Padres Players of the Week

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Apr 12, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres catche Wil Nieves is greeted by third baseman Will Middlebrooks (second from left) and left fielder Matt Kemp (middle) and left fielder Justin Upton (far right) after hitting a fourth inning grand slam against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The first week of the season is in the books! The San Diego Padres finish with a winning record at 4-3, after series with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants. Every week I will highlight a hitter and pitcher that stood out the most during the week.

The Padres opened the season with a 3-game set in Los Angeles, which they dropped two games to one. The offense looked good, scoring 14 runs in the three games, and three runs off the mighty Clayton Kershaw. The biggest story was the return of the Dodgers’ golden boy of yesteryear, Matt Kemp. He made them pay.

It was also fun to see all the new Padres players playing in games that actually count. They all have performed well, for the most part. We saw home runs by Justin Upton and Will Middlebrooks. Matt Kemp hitting over .350. James Shields had two solid starts. Craig Kimbrel blew people away. Derek Norris busted his butt all week-long.

There are a lot of choices for player of the week on both sides.

Mostly, it was fun to see the Padres play well. They are fired up! This is a different team, no doubt about it. If Ian Kennedy can get healthy, and the Padres can avoid any more major injuries, this could be a special season.

Now, on to the top players of this week….

Apr 11, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder Matt Kemp (27) doubles during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Hitter of the Week

Matt Kemp

Watching Matt Kemp circle the bases on Sunday for a seventh inning triple was something special. The emotion, the hustle. He also tortured his former team during the first half of the week to the tune of 5 for 13 with three RBI and two runs scored. He finished the week hitting .367.

Kemp also racked up the extra base hits with three doubles and a triple. He also finished the week with four RBI. He has even stolen a base and made some great defensive plays in right field. He has shown hustle and a chip on his shoulder. Why did the Dodgers get rid of this guy again?

Another reason why I am naming him one of the players of the week, is his attitude and leadership. He expects greatness from his teammates. His jersey gets dirty on a daily basis. He is obviously a vocal leader on this team. This is something the Padres have lacked in the past, a vocal leader who also performs on the field and sets an example. If we get 140+ games from Matt Kemp this year, the Friars will be in good shape.

Apr 10, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres closer Craig Kimbrel (46) pitches during the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Pitcher of the Week

Craig Kimbrel

This may prove to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, acquisition of the off season. Joaquin Benoit seemed to be a serviceable closer, but the Padres needed more than a serviceable closer. They needed a proven closer with “closer” stuff. Kimbrel fit the bill perfectly and he hasn’t disappointed.

His first appearance with the Friars came in the second game against the Dodgers, but not in a save situation. With the Padres up 7-3, Kimbrel came in and absolutely blew away the three Dodger hitters he faced. It wasn’t even close.

He also impressed in his second appearance, which also was not a save. In a 0-0 game in the top of the ninth during the Friars home opener. After surrendering a lead off triple to the newest San Diego fan-favorite villain, Angel Pagan, he didn’t let Pagan score. He pitched out of a tough jam to give the Padres a chance in the bottom of the inning.

He finally got the chance to close a game and earn a save on Friday night when the Padres squeaked out a 1-0 win. He earned his second save on Sunday afternoon, closing a 6-4 win to end the week. In four appearances, he has two saves, four strikeouts and zero earned runs.

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