Xander Bogaerts had every intention of being the starting shortstop coming into camp this season. After all, the San Diego Padres hadn't given him any inclination that he wouldn't be.
According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Padres didn't tell him or Gold Glove utility infielder Ha-Seong Kim that they were switching positions until they arrived in Peoria.
The Padres never gave Xander Bogaerts a heads up that he was switching from shortstop to second base until spring training for the simple reason they were trying to trade Ha-Seong Kim, who now moves to shortstop.
If the Padres are still shopping for Kim, then it makes sense to put their best defender in a highlighted position. If he does well, then they will get more of a return if they do end up trading him.
"I don't want to misrepresent: Xander Bogaerts played a really good shortstop for the San Diego Padres last year and was a positive part of us. But he recognizes Kimmy's value at shortstop and is a good teammate for that."
Bogaerts has accepted the switch gracefully and says he is willing to play where the team needs him most. All he wants is to win a World Series with the Padres. That's why he signed a long-term contract last offseason.
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