Preller confident in roster, but are Padres done?
PEORIA, Ariz. — The Padres wanted to discover a big-time bat for the center of their lineup. So they signed Xander Bogaerts.
The Padres wanted DH choices and bench depth. They signed Matt Carpenter, Nelson Cruz and Adam Engel.
The Padres wanted to bolster the again of their rotation, so that they re-signed Nick Martinez and added Seth Lugo. But they had been nonetheless skinny coming into camp — and now they look like on the verge of signing Michael Wacha, whose deal is pending a bodily.
Essentially, each main space of concern on this Padres roster has been addressed ultimately over the winter. Which results in this vital query:
“Barring injury, if you’re trying to forecast a 26-man, it’s fairly easy to do,” stated Padres supervisor Bob Melvin. “There’s not only depth on the big league roster, but also on the 40-man, too, and that’s become really important.”
To reply the query, no, the Padres are by no means accomplished accomplished. A.J. Preller is their normal supervisor, and unpredictability appears to be his calling card. It was solely final 12 months when, within the week main as much as the common season, the Padres traded for Sean Manaea and Taylor Rogers.
Still, whereas acknowledging the ever-present chance of change, the distinction this spring is that if the Padres had been to begin the season immediately, they’d be very content material with this roster.
“We try to have as much talent, as much depth, as much quality of options for Bob and his staff to utilize,” Preller stated. “We’ve constructed it with the lengthy haul in thoughts, with the final word purpose of attending to October.
“We really feel like we’ve received a superb roster that may deal with the hurdles of an extended Major League season.”
There is, maybe, one spot left on the Opening Day roster for a place participant to win. But that is the spot vacated by Fernando Tatis Jr. whereas he serves the remaining 20 video games of his PED suspension.
That nearly actually wouldn’t necessitate one other transfer, contemplating the wealth of choices the Padres have for changing Tatis over these first few weeks.
Really, the lone remaining merchandise on the Padres’ offseason guidelines can be exploring an extension with Manny Machado. (Both sides have expressed curiosity, although neither is commenting publicly on any negotiations.)
Regarding the 2023 roster itself, the Padres’ offseason maneuverings is perhaps over. And they appear fairly happy with the top consequence.
“We felt like we hit a lot of those boxes this offseason,” Preller stated. “Now we’ll kind of get this group together and get ready for the season.”
“I just want to learn,” stated the 19-year-old shortstop. “And as far as actual camp goes, I just want as many reps as possible, see this quality of pitching.”
Good news on that entrance — Merrill ought to get loads of enjoying time with three-quarters of the Padres infield slated to play within the World Baseball Classic.
“I’d like it if they were here, because it’d be easier to learn from them if they’re playing right in front of me,” Merrill stated. “But getting the reps, getting the time with all the coaches and all the players that are still here like [Jake] Cronenworth — it’s going to be really beneficial.”
Said Melvin: “He’s a very talented kid for his age. He does not look 19 right now. Really smooth, one of those kids that just is farther along at that age than maybe some others. … With Xander gone for a period of time, and Ha-Seong [Kim], too, he’s going to get some games.”
Martinez open to a Classic begin
Last month, Martinez made the agonizing resolution to move on the World Baseball Classic. Team USA needed him as a reliever, however he’d signed to be a starter in San Diego and wanted to construct towards that workload in camp.
Still, Martinez continues to be listed amongst Team USA’s reserves. Recently, the Yankees’ Nestor Cortes pulled out of the WBC with a hamstring damage.
“If a spot as a starter opens up, I would love to take advantage of that,” Martinez stated. “It was difficult, because I had to say I couldn’t do it as a reliever — just because of the progression, reliever vs. a starter. If I had a spot on Team USA as a starter, then it’s easier to manage and get those innings in and be ready to start the season as a starter.”
