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San Diego Padres: Jake Cronenworth is the glue of the infield

By Thomas Conroy

Oct 2, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Jake Cronenworth (9) reacts after hitting a double as San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford (35) waits for a throw during the tenth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Jake Cronenworth (9) reacts after hitting a double as San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford (35) waits for a throw during the tenth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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Baseball is back, but the San Diego Padres were hit with tough news coming out of the starting gate on the first day of spring training. General manager A.J. Preller announced star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. will be out three months with a fractured wrist.

Amidst the mystery of where and when the injury took place, new Padres manager Bob Melvin will have to make his first lineup change of 2022. The versatility of Jake Cronenworth to play both middle infield positions will help the Friars to remain competitive in Tatis Jr.’s absence. There is no secret as to why Cronenworth is the glue of the infield.

Jake Cronenworth is the most versatile player for the San Diego Padres

Granted, we are a little over three weeks away from Opening Day. The Padres have ample time to define themselves. Are they the team that clicked during the 60-game shortened 2020 season or the injury-plagued roster that fell out of playoff contention after last summer’s All-Star break?

Cronenworth has been one of the most dependable Padre since his arrival. He can naturally assume any role thrown at him. Let’s not forget that Cro replaced the All-Star at short last season. His outstanding defensive play allowed the team to move Tatis Jr. to the outfield after returning from a shoulder injury.

Whether he stays at second base or gets shifted over to shortstop, Cronenworth will continue to excel at his job. It has been his approach to baseball since the Padres acquired him from the Tampa Bay Rays. The Friar Faithful has been indebted to the professionalism and consistency he has brought to San Diego.

Run production is key to San Diego Padres success

Since becoming a Padre, Cro has become a valuable member of the batting order. At first, he was placed in the bottom third of the lineup and produced. Now, Cronenworth is a proven run-producer at the top of the Friars order.

In his two-year MLB career, he hit .271/.343/.464 with 25 home runs and 91 RBIs. During the 2020 postseason, Cronenworth batted .389/.542/.667 with one home run and 3 RBIs in six games.

His overall production has increased since the move to the top of the lineup. Cronenworth upped his extra-base hit totals from 21 in 2020 to 61 last season. Also, his RBI numbers went from 20 in 2020 to 71 in 2021. And you can expect another spike in his numbers this season.

Why Jake Cronenworth is indispensable

However, the statistical data does not capture how Cronenworth fills the gap when needed. His defense has been constant, whether it’s at first base, second base, shortstop or third base. The defensive metrics show Cro’s glove is solid at all four positions. He is ready to play any position on a given day. Cronenworth has become an invaluable member of the Padres.

Is he the answer to all of their problems regarding Tatis Jr.’s absence? No, the entire roster will have compensate for his loss. Still, Cro’s ability to adapt and contribute where needed is a necessary necessity.

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The odds are high that Cronenworth will step-up to the challenge and produce.

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