Sunday Brunch: A Suggested Free Agent Target For The Padres

As it’s time to look ahead to 2015, the Padres are going to have some interesting decision to make. I doubt Josh Johnson will ever throw a pitch in a Padre uniform (though if he’s willing to take a heavily incentive contract then maybe) Carlos Quentin will be hitting the old dusty trail, probably to an American League squad. With Rymer Liriano, Cameron Maybin (if he ever stays healthy) and Seth Smith/ Will Venable in the outfield, let’s look at a potential target to help the infield.

At this point, you have to figure that Yonder Alonso/ Tommy Medica will be at first and Jedd Gyorko at second. Shortstop and third base are the question marks that you definitely can’t be sure of. Is Yangervis Solarte the answer at third? The Yankees didn’t think so and they traded him for Chase Headley, who the Padres weren’t going to keep anyway. Everth Cabrera is at short for now, but can he really be trusted?

I have a suggestion. Two guys  who can give the Padres help at third, short and other positions in a pinch. Mike Aviles and Emilio Bonifacio.

Aviles is hitting just .252 with five homers and 32 RBI with 12 steals. Bonifacio is hitting .279 with two homers, 20 RBI and 19 steals.

The Padres don’t have a lot to spend. They aren’t the Dodgers or the Yankees. They got to shop in the bargain bin and acquire talent. They have to make shrewd trades and develop their own talent.  Aviles and Bonifacio can help and play diff positions and even start at short and third.