25-year old switch hitting Chase Headley is a natural 3B who learned how to play the outfield because the Padres had Kevin Kouzmanoff entrenched there. With Kouzmanoff off to the A’s in a trade, Headley will return to his natural position and the Padres hope that sparks his offense. Headley played in 156 games for the Padres last season and he was 143 for 543 (.262 avg, .734 OPS) with 62 runs scored, 12 homers, 64 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. The Padres are hoping for at least 80 runs scored, 15 homers and 80 RBIs out of Headley in 2010. Headley played in 28 games at 3B last season and he made 5 errors there while showing pathetic range. I believe that he will improve big time with a whole spring training to work on his defense at 3B.

33-year old righty swinging Jerry Hairston will be Headley’s primary backup at 3B this season. He played in 49 games at 3B for the Reds & Yankees last season and he showed slightly below average range. This is not his best position defensively.

31-year old righty swinging Oscar Salazar will likely play a little bit at 3B, 1B and the corner outfield in 2010. His main job is to be the Padres’ top pinch hitter off the bench. He played in 72 games for the Padres & Orioles last season and he was 29 for 108 (.269 avg, .802 OPS) with 12 runs scored, 3 homers and 19 RBIs. Salazar played in 5 error-free games at 3B last season while showing poor range there.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 3B IN 2010: C-