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Padres News: Middlebrooks Discusses Being Traded

By Andrew Beccarelli

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Newly acquired San Diego Padres third baseman, Will Middlebrooks, opened up to Richard Justice of Padres.com about being traded by the Boston Red Sox, his recent string of injuries, and where he sees himself in the “new look” Padres roster.

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On the Boston Red Sox signing Pablo Sandoval and know his time with Boston was coming to an end:

"“It stung a little bit, just because I cared so much about being a part of that team,” he said. “I’d be lying to you if I said it didn’t bother me. But at the same time, I like to think I have an idea of the business of baseball. You have a guy that keeps getting hurt, and they’re an organization that wants to win now. I understand that. It is what it is.”"

On waiting to be traded:

"“It wasn’t fun,” he said, “knowing my role going forward was as a utility player and backup. I didn’t want that. I didn’t know what to want. I’d never been in that position. So when the trade happened, it was a bittersweet feeling. I loved my time in Boston. I loved my teammates, my coaches, the staff. But for my career going forward, it was a great opportunity.”"

I can certainly see why Middlebrooks felt the way he did. He had so much immediate success with the Red Sox and winning a World Series. He strikes me as a player who really does care about being a good teammate and the best player he can be and being dumped by Boston had to hurt, even if it is part of the business.

On his recent lack-luster seasons:

"“It felt like, for the past year, I’d have to cheat to hit fastballs because I just didn’t have my bat speed,” he said. “Being able to get back to my normal swing without having to speed up other parts of my body to get to the baseball has been a big deal. It has allowed me to just get back to the basics.”"

On learning how to deal with his injuries from last season:

"“That’s my competitive nature. That’s who I am,” he said. “As a young player, I didn’t know any better. I learned the hard way. Now I have a better perspective of what I can play through and what I can’t. It’ll help me going forward.”"

On his new team and teammates:

"“I’m excited to come to the field every day,” Middlebrooks said. “It’s great to see how easily everybody has mixed together. There’s great camaraderie in here, and that’s what it’s about.”"

As a Padres fan, I am really hoping the change in scenary helps Middlebrooks find his old groove again. If he can have the same success he had at the start of his career, then the limits of possibility are endless for the Padres.

What do you guys think? What is your overall impression of Middlebrooks right now?

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