A Case For Melky In San Diego

No, I have not lost my mind. I am sure many people will laugh at the headline of this post, and think that I have lost my mind. Well, read the whole article and yell at me later. I think the Padres should explore the option of signing disgraced Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera.

I am not being sarcastic — in fact, I have never been more serious in my life. Sure, Cabrera is a steroid cheat. Yes, he tried to concoct a hairbrain scheme to fool MLB into thinking he used a legitimate product. Is Cabrera a scumbag? Perhaps. But do not let that cloud your judgment.

August 5, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco Giants left fielder Melky Cabrera (53) runs to third base after hitting a triple during the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. The Giants won 8-3. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-US PRESSWIRE

Let’s go back in time to 1998 — that magical year when the Padres won the pennant. Two of my favorite players from that team, Ken Caminiti and Wally Joyner were steroid cheats. It does not ruin the memories I have of that season. In fact, that season gave me some of the best memories of my life. If you are a Padres fan, can you really disagree with me?

Anyway, back to the issue at hand. Before he tested positive for a banned substance, Cabrera was an MVP candidate, and many experts thought he could command as much as $80 million on the open market. Cabrera was on pace to win the batting title, and was the best player on a World Series contender.

In 2011, Cabrera had a huge season for the Kansas City Royals, as he became part of the first outfield (along with Alex Gordon and Jeff Francoeur) in MLB history to have all three regular outfielders smack 40 doubles. Cabrera is a solid Major League outfielder, with the versatility to play all three positions at Petco Park.

Is Cabrera’s success fueled purely by steroids? Maybe, but if the price is right, you better believe I am interested. If the Padres could get Cabrera on a one-year deal, in the neighborhood of $5 million or less, why not take a chance? The Padres clearly need an upgrade in right field, and Cabrera would provide an interesting option.

I have grown tired of Will Venable — I do not believe that he is anything more than a 4th outfielder. The Padres need an everyday player. That’s where the Melk-Man comes in. If you disagree with me, who do you want to see playing right field in San Diego next season?