Quote from fenn68 on March 12, 2025, 7:52 pm

Although they have no better insight into the Padres thinking ... do like to see the projected line-up done by Roster Resource as the update it based on more current thinking.

On the current edition they have Iglesias making the team and batting 6th as the DH. As yet have not committed to adding Sheets. Also, they have been consistent with Diaz as the #1 catcher and with Shildt considering catcher a defensive first position that seems valid. That leaves their bench: Campusano; Rosario; Wade: and Joe (they have Heyward in vs RHP). So if (when) Sheets in added one of Rosario or Wade are likely released.

On the pitching side interestingly they put Kolek in as the 5th SP ... Hart to the pen. Hoeing / Reynolds "injured" and Nunez (rule 5) not making the 26 man. Hart has not pitched much in "A" games yet ... not sure what is going on there. Waldron - Vasquez - Brito are all projected to be optioned.

Just someone else's opinion of the line-up ... plus with two weeks injuries and Preller trades could juggle everything.

Quote from fenn68 on March 12, 2025, 10:09 pm

Took another look at the potential line-up vs RHP and LHP using 2 years of wRC+ ... still contend that the Padres need another strong bat vs LHP (instead of the LHH Sheets). Consider the following vRHP/vLHP:

129/92 .... Arraez (L)

118/130 ... Tatis

147/82 .... Merrill (L)

113/134 ... Machado

110/71 .... Croneworth (L)

111/104 ... Bogaerts

112/184 ... Iglesias

114/71 .... Heyward (L) platooned with 91/112 ... Joe

. 94/51 ... Diaz platooned with 101/103 ... Campusano

2 final slots TBD (not great options)

84/32 .... Sheets (L)

 73/-13 .. Wade (L)

In the hunt: Rosario; Lockridge; and non-roster Gurriel; Brosseau; Wall (L) ... none of with have extensive ML track records or just have not been productive recently.

Note that the current line-up projection vs RHP is formidable with only C somewhat weak but not bad and overall about 15% above average ... that is good.

Vs. LHP no depth ... Tatis and Machado carrying the load but the other big bats (Arraez, Merrill, Cronenworth) are below average ... not going to platoon Arraez or Merrill ... but if they could engage a strong hitter vs LHP at DH then use Iglesias to get time spelling Cronenworth the line-up would be stronger vs LHP. Also expect (hope) both Arraez (healthy) and Merrill (more experience) will improve vs LHP.

Shildt/Preller have two weeks to sort this out ... and a game of available alternatives ... maybe can't fix the issue but still have to be building the best depth options.

Addendum: that line-up vs RHP should deliver a wRC+ around 120 ... in 2024 a 120 wRC+ was the #1 team result (SD was #3 at 116). Not sure where that line-up vs LHP for 2025 will end but likely below wRC+100. In 2024 SD had a 97 and that was ranked #18 ... #1 was at 121. Beating a dead horse but if the Padres want to be competitive across all 162 games (and eventually not get jammed up by a series of LHP in the playoffs) ... need another strong hitter vs LHP. Bench has Joe and Campusano ... maybe Rosario beats out Wade ... and Gonzales beats out Sheets et. al. Or Preller makes a move.

Quote from MrPadre19 on March 13, 2025, 5:25 am

Iglesias is still a very good defender...hate to see him regulated to DH.

"Hopefully" against Lefties he plays 2b some with Jake on the bench and Arraez at DH.

Weird to say as none of us expected this a month ago but there will be some tough cuts in a couple weeks.

Does Eguy make the team solely because he has no options or is he DFA'd?

Sheets,Joe,Iglesias,Eguy...they aren't all making the 26.

Sheets can be optioned but the way he's hitting....do they?

Quote from WindsorUK on March 13, 2025, 5:31 am

With no 1B currently anywhere in our system, when does Bogaerts become the heir apparent? The reason I'm asking this now is because even this year, a Machado, Iglesias, Cronenworth, Bogaerts infield defense is better than a Machado, Bogaerts, Cronenworth, Arraez infield defense.

To preserve his shoulder, just as they did with FTJ, moving him to 1B  saves on wear and tear, and maybe allows him to get back to his Boston hitting numbers. Plus, who knows, maybe De Vries becomes Jackson Merrill part 2 and we see him as early as next year?

I'd like to keep Arraez( and bat him 2nd!) and just leave him at DH, which creates the need for a 1B. Hell, who knows, maybe Sheets turns into the player he was expected to be and locks down 1B for the next 5 years. But short of that, I've got to believe Xander is 1B material( Jake has more value to the club at 2B and is superior defensively) going forward. I don't know how many teams have such a revolving door at 1B as we do- be nice to lock that position down.

Quote from MrPadre19 on March 13, 2025, 6:20 am

I think we all wish that time is now.....but it ain't happening.

Mostly because you sign a 2 time WS Champ to a HUGE deal you probably had a handshake agreement about where he plays.

Probably why the Org all were acting thankful that he moved to 2b last season.

My guess is this doesn't happen "until" DeVries is ready.

While GM's and Mgrs. will tell you they will do what makes the on the field team the best it can be there is still some politics involved with the veterans.

Best case Scenarios DeVries(and Salas for that matter our Catching situation is dire) kicks ass in 2025 and they do a "Tatis move" and start him at SS on Opening day 2026 and move Xander.

But,they probably still move X to 2B....not 1B.

Both Manny and X may be more suited to 1B over the next few years...but as of now Manny is still an asset at 3B obviously.

 

Quote from fenn68 on March 13, 2025, 8:00 am

Quote from MrPadre19 on March 13, 2025, 5:25 am

Iglesias is still a very good defender...hate to see him regulated to DH.

"Hopefully" against Lefties he plays 2b some with Jake on the bench and Arraez at DH.

Weird to say as none of us expected this a month ago but there will be some tough cuts in a couple weeks.

Does Eguy make the team solely because he has no options or is he DFA'd?

Sheets,Joe,Iglesias,Eguy...they aren't all making the 26.

Sheets can be optioned but the way he's hitting....do they?

Sheets is non-roster ... so not an option issue but don't know if he has an opt out if not added to the 26 man ... probably has a series of opt outs per the current rules for veterans.

I see Iglesias at all the INF slots and DH (so basically a regular) ... need someone else to get Cronenworth to the bench v LHP. Maybe that is a reason to keep Rosario as another RHH to DH letting Iglesias going to 2B.

Quote from fenn68 on March 13, 2025, 8:09 am

Quote from WindsorUK on March 13, 2025, 5:31 am

With no 1B currently anywhere in our system, when does Bogaerts become the heir apparent? The reason I'm asking this now is because even this year, a Machado, Iglesias, Cronenworth, Bogaerts infield defense is better than a Machado, Bogaerts, Cronenworth, Arraez infield defense.

To preserve his shoulder, just as they did with FTJ, moving him to 1B  saves on wear and tear, and maybe allows him to get back to his Boston hitting numbers. Plus, who knows, maybe De Vries becomes Jackson Merrill part 2 and we see him as early as next year?

I'd like to keep Arraez( and bat him 2nd!) and just leave him at DH, which creates the need for a 1B. Hell, who knows, maybe Sheets turns into the player he was expected to be and locks down 1B for the next 5 years. But short of that, I've got to believe Xander is 1B material( Jake has more value to the club at 2B and is superior defensively) going forward. I don't know how many teams have such a revolving door at 1B as we do- be nice to lock that position down.

A lot pivots around DeVries. When he does arrive ... agree that we see Bogaerts to 1B. That is unless Bogaerts looks OK at SS and Arraez looks OK at 1B (and is resigned) ... Padres will still have opening in LF for DeVries making an all SS OF of DeVries - Merrill - Tatis. Padres don't have any mega prospect near for the OF. Maybe get lucky with Tears ... maybe get lucky with a 1B option in Fountain ... but both a long way off. Sanabria could be a bat in play for 1B but might take that DH role (not an impressive fielder).

Quote from fenn68 on March 13, 2025, 10:24 pm

I see a speculative piece by Jon Heyman on MLBTradeRumors suggesting that 9 teams have expressed interest in trading for Cease ... and with all the recent injuries to SP that is not a surprise. Apparently the Cubs, Mets, and all five AL East are among the teams.

The "standard" view that Preller is not planning to trade Cease BUT if "overwhelmed"? The piece suggested Preller was seeking OFFENSE impact with maybe a SP (probably a #5) in return. Hard to see that happen from a contender BUT possible with a mix and match of multiple players.

I guess the first part of the debate is can the Padres contend with a SP rotation of King - Pivetta - Darvish - Hart? - Kolek? (or who they would get in the trade). IF yes, probably deal for a package costing less than Cease with longer control. Hard to gage how Preller view the players from other teams (no usually the same way I do). Also, who has "excess" offense for a one and done SP (albeit a good one)?

Two weeks to speculate ... at a minimum.

Quote from fenn68 on March 13, 2025, 10:30 pm

Sure sounding as though Shildt focuses on C being a defensive 1st slot ... so Diaz may be sitting the to first chair. Campusano is by implication no a great option. A number of teams have lost their catchers to injury that extends into the season. Might they be interested in dealing for Campy?

Back-up becomes an issue then for the Padres but if defense is the prime objective and Diaz will do the bulk of the catching ... is Maldonado an option ... flat out can't hit (think Hedges) ... is Sullivan (out of options) at least serviceable?

Campy may deliver a useful minor league prospect that could help as insurance somewhere late 2025 and beyond.