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Padres fill Gap in Centerfield
San Diego Padres general manager continued to be active early in the off-season by acquiring Mike Cameron from the Mets. Cameron’s Gold Glove abilities in centerfield will be a welcome addition to a Padres outfield that must patrol the expansive confines of PETCO Park. His powerful right-handed stroke will also be a welcome addition to a lineup in need of a hitter that can pull the ball over the more hitter-friendly leftfield fences.
The trade also allows current centerfielder Dave Roberts to move to left field, replacing the relative defensive liability that was Ryan Klesko, improving the overall outfield defensive markedly. As for Klekso, Ryan will be able to therefore move to first base and relax at a more fitting position while being able to work more on his hitting.
To attain Cameron from the Mets the Padres had to give up former Padres Organizational Top 10 prospect Xavier Nady. Xavier played many positions for the Padres last year, including all outfield positions, third, and first bases. It is assumed at this time (barring any other acquisitions that Mets GM Omar Minaya completes) that Xavier Nady should see significant time in right field as coaches are not thrilled by Victor Diaz’ lackluster play in the field at times. He should also see time hitting against lefties in the place of left-hand hitting Mike Jacobs at first base.
Hopefully this deal solidifies the idea that the Mets will stick with Mike Jacobs at first instead of going after higher priced, more proven talent like Carlos Delgado. Jacobs has hit at every level of the minors and has proven his worth in the limited time he’s been in the majors (.310/.375/.710 with 11 HR in 100 AB).
As for who is the winner of this trade, Kevin Towers may have come out of this on the better end. Towers traded for a power bat and improved his outfield defense in center and left fields. (Do you think Jake Peavy is happy?) Unless Xavier is able to start hitting left-handed pitching, he will struggle in the full-time roll and will be regulated to platoon duties for his career. Sure, this may have been mainly a move to dump salary for Omar Minaya to free up the cash for some large spending, but Cameron is a premier defensive talent with a decent bat. Even with his large contract, Mike’s abilities should have commanded more in a trade.
