Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr Believes He Stays 1 Step Ahead of Opposing Clubhouses

A student of the game before anything else!

Fernando Tatis Jr. garners hate from opposing franchises and fanbases like few other stars can relate to. His absence from the game of baseball for about a year and a half led to numerous accusations and contrary beliefs about his character but he also was able to mature and thrive in his time off.

The 24-year-old outfielder finds himself surrounded by more star power than ever this season but has also been poised with a leadership role as the Padres got off to a pretty atrocious start to their 2023 campaign. Nando has been in close communication with Manny Machado, Juan Soto and the rest of teammates as they try to block out the noise and improve their current 29-33 record.

Little by little, the Friars have been able to build on one of their biggest weaknesses and that is bringing in runners that are already on base. They were sitting at the bottom of the league in this category for some time and it led to a number of wasted opportunities while also putting more pressure on a struggling pitching staff. But Tatis is finding his speed and confidence again as he helps out in this regard.

Picking off twice in the same AB with Tatis on first is asking for him to steal 2B pic.twitter.com/MuAU42vQBY

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) June 7, 2023

He Sees It & He Takes It

One regard of Tatis' game that has always made him special is his athletic ability. We were all introduced to it when he was barely making his way up as a prospect and it is what has made his transition to the outfield much smoother this year.

His speed is no joke either and as these weeks go on, more bases are being stolen by him. He was able to capture his seventh one in San Diego's 10-3 win over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday and this is huge for the clubhouse.

Tatis believes that he always carries the confidence to make plays like these and makes sure that he is always ahead of opposing defenses.

“Creating chaos,” Tatis said. “That’s the beautiful thing of being electric in this game, being one step ahead.”

(Via The San Diego-Union Tribune)

This is the type of stuff I want to see more of from the Padres.

Bunts / Steals / Sac Flys.

Not just a bunch of dudes swinging for the fences.

Tatis makes things happen. Need him to steal more. pic.twitter.com/Lk130DqyNc

— Devine Sports Gospel (@DevineGospel) May 31, 2023

Our Friars were granted the day off yesterday and will now kick off a new series against the Colorado Rockies!