SAN DIEGO — Bob Melvin's second spring training as manager of the Padres is nearly underway.
Many players have already reported to the Peoria Sports Complex, but Monday is the first official report day. That is when pitchers and catchers who are participating in the World Baseball Classic must be in camp. Three more report dates follow before the first full-squad workout on Feb. 21.
The team that lost in last year's National League Championship Series returns largely intact with a few notable additions on offense. With Xander Bogaerts at shortstop and Fernando Tatis Jr. scheduled to return 20 games into the season and presumably play right field, the Padres are roundly projected to be one of the top teams in the major leagues.
