Padres welcome well-traveled Castellanos

PEORIA, Ariz. -- If Alex Castellanos has learned anything from his peculiar offseason, it was to never get too attached to one organization.

Since Oct. 23, Castellanos has been property of the Dodgers, Red Sox, Rangers and now the Padres, who claimed him off waivers from Texas on Friday.

It's enough to make your head spin, said Castellanos, a 27-year-old infielder/outfielder.

"Don't take any pictures with any jerseys on," Castellanos said Saturday, when asked what he learned most from the offseason.

The Padres are hoping Castellanos is a good fit for the 25-man roster, as his skill set and versatility seem to set up well for a National League team -- someone who can play all three outfield positions, as well as second and third base, and someone who can run and has some power.

"He's a guy who can move around the diamond, and he's very comfortable in the outfield. I know he has some infield play in his past," said Padres manager Bud Black. "We've got to get acclimated to him. He's got some bat speed, can run a little bit, an all-around player, and has some tools."

Castellanos arrived at the Padres' facility early Saturday and met several of his new teammates, as well as getting reacquainted with some familiar faces -- Yonder Alonso, Yasmani Grandal and Ryan Jackson, who all have Miami ties, which is where Castellanos was born and raised.

Castellanos appeared in five games this spring with the Rangers, collecting three hits in nine at-bats. He was designated for assignment on Wednesday, when Texas signed free-agent pitcher Joe Saunders.

He worked out locally at a gym not far from the Padres' facility with hopes of finding a team to play for -- soon.

"I was just waiting for the phone to ring," he said.

The decision to add Castellanos came one day after the team found out that outfielder Cameron Maybin will miss between four and six weeks with a ruptured left biceps tendon.

For the time being, Castellanos will get work in the infield and outfield during morning drills and could see time in the infield and outfield during games.

"They already told me to bring all my gloves out there," he said, smiling.

Castellanos took part in a simulated game in the morning, taking swings against a trio of pitchers.