The Padres have made a few big deals and they have signed some free agents over the winter. They have added 10 players that will have a good shot of making a mark for the Padres in 2012 and here’s a look at them:

In the field: The Padres have added 1B Yonder Alonso and RF Carlos Quentin to the starting lineup and that should give the Padres a nice boost offensively. Lefty swinging catcher John Baker and lefty swinging 1B/OF Mark Kotsay are really going to give the Padres’ bench some nice juice. Catcher Yasmani Grandal will probably have to wait a year or two before he is the starting catcher on the Padres and he has a huge upside.

On the mound: Edison Volquez is going to step right into the starting rotation to replace the guy he was traded for (Mat Latos). Volquez has a nice upside and he will benefit big time from pitching his home games at Petco Park. Huston Street was brought in from the Rockies in a deal earlier this winter to replace Heath Bell who signed with the Marlins. He should do a really good job for the Padres in 2012. Andrew Cashner will likely be the top setup man for Heath Bell in 2012. Matt Palmer could be the next guy to step up out of virtually nowhere to revive his career with the Padres. He can start or relieve. Righty reliever Brad Boxberger came over in the Mat Latos deal and he will get a shot to win a spot in the Padres’ pen.

Overall: I think the Padres have improved their team over the winter as they have added some bats that are badly needed. The Padres have improved the bullpen over the winter and Volquez is going to be a very pleasant surprise for the rotation in 2012.