Quote from fenn68 on March 13, 2026, 1:54 am

Quote from Commie on March 13, 2026, 12:10 am

Didn't know about Taylor's INF versitility. Does increase his value, but why haven't we (I?) seen him at 2b for instance?

Well he has played over 500 games at 2B in the minors so maybe that is not what the Padres want to see in ST. He has played in the minors 191 games in the OF (spread across all three slots) plus a bit at 3B and SS.

If Johnson is on the bubble, seeing Taylor in the OF maybe be the prime concern ... probably assuming the INF is covered when Song returns.

All that said ... if he makes it (or doesn't) not critical since we are talking the 13th position player on the roster who will primarily be used as the 10th inning PR and late inning "rests" for various staters in games that are not close.

Quote from fenn68 on March 13, 2026, 2:09 am

Last night saw Marquez' stock drop as a potential SP ... no command. On the other hand, Sears looked better in his 4 innings (3 runs) but not hit hard. Still looking as though Buehler has the inside track for #5 (if everyone is healthy) for opening day.

Also, whenever Canning is ready to return, he should have little blocking him from landing back as a SP.

Quote from Randy Manese on March 13, 2026, 7:58 am

Marquez' outing yesterday was not inspiring.  However, pitchers sometimes develop a "dead" arm at this point in ST so I'm willing to see what his next start looks like before moving Buehler ahead of him.  Morejon had his best appearance of the spring - was getting worried that bringing him along slowly meant he was experiencing arm issues from all the work he had in 2025.  With his history or injury, seems to be on the right course so far.

Quote from fenn68 on March 13, 2026, 8:23 am

Quote from Randy Manese on March 13, 2026, 7:58 am

Marquez' outing yesterday was not inspiring.  However, pitchers sometimes develop a "dead" arm at this point in ST so I'm willing to see what his next start looks like before moving Buehler ahead of him.  Morejon had his best appearance of the spring - was getting worried that bringing him along slowly meant he was experiencing arm issues from all the work he had in 2025.  With his history or injury, seems to be on the right course so far.

Well both will have a couple more shots at convincing the Padres they deserve #5 (or even being on the roster).

I know both have been getting the usual ST hype but they both have a lot to convince me they can be legit #5s. As poor as Buehler has been over the past couple of seasons ... Marquez has been worse (and that is not all based on pitching at COORS). Do think Canning will be better than both ... so hope his IL stint is short. Still a big roll of the dice on all three.

Quote from fenn68 on March 13, 2026, 8:31 am

Hoeing had the elbow surgery so is not out for all of 2026 and becomes a candidate for the 60 day IL ... when needed.