Why Jedd Gyorko will win 2nd Base

As pitchers and catchers are reporting to Spring Trainin today for the Padres, another issue is on my mind. The Padres have some position battles going on as the team embarks on its 2013 campaign. And which one am I most excited to watch? The battle for second base. Bill Center of the San Diego Tribune said it best yesterday.

"The Padres want Jedd Gyorko to win the second base job. – Bill Center, U-T San Diego"

March 27, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Jedd Gyorko (70) shakes hands with third base coach after hitting a two run homerun against the Texas Rangers ib the third inning at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Gyorko’s bat is nothing short of great. His numbers were among the tops in the Pacific Coast League in Triple-A last season. He ranked 9th in batting average, hitting .328 to finish the season. He finished 5th in home runs, blasting 24 in just 92 games. Every player ahead of him had played at least 100 games. He finished 6th in RBIs, driving in 83 runs, and he had the third highest slugging percentage at .588. Needless to say, the kid can produce at the plate.

The only thing suspect about the young Morgantown, WV native, is his defense. Known as a natural third baseman, the team is hoping to see what Gyorko can do at the second base slot. The position is wide open and his for the taking. With Logan Forsythe likely to fill the super utility role and fill in where needed, Gyorko could get his chance at the starting spot.

If he comes out strong this Spring Training and puts together a solid campaign, he’ll not only see himself on the Major League roster for the first time, but he’ll see himself in the starting lineup.

You can follow Matt on twitter @Welch1048.