7 years agoSan Diego Padres third baseman Christian Villanueva wants to be the Padres primary third baseman. However, that role belongs to veteran Chase Headley. AJ Cassavell of MLB.com reports San Diego will test Villanueva at shortstop to back up Freddy Galvis. There's no guarantee Headley will be with the Padres all season and versatility adds to Villanueva's case. The 26-year-old is building momentum and has generated buzz this Spring, going 7-for-14 with two homers and a 1.429 OPS. Villanueva debuted last September with four long balls in 32 plate appearances. Prior to that, he raked in Triple-A, slashing .296/.369/.528 with 20 HRs and 86 RBI in 109 games. Villanueva's emergence could mean trouble for second baseman Corey Spangenberg, who is competing for second base but can also play third.--Andrew Le - RotoBaller
Source: Twitter - AJ Cassavell