3 things we know (and 3 we don’t) about Padres’ defense
But one other theme emerged throughout Saturday’s media availabilities: Nobody is absolutely certain who’s taking part in the place, defensively.
“Gotta talk to my manager,” Tatis mentioned.
Later, their supervisor strolled into the room and acknowledged that even he isn’t sure the way it would possibly play out.
“In speaking with our guys, they just want to win,” Bob Melvin mentioned. “And they realize they might be moving around a little bit this year.”
With camp set to get underway subsequent week, right here’s a take a look at what we all know — and don’t know — in regards to the Padres’ plans:
1. Bogaerts is at brief
In the hours after Bogaerts signed his 11-year deal to play in San Diego, there was some query as to the place he’d play on a roster that was loaded with shortstops. The Padres put that query to mattress shortly, declaring him their 2023 shortstop.
Beyond 2023, there are questions — particularly, what if Machado had been to decide out of his contract on the finish of the season? Team officers have reiterated that Bogaerts shouldn’t be considered as insurance coverage in case Machado leaves; retaining Machado stays prime precedence. But if he had been to depart, Bogaerts at third with Ha-Seong Kim or Tatis at brief will not be a horrible contingency. That’s a query for one more day, although — one the Padres hope they by no means must reply.
2. Kim is at second — however working at brief and third
By now, Kim has confirmed that his glove performs nearly wherever, and he’s continued working in any respect three spots this offseason.
“I’ve heard I’ll be playing mostly at second base,” Kim mentioned. “But it doesn’t matter. During the season, I’ll be ready for any position Bob tells me to play.”
Expect Kim to be the first backup for Machado and Bogaerts throughout their off-days and DH days. Kim can be slated to start out at brief for Korea within the World Baseball Classic.
3. Soto is open to a transfer
Soto broke into the large leagues as a left fielder however has these days entrenched himself in proper. Then once more, proper subject looks as if a pleasant touchdown spot if Tatis had been to transition to the outfield. (Petco Park is especially spacious in right-center, which could swimsuit Tatis’ skillset, to not point out his cannon for an arm.)
The staff has but to have that dialog with Soto. But speaking with reporters on Saturday, Soto indicated he is open to a transfer — with one caveat.
“I’ve never played back-and-forth,” Soto said. “If I’ve played one, I’ve stayed there, so I think that’s the main thing. Whenever I start playing one side, I put all my concentration and everything on that one side. … But I’m definitely comfortable with whatever side.”
1. Where will Tatis play?
The Padres’ one-time shortstop-of-the-future was deliberately imprecise Saturday when requested the place, particularly, he is been working this winter.
“Outfield, infield,” he mentioned with a wry smile.
Tatis nonetheless has 20 video games to serve on his suspension. Perhaps one thing occurs earlier than his return that shakes issues up. But on Saturday, Melvin gave the most important trace but as to the place Tatis would possibly begin the yr:
“Being inactive for basically a year and a half, shoulder surgery, wrist surgery — maybe the outfield takes a little off his plate to begin with, might be good for him,” Melvin mentioned.
2. But the place within the outfield?
As famous above, Soto seems open to taking part in left, which clears a path for Tatis to fit seamlessly into proper. So why aren’t the Padres committing to that plan?
Here’s one caveat: Say Matt Carpenter channels his internal Babe Ruth once more this season. Perhaps he earns at-bats towards left-handed pitching. If so, who exits the lineup? Trent Grisham? And, in that case, who’s taking part in heart?
How about an ultra-athletic, rangy one-time shortstop?
3. What about Cronenworth?
More than something, it appears like Cronenworth’s place might be decided by the efficiency of the gamers round him. If Kim is sweet sufficient to proceed to warrant on a regular basis taking part in time, Cronenworth ought to find yourself taking part in an terrible lot of first base. If Nelson Cruz has a renaissance season, doubtlessly stealing at-bats towards righty starters, Cronenworth would possibly discover himself at second.
Cronenworth in all probability gained’t have a set place — and he’s superb with that.
“I’ve done it plenty now, to where I’m comfortable doing it,” Cronenworth mentioned. “As lengthy I’m in there serving to the staff, any method attainable, that’s all I can ask for.”
