MLB

Quick Links

Predicting the San Diego Padres’ Entire 25-Man Roster

+Read full article

Getty Images

Predicting the San Diego Padres' Entire 25-Man Roster

Colorado Rockies v San Diego Padres — The Padres lineup is the most changed from a year ago in the entire league, and that's a good thing for them. Their outfield and the middle of their lineup is completely new and it should translate to more wins in 2015. People don't realize their rotation is pretty darn good as well. It seems like the Padres could have some success this season. Here's the group that will try to ensure that success.

The Padres lineup is the most changed from a year ago in the entire league, and that's a good thing for them. Their outfield and the middle of their lineup is completely new and it should translate to more wins in 2015. People don't realize their rotation is pretty darn good as well. It seems like the Padres could have some success this season. Here's the group that will try to ensure that success.

3B Yangervis Solarte

3B Yangervis Solarte

Solarte was acquired from the Yankees last season and he had a promising start to his career. He dropped off toward the end of the season, but he's still young and learning. He doesn't make as much contact as the prototypical leadoff hitter, but he can drive the ball and run well.

CF Wil Myers

CF Wil Myers

Myers comes over from the Rays after a disappointing season for the former top prospect. He still should hit for some decent power in the middle of the order and it's going to be his job to set the table for the rest of the order. If he can get back on track in 2015, the Padres should be competing for a wild card spot at the least.

LF Matt Kemp

LF Matt Kemp

When Matt Kemp is actually on the field, there aren't many players better than him in the league. However, he misses tons of games due to injury. He's going to have to stay on the field for the Padres this season for them to be successful.

RF Justin Upton

RF Justin Upton

Upton hits for a ton of power and also strikes out all the time, profiling him as the traditional cleanup hitter. Obviously, San Diego hopes he makes more contact, but if he hits 25 or more home runs this season, the Padres would be absolutely thrilled.

1B Yonder Alonso

1B Yonder Alonso

Alonso, one of the few returning position players from a year ago, seems to just be coming into his own. He hasn't been as good as he was projected to be early in his career, but that could soon change. Especially with so many big hitters in front of him, Alonso is going to have a lot of pressure taken off of him in 2015, which could result in better numbers.

2B Jedd Gyorko

2B Jedd Gyorko

Gyorko was once one of the top prospects in the game, but he hasn't quite lived up to the hype so far. He was supposed to be an elite power hitter and that part of his game just hasn't come around yet. Like Alonso, he should benefit from some pressure relief provided by the new middle of the order.

C Derek Norris

C Derek Norris

Norris comes over to San Diego after a great season behind the dish for the Athletics and he might be the team's most underrated acquisition of the offseason. He calls a good game behind the plate and he can hold his own in the batter's box. How well Norris plays could very well be the X-factor for the Padres in 2015.

SS Alexi Amarista

SS Alexi Amarista

Amarista is obviously the smallest name on this list, but he can still contribute. He has lots of speed and tends to put the bat on the ball. San Diego doesn't need much from him, they just need him to play good defense up the middle and to hold his own at the plate.

RHP James Shields

RHP James Shields

Shields was the biggest pitching addition the Padres made this offseason and he's going to make a huge difference. He gives them a legitimate ace to go along with the rest of their loaded rotation. With so many quality starters to go along with their lineup, the Padres are thinking playoffs this season.

RHP Andrew Cashner

RHP Andrew Cashner

Cashner developed into something of an ace for the Padres last season, but he won't have to be an ace for the San Diego to be successful in 2015. That's because they signed Big Game James. However, that doesn't mean Cashner can't get even better this season.

RHP Tyson Ross

RHP Tyson Ross

Tyson Ross is one of the most underrated pitchers in the game as most people don't even know who he is. He was one of the best pitchers on the Padres' staff and they're hoping they get more of the same from him in 2015. He could be a scary good No. 3 starter option.

RHP Ian Kennedy

RHP Ian Kennedy

Ian Kennedy hasn't been his old self lately, but he's still a very nice No. 4 option for the Padres this season. He provides veteran leadership and a know-how that most young starters in this rotation don't have. That could go a long way.

RHP Odrisamer Despaigne

RHP Odrisamer Despaigne

Despaigne really started emerging last season and while he may never be a superstar, he showed flashes of brilliance. That means he can be relied on in some big games if need be. To have a No. 5 starter like that is gigantic.

RHP Nick Vincent

RHP Nick Vincent

Vincent is still coming into his own in the bullpen, but the Padres think he can be a nice contributor this season. He will likely start off in the long relief role, but he could take on a more prominent role if he proves he can be relied on.

LHP Frank Garces

LHP Frank Garces

Garces is essential the Padre bullpen because he's a lefty. Everyone needs a lefty in their bullpen and Garces gives them exactly that. He can match up against opposing lefties and give other teams matchup nightmares late in games.

LHP Scott Elbert

LHP Scott Elbert

Elbert is another lefty to add to the mix and he actually has the best stuff of any lefty in the Padres' system. San Diego really thinks he can take the next step this season and if he can, he could find himself closer to the back end of the bullpen.

RHP Kevin Quackenbush

RHP Kevin Quackenbush

Aside from having the best name in baseball, Quackenbush also has some really good stuff. He's a flamethrower that isn't afraid to attack anyone at the plate. That goes a long way in the bullpen and he could find himself in the seventh inning role.

RHP Shawn Kelley

RHP Shawn Kelley

Kelley could find himself in a bigger role in the bullpen this season as he really made great strides last season. If all goes well for him, he could be used as a setup man in many situations.

RHP Dale Thayer

RHP Dale Thayer

Thayer might be the most underrated setup man in baseball as he had a really good season last year. He will look for more of the same this season as the Padres figure to be competitive. There's no reason to think he can't be as dominant as ever.

RHP Joaquin Benoit

RHP Joaquin Benoit

Benoit has been an extremely successful setup man and a mildly successful closer in his major league career. San Diego is really hoping he can experience even more success in the ninth inning spot. He will have to be in order for the Padres to contend in the NL West.

OF Carlos Quentin

OF Carlos Quentin

Back in his White Sox days, Quentin was a premier player. Some injuries have prevented him from keeping that up, but he's still a great bat off the bench. He has enough power to give the Padres a great pinch hitting option late in games.

IF Will Venable

IF Will Venable

Venable used to be a starter for the Padres, but now he's in a more fitting bench role. He's a lefty bat, which is essential for matchup purposes late in games. He also plays nice defense and is a solid veteran leader.

IF Will Middlebrooks

IF Will Middlebrooks

Middlebrooks was once a top prospect, but he never panned out in Boston. Perhaps a change of scenery would really benefit the third baseman. That remains to be seen, but he should give them another good option off the bench.

OF Cameron Maybin

OF Cameron Maybin

The main thing Maybin adds to the Padres' roster is his speed. He's a late-game pinch running option and he's more than capable of filling in in the outfield on occasion.

C Wil Nieves

C Wil Nieves

This isn't Nieves' first rodeo and he can impart some veteran wisdom on some of the younger guys. That can be as useful as a good hitter or pitcher every now and then. For a team that hopes to be competing in 2015, they could really use a guy like Nieves.

Teams in this article »
San Diego Padres

Your Favorites

Close Article Return to stream X

MLB• 3 weeks ago

Wil Myers Is Padres' Key To Success In 2016

Breaking News

Wil Myers will be an important part of the San Diego Padres' success in 2016.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

MLB• Videos• 3 weeks ago

Watch James Shields Take Bat Flip To Another Level

Pitchers obviously aren't noted for flipping bats, so James Shields clearly relished the chance to do it in epic fashion during a batting cage session.

Comment

0 Comments

Close Article Return to stream X

MLB• 4 weeks ago

Predicting The Padres' 2016 Record Going Into Spring Training

Breaking News

The 2016 San Diego Padres will have lower expectations but a better outcome than the 2015 version. It may depend on going with some young position players, but unlike last year they have the talent and the youth to make some noise in a tough NL West.

Comment

0 Comments