We already know that the Padres knocked more road extra-base hits than any other team in MLB in 2007 (those of you interested in helping me keep a roof over my head will also find this information on page 37 of the Ducksnorts 2008 Baseball Annual). The other day, in our spirited discussion of the club’s declining attendance, we noted the lack of marquee players as one possible factor keeping San Diegans from embracing the Padres as much as they might.
We also noted that if Adrian Gonzalez played his home games in a more forgiving environment, he likely would be recognized as such a marquee player. With that lengthy prelude out of the way, here are the top 10 individual road slugging percentages in the National League in 2007 (minimum 250 PA):
- Chipper Jones, Braves, .643
- Albert Pujols, Cardinals, .642
- Alfonso Soriano, Cubs, .636
- Ryan Braun, Brewers, .610
- Ryan Howard, Phillies, .588
- Prince Fielder, Brewers, .572
- Carlos Beltran, Mets, .571
- Lance Berkman, Astros, .570
- Adrian Gonzalez, Padres, .570
- Jeremy Hermida, Marlins, .548
One-year wonder? Not really. Here are the top 10 in the NL for 2006-2007 (minimum 500 PA):
- Albert Pujols, Cardinals, .647
- Chipper Jones, Braves, .632
- Ryan Howard, Phillies, .626
- Carlos Beltran, Mets, .625
- Alfonso Soriano, Cubs, .594
- Lance Berkman, Astros, .575
- Carlos Delgado, Mets, .562
- Prince Fielder, Brewers, .551
- Adrian Gonzalez, Padres, .550
- Miguel Cabrera, Marlins, .526
Nine of these guys get a lot of play in the national media. Can you find the one who doesn’t?
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Programming note: I’ll be appearing on “SportsWrap” on Sunday, March 23, to talk about the Padres. Those of you here in San Diego can tune to Channel 7/39 at 11:35 p.m. PT to catch all the madness and mayhem. Big thanks to Derek Togerson and company for having me on the show!