Maybin’s Return Could Be A Boost For the Padres

Cameron Maybin

makes his 2014 season debut Sunday. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

On Sunday, the Padres activated OF Cameron Maybin from the Disabled List after a few rehab starts.  He is in Sunday’s starting lineup and playing centerfield.

The question that Padres fans have been asking for a couple of years now is what Cameron Maybin really brings to this team? Let’s not forget he is still only 27 years old.  He showed so much promise in 2011 stealing 40 bases and hitting .264, but he dipped to .243 and only 26 SB in 2012. Maybin had a disastrous 2013  playing in only 14 games because of injury.

So now he makes his season debut in 2014, but who will he see?  Will we see the potential finally realized in him, or the injury-prone bust of the past couple of seasons.  After all, he is getting paid $5 million this season, so it would be nice to get something out of him.

The Padres outfield could use a boost, as Seth Smith is a little banged up and Xavier Nady is not be an everyday player.  Chris Denorfia has played admirably, but with Will Venable still struggling, Maybin is the most true center-fielder on the team.  Defensively. Maybin, Venable, and Denorfia is the Padres best outfield configuration.  After all, it wasn’t that long ago he was regularly making catches like this.

If Maybin can finally stay healthy and put it all together, it certainly gives the Padres some serious options once Carlos Quentin  returns from the DL, whenever or however long that might be.  While we wait for Will Venable to show us his 2013 self, and Chris Denorfia continues to hit well and consistently, an offensive bump from Maybin would be welcome news.