Listen as Padres’ announcer Mark Grant describe second baseman David Eckstein after a play in which the San Diego second baseman lost track of a pop up last night against the Giants:
Scrappy? Hell yes. Smart? Absolutely. But the greatest to ever play the game? Lay off the caffeine when you’re announcing games, Mark.
Correction: Mark Grant said Eckstein is “one of the greatest to every play the game.” I incorrectly stated what Grant said and I apologize.
Offseason Movement: The Padres didn’t make a ton of moves this offseason, but they did add 2B David Eckstein to help mentor a young club and hopefully provide a boost at the top of the lineup. San Diego also signed free agents Cliff Floyd, Henry Blanco, Chris Burke, Kevin Correia and traded for RHP Mark Worrell, formerly of the Cardinals.
Top Prospect:Matt Antonelli, 2B The Padres selected Antonelli with the 17th overall pick in the 2008 draft and while he played third base at Wake Forest, the club envisions him as a second basemen at the next level. Thus far in spring training, Antonelli is hitting .348 in 23 at bats and although the club signed David Eckstein to play second base, they could move him to short to make room for the 23-year old prospect. Antonelli has flashed a decent combination of pop and speed, which is certainly two things the Padres would love to add to their lineup.
