FanPost

Opening Day Roster



Along with warmer temperatures and more sunlight, this time of the year brings us America’s true past-time, baseball. For the Friar Faithful that means we get to see our million dollar man at third base in just eight days! That being said, it appears that the opening day lineup is basically all set to go. Only things that could change is if they decide to bring up Tatis Jr. or move an outfielder (outlined in previous article: 2019 Rotation Options). As great as it would be to see Tatis take the field on the 28th I do not think it would be in the best interest for both parties. The last couple of years he has tended to start the season off fairly slow, which if happened in the big leagues, could affect his confidence and force the team to send him to the minors to work out some kinks. So, in my opinion, it would be best to start him in the minors and bring him up in a month or so, allowing him to get up-to speed and ready to face some big time arms. Don’t get me wrong, Tatis will be a dominate player for the Padres, but I do not see a reason to rush this process. With him in the minors that puts Urias at shortstop and Kinsler at second (should be interesting who takes over second once Tatis Jr. comes up). Now the outfield. The Padres currently have four guys competing for three jobs: Myers, Reyes, Margot and Renfroe, with my guess being (from left to right) Myers, Margot and Reyes. Reason for this is that you can’t bench Myers or Reyes, their bats are to potent, and Margot is the only true centerfielder. Now how this all gets ordered up.


I think it is starting to become obvious where players will be in the lineup, but in-case you have not been paying attention to spring training I will get you up to speed. Batting first will be Ian Kinsler, followed by Eric Hosmer then Manny Machado. Side tangent here on Machado; we all know how great his bat is (averaging a 282 batting average and over 30 home runs a year) but having him man the hot corner gets me so excited. In case you missed the game last night (3/19) he snagged a hard hit ball up the line and flipped it to second look like he did it while sleepwalking. To throw a ball, with accuracy and velocity, while having all of your weight going the opposite way is not an easy task, unless your name is Manny Machado. Okay back to the lineup: cleanup will be Franmil Reyes, who I believe is going to have a breakout year batting behind Hosmer and Machado. This guy has been an absolute beast at the plate (literally, he is 6’5" 275lbs) in spring training, with a couple of home runs that might still be in orbit. In the fifth spot will be Myers followed by Hedges, Urias and Margot.


The time is almost here, lineups are essentially all set, now the last piece is to figure out how the rotation is going to be pieced together. With only eight days to go I am sure that we will hear soon on their plans of deployment, until then, stay classy San Diego.



This FanPost was written by a member of the Gaslamp Ball community and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Gaslamp Ball staff or SB Nation.