Baseball season has begun in San Diego and the Padres have split the first two games against the Dodgers, but Padres star third baseman Chase Headley has struggled mightily at the plate.
Before you say, "it's just the first two games of the season, how can you judge him off of that," well, his struggles have come at key moments potentially costing the team a win. It also doesn't help that Headley is seeking a contract with numbers north of $100 million being thrown out.
Headley had a breakout season in 2012 when he hit 31 home runs to go along with a National League leading 115 RBIs. Many believed that Headley would turn in to the next big thing in San Diego only to be traded away.
Not so fast said 2013 as he regressed back down to earth as he battled injury, belting only 13 home runs and driving in 51 RBIs, both on par for the previous splits in his career. So what happened to the 2012 Chase and will we expect to see him come close to those numbers. This writer does not think so.
Headley, who surprised many around the baseball world, has probably felt pressure trying to duplicate his career-year causing him to press at times thus hurting his play. The fairly young Padres management led by Josh Byrnes has said they want to keep their All-Star, but it seems there is always another trade scenario that comes to daylight.
Headley has previously said that he would not discuss a new contract during the season. 2014 is his contract year and Headley must prove he is worth the money he is asking or the Padres might part ways.
These types of distraction can cause any player to decline in ability.
The Padres third baseman has started this season 0-8, grounding into two double plays, striking out three times and leaving five men on base. Not exactly the quick start that the team and the fans expected from their No. 3 hitter.
A switch to fifth or sixth in the lineup may do wonders for Headley's confidence as first baseman Yonder Alonso and newcomer outfielder Seth Smith have stepped up as offensive leaders in the young season.
Headley must contribute soon or the likelihood of a trade will go from plausible to probable come July.
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