Padres Baseball Is Back: Spring Training Starts Today!

It is the best day of the year if you are a Padres fan. Spring Training has begun as pitchers and catchers have officially shown up to Peoria for the start of Cactus League workouts.

They will be playing their first set of catch with each other since the season ended last September. They will be meeting new teammate, such as big arm, Joaquin Benoit, and potential call ups for the first time. And they will begin their quest to bring a big league title to San Diego.

Let's pretend this never happened, Joaq....

For guys like Burch Smith and Matt Wisler, this could be a very important spring for them. Even though the 5-man rotation seems all but set, we as Padres fan laugh at the idea of that staying healthy long. No one would be surprised to see one of these five take an early spring training boo-boo that sidelines them to start the season.

So, Smith and Wisler. Burch Smith came up last year and started 7 games for the Friars, posting a frightening 6.44 ERA with a 1.65 WHIP to boot. Although, he did show us what he was capable of. In a September start, Smith was able to go 7IP, surrendering just 3 hits and no runs while fanning 10 Braves. Those are numbers I like to see.

Then there is Wisler, the Padres top pitching prospect. A long shot to make the roster for Opening Day, but apparently is supposed to have a go bag packed at all times just in case the Padres are ready to pull the El Paso Chihuahua up.

Lastly, another big question is Austin Hedges. It is not a question of "if" but more of a "when"? The guy has what many are saying the tools to be the best defensive catcher in baseball, and although his bat has been a little slow, hasn't Nick Hundley's? What are the chances Hundley has another repeat of 2012, in which he was sent down to Tucson for most of the year, or will Grandal and himself have healthy competition for games behind the plate this year?

Will we have two players donning "Smith" on their uniform on Opening Day at Petco, or will it take a little longer? I guess we will see what spring holds for the Padres. Good luck to everyone on the roster and for those fighting, fight hard. Only so many get this shot, so take full advantage.

We pray you work out too, Seth.