Blanco, 37, was signed as a backup catcher and mentor to Nick Hundley, Blanco hit .292 last year for the Cubs in 58 games, although his career average was only .227.

So much for the plan.

Both Cabrera and Blanco have likely earned considerably more playing time -- at least early in the season -- off strong spring performances.

Cabrera finished the spring with a .258 average and nine steals. And after a slow start in the field, he made some plays toward the end of spring training that had Padres observers flashing back to the departed Khalil Greene.

At the moment, 28-year-old journeyman Luis Rodriguez is the Padres' starting shortstop. But Padres manager Bud Black said Cabrera has earned himself some playing time. "I think he's going to make a start during the first series against the Dodgers," Black said Sunday.

As for Blanco, his start will come in the season opener as Jake Peavy's catcher. Around the WBC, Blanco hit .318 this spring for the Padres with two homers in 22 at-bats.

In addition to his bat, the Padres like Blanco's arm and handling of pitchers.

While not putting a number on the number of games Blanco will catch, Black said Hundley won't be working six or seven days a week. "You might see Henry two, three possibly even four times some weeks," said Black.

Certainly, the Padres' catching situation is better this year than last when the season-opening tandem of Josh Bard and Michael Barrett were plagued by injuries.

THE PADRES WILL CONTEND IF ...: RHPs Jake Peavy and Chris Young both win 20 games, Adrian Gonzalez hits about .340 with runners in scoring position and the deplorable state of the bullpen turns out to be a spring mirage.

PRIMED FOR A BIG SEASON: 1B Adrian Gonzalez is the real deal. But since he's tucked away in San Diego on a struggling club, too few realize what a solid all-around player the 26-year-old is. In three full seasons with the Padres, Gonzalez has averaged 30 homers and 100 RBIs while hitting .288. Last year he had career highs of 36 homers and 119 RBIs -- the RBI total accounting for 19 percent of all runs scored by the Padres. Why are teams pitching to Gonzalez? Defensively, no first baseman is better at going to second on a bunt. His best help to the Padres, however, might be as trade bait. With Kyle Blanks waiting in the wings, it might behoove the Padres to negotiate a 3-for-1 deal for Gonzalez that would help fill the team's many holes.

ON THE DECLINE: Padres pitching en masse. Just two seasons ago, the Padres had the best staff and bullpen ERAs in the major leagues. Last year, the pitching ranked near the bottom. And this spring, it has been worse.