Earlier this month we heard that the Padres were looking for a utility player for their bench, and it appears they've turned their attention to Alberto Gonzalez and Robert Andino. MASNsports.com's Phil Wood reports that San Diego has been "looking hard" at the Nationals' utility infielder, while MLB.com's Corey Brock says Andino is on the radar as well (Twitter link). Both players are out of options.
Gonzalez, 28 in April, has spent the last two full years and part of a third in the nation's capitol, hitting .266/.302/.350 overall. He has plenty of experience at second, third, and short, and has also dabbled at first base and in right field. The Padres currently have Jarrett Hoffpauir, Kevin Frandsen, and Jesus Guzman in camp competing for the utility infielder's job, and the Nats have depth at the position with Jerry Hairston Jr. and Alex Cora.
Andino, 27 in April, is a .226/.275/.318 career hitting in 440 plate appearances, most of which have come with the Orioles. The vast majority of his playing time has come at short, though he's also seen time at second, third, left, and center fields. Baltimore has Cesar Izturis, Nick Green, and Brendan Harris on their utility infielder depth chart as well.
They have a few boxes of left over (Adrian) Gonzalez jerseys, so this is a perfect fit.
This is the Padres’ front office at their finest. In 2009 and 2010, they managed to dupe about 100,000 fans a year into thinking that the Tony Gwynn in centerfield was the Hall of Famer rather than his son.
Never knew the former Attorney General played baseball…
I’d rather keep Gonzales. he’s a great fielder and a good base runner. what more could you want from a utility guy
It depends on the return. If we could get a solid bullpen guy for him, I would jump at that trade. His WAR is hovering around 0 so it’s not like it will cost us anything in the long run.
WAR doesnt really account for the importance of a slick fielding utility infielder though. Willie harris had a WAR over 2 for us and I dont think anyone would rather have him in the infield over Alberto.
red sox looking at adrian gonzalez, touching selves
… Disturbing…
Free Mark Teahen!! Any takers??? No? Wait no one wants a utility player who can’t field any position he is utilized at, is payed like a decent starter and can barely hit??
treagins@LAangels.com
Cubs have a few guys who could be utility guys as well that may be expendable. The Padres should check in.
As long as Baltimore doesn’t think they are getting another Wynn Pelzer for Andino. I like him. He would be a solid utility infielder to back up both Bartlett and Hudson. The Padres would probabaly be better off waiting for the last week of Spring Training when the price tag comes down a bit. If it was a catcher, I would say the Padres should jump a bit sooner because the catchers and pitchers always have to get isync together. However, a middle infielder (a back up) shouldn’t miss a beat the day before opening day. Along with Adino and Alberto Gonzalez, I wouldn’t mind Brandon Wood.
I was gonna say something about Brandon Wood too. I think it would be an interesting investment, as long as we don’t have to give up too much in return. Good call Mick.
I haven’t heard any internal interest in Brandon Wood. However, I would like to see him. A young player with upside that could possibly turn it around. He has had decent spring.
Alberto Gonzalez? Is that what you get when you mix Albert Pujols and Adrian Gonzalez together?