SAN DIEGO ---- Henry Blanco said he would gladly reprise the many roles he has played with the Padres if they'll have him back next season.

When the Padres signed the backup catcher to a one-year, $750,000-deal in February, they knew they were getting a veteran presence in the clubhouse and a solid player on the field.

But Blanco ---- who is hitting .235 with five homers and 15 RBIs and has thrown out 14-of-41 would-be base stealers ---- has exceeded those expectations, acting as a mentor for Nick Hundley, and serving as a leader in the clubhouse and a defensive presence.

"If I get the chance to come back, definitely," Blanco said. "It's a good group of guys, good group of young guys and I'm willing to come back. We'll see how everything works out. I enjoyed it. I've enjoyed this year and being around Nick and these guys. It's been a great opportunity."

One front office source said Blanco's chances of returning are "very good."

Manager Bud Black said he would love to have Blanco back, as did Hundley, who said Blanco has helped him in various ways.

"First of all, just mentally in preparing for games," Hundley said. "There are a lot of good guys I've played with, but watching him do it on a daily basis is impressive. He gets himself prepared whether he's playing or not. He cares a lot, and he's doing the same things every day."

Blanco's other daily routine is holding court with the team's contingent of native Spanish speakers, as players from as many as six countries surround his clubhouse stall to talk about baseball and everything else.

"They did a good job trying to mix guys in," Blanco said. "... It's going to be interesting next year for the (Padres)."

Tate to have surgery

Donovan Tate, who the Padres selected third overall in June's amateur draft, will be out of action for at least three weeks after he undergoes surgery in Los Angeles next Wednesday. Grady Fuson, the Padres vice president of scouting and player development, said Tate is still bothered by a small area of muscle that detached from his pubic bone and it will take up to six weeks for the outfielder to fully recover.

Tate, who received a franchise-record $6.25 million signing bonus, injured himself in August shortly after reporting to the team's Peoria, Ariz., facility.

Ramos goes Sunday

Cesar Ramos' first start on Tuesday was good enough that he will get one more. Black informed Ramos after Tuesday's no-decision against the Los Angeles Dodgers that he'll start Sunday against San Francisco.

Pitching in front of 30 friends and family members against a team he grew up rooting for, Ramos limited the Dodgers to one run in five innings. Ramos said he received calls and texts from many well-wishers, some of whom informed him that they would once again be rooting for the Dodgers.

"They said 'Now it's OK for (the Dodgers) to win,' " Ramos said.

Et cetera

Manager Bud Black said on Wednesday that SS Everth Cabrera will not play winter ball this offseason even though the rookie was in "great demand." ... LHP Aaron Poreda will head to Peoria, Ariz. early next week for the team's instructional league. ... RHP Luis Perdomo will play winter ball in the Dominican Republic, while RHPs Edward Mujica and Sean Gallagher will play in Venezuela, as will Cs Eliezer Alfonzo and Henry Blanco and IF Oscar Salazar.