SAN FRANCISCO -- Third-base coach Glenn Hoffman, who works with the Padres' infielders, can hit countless ground balls to Jedd Gyorko until his hands are raw, yet it might not help or carry the weight as much as a few words from a teammate.
Veteran infielder Clint Barmes has aided Gyorko's transition from second base to shortstop, as the team is taking a long look to see if Gyorko is a viable fit there for now and the future.
Gyorko, who got his 15th start at the position Saturday against the Giants, has impressed the Padres, including Barmes, who has been playing the position in the big leagues since 2003.