Padres News: Who’s on First?

Alex Dickerson

Feb 21, 2014; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder Alex Dickerson (78) poses for a photo during photo day at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

While Alex Dickerson has never played above AA and has yet to take regular reps at first since 2012, don’t be surprised if he’s starting everyday at first at some point in 2015. Last spring Dickerson had his first shot to play in big league camp. Unfortunately he was injured by tripping over a sprinkler head, but crazily enough the MRI revealed a hole in his heel. Had it shattered his career would have likely been over, but he had it repaired and is all healthy now.

That injury was expected to hold him out for all of 2014, but he was able to comeback and play in 41 games across three minor league levels. Even though he had gone close to a year without game action, he came back strong. In his 34 games with AA San Antonio he hit .321/.367/.496 with three home runs and 24 RBI.

Last year Dickerson showed great resolve to bring himself all the way back from an injury that was supposed to end his season, and to put up big numbers in the process. That kind of resolve can drive him all the way through AAA and into the big leagues, especially if the guys ahead of him don’t perform. Also he’s a lefty and can play both corner outfield positions. The Padres do have a need for as many lefties as they can get, but extra outfielders are far from a pressing need. That being said, positional versatility can only help him out.