Padres News: Who’s on First?

Carlos Quentin

Mar 4, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Carlos Quentin (18) runs to first base against the Seattle Mariners during a spring training baseball game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

A month ago the thought of Carlos Quentin playing first base wouldn’t have crossed my mind, but this spring he’ll be taking some reps at first base. He better hope that he can figure out first base, because there might not be room on the roster for him otherwise. With the revamped outfield, plus having Cameron Maybin and Will Venable ahead of him on the depth chart, Quentin will need to find a way to make himself stand out to earn a roster spot.

Injuries have been Quentin’s downfall in San Diego. In his first season with the Padres in 2012 he played just 86 games and followed that up with 82 games in 2013 then last year he played in just 50 games. It hasn’t been his fault his tenure here has been a disaster, but it has been and there’s no changing that. At this point in his career, playing in the outfield everyday is probably out the question due to his health, but first base is a far less physically demanding position. First base could be where he could have a career renaissance.

Even with the injuries, Quentin was a productive hitter in 2012 and 2013. Last season he did fall off a cliff, but that could be attributed to his health and not being able to string together enough games to be comfortable at the plate. In an ideal world the Padres would just trade Quentin and move on, but at this point that doesn’t appear to be possible. So maybe first is the best place for him.