2012 NL West Preview: San Diego Padres' Kings, Crumbums, and Codgers

After trading away more star players, it may be hard for Padres fans to have hope for 2012. Their ace, Mat Latos, was traded to the Reds. Their closer, Heath Bell, became a free agent and signed with the Marlins. At the trade deadline last year, they traded arguably the best setup man in the game (Mike Adams) to the Rangers. The bullpen, which used to be one of the best, is not nearly as good. The 2012 Padres will still have the most attractive lady fans and the sandpit behind right-center field for children to play in.

Breakout Candidates

Yonder Alonso has a glove made of stone. If they can find a position for him, I expect him to hit 20 homers, .300-plus batting average and a .380-plus OBP. He was traded from the Reds in the Latos trade as he was blocked at 1B Joey Votto. He's similar to Votto from an offensive standpoint.

Another guy to look forward to is Cameron Maybin. He is starting to emerge into the five-tool player the Marlins acquired in the big Miguel Cabrera (double meaning) trade with Detroit. I can see a .285 average, 15 homers, 10-plus triples and 60 stolen bases.

Kings

Luke Gregerson is one of the best setup men in all of the lower three teams in the NL West. He's very good and I expect him to take over for Huston Street, the Padres' new closer.

Crumbums

There are a bunch of them on this team. Shortstop Jason Bartlett is a .240 hitter with zero power. Will Venable, left fielder, is a 30-year-old .240 hitter. These are examples of a bunch of 30-year-old players who are supposed to be good. If you aren't good at that age, you most likely won't be good. Every year we hear talking heads jabber about Kyle Blanks and Venable. Well, I'll go ahead and write them off.

Codgers

Everybody's favorite Orlando Hudson was smiling on every team he's ever played for. I'm not sure he's smiling anymore as a .250 hitter.

My prediction: 66 wins. It will be a long year in San Diego. Though, it's a nice city and I encourage everyone to visit.

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