"The third time is apparently the charm for Jorge Cantu and the Padres.

After considering Cantu earlier this off-season for their vacancies at both first and second, the Padres are close to adding the veteran to bolster their bench and offense.

Cantu is attractive to the Padres for a number of reasons.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound, right-handed hitter has the power to reach the left field seats at Petco Park.

Cantu has played every infield position, although the bulk of his career has been split between first and second. He could be used in a platoon with the left-handed hitting Brad Hawpe at first while also spelling Orlando Hudson at second and Chase Headley at third.

And Cantu, a native of Reynosa, Mexico, would also give the Padres a player popular with the team's Mexican fans in the wake of losing the very popular Adrian Gonzalez to the Red Sox via a trade."