Padres' Erick Aybar: Favorite to win starting job

Aybar is expected to be the Padres' starting shortstop on Opening Day, The San Diego Union-Tribune reports.

Analysis:

The 33-year-old joined the Padres this spring as a non-roster invitee, but his strong play -- coupled with Luis Sardinas' struggles -- have Aybar lined up to start at short. The veteran declined severely last season, slashing a meager .243/.303/.320 in 459 plate appearances between Atlanta and Detroit. Aybar is just one year removed from having fantasy value as a middle infielder with the Angels, so he could be worth a flyer in deeper formats.