Projecting Padres Active 25 Man Roster – INF & C

It’s only a few months away now from spring training, and I can already feel the dredges of winter passing by. Yes it is still freezing at night here in San Diego, but the day light sun is just glorious. For the Padres, it is still unclear if there will be much movement beyond the current framework. There could be a big trade, or there could be a last minute FA Pitcher signing. So for now, let’s look at the current Padres Roster for Catchers and INF. Source is from Padres main site.

So an active MLB Team roster is 25 men. This does not include players that are on the disabled list. In general, there are about about 12 roster spots allocated to pitchers and 13 roster sports allocated to players. Of those 13 players, usually about 5 are given to outfielders but it is flexible. Hopefully this year, we won’t be wasting a roster spot with a Rule 5 Draft pick. Seriously, those are the worst deals, it’s like getting a player on layaway. He’s there, taking up a spot, not doing anything. Kevin Towers used to swear by them, him and his bargain bin hunter ways. In fairness, Everth Cabrera was a Rule 5 pick, but you don’t usually get a lot from there.

Sept. 18, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Justin Upton (10) slides into second base as San Diego Padres shortstop Everth Cabrera (2) throws to turn a double play as second baseman Logan Forsythe (11) looks on in the seventh inning at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks beat the Padres 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

In anycase, let’s see how the INF sorts out. With Grandal out 50 games for PEDs, it means that 2 Catcher spots must go to Hundley, and Baker.  That means there are about 6 spots for INF.  Alonso and Headley are locks and are starters.  Amarista, Cabrera, and Forsythe all did very well last year, it would seem to be in a good position to return.  Gyorko, is from the non roster invitee list and is even off the 40 man roster, is talked about being thrown in the mix, horrible spring training or injury withstanding.  Arbitration was offered to both Cabrera and Forsythe, so it seems like those two are likely to return.  Is Amarista last INF in?  Given his ability to play in the OF, Amarista may slot into the Utility and supersub role, but see time more as a role player this year than his previous as a rotation starter. Cabby is the best pure SS of the bunch, and has the raw athletic talent to make highlight reel stops and throws.  Cabby definitely knows that baseball is about the crowd and he works it.  He does make errors, and will be a while before he is considered a plus defender.  On base, Cabby is a hugely disruptive force and can generate Ricky Henderson like terror.  He just doesn’t hit as consistently.  I see Forsythe as the better pure offensive player.   I see Bud Black, as an excellent player’s manager, to manage a rotational starting triumvirate for Cabrera, Forsythe and Gyorko.  I’d expect to see rotation of pairings like SS – Cabrera, 2B – Forsythe/Gyorko, along with SS – Forsythe, 2B – Gyorko.

Next week, we’ll look at the OF and what’s likely to come ahead.