San Diego Padres: Getting Adrian Gonzalez Would Make Them Instant Contenders

Adrian Gonzalez had, by far, his best years as a San Diego Padre, so why not bring him back if you have the option? The Boston Red Sox have purportedly placed the lefty slugger on waivers.

I understand he has a big contract that we would most likely have to eat, however the new O’Malley ownership wants to make a splash. What better way than to bring a fan favorite back?

Want to make a huge spark, O’Malleys? Bring back A-Gon and brown uniforms: I promise you’ll get some buzz. 

Sure we have some handcuffs, like where to play Yonder Alonso, the Padres young stud, at first.  However, what if we could trade Alonso and a package of prospects for a top-tier pitcher? We already have one of the best farm systems in the league, and what pitcher wouldn’t enjoy pitching in the enormity of Petco Park?

Any ace and Cory Luebke next year would be a formidable one-two at the top of the rotation. Combine that with a decent lineup, and the Padres could be a serious contender again as early as next year. 

With the addition of Gonzalez, here’s what the Padres lineup could look like:

1. Will Venable – RF
2. Jedd Gyorko – 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez – 1B
4. Chase Headley – 3B
5. Carlos Quentin – LF
6. Yasmani Grandal - C
7. Cameron Maybin – CF
8. Everth Cabrera - SS
9. Cory Luebke – P 

Literally, just typing that gave me goosebumps of what I wish would happen. Headley and Quentin have done great hitting back to back and show what true Petco Park power looks like. Adding Gonzalez as a steady hitter would give Gyorko great pitches to see and improve his hitting process. 

The Padres would finally be a well-rounded team again: starting pitching, bullpen, hitting, speed and defense. Watch out!