PEORIA, Ariz. — A year ago, hours before the San Diego Padres’ first full-squad workout that spring, Xander Bogaerts was asked to go from being a lifelong shortstop to a sudden second baseman.

For six or sometimes eight or nine kilometers, Xander Bogaerts would run on the strand that winds along the white sand and clear water fronting the string of resorts on the west coast of Aruba. He was shedding some extra weight, getting back in shortstop shape, chasing youth.

Xander Bogaerts found himself with a new routine this offseason with the clear water and white sand of Aruba’s west coast resorts as his backdrop. The San Diego Padres infielder ran three or four mornings a week throughout November and December.

The Padres are confident they can be right back and meet the Dodgers again in the postseason, but there’s also a cruel reality check.

San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arraez does not love playing first base or being the designated hitter. He prefers to play second base but will play any position the Padres need him to.

Most of the teams in the NL West have only gotten better this offseason, including the World Series champion Dodgers.

Mike Shildt discusses Xander Bogaerts being told he is the Shortstop and Luis Arraez winning a batting title last season despite an injury

A long winter is in the rearview and the Padres have begun Cactus League play. A month from Opening Day, here are four takeaways from camp.

It was only one at-bat in the ninth inning of a Cactus League game in February. And yet Leo De Vries' opposite-field double against the Angels on Tuesday afternoon set Padres camp abuzz.