Padres Facing Crucial OffseasonDecisions at Shortstop
The San Diego Padres’ roster presents intriguing decisions, especially regarding the shortstop position. While they boast a talented roster, the team faces a significant hole at shortstop with Ha-Seong Kim’s uncertain future and a top shortstop prospect waiting in the wings.
Kim’s Future Remains Uncertain
Last season saw the Padres grapple with their shortstop situation. They clung to the idea of Kim at shortstop until he outlined this past month
was nursing a shoulder injury
demonstrating that Kim would miss the early part of the upcoming season for should surgery). Beyond Kim’s return timeline, the Padres must weigh their options. Will they stick with Kim, known for his defensive prowess? Or do they pursue a long-term solution elsewhere?
De Vries
The Padres Boasting one of the top prospects in baseball, Leodalis De Vries.
The 18-year-old shortstop holds the prestigious
– What are the arguments for and against rushing De Vries to the major leagues?
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is former MLB scout Tom Lawson to discuss the San Diego Padres’ shortstop dilemma. Tom, thanks for being here.
**Tom Lawson:** My pleasure. Always happy to talk baseball.
**Host:** Let’s jump right in. The Padres have a key decision to make regarding their shortstop position. Ha-Seong Kim is recovering from shoulder surgery, and top prospect Leodalis De Vries is waiting in the wings. What are your thoughts on how the Padres should approach this situation?
**Tom Lawson:** It’s a tough call, and I think Padres’ fans are going to be divided on this. Kim is a defensive wizard, no doubt about it. But his bat has been inconsistent, and with the shoulder injury, there are questions about his long-term durability. De Vries, on the other hand, is a highly touted prospect with immense potential. Do you rush him to the big leagues, potentially risking his development, or do you let him simmer a little longer in the minors?
**Host:** You bring up a great point about De Vries’ development. Kim’s experience could be valuable for the young prospect. What do you think about the idea of a platoon situation, at least initially, to allow both players to get their feet wet?
**Tom Lawson:** That’s certainly a possibility, but I think it depends on how quickly De Vries adjusts to Major League pitching.
**Host:** Do you think Padres fans are ready to see a young, unproven player take over such a crucial position?
**Tom Lawson:** That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Some fans will clamor for De Vries’s arrival, believing he’s the future. Others will want the Padres to stick with the known quantity in Kim. It’s going to be interesting to see what A.J. Preller ultimately decides.
**Host:** Definitely a situation worth watching. Tom Lawson, always insightful. Thanks for your time.
