Padres News: Your 2016 San Diego Padres 25-Man Roster
Credit: USA Today Sports
A glimpse at the San Diego Padres complete 25-man roster for the start of the 2015 season. Baseball is back and the San Diego Padres are looking like they will have a very interesting season. Manager Andy Green was brought in to change the winning culture of this franchise and he has a difficult task in store for him. Here is a brief look at the Padres 25-man roster, just in time for opening day.
CATCHER
Derek Norris #3
The Padres best offensive catcher is clearly Norris. His defensive game has improved recently and he is no longer considered one-dimensional. Norris looks to have a more consistent season this year with the bat. He went through stretches last year of inconsistency at the plate and his strike out numbers soared to an all-time high. Look for Norris to walk a bit more and cut his strikeout rate in order to become a more complete offensive player.
Bethancourt is very solid defensive catcher who was obtained from the Atlanta Braves for Casey Kelly. Bethancourt is out of minor league options and in the end that is what kept Austin Hedges from making this team. Bethancourt has great defensive prowess and legit power from a catcher. He does however strike out far too much as he is susceptible to breaking pitches. He will backup Norris and will provide a decent power hitting right handed bat off the bench.
FIRST BASE
Wil Myers #4
No player is more important to the Padres than Wil Myers. The slugging first baseman has been riddled by injuries in his brief major league career. He will move to the infield this season and looks to be very comfortable at first. Myers was attained from the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-way deal that cost the Padres two very highly touted prospects. Joe Ross and Trea Turner have a nice ceiling but Myers has more potential in the Padres eyes. Myers should reach new career highs in most offensive categories this year. Playing almost every day should ensure that fact. Keep your fingers crossed Padres fans. He needs to stay healthy.
Brett Wallace #39
The left-handed hitting corner infielder missed almost three weeks of the Cactus League with a foot injury but is ready to go for opening day. He provides first base depth for the Padres and also gives the team a power hitting left-handed presence when he is in the batting order. He has the ability to play third base if needed, but is not a great option defensively there. If Myers went down due to injury, Wallace would be the only option the Padres have for first base duties extensively. Alex Dickerson could also be recalled and used at the position if needed.
SECOND BASE
Cory Spangenberg #15
The speedy second baseman has been given the everyday job and looks poised to have a break out year. Andy Green loves the style of play Spangenberg brings to the ballpark everyday. Expect Spangy to be used aggressively on defense as Green has a great ability to cultivate and develop defense. Also expect Spangenberg to steal a lot of bases and drop down way more bunts. Especially if he hits out of the second spot in the order.
Adam Rosales #9
This journeyman infielder won a job with the Padres after a very impressive Cactus League. Rosales showed incredible power to all fields and played the game with intensity all Spring long. Andy Green seems to love what Rosales brings and essentially as he beat out Alexi Amarista and Jemile Weeks for the utility infielder spot.
THIRD BASE
Yangervis Solarte #26
The switch-hitting infielder has really endeared himself to Padres fans for his timely hits and unique personality. The Padres stole Solarte from the Yankees for Chase Headley and Solarte has outperformed the Yankees current third baseman in almost every category. Yangervis Solarte will be counted on to protect Matt Kemp or Wil Myers in the lineup. It looks like he will bat fifth behind the two and will have plenty of opportunities to drive in runs. Solarte needs to show last year’s offensive breakout was no fluke.
OUTFIELD
Matt Kemp #27
The Padres most respected and feared hitter is Matt Kemp. Sure Myers might be eventually, but the track record of success from Kemp dictates he will be the one teams focus on when looking over scouting reports. He will need to be patient, because more often that not teams will be looking to pitch around the slugging outfielder. If Kemp can have a solid first half of the season, he could be in store for a huge year. The Padres will certainly need that from him if they plan on having any success in the 2016 season.
Melvin Upton Jr. #2
The Padres were basically forced to take on the contract of Upton when the team acquired Craig Kimbrel last season right before the season started. Upton turned out to have a decent half-year for the Padres after returning from a foot injury. He is still very expensive, but if Upton can stay healthy and get consistent at bats, he could have a nice year for the Friars. Expect Upton to get action in center and left field for the Padres.
Jon Jay #24
The addition of Jay is huge on many levels for the Padres. He brings a left-handed hitting presence to the lineup and will likely bat leadoff on most nights. He brings a high career on base percentage and will help set the table for Kemp and Myers. The defensive abilities of Jay are also a positive thing for the Padres as he plays a very solid outfield. Jon Jay also has the reputation of being a great clubhouse guy and that can certainly be a great thing for the Padres. In the last year of his contract, Jay has all the motivation in the world to have a great year.
Jabari Blash #32
The Rule-5 draft pick made the team after showcasing his legit power stroke. The Padres also saw his liabilities as Blash struck out often in Cactus League games. He will bring a power hitting aspect off the bench that will be useful for the Padres. However it is difficult seeing him play more than two or three times a week. The Padres will have to be very creative when finding at bats for Blash. If he starts off hot, Andy Green will likely find a spot in the lineup for this big slugger from the Virgin Islands.
Travis Jankowski #16
This addition to the team came as a surprise to a lot of Padres insiders. It looked as though the team was going to have Janikowski start the season in Triple-A to get at bats. They instead chose to have him remain with the team in San Diego. He has great defensive range in center and could be used a late inning defensive replacement. His bat has improved over his last season of play as Janikowski has squared up more balls while beginning to swing the bat with more authority.
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James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.