San Diego Padres: Eric Hosmer and Wil Myers complete each other
San Diego Padres teammates Eric Hosmer and Wil Myers go together like apples and oranges. Each offers something different, but together they complete each other.
Like it or not, Eric Hosmer is the new San Diego Padres first baseman. The All-Star and 2015 World Series Champion signed a significant deal with the Padres over the weekend, stealing many baseball fans away from their Saturday night routines.
An effect of this signing, Wil Myers will no longer use his first baseman’s mitt as often. The 27-year-old will shift back to the outfield in 2018 to allow Hosmer and his Gold Glove-winning ways to take over on the infield.
Many fans seem split on this signing. Anytime a team pays a guy $144 million; there will be controversy. For a positive spin, one needs to merely realize that Hosmer and Myers are antonyms of each other. Each offers something very different to a team in need of help.
What Eric Hosmer gives the San Diego Padres
Eric Hosmer provides the San Diego Padres superb defense at first base, a high batting average, and an above-average OBP. Everyone knows his power numbers will drop in San Diego. They were never all that great during his time with the Kansas City Royals anyway.
Something else Hosmer gives the Padres that Wil Myers does not is his experience. Hosmer’s 31 postseason games and World Series ring will help the Padres realize what they’re missing. As a leader of the 2015 Royals, Hosmer lugs yet another intangible attribute with him to Southern California.
Finally, it’s essential for Padres fans to appreciate Hosmer and his ironman abilities. Hosmer appeared in all 162 Royals games last year. Since becoming a regular in 2012, he has played in fewer than 152 games just once. Showing up is the first key to success.
What Wil Myers gives the San Diego Padres
Since joining the San Diego Padres in 2015, Wil Myers has helped his team feel a lot more confident in the middle of its order. Following the injury-shortened 2015 campaign, Myers has stayed healthy. He belted 28 home runs in 2016 and another 30 last year. Both totals best anything Eric Hosmer ever accomplished.
Myers also offers defensive flexibility. It’s the whole reason why the Padres were able to add Hosmer. Though Myers is not a favorable defender, he can play the corner outfield spots. It’s where he will make his home in 2018. Players who can play more than position save teams suffering from injuries.
Another element Myers has that Hosmer does not is base stealing abilities. Myers has 48 stolen bases over the last two seasons. It’s entirely possible that he becomes the next 30/30 guy in MLB.
Next: Kansas City Royals first base options
On their own, Hosmer and Myers are very middle-of-the-road. Together in the same lineup, they complete each other.