Yonder Alonso's homer builds case for breakout

Yonder Alonso's sixth-inning home run against the Mets on opening day went to deep right field -- where six of his nine 2012 home runs landed. 

Why is this a big deal? Because Alonso, who will turn 26 next week, now has a tasty target in San Diego, with the Padres moving the right field fences in almost 20 feet. Granted, this home run was hit in Queens, but it may just signal an overall philosophical shift for 2013 -- hit the home runs to right, without the fear of those fences at PETCO forcing adjustments back in San Diego. Additionally, Alonso may have been due to turn some of his 39 doubles last year into some home runs, just through a natural progression of his career. 

A former top prospect who showed decent power potential in the minors, Alonso is owned in just 65 percent of leagues. I could see that going to about 75 percent by the end of the week. 


(cbssports.com)