Next in our series chronicling the franchise's best players divided up in their respective positions, we take a look at the hot corner and list the Friars' best third basemen.
As we've been doing, we will run through the candidates in alphabetical order, with brief paragraphs outlining their case. Voting will then take place, and the winner will receive an article that includes a full player profile; and will be included in our list of the greatest Padres of all-time.
On our list, we find MVPs, batting crown champions, a former No. 1 draft pick, and both starting third basemen for San Diego's pennant teams.
And now, the nominees:
Ken Caminiti (1995 - 1998)
After John Moores purchased the team in 1994, new GM Kevin Towers engineered the first big move in his tenure, trading for Steve Finley and Caminiti among others.
They would both be big cogs in San Diego's two playoff appearances over the next four years, and Caminiti would prove to be the driving offensive force eventually leading San Diego to a pennant run.
In 1996, Cammy hit .326, with 40 HR and 126 RBI, earning him the Silver Slugger award, an All-Star selection and the N.L. MVP award. That year, he would become part of baseball lore when, in Monterrey, Mexico for a three-game series against the Mets, he suffered from severe gastrointestinal pain. Instead of sitting out the game, Caminiti downed a few Snickers bars and hit two HR.
Caminiti's .526 SLG% is tops in franchise history, and he also ranks among the top ten in the following categories: OBP, HR, RBI, BB, and OPS, where he is first overall. His glove was also a huge asset for San Diego, winning three Gold Gloves from 1995 to 1997.
Graig Nettles (1984 - 1986)
A hometown hero who was born and raised in San Diego, Nettles also graduated from San Diego State University. Already a five-time All-Star, perennial MVP candidate and World Champion as a member of the New York Yankees, Nettles signed with the Padres prior to the 1984 season.
As part of a talented roster, Graig hit 20 HR and 65 RBI in a limited role, and helped the Padres reach the World Series where they would meet the Detroit Tigers. The next season, at the age of 40, Nettles would be selected to his sixth All-Star game on his way to hitting 15 HR and 61 RBI.
After a 1986 season where he hit for another 16 HR, Nettles was let go at the age of 41, citing his declining offensive performance (he hit .218 that season). However, the wily veteran would latch on with the Atlanta Braves and Montreal Expos for two more seasons, before retiring at the age of 43.
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