Sean

Burroughs

Nady has been taking some ground balls at third base. Burroughs is much better defensively, but the Padres remain disappointed with his slugging, as well as with his on-base and speed capabilities in the leadoff role. We see little reason why they can’t be happy with a .298-hitting solid young defensive third baseman hitting seventh in their lineup, but they aren’t. Burroughs thinks he can become a 40-double, 12-homer hitter. If he can’t, the Padres might turn to Nady, or look elsewhere.

Burroughs says it’s just a precaution, but considering he sailed two throws to first base and has a history of shoulder troubles, there is some cause for concern. Lou Merloni and Keith Lockhart will fill in for Burroughs.

The Padres are taking Burroughs’ injury a day at a time.

“They’re not going anywhere,” Towers said. At the end of the season, the Padres had seemed pretty frustrated with Burroughs’ lack of progress. However, they haven’t been overwhelmed by the demand for him, and they now feel that moving him out of the leadoff spot will help his development.

That’s the good news for the Padres. The bad news is that the team has learned Burroughs is a super-two player, meaning he’ll be eligible for arbitration even though he lacks three full years of service time. He’ll cost about $1 million more than expected next year, making it a little more likely that he’ll be traded.

Burroughs has missed the last four games. He said it’s just normal spring training soreness, but since Burroughs is coming off surgery, his problems are a concern.

Burroughs, bothered by a sore throwing shoulder, has been batting in minor league games.

Manager Bruce Bochy scratched Burroughs after getting an update on his sore throwing shoulder. The Padres are concerned about how well Burroughs is going to be able to play defense during the early part of the season.

The Padres remain puzzled at Burroughs’ knack for minor injuries, though they point out how flexible and in shape the 22-year-old is.

Burroughs is listed as day-to-day with a contusion.