Spring Training Position Battles: Middle Infield

Last week, I kicked off the Spring Training Position Battle series on the starting rotation. This week we move on to the middle infield.

The news of Everth Cabrera linked to the Biogenesis lab in Miami serves as the perfect segue into part two of the Spring Training Position Battles series.

In this series, we will take an in depth look at some of the positions that up for grabs. We will analyze candidates at that position and track each player’s progress throughout the spring.

July 29, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Alexi Amarista (5) throws over to first base during a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Situation: Orlando Hudson and Jason Bartlett opened the Padres’ 2012 season at second base and shortstop, respectively. Hudson was inconsistent at second and Bartlett hardly played.

Padres’ general manager Josh Byrnes was not satisfied with the production from the middle infield, and by June, the Padres released Hudson and went with a youth movement.

Byrnes acquired Alexi Amarisa from the Angels, Everth Cabrera made the move from Triple-A Tucson to the Padres, and Logan Forsythe got healthy. All three drastically improved the infield at mid-year.

Amarista, Cabrera and Forsythe will make the roster, but highly touted prospect Jedd Gyrko will be on their heels.

If Gyrko locks up the second base job it then is interesting to see who will command short. Is it Cabrera, Forsythe or Amarista?

New additions: The Padres didn’t make many moves to their roster; however, the moves they did make came on the pitching side. The Padres did add two players in minor leaguer A.J. Kirby-Jones, acquired in the Tyson Ross deal, and journeyman Cody Ransom.  Neither of them poses a threat to take the second base or shortstop job.

Outlook: I personally think Gyrko will be the second baseman come opening day, with Forsythe moving to the Super Utility role along side Amarista. Cabrera isn’t moving. He is perfectly fine at short, despite being linked to PED’s

This is the Spring Training Position Battles: Middle Infield. Stay tuned next week for a new position battle. Let us know in the comment box below who you would like to see win the two middle infield spots.