Friar Fridays: 2nd Base
By Matt Welch
On this edition of Friar Friday’s, we’ll be taking a look at the Padres at second base.
To start off with, we’ll look at Logan Forsythe.
July 21, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Logan Forsythe (11) dives for a ball hit by Colorado Rockies center fielder Dexter Fowler (not pictured) in the eleventh inning at PETCO Park. Fowler reached first safely. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Forsythe is a 6’1″ 205 pound product of Arkansas University. Much like a lot of players for the Padres, he’s a young guy. He made his MLB Debut in May of 2011. Last season he hit .273 with 6 home runs and 26 RBIs. In the field, he had a fielding percentage of .967, making 12 errors in 81 games at second base. Forsythe has great potential in the infield and will likely be used as a utility man. The Padres are looking to put him in the outfield and also maybe spend some time at shortstop this spring, so look for him to bounce around.
If Forsythe gets playing time elsewhere, look for some younger guys to step up and the one with the most brightside who could make the roster after spring training, is Jedd Gyorko.
Mar 16, 2012; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Jedd Gyorko (70) singles during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at the Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Gyorko has spent three seasons in the minors after the Padres took him in the draft. In college, he played third base but he’s said that second base was originally his first position. Last season, Gyorko hit .311, blasting 30 balls over the fence and driving in 100 runs. For his three-year minors career, he’s hit .319 with 62 homeruns and 355 RBI’s over that span. He has very quick hands and has been raved about for his power. Gyorko will give the Padres a huge lift if they decide to bring him up this season. If there’s one guy to watch for this spring, I’d watch Gyorko.
Also listed on the roster at second base is Alexi Armarista, Adam Buschini, Jonathan Galvez, and Jeudy Valdez.
Next week we’ll take a look at third base, featuring Chase Headley.