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Padres Editorial: Potential Shortstop Upgrades

By Nick Wilson |
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Sep 16, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley (26) breaks up the double-play on a fielder

The rumors started flying this afternoon that San Diego Padres GM A.J. Preller is on the hunt for another blockbuster trade. This time the first year “rock star” GM is in the market for an upgrade at short stop.

Alexi Amarista, or the “Little Ninja”, has filled in nicely for Evereth Cabrera and the San Diego Padres the last few seasons.  He’s proven himself with solid defense at every position he is asked to play, and can actually be an effective hitter when he’s riding a hot streak.

However, his skills seem to be better suited for a super-utility player, than an everyday shortstop.

Here is a list of shortstops our staff predicts A.J. Preller could be targeting…

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Mar 16, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro (13) bats against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Starlin Castro

Castro has emerged as a lone bright spot for the struggling Chicago Cubs the last few years.  At 25 years old, he checks all the boxes to be included in Preller’s new bunch:  Young, Right Handed, Solid Hitter, Expensive, and a former All-Star.

Castro would certainly be an offensive upgrade at the position, but adding this piece would likely further degrade the infield defensively.  In his career, Castro led, or flirted with leading, of the National League in errors at shortstop.  The Padres have already sacrificed on defense, so having a defensive liability at the most integral position on the diamond is a concern.

Furthermore, Castro is still owed $40.4 million over the next four years, a salary that seems very steep for the Padres.  However, Preller, Dee, and Fowler have proven this off season that money is not quite the obstacle that it used to be for the Padres and their “Win Now” attitude.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs “love” their minor league shortstop Addison Russell, who was acquired from the Oakland Athletics in the Jeff Samardzija trade. Showing that they might be willing to deal their All-Star shortstop.

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Sep 25, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Eduardo Escobar (5) during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Eduardo Escobar

Escobar came onto the scene for the Minnesota Twins in 2014.  He put up solid offensive numbers, with a batting average of .275 and an on base percentage of .315.  This is certainly an upgrade over Amarista, who posted a batting average of .239 and an on base percentage of .286.

Escobar could be an appealing option because he is a solid defender, affordable, and gives the Padres options with his switch hitting ability.

Also, the Twins have him slated behind Danny Santana on their depth chart, so parting with him might not be too difficult for the Padres.

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Mar 14, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) swings the bat against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Elvis Andrus

Jurickson Profar has frequently been brought up as a potential target for Preller, but with a nagging shoulder injury, he is not an option for 2015.  Another target could be Elvis Andrus, the shortstop of Preller’s former club, the Texas Rangers.

Andrus would provide great pop as a proven lead-off hitter for the 2015 Padres.  This would allow Wil Myers to slide back in the lineup to a more comfortable and appropriate position.

The Rangers locked up Andrus to a huge $15 million dollar annual contract, so taking on that kind of money with an already inflated contract could be tough.

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Mar 4, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Clint Barmes (12) throws the ball to first base against the Seattle Mariners during a spring training baseball game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Of course. we’re just spit-balling here, but it’s always fun to dream!  If the 2015 off-season has taught us anything, it’s never say never when it comes to A.J. Preller. Juggling contracts and making unlikely trades for the Padres, never in my life did I think he’d have a guy like Preller.

Do you see the Padres making another big move to upgrade at shortstop?  Or, is sticking with Alexi Amarista and Clint Barmes the best option?

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