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#21 · July 29, 2020, 8:41 am
Hard to be too negative after 5 games with a 4 - 1 record.
However, in a “short season” can’t really wait too long for an underperforming player to start producing .... especially if the player has no track record in the ML.
I would stick with Pham in LF given his history and have no real expectation any of the alternatives would be better (he will DH but later in the season).
Against Cueto ... go with DH between Naylor (likely) and Garcia (who may be more valuable as a PH as needed).
Naylor has about a week+ to hold an active roster slot in my mind. His limited defense options make him less useful than either Cronenworth or Garcia. If he is not hitting ... he should go in the first cut with Bednar.
Second cut to 26 should be two pitchers (and that will be difficult).
When Mateo is added ... tough call between Cronenworth(L) and France(R). Cronenworth has the greater versatility and is a LHH BUT France serves as the 3rd catcher and if Tingler keeps with the plan of bringing in Hedges as a defensive replacement or begins using Mejia as the DH he may be more critical.
IF Tingler follows through on utilizing the DH as a spot to “rest” various starters, then have a versatile bench has greater value to fill defensive spots (not DH). Olivares + Mateo + Garcia + one catcher + one more among France - Cronenworth - Naylor.
Now if Naylor DHs today and goes 4 for 4 with 2 bombs ... might just change my mind.😊
#22 · July 29, 2020, 10:31 am
With a Catcher on the Taxi squad keeping France based on his "slight" ability to Catch seems a stretch.
I like Cronenworths versatility(not even including pitching) but France has shown he can hold his own in the batters box too.
I just think I'd prefer the guy who could spell Tatis at SS if he stubs a toe or something more so than a 3rd emergency Catcher.
#23 · July 29, 2020, 12:10 pm
How did Naylor look in the spring? I realize time was limited but did he show more athleticism/OF prowess than last year?
I still think long term, he's a 1st baseman, whether in SD or someplace else.
#24 · July 29, 2020, 12:57 pm
Naylor didn't have a great spring (only hit .227) but he only struck out 3 times in 23 Plate Appearances, which is only around 13%, so he was taking good swings. Furthermore, he looked like a completely rebuilt person, with a body more suited to playing baseball than football - guess he must have dropped 20 pounds or more. Could be that he is still adjusting to his new body and doesn't have the confidence he had at the plate when he was heavier. Hope he overcomes that because we need his pop in the line-up.
#25 · July 29, 2020, 1:02 pm
Quote from WindsorUK on July 29, 2020, 12:10 pmHow did Naylor look in the spring? I realize time was limited but did he show more athleticism/OF prowess than last year?
I still think long term, he's a 1st baseman, whether in SD or someplace else.
Actually he looked good in ST and in Summer Camp .... “best shape of his life” and was hitting. No idea what switch flipped at the start of the season but he look “out of it” since.
Small set of observations ... but Padres need production not potential now .... that switch needs to flip back quickly.
#26 · July 29, 2020, 2:12 pm
Pham is DH today, but Olivares gets the start in LF batting 9th (2nd "leadoff" hitter). Cronenworth the start @ 2B batting 7th = Profar & Garcia sit. Like it, but pretty clear they don't trust Naylor even in LF... at least in SF.
#27 · July 29, 2020, 3:11 pm
I like Naylor, just wish we had someplace to put him.
I think his bat will play at the major league level.
When is Hosmer's out? Is it 4 years?
#28 · July 29, 2020, 3:19 pm
I’m excited to see Cronenworth get a start at 2b.
Whether Profar hits or not he may not be a Padre very long so if he isn’t hitting I’d like to see Cronenworth get the starts over Garcia.
Not only may he have a future with us over the other two but Garcia is also a better PH option off the bench.
#29 · July 29, 2020, 5:04 pm
Quote from WindsorUK on July 29, 2020, 3:11 pmI like Naylor, just wish we had someplace to put him.
I think his bat will play at the major league level.
When is Hosmer's out? Is it 4 years?
5 after this year.
2021-22 at $20MM but can be traded (no trade is in effect for 2020)
He can opt out after 2022 ... might happen since his contract for 2023-2025 drops to only $13MM/yr.
2023-25 he has 10-5 rights can can't be traded without his permission.
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To trade him (or for him to opt out) he would likely have to perform very well through 2022 BUT if he is preforming well he becomes a plus value at $13MM/yr that the Padres may not want to lose without a "clear" better successor.
Note that Myers is a FA after 2022 ... so "could" lose both at that point. Probably should worry more about success in 2020-21 than further out.
#30 · July 29, 2020, 5:14 pm
Quote from MrPadre19 on July 29, 2020, 3:19 pmI’m excited to see Cronenworth get a start at 2b.
Whether Profar hits or not he may not be a Padre very long so if he isn’t hitting I’d like to see Cronenworth get the starts over Garcia.
Not only may he have a future with us over the other two but Garcia is also a better PH option off the bench.
Seeing what Cronenworth brings is going to be important for 2021 (and maybe 2020). Small sample size but looks good with the glove ... runs well ... and his swing is good. Now just can he hit.
Profar is a FA after the season carting a near $6MM contract ... given the price tag might not want to resign him near that level. Garcia has one more control year and has a reasonable contract but really is limited as a bench option.
If Cronenworth shows well might make the Profar decision easier ... then at some point they have to see what the have in Mateo (besides a glove and speed). Not out of the question to see Cronenworth / Mateo holding 2B in 2021 and both could effectively back up SS.
On the other hand, if Profar does do well this year and will settle into a reasonable contract for 2B ... Cronenworth / Mateo reserve INF could be strong with Garcia the odd man out.