Padres Editorial: Five Padres Who Need A Good Spring Training

SS- Alexi Amarista

It’s Amarista’s time to shine. H’es been used as a utility player, playing everywhere but first base, but now, he can be the starting shortstop and even got a two-year deal after avoiding arbitration. With Everth Cabrera gone and only Clint Barmes and Ramiro Pena as his main competition, Amarista has a shot at being a starter for the first time.

Amarista hit .239 with a .600 OPS. He had 12 steals in 148 games and is going to need to use some speed out of most likely what will be the eighth hole in the lineup.

If Amarista can hit .260 with some speed and play good defense, the Padres will take it. With some question as to how good the defense will be in the outfield, the infield defense needs to be as strong as it can be.

Championship teams are strong up the middle, especially defensively. If Amarista can catch the ball and hit a bit he’ll be fine, but he needs to help prove it in March.