Fernando Tatis Jr. was placed on the injured list 10 days ago, and it seemed as though the Padres star was perhaps closer to a season-ending surgery on his bothersome shoulder than a return to the field. Now, however, it looks as if Tatis has once again recovered enough from his latest shoulder issue that he’ll be able to get back into San Diego’s lineup, and a new position appears to be in the works.
Rather than take any grounders at his normal shortstop position, Tatis has instead been working out as an outfielder, with Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune writing that the Padres are planning to shift Tatis between center field and right field when he returns from the 10-day IL. Tatis took batting practice on the field yesterday, so if he continues to progress well, it seems like he might not be far away from yet another fairly quick recovery from what seemed to be a serious injury.
While surgery seems inevitable, Tatis and the Padres hope that the procedure can wait until after the season, and the move to the outfield will theoretically help reduce wear-and-tear on Tatis’ shoulder in the interim. There doesn’t appear to be any concern over how Tatis will be able to handle the position change from a defensive standpoint, as Padres outfield coach Wayne Kirby had rave reviews of Tatis’ workouts.
“His instincts are impeccable. He shouldn’t have any problem,” Kirby said about Tatis as an outfielder. “His speed will make up for whatever he doesn’t read. If he makes a false move, I’m sure he can make an adjustment.”
Tatis would play every day in center or right field, leaving Trent Grisham still getting the bulk of everyday assignments at the other position, while Tommy Pham and Wil Myers might end up splitting time in left field. (Myers has almost exclusively played outfield for the last four seasons, but given his past work at first base, he could possibly also find some at-bats in a platoon with Eric Hosmer.) With Tatis playing on the grass, Jake Cronenworth would remain as the regular shortstop and Adam Frazier would remain at second base, with Ha-Seong Kim as the backup infielder. It wouldn’t be what the Padres anticipated as their regular lineup down the stretch, yet the new alignment might be necessary to keep Tatis healthy.
It could also open up some interesting possibilities for the team heading into 2022, since Pham is a free agent this winter and San Diego could opt to just keep Tatis in the outfield if he takes to the new role as smoothly as Kirby imagines. Cronenworth could remain as the everyday shortstop in that scenario, and top prospect CJ Abrams is expected to make his MLB debut at some point in 2022. Or, since there are plenty of star shortstops available in this winter’s free agent class, the aggressive Padres front office could explore another high-profile acquisition. The Padres may also have another lineup spot to work with if the National League adopts the designated hitter.
Strange one this…..Cat w chronic shoulder problems going to OF? First ball in the gap he leaves his feet on experiment ovr.
Does anyone know what stress on the shoulder comes from playing SS that doesn’t equally apply to OF? He hurt his shoulder swinging and running the bases, didn’t he?
Exactly, this makes zero sense – all of his shoulder issues have come from swinging and/or base running, neither of which are removed from the equation with a move to the OF. Also, would argue it creates potential for more injuries due to the lack of experience and his natural instincts taking over in a game situation, crashing into the wall or diving for a catch will put far more stress on that shoulder.
Seems like diving for a ball in the OF at full speed is more dangerous than any play at SS
This isnt to protect Tatis – he is gonna play balls to the walls wherever he plays. This is because Hosmer is hitting .360 over the last month and Myers and Pham are slumping.
@16, not true. He has hurt his shoulder three times this year, once batting, once fielding, once baserunning. The hope is with less total opportunities to dive (especially if in RF), they might actually luck out and keep him healthy. When he’s at SS, he’s all over the place and diving on his shoulder or reaching many times per game. They will just hope he doesn’t dive in the outfield and get less total chances. Sadly, they need his energy and bat, so they will risk it
Myers is playing league average ball the past month. Pham is stinking it up with a .208/.295/.364/.659 slashline.
Phdpad-if the plan was to play RF you wouldn’t think he’d be taking fly balls in Center.
He’s tweaked it a few times diving at shortstop, none have put him on the IL, but he’s come out of the game a few times and shown visible pain.
I could see SS being an issue if it was his throwing shoulder but it’s his left shoulder. I feel like this is more about fitting other pieces into place long term or maybe they feel like he’ll get less action out there than at SS.
Yes, it’s about fitting other pieces in, not just about the shoulder. With Mateo gone, O’Grady is not the answer in OF depth. And next year they break camp with super-prospect CJ Abrams at SS. Tatis will still be recovering from offseason surgery. Good chance he stays at SS rest of career. It has begun.
Realistically Abrams will not be in San Diego until 2023. The Padres already have Cronenworth and Kim to play SS and Frazier to play 2B in 2022.
Perhaps we should see how Tatis actually performs in the OF before we declare the move permanent. I have huge faith in his athletic ability and baseball instincts but the Padres need to see him actually play it.
He’s not moving there permanently, he’ll play some SS next year. Abrams won’t be handed SS, but he also won’t spend all of 2022 in the minors, he’s way too good, and ready soon. Having Tatis play some OF now gives them options this year and next, and Abrams is most certainly in that mix in 22. Though Preller will probably make more moves
Excellent points
Abrams is a very good prospect, but he’s 20 and has a partial season in AA with a 113 wRC+. He could and probably should spend 2022 in the minors.
I think the prevailing logic was the Padres would leave Tatis at AAA in ‘19 at least to get an extra year of service time out of him. He only had 102 AA games and no AAA games. But they broke camp with him on the roster and it proved to be a smart move. l
@TGwynn19 How did throwing the extra year of control on a future MVP candidate into the garbage “Prove to be a smart move?”
@ cowdisciple They were very close to adding Abrams to the opening day roster this year, and management made it clear next year (2022) was his likely call up. It might not be opening day, but he’s very much in the plans – mainly because he’s so polished and ready already, even at age 21
@brewer88 also to piggyback on your point the nl is most likely is going to have the dreaded dh next season (i’m not going to stop watching bb because of the dh but personaly i don’t like the dh for many reasons). while jr is recovering and is cleared to hit like ohtani when he had tjs i can see abrams getting a shot at ss while jr dh’s or play first and have hosmener dh. btw i wish the best for jr i’m not even a pads fan but i like jr he brings energy to the game and dose a lot of work in the community. imo the mlb needs more players like jr.
Are there analytics that show how many throws come from an outfielder? I’d imagine over its less impactful throws.
His bad shoulder is his left shoujlder (non-throwing) so it doesn’t matter
Dodgers moved Cody from first back to CF because it was to be less stress on body. I didn’t get it then..
At short there is a lot of throws that are awkward going away from your body causing alot of wear. Center field for the long term I would say is the best choice if he can pick up the ball off the bat.
I believe the theory is that at SS, he could face many plays during the game that requires his full effort throw. In the OF, he may have a few full effort throws to the cutoff man. It’s the same theory of why they make a SP a RP because there will be less innings of full effort. I think it is a smart move.
As mentioned elsewhere, he injured his non throwing shoulder. This is being done because it gives the Padres the most potent lineup. Myers and Pham have each had a hot 4-6 weeks but other than that they have been rally killers. Tingler will platoon whichever one is hitting better. Its nore about getting one off them off the field
I found an explanation that when playing infield you are forced to dive in uncertain, reactionary ways where you can’t prepare your landing. In the outfield, you will have a few seconds before you dive so you can plan for it allowing for easier impacts to the ground. That was the best explanation I got, and it can make some sense.
I do not think this is a permanent move. Why would it be? He was the 3rd best defensive shortstop last season, and since his April struggles this year, has been one of the best again. The Padres are better with him at SS, but ultimately better with him in the lineup. This gives them a little flexibility in the future too, which teams like the Rays and Dodgers have shown us, can only be a positive.
Steve Nebraska: You finally got it! I’m surprised that it took this long for you, and others, to see the simple logic in making this move.
How’s your MENSA application standing?
I saw them talking about this on mlb network last night. Their reasoning was those running away throws, awkward position throws or having to throw quick w/ velo to get a runner. They danced around the diving plays in OF when that came up.
Well, there aren’t near as many off balance throws being made in the outfield. He’ll handle 1 or two over-the-top throws per game, most likely just getting it to the cut off, as opposed to 6 or 8 from who knows what throwing position to 1b and 2b us throws to home as the cut off.
A bigger concern might be running into a wall. There just aren’t that many walls on the infield in most parks and each one has its own varied dimensions.
Fernando Tatis would have been a good player if he wasn’t always hurt
They saw how la handled Bellinger and are doing the same. They’re just too slow to figure out Cody hurt his shoulder on defense so the position change actually helped…
That’s my guess
Pretty sure LA moved Bellinger to the OF because his glove was too good to be wasted at 1B.
Glad the Braves didn’t do that with Freeman
google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j…
Bellinger was moved because of the injury. His defense was a pleasant surprise.
He was their regular CF for most of the second half of 2018, and began 2019 as their regular right fielder, playing a few games at first base. The article was from May 2019.
And then moved to CF (and dominated to the point he shoulda won a GG) on account of Betts
He will leave his feet every opportunity he even thinks he gets to. If he doesn’t, his hat or helmet can’t come flying off & he won’t get an opportunity to do his Black Widow impersonation while flipping his braids.
Stupid to move him
really risking the career of Tatis by waiting on this reoccurring shoulder issue to be fixed in the offseason. very dumb way to approach this 340 million dollar investment. get the damn surgery now and have this resolved so this doesnt linger and linger.
All to get a wild card spot? okay….
Totally agree
The problem is congenital. He’s played his whole life with it. The doctors say it’s fine to wait until the off-season, but no, some cat on the internet begs to differ.
Just because a doctor gave their specific opinion on something doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Has he gotten the opinion of more than just one doctor? Shoulder injuries are no joke and pretty lingering. Dude won’t be doing these heroic quick return antics when he’s 27-28 because the body has no bias. I can say this as someone who has destroyed my shoulder and luckily it wasn’t at an older age. Amplify the intensity and wear that Tatis puts on his body via swinging or diving or and it doesn’t help.
Isthisserious
Just because a doctor gave their specific opinion on something doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
=============================================
Actually, it is usually good advice to listen to best doctors in the world. With the usual disclaimer that anyone can be wrong, and assuming they have some concurring opinion, you don’t have any other choice.
It is either you listen to the best doctors in the world, or you form your own opinion. That’s not usually a choice.
post ur medical degree and what kind of clientele you have
I’m sure he/Padres got at least a second and third and maybe more opinions.
Wonder if this injury why they reportedly wanted Trea Turner so badly.
lol ok genius, doctors are wrong too clown.
You’re right, doctors can be wrong so we shouldn’t listen to them. I prefer to base all of my decisions based on a poll of those with no expertise on the subject
Aren’t these the same doctors and told him it was OK to start playing again, only to see him re-injure the same shoulder twice more?
Yes, the doctors told him the shoulder may pop out, and if it did they would pop it back in. As long as he cant take the pain he can go back to playing unless new damage makes them say he has to stop. This happens in football too.
Seamaholic, the guy is probably a Dudger fan and no doubt doesn’t want him back.
Wrong! Dodger fan here and I want Tatis back. 1. He is a great ballplayer and a joy to watch. 2. Who wants to listen to Madre fans whine”we would have won in 2021, if Tatis wasn’t injured,” for the rest of freaking eternity?!
fox471. I agree he’s a joy to watch. Why did you feel it necessary to add the last part? It seems kind of childish.
Michal Jackson trusted his doctor too.
So because Michael Jackson made questionable decisions in trusting a terrible doctor who is now literally a criminal (and a *former* doctor), we should be skeptical of doctors in general and instead rely on ???? for our medical opinions. This is a thing that makes sense.
I always go to my dog for medical advice. I let him sniff the injured area, if he barks I put a cold beer on it, if he doesn’t I drink the beer. Works pretty well.
Not really. Each dislocation/subluxation increases the risk of a labral tear. Those don’t really heal as well as other shoulder injuries. He’s not going to quit swinging a bat. Obviously listen to his doctors who have more info but to minimize long term problems it might be best to surgically stabilize his shoulder sooner than later.
Cause doctors are NEVER wrong
Insert Fouchi joke here…
Which is why they’re toying with the idea of moving him to the outfield. Makes complete sense.
That’s Preller the genius
Preller we Trust
Part of it is Tatis’ own doing. Players today know that they have to be on the field to remain “top of mind” to the fans. Tatis is huge on social media, and he knows if he’s out for the season, all of those eyes on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and other sites will latch onto somebody else, and he can’t afford not to be visible as the face of baseball, since Mike Trout had no interest in helping promote the game.
This is the looniest take of all.
This has Egon Spengler written all over it.
#19.
Good call!
Crazy take, man, just crazy. Maybe that’s why Bauer beat up that woman, to add followers.
Wow! Yeah that’s why one of the best players of his generation wants to keep playing – social media. Sheesh!
He’s huge on social media that’s where he hooked up with Bauer accuser
MilwaukeeCat has no concern for Tatis’ health, but is concerned Tatis might return.
MilwaukeeCat is now an internet “doctor.”
MilwaukeeCat doesn’t even know Tatis throws RH’d.
This is an act of desperation for the Pobres. Like everyone else, they did not expect for the the Giants to be this good. What happens to the San Diego hype train when they lose the WC game & the Dodgers lose the NLDS to the Giants? Are Pobres fans still demanding to be considered a rival of those two clubs? Or do they just lose interest…again. Anyway, looks like the Pobres will be ‘playing meaningful games in September’ this year
We have scored 16 runs against Scherzer the last two times we faced him. We have a solid edge in the season series against the Dodgers. The Giants? They haven’t had their slump yet this year. I don’t know how long you watch baseball but I’ve watched it over 55 years and I don’t think there’s ever been a team and never had a slump. they’re gonna lose eight out of 10 at some point. The Padres and Giants play a bunch in September so no point in talking smack now we’ll see what happens in those games and go from there
Everyone keeps waiting for the other shoe to drop on the Giants…
…and waiting…
The Dodgers, while not playing up to their capacity, are still 22 games over .500.
The Pobres have exhausted their once ballyhooed system, spent like never before on personnel, gotten MVP production from their star…and its good for 3rd and a shot to be the road team in the WC.
Don’t forget about the Brewers in this equation. They have beaten the Padres, the Dodgers, and sould have swept the Giants if it wasn’t for Covid ravaging their bullpen and one freak play. Frankly their starters have out pitched their opponents in almost every game. The Brewers even beat Max when they faced him.
Hahaha…Thomas James…what you do in the regular season means nothing in the post season. Your statement about the Brew Crew beating the NL west clubs is comical. Should’ve beat the Giants if it weren’t for covid? You guys didn’t even face our 1,2,3 starters for one. While we faced yours and still beat you. Sorry bud…I like the Brewers but no, your comparisons and logic is majorly flawed
So what you’re saying is that it doesn’t matter what San Francisco has done in the regular season either, correct? Seems a little odd to be so cocky when the same thing applies to your team
When it comes to the playoffs it doesn’t matter what any team has done in the regular season. I don’t know if you’re directing your comment to me KCJ but I’m not cocky at all, just pointing to facts that the Giants didn’t lose to the Brewers even with the pitching matchups being more favorable to the Brewers since they didn’t face any of our top 3.
He’s had multiple MRIs. I’m sure they have a handle on it.
Why not see how he does? Waiting a couple of months is not going to risk his career. Worst case, he hurts it again and then he gets surgery.
Likely that at this point the plan is he does get surgery off-season to stabilize joint, fairly common procedure. But it means he’ll miss spring training and some regular games in spring. He can return sooner from that surgery as OF, while Cronenworth and Kim (and maybe Abrams) hold down SS.
Trevor Story > Jake Cronenworth
Makes you wonder if that is their off season plan?
i dunno about that. even if Story > Cronenworth outside of Coors, the later is still very valuable and is pre-arb and controllable.
I think long-term they still want Tatis at SS. And it’s not even a given that Story is an upgrade over Cronenworth. They could allocate their free agent dollars much better
No need for Story with Abrams on the horizon. I agree they probably want Tatis to remain at shortstop. If not, Abrams is an intriguing fallback option. Either way, they already have the outfielder they need if Abrams can hit Major League pitching.
dought abrams can hit ay MLB level. Another AAAA padres pl.ayer
Were you trying to say doubt or doughnut?
@steve doughnut would be so much funnier and more delicious!
I doughnut agree with this
Sounds like larry is having a sugar seizure as we speak!
Story??? His OPS away from Coors is 233 lower. He’s a Coors manufactured player. He’s another Ian Desmond and we saw how that turned out. No one offered Colorado much for Story at the deadline because they know who he is, a.240 hitter with limited power and huge strikeout numbers.
Hey SDBBguy, have you notice how almost all Rockies hitters have significant splits? Everyone else has noticed, too! Its meaningless once they no longer play in CO. StL players have less of a change between home and away. If a StL player gets traded to CO, do you expect their splits to remain the same? Then why do you expect the CO player to exhibit the same splits when they no longer play in CO? The home will go down, the away will improve. Its just what happens. Doesn’t mean they won’t be valuable players. Just adds some unknowns to the equation.
Crowe worth is miles better than Story.
#CroneZone!
@sdbaseballguy, I agree. I think he’s a dark horse MVP candidate, especially if Tatís can’t stay healthy and Pads make the playoffs
Crone MVP stop
Machado is dark horse
The Padres have less than zero money to spend. If ownership were going to green light going over the luxury tax Preller would have went full drunken sailor at the deadline.
I hope the move to the OF is temporary for Tatis. Is defense i s a work in progress at times, but playing at SS is a big reason he has become such a huge draw and the face of the game
I like it. Pads have so many infielders and Fernandos arm+speed+agility will fit well in the outfield.
yeah the guy with a bum shoulder is going to now be trying to throw out runners on the bases. thats going to save that shoulder….
Wrong shoulder.
go away cat
Wrong shoulder, doggie
cat
Man being called a cat really got to you Milwaukee. Take a break and grab a saucer of milk to help you relax.
Cat? Sorry dude but you can do better than that. I’d hope. Please don’t embarrass Milwaukee like that
Day late dollar short as usual KCJ. I’d hope you be smart enough to realize I posted a comment, hours ago, about Milwaukee freaking out over seamaholic calling them a “cat”.
Milwaukee called seamaholic a cat back, twice, in response.
Sorry for overestimating your ability to read an internet thread for context clues.
I’m from Wisconsin, and I’d just like to state, we claim no responsibility for Milwaukee strong. We’re disowning him effective immediately.
It’s his glove shoulder
His left shoulder, foo’. Catch up
Let’s see how it goes. Tatis jr already got his mega contract, so it doesn’t matter where he plays in the field anyway as long as his bat is in the lineup.
Well he was paid a premium because of the position he played. The further down the defensive spectrum he moves the less value he has.
the offensive talent is first and foremost here. they need to be able to keep him healthy however they can. if it’s at the cost of his SS, as much as that sucks, it’s worth it for the 1.000 OPS potential.
I don’t see how this will necessarily save his shoulder. Diving in the OF is very common, especially for those driven, hyper-competitive players, like Tatis. Or what about the OF wall collisions? Seems like this may be more of a way to keep Cronesworth’s/Frazier’s bat in the lineup; this just helps justify that.
I’m going to do a count on the number of times the SS dives vs the number of times our CF and RF dives. My gut says SS dives more than twice but I’ll see starting tonight. Interesting topic.
If Tatis bats 65% above league average he can play 1B and they’ll get plenty of value. The biggest thing for the Padres is getting him on the baseball field everyday.
Yep. The money is for his bat along with the intangibles his presence in the lineup provides.
oh just 65%? A casual 165 wRc yeah no problem
what’s the precedent here on such moves?
Assuming you are asking about SS to OF specifically? I know of multiple SS to 3b, but can’t think of many good examples of the former.
more a move from the infield to the outfield mid-season to prevent injury. the reason I wonder is why exactly they believe it will help his shoulder issues to play out there. some precedent would perhaps clarify the decision.
It helps keep Cronesworth’s bat in the lineup with the newly acquired Frazier’s. It’ll reduce the injury to their offensive totals.
Mickey Mantle played SS in the minors. Carl Yaz played 2B and SS. Betts played a little 2B and SS. Bobby Murcer was 100% SS.
It’s not that uncommon. Inevitably, a lot of stars start off at SS because they are the best athlete on their teams growing up. Once they get to the pros and fill out to 200 pounds, they no longer have the range that some of the 5’10” guys have.
It’s so common with 2B, too numerous to mention, but most famous transition from SS to CF was Robin Yount, who made this transition…because of a shoulder problem
Or Cody Bellinger who went from 1B to GG quality CF because of… that’s right, shoulder subluxations!
google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j…
Mickey Mantle!
Robin Yount?
Shawon Dunston
Jose Reyes of the Mets tried it,Juan Lagares won GG in CF after the switch
Ever heard of Justin or BJ/Melvin Upton?
See Robin Yount. Maybe even Craig Biggio.
Robin Yount went from SS to CF and he had a nice HOF career so there is precedent.
Well similar to Darkside830, I also meant moved for injury prevention. But poor wording on my end.
Robin Yount says hi
yeah, again, should’ve specified
Again, Robin Yount says Hi
little young for Yount and Wikipedia didnt seem to suggest that was why. my bad here.
This is at least somewhat similar to when the Indians sent Kipnis from second base to center a few years ago during their playoff run. Kipnis was at least an outfielder in college, but the logic was similar to this.
Robin Yount went from MVP SS to MVP CF. If I remember correctly, his penchant for errors had a lot to do with the move. Tater Tot is prone to errors as well. So perhaps this explains the Adam Frazier acquisition after all. Everyone was just quick to assume that Hosmer was the one to lose infield time when that trade went down. But it appears not.
It could be the injury as well, but his defense is not exactly stellar either. Either way, moving from SS to CF is not really a problem.
EDIT: Apparently I should have read the replies to the OP before commenting. And here I thought I was alone in thinking of Yount LOL
I don’t think it was to prevent injury, but Lourdes Gurriel went from the infield to the corner outfield and was much better there than in the infield
First person that comes to mind is Ian Desmond, but he moved to OF for very different reasons.
Ian Desmond in 2016 is a good example and guess who coached him in Texas? Jayce Tingler.
This wouldn’t have to happen if there was a DH.
Stanton would stay healthy too if there was a DH…wait
DH’ing has increased Stanton’s soft-tissue injuries.
Stanton’s soft-tissue has increased Stanton’s soft-tissue injuries.
Too much weight lifting
This wouldn’t have happened if he had become a welder instead of a baseball player as well. So what is your point?
Yeah it wouldn’t have happened if he took up golf instead of baseball.
Wonder if this will be a full time move considering his errors at SS
That is my thought. Tater Tot has not exactly been the second coming of Ozzie Smith on defense. Not even the second coming of Ozzie Guillen. At least we can say he is better than Ozzie Canseco.
Despite the early season errors, his Outs Above Average isn’t that bad this year. He ranks 16 out of 35 qualifying SSs. Last season he ranked 2.
Isn’t that bad? There are 30 teams in MLB, 16th means he is in the bottom half of the league. Not bad if you are a guy making $2MM a year, but hardly where a team wants its $30MM a year guy to be in the rankings. I don’t think anyone can realistically argue that he is a bad player in any way. But you can argue that he is not in the elite tier that he is being paid to be and he is definitely not in the tier he is being hyped to be.
Semantics I suppose, but Tatis is making $1m this year. He should have won the GG in ’20: Baez had 7 errors to Nando’s 3. Perhaps some errors are attributable to injury? I know it’s his glove shoulder, but some awkward throws have seemed to be affected.
Bottom half? His AOO is 16th among 35 qualifying SS. So despite the worst error stretch of his career he still ranks in top half of the most skilled position in baseball. He’s only 22, and consider that last year he ranked 2nd in MLB in AOO? GGs are usually won by veterans not 22 year olds so cut him some slack. Then consider, when opining about his worth, that his bat and SB combo has him the overwhelming MVP leader despite missing 30% of games this year. A generational talent, like it or not.
@ hiflew
Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Ronald Acuna Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Shohei Ohtani are widely regarded as the very best baseball players on the planet. Not one of them has won a gold glove.
Don’t outfielders hurt their shoulders fairly regularly diving for fly balls?
No.
Yes.
Maybe
This doesn’t hide the fact Tatis has been one of the worst DEF SS the last 2yrs
you’re tripping. he was excellent last season and is near average this year with all the errors at the beginning of the year. very capable of being a plus defensive ss. was last year and has been this year minus the 1st 6 weeks
41 errors 223 games
he made a lot of throwing errors his rookie year and the first month of this year but since and last year very few. defensive metrics say near avg mlb ss with all those errors weighing them down. he’s so young, growing pains don’t preclude Long term success and ability
Maybe a lot of those throwing errors come from protecting his shoulder?
Has he ever players 2b or 3b? Just wondering.
No, he has never played an infield position other than shortstop.
He ranked 2nd in MLB in AOO last year, 16th this year, hardly a liability on defense.
So far he’s hurt his shoulder 1) Swinging, 2) throwing from SS, 3) diving at SS, 4) sliding into 3rd.
There will be far fewer defensive opportunities in the OF. Stabilize the shoulder in the off-season. Meantime …. let him play wherever. He’s a force of nature.
I agree but doesn’t it seem a little like Preller is pushing the pedal to the floor because his job is on the line?
He probably wants Tatis on the field more than anyone.
I think AJ is probably the most secure GM out there, so I dont think thats it. Teams would be lined up to hire him if the Padres were ever dumb enough to let him go. I dont think Preller dictated this, I think the need to sit either Pham or Myers and get Tatis in there is pretty obvious. You’re only as strong as your weakest link and they are the weakest links in the everyday lineup.
“I think AJ is probably the most secure GM out there…”
Andrew Friedman and Erik Neander say hi
That’s asinine comment
Seriously all Preller has done is spend money, ownership deserves all the credit. I often wonder if all of Preller’s fanboys realize the Padres have the 4th highest in baseball.
Interesting. I thought trading Hunter Renfroe and six magic beans for Jake Crononworth and Tommy Pham was quite a coup. Trading for Grisham and Musgrove and Darvish and Caratini and Nola and Snell and Strahm, these were all good deals for key pieces to this team. Without Caratini the Padres wouldnt even be talking about a wild card anymore. Signing Kim and Melancon look like pretty shrewd uses of the owners money as well.
Lost in the Grisham trade was Davies, who was instrumental in getting them into playoffs last year. They spun Davies into Yu and gained 2 years of contract control. .Nice work by Preller I’d say
Preller’s job is on the line now? LMAO. He just got extended last year or so.
How many times can he rebuild the Padres and still allowed to keep his job?
I’m just asking because I remember him trading for and buying players before and it didn’t win any playoff games with Matt Kemp and James Shields.
If he wins the pennant I guess this is all pointless but he’s been on the job for 7 years with a playoff loss on the dodgers and Tatis trade/extension as his high points.
This is the guy who gave up Trea Turner for Wil Myers too.
Yasmani Grandal, Zach eflin for Matt Kemp looks bad too.
BuT tReA tUrNeR iS aLwAyS iNjUrEd !
AnD pReLlEr WoUlDn’T hAvE tRaDeD fOr TaTiS iF hE hAdN’t TrAdEd TuRnEr AwAy FiRsT !
AnD mAnNy MaChAdO wOuLdN’t HaVe SiGnEd If ThE pAdReS hAdN’t SiGnEd ErIc HoSmEr FiRsT !
AnD bEiNg AbLe To DeVeLoP tAlEnT iN hOuSe DoEsN’t MaTtEr !
AnD tHe WiN sTaT mAtTeRs !
Lest we forget, sliding head first into home during a spring training game.
4 separated shoulders total good luck with 340 mil contract
Padres are a fiasco who runs team like this
You would rather have Myers or Pham batting than Tatis??? We have two outfielders who have a hot few weeks followed by six weeks of winter. Let the hot hand hit and the other one sit and Tatis outproduce them both
You are not a Padre’s fan.
I’ve suspected what you just said for awhile now… padreforlife is a serious hater and/or a prolific bandwagonner.
If I say the truth about padreforlife in here I’ll get banned. But if you read the constant rambling, grammatically errant comments you’ll figure it out for yourself.
But will he dive for balls?
Yes
How does this move help Tatis?
Because he can’t field SS
Neither could Tim Anderson. Now look at his fielding. Tatis is young and has incredible work ethic. If he puts his mind to defense, he can improve as well.
His statistics disagree with that assessment. He fields SS just fine, comparatively. He’s been as valuable as TA, Turner, and near Baez these past two seasons.
I think he projects to get bigger… and 3b is out of the question. for the foreseeable future.
LOL Tatis would have triple the errors he currently has IF the scorer’s weren’t covering his ass.
Maybe they could put Manny at Catcher
Tatis’ bad throws will be more noticeable in the outfield and more costly when he throws wildly.
@larry Except that a cut off man can alter his position to receive an off line throw. If he’s favoring his shoulder, I doubt he’s over throwing anyone. He’ll make the easier one hop throws from a healthier throwing position.
@stem His shoulder injury is on side opposite his throwing arm. As an OF he would immediately have one of the strongest cannons in MLB, unencumbered by the opposite shoulder.
His fellow DR native/dynamic hitter Eloy will share the finer points of sound OF play.
Tatis is one of the most talented and fun players to watch. I really hope this doesn’t lead to him crashing into a wall and banging the shoulder even more. The same Folks that are down with seeing him in the outfield will quickly riot. “Tatis should’ve never been in OF… all your fault padres…”
Crashing into the wall for a shoulder sublux is less of an issue than him reaching on a dive (or over a wall), arm extended and crashing down on the ground. Not to mention the latest happened on a slide while running the bases, and has happened due to his follow-through swinging. Doesn’t seem like a smart way to protect such a huge investment. Then again, if you’re going to have to repair the labrum anyway…
I have no problem with making Tatis the permanent center fielder which is inevitable anyway. However the real shortstop on this team is Machado, move the Cron zone to third.
Current course and speed. Machado opts out.
Not sure that’s true
Paying a 22 year old $340m because he plays shortstop and then moving him to the outfield 6 months later is the most AJ Preller move ever.
Fwiw – he is making $1M this year
340 mill divided by 14 is about 24 mill aav for a 22 year old cf.
Springer just got 25 aav as a 31 year old cf.
A couple points – teams can insure these contracts. If he blows out his shoulder to the point it ends his career the Padres would file a claim but who knows at what level they insured it. Second, I just saw two games in Atlanta. Tatis merch and Padres gear all over the place. I think that’s happening everywhere at the Padres go. So when you look at a franchise value a team that only popular in this market is far less valuable than a team that’s popular coast to coast. And they’re building it to the point that they have an international fan base. They’re getting big in Asia. They’re already big in Latin America. So you can continue to think in traditional baseball contract terms of a player getting played for what they do on the field and that’s it but that’s not how it works anymore I have very little doubt if the Padres win a World Series or two with a tease their franchise value goes by way more than that whole contract with cost them
Padres got a steal with this contract. MVP candidate and he averages about $24million. He’s only making $1 million each year the next couple years.
It doesn’t matter where I play as long as I can destroy the LA Doghairs and win World Series for San Diego. Lesssssss Go!
By the way, Thank You White Sox!!!
No worries FTJ…….we would have never given 1 position player a massive ill-advised extension and are happy to lock up several very good players for that amount. Good for you and keep scratching/clawing in hopes of securing the 2nd WC each season. We’ll focus here on hopefully dominating the ALC for at least a few years and doing our best from there in the playoffs….All The Best, JR and Hahn
@cwsAscension,
Totally agree. We spent much less money and have used a somewhat scrappy approach and have still fared much better, while the Padres have dreams of a World Series at the cost of massive financial problems with all these contracts. So thank you, Padres. Who would you rather be?
I think the Padres payroll is $100M less than the Dodgers last time I checked. As a Padres fan I am glad to see them bringing in Machado, Darvish and others.
Just take the L on the Tatis trade. The white Sox haven’t accomplished any more than the Pads
Sorry how many rings have you won? I can’t remember hold up-
The initial injury happened in spring training and Tatis was told if he can take the pain of the shoulder being popped back in and the rehab he really cant do further damage before off season surgery. Diving on the ground is the biggest risk and he is gonna be diving no matter where he plays. But the offensive lineup is alot stronger with Tatis in there and Myers/Pham platooning.
I agree with those that don’t think putting him in the outfield will save his shoulder due to the previously mentioned reasons. I also agree that is is a way to get his bat in the lineup and keep both Cronenworth and Frazer in there too. I just don’t understand all the negative comments made towards Tatís. Are some peoples lives so miserable that they have to bring other people down with them? I feel sorry for those that feel like they have to do that.
I agree the unmerited negativity is unacceptable.
Welcome to internet comment sections.
Yes but once you accept it as “the usual” it becomes it.
It is it, whether you choose to accept it or not.
I guess I’m thinking “accepting” = justification to participate in the negativity culture. If instead we choose not to, then it largely goes away
Putting him at first would be my choice. Running in the outfield leads to more momentum whether it be a dive, collision or hitting a wall.
His ability to stretch and cat-like reflexes along with cutting down on the need to throw (his biggest preventable error problem)…
Hosmer has been hitting about .360 over the last month and playing good defense. Myers and Pham are either red hot or ice cold, with cold happening way more than hot.
Hosmer has no power yea hit homer against Marlins if that’s getting u excited
First base would probably be the worst for his shoulder, as he’d have to stretch and convolute his shoulder constantly as he receives throws. It would be the best though offensively to put Hosmer’s bat on the bench (even despite last night).
Our infield has 84 HR’s so far this year. We dont need much power from Hosmer.
Be the shallow end of the Pool ‘Nando, NO DIVING!
LOL. The Padres.
Ask The Dodgers how it’s going with one of their best players with shoulder issues playing the outfield… Can’t stay healthy
Shoulder? Betts’ issue is his ribs. Bellinger’s injury was in his left calf.
Check into Bellinger’s history with his shoulder…. They were even talking about it when they were playing the Angels. His shoulder is still healing, and because of it he has far less control and stability through his swing.
Betts is his hip. Surgery coming
Any Royals fans thinking this should be what we do with Adalberto Mondesi?? Witt Jr is going to be ready in no time..
Alot of people say todays players are soft. And maybe they are. But Tatis got his payday and is busting his butt, and possibly changing positions mid season, to get back on the field. Kudos to Tatis.
As a side note, Tatis’ contract plays well in the OF – Trout, Harper, etc. And the mother of all future contracts, Soto.
Lucky for the Padres, they traded for Trevor Story.
playing OF will reduce his error rate right? but if he dives for a ball….have a medic close by
To all those who said Preller absolutely wouldn’t have traded for Tatis if he hadn’t traded Turner away first, this is why you are wrong.
Still holding grudges I see. Seriously. Not healthy man. Try finding a hobby or something. I’d recommend archery. Very calming sport.
You accuse me of being West Coast Ryan and then 6 minutes later accuse me of “holding grudges.” The irony is precious.
wait, you’re not wc Ryan? I never had a beef with you and enjoy some of your takes but you are him, right?
Myers has one year left on his contract and I’m wondering if Tatis makes the transition to the OF successfully if the Padres either eat his salary and release him over the winter or trade him for an equally bad contract. Preller must have learned there was no market for Hosmer so at this point it’s easier to cut bait on Myers
They’re preparing for the CJ Abrams era
Padres would be better off doing this
OF – Grisham, Tatis Jr, Myers/ sign Joc Pederson as a platoon with Myers or a decent LH platoon bat.
INF – Machado, Cronenworth. Frazier, Hosmer/ sign someone to platoon with Hosmer as a RH bat at 1st against lefties.
Rotation is set to get Clevinger, Morejon back. I’d sign 1 more starter for depth as a #5. Shift paddack to the pen in 2022.
I’d offer the Nats Hosmer for Corbin and hope for a change of scenery helps both.
LOL
So, you’ve got nothing to add to the discussion huh West Coast Ryan? Shocker.
Why do you put LOL instead of contributing to discussions?
Serious question.
Are you that miserable or do you seriously have nothing worthwhile to contribute?
You know, more people would take you seriously if you didn’t behave like a teenager responding to a text.
@Faith in the Padres Still more worthwhile to contribute than your “Let’s suppose someone was interested. What if said team insisted on the rockies attaching a prospect to take cron and be responsible for the rest of the money owed?” comment. If a team was truly “interested in Cron” they wouldn’t make the Rockies attach prospects and eat the rest of the money just to take him. That’s not being interested in Cron. That’s being interested in the prospect. And the Rockies would never have to do that in the first place. CJ Cron doesn’t have an underwater contract like Wil Myers or Eric Hosmer. Those are the types of guys you attach prospects to move.
Myers’s contract runs out after next year but Pham’s contract runs out after this year. They will keep Myers because they don’t have a replacement ready for either until Hassell is ready.
Ready. Amazing how Padre fans still talk like this. Preller 7 years hasn’t produced 1 homegrown player
farm systems don’t need to graduate prospects in order to be successful. through trades, your system has “produced” pham, cronenworth, darvish, musgrove, grisham, frazier, nola, adams, and probably more that i’m forgetting
An undercover Dodgers fan?
@dasit WTF are you talking about? Being able to get prospects over the hump from AAA to the majors is the single most important step in the development process. Hell, I submit that it’s more important than all of the other steps COMBINED. What good is a top farm system if you can’t close on your prospects?
As long as other teams are willing to trade you their prospects and they become players like Cronenworth, or you can trade your minor leaguers for proven major league talent, it really does not matter to me, as a Padres fan, if they came all the way through our system or someone elses
@TGwynn19 Bruh. Look at all the successful teams of the last decade. Dodgers, Astros, etc. They all had solid homegrown cores with a few key outside additions (think Mookie Betts, Justin Verlander) mixed in. Not a team made up entirely of hired guns like the Padres. If the Padres can’t develop their own talent then they need to admit defeat, give Preller the ax, trade Machado and Tatis for whatever they can get and start from scratch. Constantly pillaging the farm system in order to prop up a contender is NOT a sustainable model.
So you think it cant be done any other way? I am in business, and have worked at a high level in my field for a long time. Doing what everyone else says to do seldom is the best path. Zero complaints so far about Preller from me. If our development is that bad other teams would want so many of our young talents.
There is no other way to do it! Look at all the other teams who tried to win with a team of hired guns — it didn’t work. Then look at the teams that have won championships in this decade — they all had solid homegrown cores in place before they started throwing money/prospects at other teams’ players.
If our development is not that bad we would have at least one successful homegrown player on our major league roster in 7 years.
Did we not just trade for the MLB hits leader? Only one system can have developed him, but he plays for us.
The Frazier trade would fall under the “Few key outside additions mixed in.”
“If he makes a false move, I’m sure he can make an adjustment.”. Yeah, that’s a real endorsement.
Unlike Peter O’Brien, it sounds like Tatis gets rave reviews in the OF.
Tatis jr. should platoon with Hosmer at 1st and platoon with Cronenworth at short.
Myers and Pham have alot less offensive output than Hosmer and Cronenworth
With over 20 errors in 299 TC, is his the best option. Correa (247TC) with his mediocre range, should do the same. Compare to Crawford 325 TC and only 6 errors. Tatis and Correa in the outfield could be gold glove winners.
unless there’s a roster flexibility issue, i don’t completely understand the “keep a defensively challenged guy at a position because he hits better than most players at that same position” philosophy.
He is capable of making great plays, but the routine plays seem to baffle him at shortstop. His fielding percentage has been well below average. He may be more suited to the outfield.
How long would the recovery be to go in and tighten the capsule in his shoulder?
A second question, can he injure it swinging a bat?
Hey, he’s a competitor and wants to be on the field, we have to respect that. If survey is 100% happening and he feels he can still help the team, let him (and the Padres) determine what’s best.
If he can pinch hit, DH when possible, run (feet first slides only!) and maybe start when the Padres have a ground ball pitcher going, I think it’s a gamble, but with good odds.
I’m a little more surprised that they aren’t talking left friend where the throws are shorter and less likely to be making off balance efforts.
Already injured it swinging this season. As for recovery, take a look at Bellinger who had pretty much the same shoulder issue.
Bellinger had a significant labrum tear, Tatis doesn’t. His surgery will be a revetment procedure, not so much restorative. But both Belli and nando have subluxation syndrome so similarities there for sure.
The medical recovery prognosis for his assumed subluxation surgery would be 10-26 weeks. Big window, but he’s young and theoretically a fast healer.
If Rusty Staub, playing right field, could help the Mets to the World Series only being able to throw under handed, Tatis should be ok. Honestly, he just has to be smart and disciplined. No diving, no wall crashing, be smart. Left Field makes so much more sense for the remainder of 2021.
Remember, there’s still a decent short stop or two available this off season.
Why would he throw underhanded the injured shoulder is on his non-throwing arm? Kim, Cronenworth and Abrams are reasons why they won’t pursue a SS off-season.
it’s a sign of his incredible athleticism that i’m excited to watch him play the outfield. by contrast, is anyone excited to watch schwarber play first base for reasons other than comic relief?
Tatis : Historic HR rate. Tatis: Pretty historic E rate. Move to OF is long past due…
MLBTR is milking it. Need public engagement? Just blurt out another Tatis Jr. rumor. It could be anything. Headlines: “nando signed an autograph today” for example. Isn’t really news, but it would easily generate 200 comments here. Thus…
Thus, @Brewer88 leaving a comment!
And bumping this thread despite no new updates
Like Seinfeld, a show about nothing
20 errors in 80 ish games
They be using this as an excuse to move him from SS because he is a horrible SS
Probably a decent idea. The occasional flashy play does not cover up the volume of errors. Fernando probably isn’t a long-term SS, so might as well start him on a new position now
I’m a Giants fan but really enjoy watching Tatis play. Hope he can avoid surgery until the off season as it’s great to see a guy like this on any field. So please hang in there Fernando! Look forward to you surprising the Dodgers in the WC game!