Barfield signed a minor-league contract to return to the Padres. He was not invited to spring training, however. "I think there's some familiarity with a lot of people in San Diego, a place where he was comfortable and had success. For us, maybe we can get him going to regain his old form in a place he's comfortable," said Padres director of player development Randy Smith. "Hopefully, he can get his career back on track and we can both reap the benefits."