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Padres Editorial: Padres Players of the Week

By Nick Lee

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Apr 21, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Derek Norris (3) hits a two run double in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Padres defeated the Rockies 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The San Diego Padres struggled through much of this week but still turned out some good performances. The Padres split the series with the Colorado Rockies and lost the series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Friars have reason to be optimistic about their offense this season. 37 runs were scored this week by the San Diego offense. This week there are several candidates for player of the week, which is always a good thing.

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Hitter: Derek Norris 

Norris hit out of his mind at Coors Field. He is now second in all of baseball with nine doubles. No other catcher has more than four. He hit six of those doubles with week. He also drove in seven runs and hit his first home run as a Padre in Sunday’s 3-1 win.

Not to mention his presence defensively. He threw out several runners this week and handled the pitching staff with ease. He finished the week hitting .400 with 10 hits and also six runs scored. He is becoming a leader on this team. He was expected to lead the pitching staff and be solid defensively. Thus far he has also surprised many with the ability of his bat.

Apr 20, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne (40) pitches during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Pitcher: Odrisamer Despaigne

The Padres could use more Odrisamer Despaignes on that pitching staff. He appeared in three games this week including a spot start for the injured Ian Kennedy. He only allowed two runs in his three appearances, which totaled in eight innings. He got the win in his start against Colorado when he went 6 2/3 innings with five strikeouts.

He has become a valuable weapon in the Padres pitching staff. Any team would be lucky to have a guy who can go out there and give them a spot start then give them two great relief appearances later that same week. He understands and embraces his role on this team. That is how this team will make the playoffs, if everyone has that attitude.

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