Anthony Bass News: Bass' versatility guarantees him a spot in the Padres' pitching staff, as he can fill in as either a starter or reliever, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Nonetheless, he'll begin the 2013 campaign as a long man in the bullpen.

Bass' versatility guarantees him a spot in the Padres' pitching staff, as he can fill in as either a starter or reliever, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. Nonetheless, he'll begin the 2013 campaign as a long man in the bullpen.

Bass would prefer to be a part of the rotation, but that is apparently not an option with four spots guaranteed and the competitors for the fifth starter not convenient options for his proposed role. This season, he'll be expected to pitch in long relief, in the seventh or eighth innings in select situations, and as a spot starter. He is slated for his particular gig, though, due to a 2.11 ERA in 31 relief appearances the past two seasons, beating batters with a precise fastball and sharper slider. This spring, Bass has kept it up with a 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 10:3 K:BB ratio over 11 innings, but he lacks value since he bridges the gap between starter and closer.