The Padres without Adrian Gonzalez

Early in December 2010, the San Diego Padres traded Adrian Gonzalez to the Boston Red Sox. This was one of the largest offseason trades in Major League Baseball, but this puts the Padres in a major restructuring of their ball club. The first baseman that carried the team for such a long time is now gone. So my question is, where will the Padres finish in the NL West? The Padres have recently signed Jason Bartlett to an $11 million, 2-year deal, with an optional $1.5 million buy out in 2013. Orlando Hudson was also signed in the offseason to a contract very similar to Bartlett's. Unknown to most, Jason Bartlett was originally drafted in the 13th round by the Padres back in 2001, so this will be a nice homecoming for Bartlett. The Padres suffered a devastating end of the season, missing the playoffs and allowing the Giants to coast into a World Series victory. Fans everywhere are saying, "Thanks a lot San Diego...." With Chase Headley stepping up this season, and the Padres acquiring Ryan Ludwick in the 2010 season, the Padres were looking to be a top-notch team. Heath Bell is also another name being tossed around within the Padres front office, mainly because he will be eligible for arbitration. Bell had 47 saves in the 2010 season, and is one of the best closers in the game, and only making $4 million. The Padres have suffered an offensive blow this offseason but hopefully they do not retain the bad taste of last year's season in their mouth at the beginning of this one. Almost a completely new infield will start for the Padres this year, and a new first baseman will start for San Diego, since the Fryers signed Brad Hawpe in early January. Hawpe will not produce Adrian Gonzalez like numbers, but will be an acceptable replacement. So what will the Padres do without the All-Star first baseman? I would think they'll put their best foot forward, look to a fresh start in the 2011 season, and hope for the best. Missing a player in 5 years with San Diego had: 799 games, 464 runs, 856 hits, 176 doubles, 7 triples, 161 homeruns, 501 RBIs, 403 walks, and a .288 batting average. "You stay classy, San Diego."