Things to Look Forward to In 2017: The Return of Cesar Vargas
The 2016 San Diego Padres season was filled with many highs and lows.
The year had amazing catches, a few stolen bases of home, a couple of memorable walk-off base hits, the arrival of exciting prospects, a couple of front office scandals, and everything in between.
In addition to all these moments there were several players who came out of nowhere and made an impact on the team.
Ryan Schimpf, Luis Perdomo, and even some relievers like Brad Hand and Ryan Buchter come to mind. One other player you may have forgotten about is Cesar Vargas.
Yes, the man I dubbed as “El Calmado” earlier this season was indeed a surprise standout. Vargas had never thrown a pitch in the major leagues before 2016. In fact he had not started a game since 2013 in Single-A. Vargas looked really impressive in his few MLB starts.
The “Calmed Down” Vargas would only start seven games in 2016 for the Padres. But he would allow two runs or less in five of those games.
The Mexican right-hander would face some tough opponents, like the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Dodgers, on the year. Vargas would absolutely dominate the Dodgers in his two outings against them. He would only allow two runs and strike out 13 batters in 12 and a third innings against the division rivals.
Unfortunately, Cesar would have bad luck throughout the season. Vargas would amazingly not achieve his first win in the major leagues. This would mainly be due to a lack of run support and constant bullpen blunders.
One of the most heartbreaking games of the season had to be Vargas’s MLB debut. Vargas would go out there and pitch like a 20-year veteran pitcher. Cesar would only allow a run in five innings of work against the St. Louis Cardinals. Unfortunately, the bullpen would implode and the game would finish by way of blowout, 11-2. Hopefully, those bullpen issues are something that we don’t see in 2017.
Cesar Vargas would suffer an injury in his right pitching elbow which would end his 2016 season. His quest for his first MLB win would end abruptly.
Luckily, the injury wouldn’t be a major issue. The elbow injury, thankfully, would not require surgery and Cesar Vargas will make his return in the 2017 season. I, for one, cannot wait to see him back out on the mound. The Friar Faithful should be excited for the return of Cesar Vargas.
This man really showed some decent potential, and a whole lot of confidence. Vargas showed the type of confidence that shows he belongs in the majors. The type of confidence an experienced, matador might show against a raging bull.
There are several things to look forward to in 2017. Many players like Manuel Margot and Hunter Renfroe left us wanting to see more. The Padres will be an interesting team to watch. Cesar Vargas is a player who you might have already forgotten about. However, there is a decent shot he will return to form in some aspect during the 2017 season. Keep tabs on him during spring training as the club begins to take shape. Go Padres.
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.
so, so, sooo glad, u posted this about Vargas. Its like the kid has been completely forgotten, in PadreLand..
I would say, he should make the rotation deeper, and we should include him w/ Richard, Perdomo and someone like Brad Hand (who they say, they’d like to try in the rotation).
Vargas, is good enough to be a 3rd starter, in my opinion.