Spring is time for Padres to figure how new pieces fit in lineup

Where a certain player bats in the order is probably not all that big a deal. Unless it is. Such was the case with the Padres in 2025, when Luis Arraez hit second in 130 games. That was 119 more than any other player in that spot and comprised 87% of his total starts. For much of the season, there might not have been a much better option. For much of the season, it might have been prudent of manager Mike Shildt to stick with a player that, as Shildt frequently pointed out, had won three consecutive batting titles. Arraez’s 181 hits led the National League in 2025, and his .292 batting average ranked fourth. But that average was the lowest of his seven-year career, as was his .327...