26-year old righty swinging Kevin Kouzmanoff got off to a rough start to the 2007 season but he closed with a rush to put up respectable numbers for the year. He played in 145 games last season for the Padres and he was 133 for 484 (.275 avg, .786 OPS) with 57 runs scored, 18 homers and 74 RBIs. He didn’t play too well on defense however as he made 22 errors in 136 games at 3B while showing below average range. Look for Kouzmanoff to break out in 2008 as he builds on his strong 2007 2nd half.

24-year old switch hitter Chase Headley is the Padres top prospect and he could wind up in LF as the starter with a strong spring. Headley played in 8 games for the Padres last season and he was 4 for 18 (.222 avg, .611 OPS) with 1 run scored, He was incredible in AA ball last season. He played in 121 games in AA last season and he was 143 for 433 (.330 avg, 1.017 OPS) with 82 runs scored, 20 homers and 78 RBIs. Headley could have a huge impact on the Padres but it will likely be in LF if it happens in 2008.

Luis Rodriguez played in 38 games at 3B last season for the Twins and he made 3 errors while showing average range. Oscar Robles played in 4 error-free games at 3B last season while showing off impressive range. One of these two guys will probably back up Kouzmanoff in 2008.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON: B-

28-year old righty swinging Khalil Greene had the best season of his major league career in 2007 due to the fact that he remained healthy. He only averaged 127.3 games per season in his previous 3 seasons before last year so you have to wonder if he can stay healthy in 2008. Greene played in 153 games for the Padres last season and he was 155 for 611 (.254 avg, .759 OPS) with 89 runs scored, 27 homers and 97 RBIs. He only made 11 errors in 153 games while showing average range at SS. Look for Greene to have a solid 2008 season.

Neither Luis Rodriguez or Oscar Robles played shortstop last season in the majors but one of them will likely be Greene’s backup this season.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON: B

The Padres hope that 33-year old 2B Tadahito Iguchi is a much better fit than Marcus Giles was last season for them. He played in 135 games last season for the White Sox & Phillies and he was 124 for 465 (.267 avg, .747 OPS) with 67 runs scored, 9 homers, 43 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. Look for Petco Park to curb his power numbers a bit in 2008 but he’s still a decent hitter. Iguchi is also an outstanding defender as he only made 6 errors in 121 games at 2B last season while showing off great range.

32-year old lefty swinging Oscar Robles will be back trying to win a bench job for the Padres in 2008. He played in 24 games for the Padres last season and he was 6 for 26 (.231 avg, .517 OPS) with 2 RBIs. If Robles hits to his career norms (.260 avg, .671 OPS) he should make the team. He didn’t made any errors in 8 games at 2B for the Padres last season but he doesn’t have a lot of range.

28-year old switch hitting Luis Rodriguez is also on board to try to win a bench job. He played in 68 games last season for the Twins and he was 34 for 155 (.219 avg, .584 OPS) with 18 runs scored, 2 homers and 12 RBIs. Rodriguez only made 1 error in 21 games at 2B last season but his range is slightly below average.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON: C

Mark Prior and Clay Hensley will both miss the start of the season. 27-year old righty Mark Prior is still recovering from shoulder surgery. He last pitched in the majors in 2006 with the Cubs. Prior has pitched in 106 games (all starts) in his major league career and he is 42-29 with a 3.51 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. Prior could be a huge surprise for the Padres if he can stay healthy when he’s likely to return around June. 28-year old righty starter Clay Hensley will probably miss the start of the season as he is recovering from labrum surgery. He didn’t pitch too well last season for the Padres. In 13 games (9 starts) last season for the Padres and he was 2-3 with a 6.84 ERA and a 1.88 WHIP. He has now pitched in 74 games (39 starts) in his major league career and he is 14-16 with a 3.92 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. The Padres aren’t depending on either of these guys but they could really help them if they can stay healthy.

The Padres are absolutely loaded at first base this season with Adrian Gonzalez and Tony Clark. 26-year old lefty swinging Adrian Gonzalez had an incredible year last season. He played in 161 games for the Padres and he was 182 for 646 (.282 avg, .849 OPS) with 101 runs scored, 30 homers and 100 RBIs. Imagine if he didn’t play half his games at gigantic Petco Park what kind of numbers he could put up. Look for Gonzalez to have another great season in 2008. He’s also a really good defender.

36-year old switch hitter Tony Clark was signed as a free agent and he will provide a big stick off the bench. He played in 113 games last season for the Diamondbacks and he was 55 for 221 (.249 avg, .821 OPS) with 31 runs scored, 17 homers and 51 RBIs. Look for Clark to have another solid season in 2008 as he has shown no signs of slowing down.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON: A