Breaking Down the Padres: 1st Base
By Matt Welch
Every Friday, I’ll be breaking down a position for the San Diego Padres. This week, let’s look at first base.
Sep 11, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Yonder Alonso (23) doubles during the eighth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Last season, Alonso had a batting average of .273, blasting 9 homeruns and driving 62 runs across the plate. He was in the top 25 in three different categories last season: OBP, walks, and doubles. His on-base-percentage was .348, good enough for 25th in the National League. He tallied 62 walks (19th in the NL) and posted 39 doubles (8th in the NL).
Alonso, the Cuban native, has been a highly regarded player since his high school days. Even though he was drafted in the fifteenth round by the Minnesota Twins coming out of high school, he decided to go to college at Miami University, where he had three successful seasons. That led to him being the 7th overall pick by the Cincinnati Reds in 2008.
He progressed quickly in the Reds minor league system but inevitably would not see the field at first base because of the Reds MVP Joey Votto. In December of 2011, he was traded to the Padres along with a couple of other players in exchange for Matt Latos. 2012 was considered his “Rookie Season”.
Alonso has been known for his quick hands and discipline at the plate. While his power hasn’t quite caught on, it should be a matter of time before it does. He’s patient and is always seeking to improve. Alonso is a future All-Star is the eyes of many. Another upside is that Alonso could step into left field if need be, but it looks like his spot is safe at first base.
Check out next week’s edition of Breaking Down the Padres when I take a look at the Padres’ second base options.