SAN DIEGO -- What to do at shortstop? It's a question that has plagued the Padres for the better part of the past decade.
In 2016, San Diego brought Alexei Ramirez on board with a one-year deal and an option for a second. The Padres hoped he'd serve as a stopgap solution before a handful of prospects were ready to compete for the Major League job.
In short, Ramirez wasn't the answer. And by late August, he had given way to 23-year-old Luis Sardinas, who was acquired that month via trade with Seattle.