PEORIA, Ariz. -- He has played in more games and racked up more at-bats than any position player in Padres camp. At 37 years old, he still has the compact physique of a college football player, which he was some 15 years ago at Rutgers.

But Eric Young knows his role with the Padres, and it's not to lead the team in games played or at-bats.

It's to use that athletic 5-foot-9 frame in a variety of positions, and use the brain power he has gained over a 16-year professional career, including 12-plus in the big leagues, to succeed at a bench role.

It's to be ready to play anything at any time, because that's his job on this club.

"I'm at the point where if you're an athlete, you can basically play anywhere, whether it's for a short period of time or a day at a time or whatever," Young said. "I don't feel uncomfortable out there at all, at any position."

An outfielder in college who was converted to second base in the Dodgers organization after being selected as a 43rd-round pick in 1989, Young has played second base most of his Major League career, earning an All-Star nod in 1996. Last year, his first really in a utility role, he played second, third and short, as well as left field and center field in spots with the Rangers.

Right field, now that was new until Saturday's exhibition game against Seattle. But Young took to it just fine, cutting down the potential first run of the game with a perfect throw home.

"I just put on a good act," Young claims.

Ah, sure. The Padres' coaching staff isn't fooled. Manager Bruce Bochy certainly knows the value of having someone of Young's experience and versatility at his disposal.

"He's going to be great on this club," Bochy said. "He's got that infectious enthusiasm. I don't know how many gloves he's carrying, but he can do a lot for us."

Said first base coach Davey Lopes: "He's a smart ballplayer and he's a good athlete, so there's no reason we should be surprised by anything he does."

Lopes has been there and done that, so he knows the challenge Young faces. The two have similar Major League resumes, as far as playing second base and some outfield early, then establishing themselves as top-notch second basemen, then becoming multi-position players later.

"The biggest adjustment is realizing you're not an everyday player anymore and accepting that role," Lopes said. "That's No. 1. After that, you just have to go out and do the best you can do."

Based on the first couple of weeks of camp, Young clearly has accepted the role. He's getting in his workout time at every position he can.

"I'm just floating around -- I take ground balls at third, at short, at second, it doesn't really matter," Young said. "A situation may arise in the season when Bruce might need to do a double-switch, and I'm the only person there. I've got to be ready mentally to do it."

One upside for a player like Young is that he has vast amounts of Major League experience to draw from in each situation. He has played in 1,614 games and had 5,839 at-bats. He also ranks fourth among active players with 450 steals and has scored 954 runs, putting him in position to crack the 1,000-run barrier this season.

Young says all that experience is what has helped him convert easily back to the outfield, where he played in college. His athleticism isn't all he takes out there with him.

"You've got to be smart about things and read the hitters," Young said.

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Young says the transition back into the infield can be dicier at times, but he's getting his work in on the dirt. Perhaps the toughest part of the transition is coming off the bench after being an everyday player so long.

He had that experience last year in Texas, but this is different. This adjustment is in a whole other league, literally.

"In the American League, if you're not starting, then that's it. I'm not pinch-running too much, I'm not pinch-hitting too much," Young said. "Here, I have to adjust to that."

He already has adjusted to life from the bench. Having played most of his career in the National League, the rest should be easy.

"If you've got good instincts and you're willing to work at it, it's one way for him to extend his career," Lopes said.

Lopes certainly knows that from experience.

"I did it until I was 41," Lopes said. "It all depends on how long he wants to keep doing it and how long he wants to stay in shape. You've got to keep pushing yourself. He seems like he's willing to do that."

Friar facts: No, Phil Nevin will not be playing on Monday. The date is March 7, and the last two times that date has rolled around Nevin has gotten hurt -- dislocating his shoulder in 2003 and doing it to a slightly lesser degree in 2004. "He has a phobia about March 7," Bochy said. "I can't tell you how many fans told me today, 'Nevin's not going to play tomorrow, is he?'" Bochy said. ... The Padres scored first in their 9-6 victory in 10 innings over the Mariners on Sunday when the heart of their order kept things going -- but not exactly the way you'd think. Nevin and Ryan Klesko hit back-to-back dribblers in front of the plate, with Klesko's becoming an infield hit that scored Young. "Power-type guys, they take awhile to get going," Bochy said. ... Xavier Nady's bat is going pretty well. He smoked a ball to center for a sacrifice fly in the first and hit the Padres' first homer of the spring with a towering shot to left in the seventh. ... Outfielder Ben Johnson has been Mr. Impressive so far in camp, hitting the ball well and showing his speed on the bases. He scored a run in the 10th with a pretty slide. "Johnson just has a different look now," Bochy said of the 24-year-old who hit 23 homers and scored 80 runs for Double-A Mobile last year. "He's carried himself like he has that sense of belonging. He's opened some eyes." ... Jesse Garcia also has impressed Bochy with his glove work at second and third, and he has played the entirety of the last two games. He made Sunday's game a little longer by tying the game with a solo homer in the ninth. ... Right-hander Adam Eaton will start Monday's game at Tempe Diablo Stadium against the Angels, who will go with lefty Jarrod Washburn.