Matt Kemp has been in Peoria since pitchers and catchers reported last week. On Wednesday, he was out on the field with the rest of his new Padres team mates for the Friars' first full squad workout of Spring Training 2015.
This team has gotten an awful lot of buzz over the last few months. The new outfielder believes it's warranted.
"I feel like we can be one of the best teams in baseball," said Kemp.
Every player on every team says that every February. The difference is, this time he might be right. The Padres project to have enviable pitching staffs, from the starting rotation to the bullpen, and a formidable offense. Advanced statistical metrics say they'll take a step back on defense, but they're banking on the offensive improvement to more than compensate.
With Kemp, Justin Upton and Wil Myers forming a new, more athletic and productive outfield, San Diego has far more OF than they can carry. So the Padres are moving a few pieces around.
Oft-injured left fielder Carlos Quentin has been working at first base in the off-season and will give that position a shot during Cactus League play. Aside from Yonder Alonso and Tommy Medica, the Padres don't have many options at first so Quentin could work his way in to some playing time there.
If he shows the ability to handle the position, it makes keeping his $8 million contract easier to keep around and could make him more attractive as a trade chip.
Local
Derek Togerson and photojournalist Dave Smith will be in Peoria for Spring Training starting Friday, February 27. Be sure to visit www.nbc7.com/sportswrap for updates.
