Nick Hundley

Nick Hundley is someone that the Padres are going to be relying on heavily this season. Since being called up the major leagues during the 2008 season, Hundley has never been a full time catcher, he has always had to share time with another catcher. In his first season he had to share time with Josh Bard, the following year with Henry Blanco, and last year with Yorvit Torrelaba.

Torrelaba did play in more games than Hundley last year because Hundley's hitting did not come around like the team had hoped it would and Torrelaba had more experience which was needed as the Padres were pushing for a spot in the playoffs last season. The scouting report on Hundley over the last couple of years has been that he calls a very good game, meaning that he knows the pitchers on his pitching staff very well and knows what pitches to call in certain situations. He has also been know to be a very solid defensive catcher. He rarely allows any pass balls and  throws out most of the runners that try to steal bases on him. But the problem has always been his hitting.

Hundley has a career batting average of .242 which way below what a major league hitter should be hitting. Hundley has come into spring training this season 20 pounds heavier and I am not talking about 20 pounds of fat, I am talking about 20 pounds of solid muscle. He is putting on this weight so he wants to drive the ball better which is very important especially in Petco Park where the outfield is so big. If Hundley can hit line drives to the big gaps that would create a lot of opportunities for the Padres.

The Padres are also looking for Hundley to become a leader on this team this seaons. Even though he is only coming into his third full season in the league, he is one of the few players on this roster that has been with the Padres for 3 years. He understands Bud Black's style of managing and he has become a fan favorite as well. If he can start hitting consistently and continue his lights out defense, the Padres will have a star in the making.