Anthony Bass- Bass is my odds on favorite to earn a spot in the Padres’ rotation. Bass has made four appearances this Spring (one start) with a 3.00 earned run average and has no record. Opponents are hitting .304 off of him but that’s nothing to worry about beacause he’s shown control and accuracy this Spring.

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Cashner – The fireballer has been recovering for the better part of Spring Training, so he still has a ways to go before he can catch up to his competition and be even considered for a rotation spot. Cashner was health enough to make his Spring debut this week, and by the outcome of it, no one would have known he was injured. The right-hander throw up zeros across the board with a strike out on eleven pitches.

Robbie Erlin -Erlin is showing why he remains a top prospect in the Padres’ organization. This spring the youngster has accumulated a 2.25 ERA in two games for the Friars. He also has a 1-0 record. Although he is having a nice Spring, I don’t see Erlin making the rotation on opening day. He’ll be better off in Tucson and get a called-up sometime this year.

Freddy Garcia- Garcia could make the rotation if he finishes this spring strong, because his early numbers aren’t too good. Garcia hasnt picked up a win this spring as he’s 0-2 with a horrendous 13.50 ERA this Spring. His numbers are not to impressive, but  I think he’ll bounce back.

Casey Kelly – Kelly needs to work a little bit more on his velocity this spring. He’s had great spring outings and some terrible ones. All together, Kelly has a 0-0 record with a 7.71 ERA in seven innings pitched. At this point in time, I see Kelly not making the roster to get more seasoning in the minors.

Donn Roach – Roach is a beast. Josh Byrnes practically stole him from the Angels last year. The 23-year-old right hander is making a serious bid for a rotation spot, although I think he will end up in Tucson once Opening Day gets here. Roach has pitched in three games this Spring as he has no record with a  2.25 ERA and the opposition is batting .214 against him.

Tyson Ross – Ross has struggled this Spring, but has shown new form in his last start. I still like Ross to make the rotation, but he has to show more improvement. In four games this year (two starts), Ross owns a 2-2 record and a 4.09 ERA. If Ross doesn’t make the rotation straight-out then he will probably be headed to Triple-A Tucson since he would be a wasted arm in the bullpen.

Sean ‘O Sullivan – The native San Diegan has been a pleasant surprise this Spring. I don’t think he will crack the 25-man roster but his effort is being noticed. O’ Sullivan has pitched in four games this spring (two starts) and has put together a respectable pitching line going 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA. in just eight full innings pitched. He’s also struck out two and walked three.

Let us know in the comment box below who you would like to see anchor the last spot of the rotation?

February 22, 2013; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Jedd Gyorko (68, left) rounds the bases after hitting a grand slam during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Jedd Gyoroko – In just three Spring Training games, Gyroko is making a serious case to be the Padres’ starting second baseman come Opening Day.

Gyorko made a great first impression when he took a Hector Noesi fastball over the left-center field wall for a grand slam.

Gyorko posted a .333 batting average with a grand slam, six RBIs and a .833 slugging percentage in the first Spring Training series against the Mariners.

Sean O’ Sullivan  - In an effort to try and revive his career, O’ Sullivan was tabbed as the starting pitcher for the charity game against the Mariners. His start was pretty impressive in two innings of work. He had a clean stat line throwing zeroes across the board with a strikeout.

Fautino De Los Santos  – The recently acquired De Los Santos is fighting for a roster spot, too. And in the series against the Mariners he has shown why Josh Byrnes claimed the right-handed Venezuelan off waivers. In two innings pitched,  he gave up a hit and impressively struck out three batters.

Let us know in the comment box below which Padres have caught your eye in the young Spring Training season.

So without any further adieu, our first Spring Training Position Battle is the starting rotation.

August 20, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Edinson Volquez (37) throws during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Situation: Last year, the Padres were forced to turn to age old veterans and inexperienced rookies to fill out an injury plagued starting rotation, in which the Friars matched a franchise record with 15 starting pitchers used.

Only Edinson Volquez, the ace of the starting staff, and the reliable left-hander Clayton Richard were fortunate enough to avoid the disabled list. Because of all the injuries to the rotaion, Padres general manager Josh Byrnes stressed that adding starting pitching depth was priority No.1 this off-season.

New additions:  The Padres didn’t make the big splash many fans have hoped as far as adding a big named starting pitcher. Nonetheless, Byrnes satisfied his need for starting pitching depth with the additions of: Tyson Ross, Wilfredo Boscan, Sean O’ Sullivan and veteran Freddy Garcia

Re-signed: The Padres re-signed Jason Marquis and brought back Tim Stauffer on a Minor League deal. Adys Portillo was added to the Padres’ 40-man roster in December  to protect him from being claimed in the Rule 5 draft. Juan Pablo Ormas was also re-signed, although he most likely wont return until middle of year as he still rehabs from Tommy John surgery.

 Positional outlook:  As it stands right now, only Volquez and Richard are locks in the rotation, with Volquez being the ace and Richard being the No. 3 guy. That means three rotational spots are up for the taking. Eric Stults, Jason Marquis, Anthony Bass, Casey Kelly, Robbie Erlin, Tyson Ross and Sean O’Sullivan and competing for the remaining three spots.

My guess is Portillo won’t crack the rotation until he’s absolutely needed because of injury.   Donn Roach is a sleeper pick. Although I see Roach opening the season in the Minors he could definitely find  his way on the Opening Day roster if he has a phenomenal spring.

This is the Spring Training Position Battles: Starting Rotation. Stay tuned next week for a new position battle. Let us know in the comment box below who you would like to see win the final three spots in the rotation.