Projecting Padres Active 25 Man Roster – OF

Continuing from last week’s look at the Padres INF and C positions going into the season, today we look at the Padres OF and potential roster spots.  A note about jersey numbers.  In general, position players on the active roster tend to have lower numbers, while fringe players or camp player may have extremely high numbers by virtue of picking last.  As we can see here, 2 players, Asencio and Decker have yet to be assigned a number.  Likewise, their chances of making the roster are fairly slim.  Kyle Blanks, who was once touted as a possible successor to Adrian Gonzalez prior to injuries is sporting 88.  I hope that’s a lucky number, because he’s going to need it.  Let’s wish him good health.  The source of the following table is from the Padres main site.

September 27, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres pinch hitter Mark Kotsay (14) after scoring during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

In general, about 5 spots are given to OF for the team.  Recently, there has been discussion of Logan Forsythe taking reps in the outfield and even fulfilling more of a super utility role.  If Alexi Amarista makes the team as primarily an INF, he can also play in the OF.  Thus 5 spots for OF players on the roster seems realistic.  The starters will include Quentin LF, Maybin CF, along with a RF platoon of Denorfia and Venable.  That ostensibly leaves 1 slot.  Kotsay has already signed for the year and seems to be useful for his leadership and pinch hitting.  This may leave Guzman without a roster spot on Padres. Or alternatively, given that Guzman has some versatility to play first base, along with his pinch hitting abilities and power, the Padres may elect to carry 6 OFs and carry 1 less pitcher or 1 less INF. I would imagine that Bub Black would prefer carry the standard set of pitchers and thus the position battle for last position player roster spot may come down to Amarista vs Guzman.