As a way to liven up this long offseason (As a Padre fan, I've been literally tuned out since mid-July), we're going to take a trip down memory lane and talk about the best Padres of all-time.
To begin, we'll take a look at first basemen. In alphabetical order, we will run through five of the best the Padres have called their own.
You will then vote on your favorite, and when all is said is done—a player profile will be completed on the winner.
A position that usually equals middle-of-the-lineup power in baseball, San Diego has been no exception to the rule. In fact, of the all-time top five home run hitters in franchise history, three played first base regularly.
And now, the nominees:
Nate Colbert (1969 - 1974) — Without question, the team's brightest star throughout the early years of the franchise; Colbert was a three-time All-Star who hit primarily for power.
In 1972, arguably his best season—Colbert ranked eighth in the MVP balloting while hitting 38 HR and 111 RBI, while stealing 15 bases, all career highs. A durable player, Nate played in more than 140 four times in his six-year tenure.
Upon leaving San Diego after the 1974 season, Colbert set marks that rank among the franchise's best: He's first in home runs (with 163), strikeouts, and ranks in the top 10 in runs, hits, doubles, RBI, walks, and OPS.
Adrian Gonzalez (2006 - ) — A former No. 1 draft pick coming out of Eastlake HS in Chula Vista, CA, Gonzalez was secured in a coup of a 2005 trade that sent pitchers Akinori Otsuka and Adam Eaton to Texas in exchange for Chris Young, Terrmel Sledge, and the aforementioned first baseman.
Adrian immediately shined and has already totaled 90 home runs (good for seventh all-time) in a Padres uniform.
Twice on the MVP ballot and an All-Star in 2008, Gonzalez has showed a steady increase in every major offensive category since his arrival in San Diego.
This season, he pounded 36 HR and 119 RBI, both career bests. He's also a defensive asset, and after seasons of being overlooked, finally won a Gold Glove after the 2008 season.
Since coming to the Padres prior to the 2006 season, he's only missed a grand total of seven games out of a possible 486.
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about 1 month ago
Right now based on productivity it is Adrian Gonzalez.
from about 1 month ago
He's definitely made a name for himself in his short time here.
about 1 month ago
How can you leave Steve Garvey off the list for discussion?
from about 1 month ago
He could've very easily been there instead of Joyner, but outside of the 83 season and the 84 post-season, Steve was washed up in his time as a Padre.
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