Gavin Sheets: Padres' Power Boost

On April 3, the San Diego Padres need their offense to step up big time this season, especially

with questions in the starting rotation.

They got stars like Fernando Tateez Jr., Mani Machado, and Jackson Merrill, but can't

lean on them alone.

Enter Gavin Sheetz, the 29-year-old slugger who's expected to bring serious power as a key

role player.

MLB writer Ethan Penrod predicts Sheetz could smash 30 home runs this year.

Last season, in his first full year with the Padres, he played 145 games, hit 252 with

19 homers and 71, RBI's his best stats ever.

That comfort in the Padres hitting approach is paying off already.

In spring training, across 18 games, Sheetz batted 279 with 4 home runs and 9 RBI's

looking way more disciplined and powerful.

At the plate, fans and analysts see him as the spark to fix the lineups in consistency,

putting fear in pictures and rounding out the team.

At his age, steady improvement makes him a reliable bat long term.

Early this season, after a rough over 13 start, he's 5 for his last 7 with 2 RBI's and

a 250 average over 7 games.

If that momentum builds, Sheetz could carry the Padres deep into the playoffs.

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