Although it is definitely good news to know that Maybin might be on the road to recovery, I still have one very important question to ask:

 

How much playing time will he receive in the Padres’ “crowded outfield” once he eventually comes off of the disabled list?

 

Maybin is on the disabled list. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

If he does recover from his right wrist issue relatively soon, Maybin will definitely have his work cut out for him.  In fact, the center fielder will probably have to leap-frog a multitude of players on San Diego’s depth chart if he wants to get back into the mix for some playing time when he returns.

For instance, the always consistent Chris Denorfia has been his “quietly productive-self” through the first month of the regular season.  Over his first 28 games, Denorfia has been quite the stable “table-setter” for the Friars.

So far, Denorfia has hit .302 (29 for 96), has posted a .374 on-base percentage, and is tied for the team lead in runs scored (16).  “Deno” has also clubbed eight doubles and two home runs in addition to the 10 he has knocked in to boot.  San Diego’s versatile outfielder has definitely proved once again that he is worthy of a starting gig in the outfield, and his ability to play all three positions should make him a lynch-pin in the Friars’ every-day lineup.

While Denorfia’s success comes as little surprise to many, Kyle Blanks’ recent productivity has been downright solid and shocking.  After Blanks missed 230+ regular season games from 2010-2012, the power-hitting outfielder has taken advantage of his extended chances to shine over the first month of the 2013 regular season.  Used as a platoon-player against left-handed pitching, Kyle has enjoyed a successful start in his most recent return.

Overall, Blanks has hit .293 (12 for 41), smacked two doubles, hit one home run, knocked in five runs, and has even managed to score another five on his own.  When healthy, Kyle is a viable power-threat in San Diego’s lineup and he can play either of the corner outfield positions as well.  As long as Blanks can stay off of the disabled list, he will definitely be an important part of the Friars’ success this year.

Although veterans Carlos Quentin (.183 batting average, two home runs, nine rbi’s) and Will Venable (.216 batting average, three home runs, 10 rbi’s) have struggled somewhat to begin their 2013 campaigns, they will also be in the hunt for playing time with Denorfia and Blanks through the summer.  The left-handed Venable definitely hits right-handed pitching much better than Maybin, and Quentin is a far bigger power threat than the center fielder is as well.

Venable definitely had an impressive series against the Diamondbacks over the weekend, and he is always an option at a corner outfield spot whenever the Friars face a right-handed starter.  While Quentin’s knee has been gimpy, his plate-discipline and power still should earn him at-bats if he is able to play in left field.

Final Thoughts

In addition to Denorfia, Blanks, Quentin, and Venable, I certainly will not discount Alexi Amarista and Jesus Guzman as potential competition for Maybin when he returns either.  The versatile Amarista can help out at all three outfield spots in addition to second base, while Guzman can chip in and help in left field and right field.

I certainly hope that Maybin is able to not only realize his potential upon his return, but that he can also live up to the big extension (five-years $25 million) he signed last spring.

Unfortunately for Cameron, his time on the bench coupled with his competition’s recent success will not make things easy for him once he eventually returns from the disabled list.  San Diego’s outfield could be a bit too crowded come the summertime, and Maybin might be forced to “grab some pine” behind Denorfia, Blanks, Quentin, and Venable.

Stats Courtesy of: Baseball Reference and ESPN

Those were Matt Kemp’s words to Carlos Quentin as both teams exited Petco Park on Thursday. The only thing the Dodgers have seen is a whole lot of losses. Since the brawl, Los Doyers are 1-4 including three straight losses and two shutouts. Kemp still has more ejections than home runs.

Yesterday’s win saw the Padres beat up on Chris Capuano, putting up five runs on five hits, and chasing Capuano (he was emotinally hurt) after two innings. The final score was 9-2 with Padres pitching staff once again not giving up a home run.

That’s two straight games a home run has not been allowed by Padres pitching, and strictly coincidental, has also resulted in two straight wins. Its like there’s some sort of pattern with home runs allowed and wins. Who would have thought?

I really thought the Dodgers would come out a lot stronger than they have these past two games. After all the trash talk post game and the media villainizing the Padres, I expected the Dodgers to have some fire playing at home. I guess we can thank Zack Greinke mouthing off to Q for last nights win. Capuano took over Greinke’s starts and, well, Capuano sucks…

But credit to the boys for stepping up this series. After being swept (again) by the Rockies, I wasn’t too excited about facing the Dodgers.

April 16, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Chris Denorfia (13) reacts after scoring a run in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

One of the players I want to highlight is Chris Denorfia. He’s always been one of my favorites on the team but I never felt comfortable saying he should be an everyday starter until now. He’s started the season hot and deserves to be playing everyday. Certainly over Will Venable and Cameron Maybin.

Deno’s slash line goes .395/.465/.500. He’s 6th on the team in ABs and holds the highest OPS at .965. Not only does he have the best numbers, he also has a great approach at the plate. Deno is the guy who can hit a groundball to the 2nd baseman with less than 2 outs and a runner on 3rd to drive in a run. Compared to Venable and Maybin, Deno has a better ability to just make contact as opposed to Venable and Maybin who tend to strikeout a lot.

Hopefully the boys can be merciless tonight and finish off the sweep before heading to San Francisco. It will be interesting to see what Bud Black does with his outfield as he waits for Q to come back. The lack of consistent hitting by outfielders has made it a complex situation.

Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Up until today, Maybin has posted a .067 batting average with zero home runs, one RBI and a .125 on base percentage.

In three years with the Padres, Maybin hasn’t done any better by putting together a slash line of  .249/.310/.365.

Now, I am not saying I completely agree with Smith. I like Maybin, always have.  He seems like a nice guy, and whenever he decides to hit can be one of the most exciting players in the league. There is no question about Maybin’s defense. An argument can be made for him being the best center fielder in the Majors.  However, Smith does have a valid point. If you can’t produce you should ride the bench, no matter who you are.

It’s just so hard to bench a guy with as much potential as Maybin has. The former first round draft pick has the make up to be a five-tool player, instead we’ve only seen two tools: fielding and baserunning.

Maybin signed a five-year extension at the beginning of last season, so the Padres have to decide sooner rather than later  what to do with their underperforming center fielder. Now, I ask you Padres fans, what should the Padres do with Maybin. Let us know in the comment box, your reasoning behind your vote.