The shortstop position is the least deep in the Padres organization. Of the players drafted for the position, most have not been able to stick and some of them have been moved to other spots. There is currently a very short list of legitimate shortstops with only two appearing to have a real shot to be adequate major league performers. It is possible that one or two others could surprise us but it is not likely.

At the major league level we are currently assuming that Jason Bartlett will be the 2012 shortstop, baring a late development or very unlikely surge by someone else during spring. If you look back at Bartlett’s history you will find an adequate line with one exceptional season. In 2009 Bartlett carried a .320/.389/.490 line that translated into an All-Star year and a +5.5 WAR. In 2010, the year before being acquired by the Padres, he reverted back to a career average .254/.324/.350 and a +1.2 WAR. An acceptable set of stats for an everyday shortstop but when faced with the challenge of Petco Park, Bartlett played to a .245/.308/.307 line last season and his first half defense was nothing to write home about. He did improve his defense in the second half and there is some hope that a second full season in the spacious confines of Petco will show that he is able to adjust his style of play to his environment. He is contracted through this season with an automatic option for next season based on plate appearances.

Bartlett is a quiet guy and he, as opposed to Ryan Ludwick, made no complaints about the Park or any excuses using the new league. Bill James has posted a projected .266/.333/.353 for Bartlett for 2012, reflecting that he believes that more adjustment time to the National League and Petco will result in better numbers for Jason. We all hope that is true as this list will illustrate how bare the cupboard is as far as depth is concerned for the organization.

In an article written by Bob Nightengale of USA today, the Padres may cash in big with the new TV deal.

"And even the San Diego Padres— playing in the 26th largest market in baseball — are, pending MLB approval, poised to sign a new deal with Fox Sports that will guarantee them $75 million a year for the next 20 years. The deal was confirmed by two industry executives familiar with the contract but not authorized to speak publicly about its details." Full story here

A far cry from the $17-20 million that has been thrown around over the last couple months and much more than the $13 million deal with Cox.  What does this mean for Padres fans?  In the immediate future... nothing.  One would assume it would give the team plenty of money to retain talent and bring in an impact free agent, as opposed to older vets playing out their last days.