focus on trying to improve the offense in 2008, GM Kevin Towers failed to address the bullpen, which has been the strength of the team and the major reason the Padres have been successful the past four seasons. If this current group of players can continue to hit, the 2009 lineup will be relatively set and Towers can once again center his attention on improving the pitching staff. Agree or disagree, your comments are welcome. |