Quote from MrPadre19 on December 14, 2018, 12:21 pm

So confused.

Looks like Urias will be opening day SS....then back to 2b when Tatis called up and Kinsler to the bench.

 

Quote from fenn68 on December 14, 2018, 12:24 pm

Quote from David Nevin on December 14, 2018, 12:20 pm

Boston's #1 prospect is a thirdbaseman who's ready.

They have Devers blocking him.

So maybe Chavis is an option?

Although he definitely isn't a temporary option.....MLB #69 prospect.

I haven't heard anything about the Sox plans for this kid.

 

He is a very bad defensive 3B ... maybe he is really a 1B/DH.

Quote from sportwarrior on December 14, 2018, 12:30 pm

Kinsler is absolutely a shot out of nowhere. I'd guess they put him at 2B and play Urias at SS to start the season? Even then, I'm not sure why we signed a 36 year old to a two year contract.

Quote from fenn68 on December 14, 2018, 12:36 pm

$8MM over 2 years with a club option for a 36 year old ... hmmmm.

He did hit well last season and still is a golden glove 2B but has never played off 2B so I guess he is your opening day 2B.

Urias looks like an opening day SS and the Padres still look for a 3B.

Less rush to call up Tatis .... when he arrives: option 1 he goes to 3B; option 2 he goes to SS and Urias goes to 3B; option 3 he goes to SS, Urias goes to 2B, Kinsler is flipped at the trade deadline (seems like a great candidate for a fill  on a contender).

In the short run ... seems as though re-signing Galvis did not go well and there are no  other short term options available (at a reasonable price).

Still, in my mind, leaves a quest for a 3B on-going. Maybe bad news for Pirela coming soon. Plus although Urias and Tatis are elite prospects ... neither has produced in the ML, Tatis may be a 2020 factor, and the ugly injury risk is there ... not much other near term back-up.

$8MM over 2 years is a pretty cheap signing for a talent like Kinsler even at 36.

Next up: who gets dropped off the 40 man to make room?

Quote from Booster SD on December 14, 2018, 12:37 pm

Quote from sportwarrior on December 14, 2018, 12:30 pm

Kinsler is absolutely a shot out of nowhere. I'd guess they put him at 2B and play Urias at SS to start the season? Even then, I'm not sure why we signed a 36 year old to a two year contract.

With a club option for a 3rd year. Seems odd since he has no other position other than 2B. So its not like he can go utility after Tatis comes up and Urias is ready for 2B. Even if they send Urias down to AAA to start the season for "more seasoning" (extra year) and to work with Tatis on the double play familiarity, where does Kinsler move to when they both are ready lets say ASG break? Weird signing IMO.

Quote from Booster SD on December 14, 2018, 12:41 pm

Quote from fenn68 on December 14, 2018, 12:36 pm

He did hit well last season and still is a golden glove 2B but has never played off 2B so I guess he is your opening day 2B.

Really?

.240 BA and .301 OBP is hitting well? 14 HRs and 48 RBIs, he will have no where near 14HRs playing in Petco. Its good to know the boss......Preller and Kinsler in TEX! Ughh!!

Quote from fenn68 on December 14, 2018, 12:42 pm

Quote from sportwarrior on December 14, 2018, 12:30 pm

Kinsler is absolutely a shot out of nowhere. I'd guess they put him at 2B and play Urias at SS to start the season? Even then, I'm not sure why we signed a 36 year old to a two year contract.

Because that is what got him to sign for "only" $8MM.

Should help in a deal if they need to flip him at the trade deadline / next winter but the Padres are soooooo thin up the middle for the next two seasons he does provide protection agains either Tatis or Urias (both can handle SS) getting injured or just under-perform and need more MiL time.

Kinsler around allowing Urias to cover SS if needed is much better than Guerra, Garcia, Pirela .... so an upgrade with Urias' ability to backfill SS being the key.

Quote from fenn68 on December 14, 2018, 12:49 pm

the recent tweets seem to suggest it is Urias (SS) and Kinsler (2B) to start the season and when Tatis arrives it is Tatis (SS) and Urias (2B) with, if needed, Kinsler (3B) even though he has about 2 innings there.

No problem as a cheap signing and "insurance" / bridge.

So, more likely Preller will renew his focus on a longer term 3B solution and can keep Kinsler on the bench or flip him.

Quote from TatisJr on December 14, 2018, 1:04 pm

I’ve always liked Kinsler. He’s competitive, smart and unbelievably good with the glove. He will make a terrific veteran precense in the clubhouse. The guy is known for being a confident, fun, leader in the clubhouse. I get all that and the contract was cheap, but I would’ve preferred seeing Urias at 2nd base and just sticking him there. Kinsler looked like he was about done and then he played well for the Sox. He’s 36 and the bat hasn’t been what it used to be.  I have faith in Preller and think the world of Kinsler, but this move is puzzling to me.