tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50203222024-03-04T22:23:31.117-08:00WebsoulsurferRandom Ramblings, Heated Diatribes,<br> and Statistical Analysis about the San Diego Padres<br>and the Great Sport of BaseballUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger464125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-83778437750495248452015-12-30T21:22:00.000-08:002015-12-30T21:22:41.473-08:00I’m Baaaaack<h2 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 1.5rem; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.5; margin: 1.71429rem 0px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
I’m Baaaaack</h2>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
My last couple of posts to this blog were in mid-2012:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; font-family: "Libre Baskerville",serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://websoulsurfer.blogspot.com/2012/07/padres-gm-byrnes-compounds-mistakes-by.html" style="border: 0px none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: medium none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Padres GM Byrnes Compounds Mistakes</a></strong></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
(Got a LOT of flack for this post, but EVERYTHING I wrote turned out to be right on the money. Can I say I told you so?)</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
and</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; font-family: "Libre Baskerville",serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><strong style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://websoulsurfer.blogspot.com/2012/04/nl-west-predictions.html" style="border: 0px none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: medium none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">2012 NL West Predictions</a></strong></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
(I blew the rest of the NL West and hit my Padres squarely on the nose)</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 1.14286rem; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.84615; margin: 1.71429rem 0px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
Why I left</h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
Earlier in that year, my new employers had asked me to defer from writing and commenting publicly about baseball and after ranting about Byrnes, I hung up my quill.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<img alt="Caribe Beisbol Venezolano" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-72" src="https://websoulsurfer.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/caribe-beisbol-venezolano.jpg?w=625" style="border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 1px 4px; font-size: 14px; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
For the 6th consecutive year, I’m spending my Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year covering the Winter Leagues and Serie Caribe. The constant travel, 204 days away living from a suitcase in the past 365, has started to take a toll on my body and my psyche.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
So I’ve decided to retire from actively working in the game this coming spring and turn my attention to my family and to once again annoying Padres fans everywhere with the facts and the truth.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #444444; font-family: Montserrat, sans-serif; font-size: 1.14286rem; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.84615; margin: 1.71429rem 0px; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
When I’ll Be Back Writing Again Consistently</h3>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
I am under contract through March 2016, so I will likely not starting writing much about baseball other than an occasional rant about the Padres until then.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
You may see a small amount of commentary about Serie Caribe and Padres Spring Training if I have some time and can get it vetted by my current employer. Mustn’t give up secrets you know. </div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
I’m really looking forward to talking baseball through this blog and my<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/websoulsurfer" style="border: 0px; color: #9f9f9f; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Twitter account</a>.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
If there is anything you would like me to address, let me know in the comments below.</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-family: 'Libre Baskerville', serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; orphans: auto; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
~Web</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-22374382353076591532012-07-23T06:00:00.000-07:002012-07-23T06:00:06.697-07:00Padres GM Byrnes compounds mistakes by extending Quentin for 3 yrs/$30 million<h2>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763;">Padres Josh Byrnes compounds earlier mistakes by signing LF Carlos Quentin to a 3 yr/$30 million extension</span></h2>
<span style="background-color: white;">In the middle of Vicky </span><span style="background-color: white;">Santo's stirring comments during the induction speech for her husband Ron </span><a href="http://baseballhall.org/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">here in Cooperstown</a><span style="background-color: white;"> a member of our front office leans over to me and says, "what is Byrnes thinking"? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Earlier in the day my wife had pried my phone and tablet from my hands and handed me a camera and her grandfather's Cubs cap. "Its a day to be a fan" she said, so </span>I had no idea what he was talking about.<br />
<br />
I had to wait until I got back to the hotel last night to learn that Josh Byrnes had made his third critical mistake regarding <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/q/quentca01.shtml" target="_blank">Carlos Quentin</a>.<br />
<h4>
<span style="background-color: white;">Byrnes' Critical Mistakes</span></h4>
<b>1st</b> - He traded a young Quentin to the White Sox as GM of the Diamondbacks<br />
<br />
<b>2nd</b> - He traded two very good prospects (<a href="http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=501563" target="_blank">Castro</a> and <a href="http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=517060" target="_blank">Hernandez</a>) to the White Sox for an older and injury prone Quentin as the new GM of the Padres<br />
<br />
<b>Now</b>, to compound those two huge mistakes, Byrnes gives Carlos Quentin a 3 year $30 million extension with the San Diego Padres.<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.449219); box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2013 - $9.5 million</span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.449219); box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2014 - $9.5 million</span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.449219); box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2015 - $8.0 million</span></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.449219); box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">$3 million buyout of $10 million 2016 option</span></div>
<br />
For a low budget team expected to have a $60-70 million payroll in 2013, Byrnes gives <span style="background-color: white;">a 3 year deal that will take up 15+ percent of the teams total payroll to:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/q/quentca01.shtml#standard_fielding::none" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">a player that is so injury prone</a><span style="background-color: white;"> that he has not </span><span style="background-color: white;">had a season where he started more than 103 games in the field since 2008 </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=of&stats=fld&lg=all&qual=2500&type=1&season=2012&month=0&season1=2009&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&players=0" target="_blank">a player so bad defensively</a> that he has not completed more than 83 games in a season since 2008 & has recorded a -37.7 UZR over that period.</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">a player with <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/q/quentca01.shtml#2009-2012-sum:batting_standard" target="_blank">a .248 batting average</a> since the start of the 2009 season</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">You </span><span style="background-color: white;">also</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">have to remember that Quentin is more expensive than just his salary. Someone else has to play the 60 + games he will miss due to injuries each season and the 180 + innings per season he will be out of games because of his bad defense and you have to pay those players too.</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="background-color: white;">Byrnes' Guarantees</span></h4>
<span style="background-color: white;">Byrnes has guaranteed that for 60 or more games each of the next 3 seasons the Padres will wonder who will be playing in LF. </span><span style="background-color: white;">(Quentin is hurt for 1/3 of each season)</span><br />
<br />
Byrnes has guaranteed that the Padres will have one of, if not THE worst LF defense in the league for 2/3 of each of the <span style="background-color: white;">next 3 seasons. (Quentin is hurt for 1/3 of each season)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Byrnes has also guaranteed that the Padres have no money to sign any real threats with the bat by tying up more than 15% of the payroll in one player. (You cant be a threat when you are on the DL 1/3 of each season and have to be removed in late innings of games for a defensive replacement.)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Byrnes has guaranteed that the Padres will be saddled with Quentin; an expensive, injury prone, poor hitting, defensive liability for the next 3 seasons because they gave him a full no-trade clause.</span><br />
<h4>
<span style="background-color: white;">Carlos Quentin, Bust</span></h4>
<span style="background-color: white;">Face it Padres fans, Quentin is a bust so far. He has hit just <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.cgi?id=quentca01&t=b&year=&share=1.54#623-656-sum:batting_gamelogs" target="_blank">.217 with a .359 slg</a> since a 6 game hot streak ended on 6/5. This after spending the first 2 full months of the season on the DL</span><span style="background-color: white;">. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">At his current pace, <b><u>IF</u></b> he is able to play the rest of the season without a trip to the DL, Quentin will hit for a .232 batting average with 16-17 home runs. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">His defense ranks 25th in the league with a .982 fielding percentage and -2 DRS this season and is the worst in MLB since the start of the 2009 season. Even Jesus Guzman has been better in the outfield and that says volumes about Quentin's dearth of skills with the glove.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">The question you must ask is what is a player </span><span style="background-color: white;">worth</span><span style="background-color: white;"> that will play 100 games per season and hit .230-.240 with 16-18 home runs while playing horrible defense? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Regardless of Byrnes attempt at justification for signing him, Quentin is not a threat with the bat and he is not protecting the other Padres players in the lineup because:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">#1 he was on the DL the 1st 2 months of the season </span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">#2 he is not hitting for either average or power in the past month and a half.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Now, I understand that no other MLB team wants to give up good prospects for Quentin and with good reason (those enumerated above and fact that any team trading for him would not get a draft pick if he left in FA), but that is no reason for Byrnes to compound his mistakes by hamstringing the team with Quentin for 3 more seasons.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">The sandwich pick the Padres would have received for making Quentin a qualifying offer in arbitration and then watching him walk in free agency is likely worth more and will be MUCH cheaper than 3 seasons of Quentin in a Padres uniform.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">If you get the idea I don't like this signing you are right. I didn't like the trade that brought Quentin to the Padres in the first place and this just piles stupid on top of stupid.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">The only good that may come of this is that the Padres are showing fans a willingness to hold onto players after years having to trade away good players because of payroll considerations during the Moores' divorce.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">It may also mean they will be trading or non-tendering Will Venable, who will be eligible for arbitration for the 2nd time in 2013 and due a raise from his current $1.475 million even though his performance continues to lag far behind his potential. Too much money for a backup outfielder.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I have had my say, now what do you think about the Padres extending Carlos Quentin?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #073763;"><i><b>Websoulsurfer</b></i></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-1522167603764533642012-04-04T22:20:00.001-07:002012-04-04T22:20:58.381-07:00The Websoulsurfer Predictions for the NL West<h2>
My Predictions for the NL West in 2012</h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRyqpA9LWMW71LtP5Gt89JDzbFSSR7QIQkyKroXxiVjgWdKZRN6rtP8DeeSJwWVo3Jrei6xaqxwgBr_YFcpH3fWFxpFwtdpctU8bPgAQXiMqO5IEHBZBMuS3zqKJFPn3pTaejKQ/s1600/nl-west.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRyqpA9LWMW71LtP5Gt89JDzbFSSR7QIQkyKroXxiVjgWdKZRN6rtP8DeeSJwWVo3Jrei6xaqxwgBr_YFcpH3fWFxpFwtdpctU8bPgAQXiMqO5IEHBZBMuS3zqKJFPn3pTaejKQ/s320/nl-west.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Opening Day for the Padres is less than 18 hours away and here is my first post of the new season. Over the next few days I am going to give my predictions for won-loss records, division and wild card winners, award winners and even Padres players production. <br />
<h3>
<br />Lets start with the won loss records and my pick to win the <u><b>NL West</b></u>.</h3>
<b>Arizona Diamondbacks - 93-69</b><br />
<b>Colorado Rockies - 87-75</b><br />
<b>San Francisco Giants - 87-75</b><br />
<b>Los Angeles Dodgers - 81-81</b><br />
<b>San Diego Padres - 76-86</b><br />
<h3>
<br />The Reasoning: </h3>
The <u><b>Arizona Diamondbacks</b></u> combine a good young pitching staff with some great prospects ready at the top levels of their farm system with a good young position players.<br />
<ul>
<li>Kennedy, Hudson, Collmenter, Cahill and Saunders as the starting 5 with Bauer ready </li>
<li>Upton, Young, Kubel, Parra in the OF</li>
<li>Goldschmitt, Hill, Drew (eventually), Roberts across the IF with Montero behind the plate</li>
</ul>
Best in the division top to bottom.<br />
<br />
The <u><b>Colorado Rockies</b></u> are my surprise pick. For one reason - veteran leadership. This team had the talent to win in 2011, but they fell apart under pressure. Tulo and Gonzales are two of the best young players in the league. Helton was hurt and he is a real quiet guy. Not the leader they needed.<br />
<br />
In the offseason they added three guys that can not only get the job done, they are great clubhouse guys. Now they have Jamie Moyer, the ageless wonder, out there in the starting rotation to provide an example of what it takes for the pitching staff. They also added Scutaro & Cuddyer to provide the example for the position players.<br />
<br />
I still don't think they have enough to win the division, but they will surprise alot of people. Think Padres of 2010.<br />
<br />
The <u><b>San Francisco Giants </b></u>do not have enough offense or enough depth to compete for the division title. Yes, they have an outstanding top end to their starting pitching corp with The Freak, Cain and Bumgarner. After that it drops off precipitously to Zito and ???. They dont even know who will step up enough to fill the #5 slot.<br />
<br />
Like the starting pitching, the offense is great at the top with The Panda and Posey, but falls off quickly after those two with no one in the wings to fill spots in the batting order when injuries strike.<br />
<ul>
<li>Pagan, Cabrera, Huff, Schierholtz across the OF. </li>
<li>Bolt, Burris, Crawford, Sandoval across the infield with Posey behind the plate part time. Looks like he will get time at 1B this season. </li>
</ul>
Just not enough to win in a consistently tough NL West. <br />
<br />
The <u><b>Los Angeles Dodgers</b></u> are a one trick pony. They have 3 great players and 21 scrubs on their roster. Kemp, Ethier and Kershaw are good enough to keep them out of the cellar, but not much more. <br />
<br />
Their new ownership group has deep pockets, but they have invested 2.15 BILLION so far in the team and have another 350-500 million still to invest in the ballpark renovations.This team will get worse before it gets better.<br />
<br />
The <u><b>San Diego Padres</b></u> are an extremely young team that the front office tried to graft in a couple of veterans that just dont fit.<br />
<br />
In Stauffer, Volquez, Luebke, Richard, Moseley. (I know Stauffer is not starting opening day, but he is the Padres number 1) the Padres have a good young pitching staff with a very good young prospect in the pen (Bass) and at least 4 pitchers within a year of making the staff. Kelly, Weiland, Erlin and Sampson will be ready soon and will slot somewhere in the middle of that rotation - #2 to #4.<br />
<br />
Their pen was totally made over in the last year with Street, Cashner and Owings taking the place of Bell, Adams and LeBlanc. i believe the pen will be just as strong with more depth since Thatcher is healthy, 2 members of that pen from last season, Spence and Hamren, will be in the minors this season and two others with huge talent, Brach and Boxberger, will start the year in AAA.<br />
<ul>
<li>Guzman, Maybin, Denorfia, Venable across the OF. Quentin and Blanks will also play PT in the OF. Quentin because of current injuries, Blanks because of past injuries.</li>
<li>Alonso, Hudson, Bartlett, Headley in the infield with Hundley behind the plate.</li>
</ul>
The future is bright. The present is glum. <br />
<br />
<h3>
<i><b>Those are my thoughts, What are yours?</b></i></h3>
<h3>
<i><b>Websoulsurfer</b></i></h3>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-12810321809062317552012-04-04T21:24:00.005-07:002012-04-04T21:24:58.180-07:00Padres Pick 3 Losers to Fill Out 25 Man Roster<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Padres pick Owings, Hermida and Parrino to fill last 3 spots on 25 man roster</span></h2>
<br />
<div style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">
<i>Fair Warning. 6 hours on planes followed by two Arrogant Bastards and I am a little riled up.</i></div>
<br />
I am so fucking sick of teams picking who is going to be on the team by who has more experience or by financial considerations.<br />
<br />
WTF happened to the best player getting the spot?<br />
<br />
With ALL THREE choices for the last 3 spots on the 25 man roster, the Padres picked the WORSE player. The one that absolutely sucks. <br />
<ul>
<li>The Padres added Owings, who fucking sucks</li>
<li>Hermida, who fucking sucks</li>
<li>Parrino who not only fucking sucks but has no upside </li>
</ul>
To make matters worse they have had to put Jose De Paula, on the restricted list and drop at least one other player from the 40 man roster, which means they will both be subject to being claimed.<br />
Fucking stupid. Really fucking stupid. <br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">And what excuses are the Padres trying to foist on fans for being so unbelievably stupid? </span><br /></h3>
<b>"Parrino is used to being a backup in the minors so he will be mentally more prepared to be a backup in the majors." </b><br />Lets see if I get this correct. He sucked so bad that he couldn't even start in the MINORS, so you are going to give him the backup role behind TWO injury prone players that you KNOW are not going to play 250 combined games? WTF are you thinking?<br />
<br />Here
is the real reason you lying sack of garbage. Cabrera will be eligible for
arbitration if he spends the entire season in the Majors. THAT is why Parrino is on the team now. <br />
<br />
<b>"Owings can be a long reliever." </b><br />WTF is that? WHO THE FUCK CARES that he can be a long reliever if he is going to pitch like he has recently? The guy is a loser. LOSER! 7.62 ERA and got WORSE as camp went on instead of better with 7 hits and 4 runs in his final two outings. 2.1 ip, 7 hits, and 4 earned runs. That's nearly an 18.00 ERA. 18! <br />
<br />
Even Worse, Owings has an era over 5.00 over the past 4 years of regular season play. WTF is there to like about him? Please don't even TRY to trot out some fucking excuse that he can hit. ANY of the Padres young pitchers can be a long reliever and do better than a 5.00 ERA. Bass, Kelly or Weiland would have done great in that role. Even Wade Fucking LeBlanc could do that AND he hits better than Owings AND he was cheaper. <br />
<br />
No fucking excuse for Owings making this team. None. <br />
<br />
<b>"The 80 year old veteran we brought in for locker room presence is hurt" </b><br />Don't even get me started on Hermida. That bum hit .211/.272/.354 for 4 teams over the past 2 seasons. Why 4 teams? He fucking sucks, that's why.<br />
<br />
Hermida had a good spring training, when it doesnt count, just like he did the last two years in spring training<br />
<table cellspacing="0" class="stats_table expandable" id="_49381333597378881"><tbody tabindex="-1">
<tr tabindex="0"><td class="dg-avg stripey">(.450</td><td class="dg-obp stripey">/.500</td><td class="dg-slg stripey">/.650</td><td class="dg-ops stripey">/1.150 and</td><td class="dg-ops stripey"><br />
</td><td class="dg-ops stripey"><br />
</td><td class="dg-ops stripey">
<table cellspacing="0" class="stats_table expandable" id="_49381333597378881">
<tbody tabindex="-1">
<tr class="odd" tabindex="0"><td class="dg-avg">.342</td><td class="dg-obp">/.458</td><td class="dg-slg">/.632</td><td class="dg-ops">/1.090 respectively)<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
and then once the regular season starts he sucks. Every year. <br />
<br />
AND HE IS GETTING WORSE!!!!!!!!<b> </b><br />
<b><br />I thought the point of the game was to WIN, not to put the worst fucking possible team on the field because they are "used to being a backup" or "can be a long reliever." I guess not in the La-La Land they call Padres baseball.</b><br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">So who DIDN'T Make the Team So These LOSERS Can Play?</span></h3>
Brad Brach <br />
Brach had not only a great spring, but he has tremendous upside. He BELONGS on the team.<br />
<br />
Everth Cabrera<br />
Cabrera was the starter here for a 90 win team, he has upside, Black even said he was the better player, and while he sucked in spring ball, is a better fielder, hitter and baserunner than Parrino. He belongs.<br />
<br />
James Darnell<br />
All he did was hit .295/.338 in spring ball after a cup of coffee in 2011 where he hit better than Hermida did.<br />
<br />
Come on Padres, if you want to win, let the kids play! Stop giving us washed up veterans and sorry excuses.<br />
<br />
Enough from me. Tired of sitting on the side watching these morons run this team. To think they used to write my paycheck. Thank goodness I just have to live in San Diego, not work for these guys anymore. Maybe a good ownership group will come in and save Padres fans like RAK. We can still dream of Mark Cuban buying the team right?.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>The Hammer</b></i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-79572021762758220432012-03-18T14:00:00.002-07:002012-03-18T14:01:35.961-07:00Padres Quentin Injures Right Leg - Out 4-6 weeksSan Diego Padres GM Byrnes made a huge, and to the low budget Padres very expensive, mistake in trading for Carlos Quentin.<br />
<br />
The prospects he sent to the White Sox notwithstanding, <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/q/quentca01.shtml" target="_blank">Quentin had averaged only 98 games per season</a> in the field for the White Sox over the past three seasons. Nothing indicated he would be any more healthy his year. In fact, the pattern of being injury prone was in place like a <b style="color: red;">Huge Red Flag</b> and Byrnes simply ignored the warning signs. Byrnes wanted to make up for another huge mistake he made while in Arizona in trading away a then 24 year old Quentin and in doing so compounded his mistake.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdC9cZSECz6Bf5UEn60YPy_PCkvxPslu2ofiv8N9jIt7KcEC-kN_ZuhvydO-opOkIjF_f0Ip6dgfxpBSB0L69TULh5y6TFo8XMBgCBTu40jEmDE3VWwCdxNH94Pt4Wj8jfetuNOw/s1600/Padres+Carlos+Quentin+Injures+Right+Leg+-+Out+4-6+Weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdC9cZSECz6Bf5UEn60YPy_PCkvxPslu2ofiv8N9jIt7KcEC-kN_ZuhvydO-opOkIjF_f0Ip6dgfxpBSB0L69TULh5y6TFo8XMBgCBTu40jEmDE3VWwCdxNH94Pt4Wj8jfetuNOw/s320/Padres+Carlos+Quentin+Injures+Right+Leg+-+Out+4-6+Weeks.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Padres Carlos Quentin Injures Right Leg - Out 4-6 Weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now Quentin has injured his right leg and will undergo arthroscopic surgery on Monday. Quentin is expected to miss 4-6 weeks and at the very minimum, the first 2 weeks of the regular season. More likely he will return to the Padres lineup in the last week of April or early May.<br />
<br />
To add insult to Quentin's injury, it is to his right leg, the drive leg for a right handed hitter, and will rob him of power all season. Power is the only thing Quentin has to offer to the Padres as he has been the very worst defensive outfielder in major league baseball over the past 3 seasons with a -38.2 UZR.<br />
<br />
Those of you who follow me know that I am not a big fan of defensive metrics like UZR unless there is at least 3 years of data to analyze. Looking at just one season of data is totally useless. Well we have three years of Quentin's defensive contributions to base a good determination of his ability in the field on and it says what our eyes have been telling us, he is horrendous with the glove.<br />
<br />
Now about what the Padres are paying for Byrnes attempt to redeem his earlier mistake:<br />
<ul>
<li>$7.025 million or more than 13% of the overall 2012 Padres payroll</li>
<li>Two prospects that now rank in the top 20 for the White Sox
organization and who will contribute at the major league level in 2012 for the South Siders. (Castro is #4 or #5 depending on the list) </li>
</ul>
<br />
So the bottom line of Byrnes screw up is that Quentin will give the Padres under 100 games of mediocre power and atrocious defense and then Quentin will leave in free agency after the season.<br />
<br />
The GM of the team can afford to make mistakes like this when you have a $100+ million payroll, but in San Diego it can be fatal to your hopes of a decent season.<br />
<br />
Byrnes hubris in trying to redeem himself for an earlier mistake and Quentin's continuing injury problems may have torpedoed San Diego chances at a .500 season before the season even begins. <br />
<br />
I've had my say about Byrnes, Quentin and the San Diego Padres.<br />
<br />
Now its your turn. What do you think?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-38500956053206488752012-01-07T18:07:00.000-08:002012-01-07T18:07:57.526-08:00Padre's Byrnes Trades 1B for RelieverSaturday January 7, 2012<br />
<br />
So let me get this straight.<br />
<br />
Padres GM Josh Byrnes trades away:<br />
<br />
A 22 year old prospect that was a centerpiece of the trade that sent Adrian Gonzales to the Red Sox and who grades out as a future star (if not All Star) quality everyday position player who crushed at AAA at age 21 in 2011<br />
<br />
For:<br />
<br />
A 25 year old reliever with a history of shoulder problems?<br />
<br />
WTF?<br />
<br />
Byrnes has made the cardinal mistake of anointing a 25 year old prospect as the Padres starting 1B after a cup of coffee in Cincinnati (one of the best hitting parks in baseball) and sends away a young 1B who struggled when he was called up too early.<br />
<br />
In <a href="http://websoulsurfer.blogspot.com/2011/12/padres-gm-byrnes-makes-stupid-trade-for.html" target="_blank">his last trade</a>, Byrnes traded away two prospects likely to make the White Sox staff in 2012 for a oft injured, defensive liability with mediocre power who is very expensive in Padres terms and who is a free agent after the 2012 season. <br />
<br />
On a team that has has a very low payroll so has to live and die on locking up young players and keeping a deep pool of prospects, Byrnes has traded away his best young pitcher, his best position player prospect and two good pitching prospects and brought in only two injury prone players in Cashner and Quentin.<br />
<br />
These last two trades would make sense only as the final pieces needed for a playoff run by a team full of proven talent. The Padres are far from full of proven talent.<br />
<br />
Time will tell if the Padres can even make it out of last place in 2012, let alone contend.<br />
<br />
I am starting to think that Byrnes is not such a smart general manager. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-26458356511253813212011-12-31T16:49:00.000-08:002012-01-30T20:46:52.309-08:00Padres GM Byrnes makes STUPID trade for Quentin<span class="echo-item-text"><b>San Diego Padres GM Josh Byrnes is out of his f'ing mind.</b><br />
<br />
He has just made what may be the single worst trade in the history of the Padres franchise sending Simon Castro and Pedro Hernandez to the Chicago White Sox for OF/DH Carlos Quentin.</span><br />
<span class="echo-item-text">Yes, that is a bold statement, but lets take a look at the facts of this trade.</span><br />
<br />
<u><b><span class="echo-item-text">What did the Padres give up?</span></b></u><br />
<br />
<span class="echo-item-text">Byrnes traded away two good young pitchers in Simon Castro and Pedro Hernandez that will likely make the White Sox staff in 2012. If Castro is not in rotation in 2012, he will be in 2013 at the latest. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="echo-item-text">Castro was rated #2 or #3 in the Padres organization in both 2010 & 2011 (Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus and John Sickels) and is widely thought of as a prospect with #2-#3 type starter potential at the major league level. Castro may not be top prospect in the PADRES incredibly deep system for 2012, but would rank in top 5 for White Sox today and will likely make the Sox staff by end of 2012. Castro could be a #2 - #3 starter on the Sox staff in 2013. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="echo-item-text">Hernandez is a 22 year old left handed control artist who had a decent chance of making the Padres pen at some point in 2012 and will likely break camp in the pen for the reliever deficient Sox.</span><u><b><span class="echo-item-text"> </span></b></u><br />
<u><b><span class="echo-item-text"><br />How about Carlos Quentin? </span></b></u><span class="echo-item-text"> </span><br />
<span class="echo-item-text"><br />Well Quentin is:</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span class="echo-item-text">Extremely Injury Prone <br />
(Quentin has NEVER played over 131 games & averaged 120 games over past 4 seasons)</span></li>
<li><span class="echo-item-text">A Low Average Hitter <br />
(He hit .257 for the White Sox playing in one of best hitters parks in baseball. That translates to hitting .223 if he was a Padre over past 4 seasons.) </span></li>
<li><span class="echo-item-text">An All or Nothing Hitter<br />
(17.4% strike outs vs just 7% walks but a .245 ISO)</span></li>
<li><span class="echo-item-text">A Free Agent at the end of the 2012 Season </span></li>
<li><span class="echo-item-text">Relatively Expensive <br />
(Quentin will likely be paid $7-8 million in 2012. His 3rd & last year of arbitration) </span></li>
<li><span class="echo-item-text">An Absolute Butcher on Defense <br />
(Quentin has been THE ABSOLUTE WORST DEFENSIVE OUTFIELDER in baseball with more than 2500 innings played over past 3 seasons.)</span></li>
</ol>
<span class="echo-item-text">So Padres got a one year rental of a mediocre player for two good prospects who will likely contribute for White Sox at Major League level in 2012. Byrnes is obviously trying to make up for his mistake of sending a CHEAP Quentin away from Arizona years ago. In the process he makes a HUGE mistake trading FOR him now.<br />
<br />
The Padres will not contend in 2012 and adding Quentin wont change that. Quentin will go away after 2012 since the Padres cant afford to keep an expensive DH. The $7-8 million Byrnes will have to spend on Quentin is ALOT of money for the low payroll Padres and it is being spent on as bad of a fit for that ballpark as you can possibly find. </span><span class="echo-item-text"></span><br />
<br />
<span class="echo-item-text">WTF is Byrnes thinking.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="echo-item-text">I have had my say, now I would like to hear what YOU have to say about this trade.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="echo-item-text">- Web </span><br />
<br />
<span class="echo-item-text">Edit: Changed Byrnes to Quentin in appropriate places. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-21651567148004326292011-11-20T20:55:00.000-08:002011-11-20T20:55:08.873-08:00What the Changes in the MLB CBA Really Mean<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Rich Get Richer</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bud Selig and the big market owners at MLB have put a hatchet in the back of the Small and Mid market teams with this new Collective Bargaining Agreement.</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>The small market teams have been all but marginalized. They will no longer have any opportunity to compete under the new rules. </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Changes in Arbitration Eligibility Rules</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Players with less <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">than three years of major league service will now have to have 2 years 86 days of service and be in the top 20% of the league in production. (Previously it was 17%)</span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal;">All but the largest market teams will now hold their best prospects back to after the All Star break instead of early June to ensure they don’t get 86 days in that year.</span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Changes in Free Agency Compensation</span></b></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Since they no longer lose a draft pick the rich will get richer. The Yankees, Red Sox, etc… can now sign Free Agents without losing anything unless the other team makes a $12 million offer to the FA.</span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal;">It’s a crock. The old system didn’t work, but this is worse. Now small market teams are strictly farm clubs for the big market teams.</span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It marks the end of Tampa Bay’s ability to compete in the AL East. Once their current crop of players and prospects reach FA they will never compete again. IT ends ANY small markets teams possibility of contending. Under the old system at least you got something when you could no longer afford a free agent. Now you get nothing. Selig said bend over small market teams and take it like a Sandusky victim.</span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Changes in First Year Draft</span></b></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">More of the rich get ting richer.</span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal;">Now teams that were horrible last year can no longer afford to pay big money for a great prospect (see Gerrit Cole) or they risk not being able to draft many players or have to pay a tax they can ill afford to pay for going over the line. </span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The Yankees, Red Sox, etc... can afford to pay a luxury tax, but if a team like the Pirates or the Rays want to pay big money for a couple of exceptional prospects, they risk not being to sign other prospects prospects down the line.</span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Selig has finally turned all small market teams into nothing more than glorified farm teams for the Yankees and the Red Sox.</span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal;">Congratulations Bud. You have finally killed competition in the sport completely.</span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal;">RIP MLB.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></em></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-style: normal;"><span>Out in Left Field </span></span></em></b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-61388495641462952982011-11-16T20:25:00.000-08:002011-11-16T20:25:02.539-08:00Padres make offer to Rafael FurcalWednesday November 16, 2011<br />
<br />
According to sources at the MLB General Managers meetings in Milwaukee, the San Diego Padres made a two offer to 34 year old former Dodgers and Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal. While the exact terms are not known, the offer was reportedly for 2 years/$15 million with an option year.<br />
<br />
Furcal's agent, Paul Kinzer has been pretty firm about wanting 3 years, but will likely take two years with an option. Especially if it is an option with a vesting clause.<br />
<br />
The Padres are one of 6 teams that have shown serious interest in Furcal. <br />
<br />
Interesting move to say the least for a low budget team not expected to contend in 2012.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-69075417264488651832011-11-14T12:04:00.000-08:002011-11-14T12:04:38.961-08:00Closers that Blow Saves Suck<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Definition of a Great Closer:</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To be considered the best closer in the game of baseball</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">you need to do one simple thing, </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Save the highest percentage of games.</b></u></span><br />
<br />
It doesn't matter what the velocity is on your fastball.<br />
It doesn't matter how many guys you strike out per nine innings.<br />
It doesnt matter what your ERA or SIERA was.<br />
It doesn't matter what your WHIP or FIP or WAR was.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The ONLY thing that matters </b></span><br />
is that when you team has a lead in the 8th or 9th inning<br />
that you keep the other team from scoring MORE runs than your lead<br />
with the highest regularity.<br />
<br />
THAT is the job of a closer. <br />
<br />
With that in mind:<br />
If you think Craig Kimbrel was Closer of the Year in the NL , you are a flipping idiot.<br />
<br />
That piece of shit blew 8 games out of 54 attempts and 3 of his final 6 opportunities. Kimbrel is the singular reason his team, the Atlanta Braves, were not in the playoffs. 85% saves is simply not worth being in the conversation for NL Closer of the Year.<br />
<br />
Marmol and Cordero are not even worth mentioning they were so bad at their job.<br />
<br />
If you think ANYONE besides<br />
Axford - 96%,<br />
Putz - 92%,<br />
Bell - 90%, or<br />
Storen - 90%<br />
is even in the conversation for best closer you are a moron. Plain and simple.<br />
<br />
Those guys had the highest % of saves in the NL.<br />
<br />
THAT singular thing is what makes them the best of 2011.<br />
<br />
So bring it bitches. I want to hear what all you Kimbrel kiss asses have to say.<br />
<br />
Out In Left FieldUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-61806030616822093472011-11-12T14:57:00.000-08:002011-11-15T17:51:47.487-08:00Another year, another change.<div class="MsoNormal">Guest Post from The Hammer</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Another year, another change. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">The Padres rolled out their new uniforms yesterday and the first thought that came to mind was… why? Again? Why? Fans always complain that they don’t want to buy players jerseys because they don’t stay long, well why would anyone want to buy Padres jerseys if they are just going to become outdated sooner rather than later. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCZmWBALRjaFkUItAI5br9Bm1_urXbhOaR86z4AJhX0tz9ZKmqV1EwWCL5D-GO0_V2I0jzxFj6vDPvDTZCMondCTdZ5KMwBJBxF8xHp3u1MyHrh2SlQ34LWZ60DFEIN-jsnzDUw/s1600/blue+swinging+friar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCZmWBALRjaFkUItAI5br9Bm1_urXbhOaR86z4AJhX0tz9ZKmqV1EwWCL5D-GO0_V2I0jzxFj6vDPvDTZCMondCTdZ5KMwBJBxF8xHp3u1MyHrh2SlQ34LWZ60DFEIN-jsnzDUw/s200/blue+swinging+friar.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I understand the bring back the brown crowd and it appears that the Padres tried to give them something to chew on by bringing back the swinging friar, but he’s blue. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At first glance it appears to be much more like a Dodgers logo than a Padres logo. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ef03txlr2-8A-b6_w8OxGvn4MiKwE9FRbL9SXHeWE-Akq-6-WfAfIV_33iVnT8n5MDok1O6oVRSeItqGpZLU5C76Fty_-Sf1tkLe3XJILgl9DCHa9jbpl3m3T7WI4Wh2-PaGbA/s1600/padres+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Ef03txlr2-8A-b6_w8OxGvn4MiKwE9FRbL9SXHeWE-Akq-6-WfAfIV_33iVnT8n5MDok1O6oVRSeItqGpZLU5C76Fty_-Sf1tkLe3XJILgl9DCHa9jbpl3m3T7WI4Wh2-PaGbA/s200/padres+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">The new baseball logo has a vintage feel to it, but it also has a Dodgers feel, as you can see here.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbwy6xx8GIxuERzZOOn_2AARMzkQCkdEgvAXjDVW8bKczJlNS0JbsHS5_1YiDFhhbnW2qW2ODRyTfZrKqyduAYBxa4ZZvO3m3EKjadxLbMpB0i1l9juwuZev3lDOd54MHBYYOnw/s1600/dodgers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVbwy6xx8GIxuERzZOOn_2AARMzkQCkdEgvAXjDVW8bKczJlNS0JbsHS5_1YiDFhhbnW2qW2ODRyTfZrKqyduAYBxa4ZZvO3m3EKjadxLbMpB0i1l9juwuZev3lDOd54MHBYYOnw/s1600/dodgers.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Personally, I care much more about the product on the field, but when it looks like we have become the Dodgers south, I take personal offense. Ownership wonders why the fan base is fickle, but this new ownership doesn’t understand that the changes they make continue to frustrate the fan base. This team lacks identity. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I know the Padres aren’t the Yankees, the Red Sox, the Cubs, or any other storied franchise, but forcing things down the fans throats they don’t want (insert Enberg jab here) is not going to help. I know that some people out there will always just put a smile on and write something positive, but screw that. The Padres marketing department has been a mess since this new regime took over, from awkward promo days, to being overly controlling with players, finally to a branding program that has changed direction at every turn. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This organization needs to stop pouring energy and resources into petty things like uniform changes and buying minor league teams and start putting a quality product on the field. In San Francisco it’s Halloween all year around, it’s ugly, but the team and the fans own it. It is their identity and the Giants show the fans they care about winning. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When Moorad comes out and tells fans that he is going to run this like a business, I respect that, but as a fan, I hate it. Changing uniforms looks like a money grab, taking the revenue sharing money and not applying it to payroll looks like a money grab, and trying to have the TV deal front loaded looks like a money grab. Money money money money</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t blame Jed for leaving; this was always a stepping stone job for him, similar to how Moorad used Arizona as a stepping stone and will eventually do the same our beloved Padres. It’s a shame that as fans we have to deal with someone more concerned with turning a profit than winning games. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Personally, I’m not a fan of the changes because as much as marketing would like to tell me they are part of Padres history, the brown was the part that fans wanted back. If this ownership wants to look like the Dodgers south, that is their right as an ownership group. I’ll try not to take it personal, after all, it’s just business. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Hammer </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-69159031684700156662011-11-12T14:45:00.000-08:002011-11-12T14:45:55.610-08:00Guest Writers @ WebsoulsurferOver the next month you will begin to see articles from several guest writers at Websoulsurfer.<br />
<br />
Some talking about San Diego Padres baseball, some about MLB and some about other subjects near and dear to baseball fans.<br />
<br />
Like me, these guys are looking for a place to express themselves without endangering their jobs.<br />
<br />
They will be posting under pseudonyms - "The Hammer", Scouting America, Out in Left Field, and Your SABR Daddy may be a few of the names you see.<br />
<br />
Enjoy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-33167548920449432702011-10-13T14:20:00.000-07:002011-10-13T14:20:10.058-07:00Goose Gossage Award - Baseball Bloggers AllianceThursday October 13, 2011<br />
<br />
First I want to apologize for not posting much this season.<br />
<br />
My new employment has kept me on the road much of the year wand watching minor league baseball instead of the 100+ major league games I have attended in years past.<br />
<br />
Recently my employers have asked all of us to not blog until we had a new boss in place. While that is not completed yet, I did not want to let down the BBA by neglecting to vote for the Goose Gossage Award for the best reliever in the NL.<br />
<br />
Without further ado my vote for the Best reliever in the NL goes to John Axford of the Milwaukee Brewers.<br />
<br />
Not only did Axford lead the NL in saves and save percentage, he was also amongst the lowest in ERA, FIP and xFIP. His LOB% was the best amongst closers and his k/9 was near the top as well.<br />
<br />
An honorable mention goes to Heath Bell of the San Diego Padres who has been arguably the best closer in baseball over the past three years leading in nearly every category.<br />
<br />
In 2011 he performed exceptionally well recording 43 saves against just 5 blown saves while pitching for a team that gave him sporadic opportunities at best, often going 5 or more days between outings, and for a team was out of contention by the end of May. Those are tough conditions to battle for a closer.<br />
<br />
J.J Putz made a complete u-turn in his career to record 45 saves for the Arizona Diamondbacks and desreves at least a mention here. Too many of his saves were 1 or 2 batters with a 3 run lead to merit real consideration as top reliever in the league. not enough high leverage situations.<br />
<br />
According to the BBA rules I am supposed to grade these guys on a point system so here goes:<br />
5 points - John Axford Milwaukee Brewers<br />
3 points - Heath Bell - San Diego Padres<br />
1 point - JJ Putz - Arizona DiamondbacksUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-81095358029959102862011-08-28T13:33:00.000-07:002011-08-28T13:33:50.642-07:00If I was GM, what would I do to fix the Cubs?<h1><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--> </h1><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sunday August 28, 2011</span></h1><h1>If I was GM, what would I do to fix the Cubs?</h1><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now, even though they have millions coming off the books for 2012, the Cubs are saddled with $86.6 million in contracts for 2012 for just 8 players (including Ramirez whose option will be picked up). $52 million of that money is for 3 decidedly mediocre players – Zambrano, Dempster and Soriano. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5 teams with better records than the Cubs spent less than that amount on their entire team in 2011.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">With no changes the team will have a payroll of over $100 million after signing their arbitration eligible players or replacing them with league minimum salaries.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The team has no realistic shot at competing in 2012 without overspending in a sparse free agent landscape. Yes they could make a splash and spend $25+ million to sign Pujols or Fielder to a long term contract, but that would only be a PR move as one player cannot turn around either the win/loss or the culture of this organization.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So what would I do if I was the GM of the Cubs?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">#1 – Create a long term plan for the organization</div><div class="MsoNormal">For years the Cubs have been flying by the seat of their pants with no real plan for the future. They have been relying on deep pockets and big revenue to pay exorbitant salaries to too many mediocre free agents. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its time to build from within for long term success.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">#2 - Jettison Soriano & Zambrano - Some playoff bound team would like Soriano’s power bat off the bench and would give a 2<sup>nd</sup> tier prospect for him. The Cubs would have to eat more than half his salary of $57 million over the next 3 years to get anything back, but this is a case of addition by subtraction and would be worth it. ($18 million per year plus $1 million per season of signing bonus)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Zambrano will be extremely difficult to deal and not only because of the $19 million he is owed in 2012. He is a cancer in the clubhouse and most teams are not willing to take on that kind of problem regardless of salary. I still believe the Cubs can dump him while paying a big chunk of his salary to take on an underperforming player from another team. Get it done NOW.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">#3 – Hire more scouts. The Cubs have one of the smallest scouting departments in baseball. You cannot build a quality system that will consistently produce major league talent if you are not able to take a good look at the talent available.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">#4 – Commit to getting younger</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is a very OLD team, one of the oldest in baseball. If not for the two kids in the middle infield, every starter in the field would be 32 or over. Here are a few suggestions.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A – Trade Carlos Pena, Marlon Byrd, Reed Johnson, John Grabow, Rodrigo Lopez and any other older moving parts that are not part of your plan for the immediate future. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">B – Matt Garza is the youngest healthy starting pitcher (25 year old Andrew Cashner has been on the DL with rotator cuff issues since his 1<sup>st</sup> start of the season) and there is little in terms of quality arms in the farm system that are even near ready to join the rotation. Sign Garza to a 3 year deal that buys out his 1<sup>st</sup> year of Free agency. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Face the fact that Wells and Coleman are simply not good enough to run out there every 5<sup>th</sup> day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wells is regressing under the tutelage of Riggins. Coleman is a AAA pitcher with no upside.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Carpenter, McNutt, Dollis and Whiteknack are coming, but don’t expect much help from any of them until late next year. Trade away some veterans like Dempster, Lopez, Grabow and Zambrano (even if you eat most of his contract) to re-stock the farm.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">C – Play Colvin, Campana (& LaHair once you trade Pena) daily for the rest of the season. Bring up Brett Jackson to start the 2012 season and bring in some mid level talent as place holders until Josh Vitters and the few other good position player prospects you have are ready. Use the money saved in scouting, International Free Agency and next season’s draft.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">#5– Get a real closer. Marmol is not a closer and all his blown saves are disheartening for the team. Put him back in a setup role and find someone with heart. With Balls.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">#7 – Quade, Riggins and Strode go at the end of the season. The culture within the Cubs team and organization as a whole is rotted to the core. Zambrano is a symptom of a more endemic sickness. </div><div class="MsoNormal">What is happening with the pitching on this team is a travesty. Riggins & the rest of the staff have ruined the confidence and mechanics of the younger pitchers. In fact Jaramillo may be the only member of the coaching staff I would keep.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">#7 – Non Tender Hill and Baker – they are older, non performing but likely to get huge raises in their 3<sup>rd</sup> year of arbitration. You can sign others at league minimum that can recreate their performance.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>FA Salaries that are truly being shed <div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Pena – $10,000,000</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Grabow - $4,800,000</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Wood - $1,500,000</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Johnson - $900,000</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Arbitration Eligible Cubbies – Projected increase in salaries to sign = $8+ million</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Garza – made $5,950,000 and due a big raise in 3<sup>rd</sup> year of eligibility – likely to $10 million</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Soto – made $3,000,000 and due a large raise in 3<sup>rd</sup> year of eligibility – likely to $5 million</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Baker – made $1,175,000 and due a large raise in 3<sup>rd</sup> year of eligibility – likely to $2+ million</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Hill – made $850,000 and due a large raise in 3<sup>rd</sup> year of eligibility</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Dewitt – 1<sup>st</sup> year of eligibility</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Wells - 1<sup>st</sup> year of eligibility</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-5871657518334182832011-08-06T23:05:00.000-07:002011-08-06T23:05:38.227-07:00How the Padres Blew Trade of Type A Free Agent Heath Bell<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Saturday August 6, 2011</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>How the Padres Blew Trade of Type A Free Agent Heath Bell</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I keep hearing that the reasoning the Padres are giving for not trading <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bellhe01.shtml">Heath Bell</a> is that they felt that they were not being offered two draft picks worth of prospects in return.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In my opinion, the Padres front office outsmarted themselves on not trading Bell for whatever they could get before the July 31<sup>st</sup> trading deadline.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Three things the Padres brain trust should have kept in mind: </div><ul><li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Draft picks in the 1<sup>st</sup> and the supplemental round cost big money and are far from sure things. Less than 17% make it as regulars in the major leagues.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>A team has already spent money on the prospects you were asking for in the draft and seen their progression. You would have had to ask for prospects FAR away from being ML ready.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Bell would have to refuse to accept arbitration for a place he LOVES to live and play And a place he had repeatedly said for more than a year that he would take a DISCOUNT to continue to play, in order for the Padres to get compensation for him signing elsewhere as a free agent .</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What Could Have Been</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If the Padres had been better at communicating with their star closer, Heath Bell would have likely returned to the Padres for 2012 as a Free Agent AT A DISCOUNT and, with the Padres holding a top ten place in the 2012 amateur draft, their draft pick in the first round would be protected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What I am saying is the Padres could have had their cake and ate it too. Get the prospects for Bell NOW and resign him in 2012 at a discount and only have to give up a 2<sup>nd</sup> round draft pick.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">They were reportedly being offered a package by the Rangers that included the low ceiling, but high probability LHP <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=erlin-001rob">Robbie Erlin</a> and a lower level prospect at Myrtle Beach, either OF <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=adair-001tra">Travis Adair</a> or SS <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=garcia001leu">Leury Garcia</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Scouts for the Rangers I spoke with in my travels said in the week prior to the deadline that “Robbie is going” in relation to a potential Bell trade.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What Happened</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Instead the Padres got nothing for Bell and subsequent to the deadline saw Bell make a public pronouncement that he WOULD accept arbitration to continue playing in San Diego if the Padres offered, effectively minimizing his value in trade if the Padres attempted to trade him now.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">For Bell this actually INCREASED his value in free agency if he chooses to sign elsewhere as:</div><ol><li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span>Other teams know that the Padres would be foolish to offer him arbitration when faced with a probable salary for Bell of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>$12-$13 million (of a projected total payroll of $50-$55 million)</li>
<li><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span>Other teams do not have to give up a draft pick to sign Bell if the Padres don’t offer arbitration.</li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Where this Leaves the Padres</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Padres front office, and Jed Hoyer in particular, have put themselves in a difficult position in regards to Bell when they went into trade season in the drivers seat. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">They will likely have to trade Bell before the end of August basically for whatever they are offered or let him walk after the season with no compensation. They have left themselves in a position where they no leverage.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Padres would have then set themselves up to get a 2nd package of prospects for Mike Adams.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Padres front office have completely blown the trade of Heath Bell.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-30479778338998482242011-07-16T21:48:00.000-07:002011-07-16T21:48:33.128-07:00Padres return for Adams or Bell?Saturday July 16, 2011<br />
<br />
Greetings from beautiful Port Charlotte Florida, home of the Stone Crabs.<br />
<br />
I have spent the past two days watching the Treshers with several Padres scouts & the Phillies general manager also in attendance. Taking a look at the players the Padres would likely be getting in return for Heath Bell (or Mike Adams) and Ryan Ludwick if Hoyer & Amaro pull the trigger on a trade.<br />
<br />
The scuttlebutt is that if the Padres are willing to pick up a major portion, maybe as much as $4 million, of Bell and Ludwick's $7 million in combined remaining salaries this season that the Padres will receive one of the following top prospects -Brody Colvin, Julio Rodriguez or Trevor May - and 2-3 other players.that would include one of Jonathan Singleton or Sebastian Valle and at least one other lower level prospect. <br />
<br />
Sounds like a huge haul and it is, but the Padres would be sending one of, if not THE, best closers in baseball and a valuable RHB that would hit much better than his current .240 in Citizens Bank Park along with a huge chunk of cash. When you consider the value of a World Series run, it is an entirely reasonable trade.<br />
<br />
Monday and Tuesday of next week I will be spending time in Myrtle Beach before flying to Texas for the weekend. Hope to get to see starting pitchers Robbie Ross or Miguel De Los Santos and OF Travis Adair play for the Pelicans. Another player I had wanted to see, Mike Olt, is on the DL. They are all potential pieces in a trade for Bell or Adams by the Rangers.<br />
<br />
Once I get to Frisco I am hoping to see Robbie Erlin pitch. He is the piece I would most like to see coming back the Padres way in a trade for Bell from the Rangers system.<br />
<br />
I am afraid that by the time I get to Frisco the Padres will have pulled the trigger on a trade, possibly two.<br />
<br />
Even if the trades are made prior to my getting to Texas its going to be a busy, exciting week of minor league baseball.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-63211566143337144182011-06-28T20:38:00.000-07:002011-06-28T20:38:16.195-07:00Why is Venable starting?Tuesday June 28, 2011<br />
<br />
Why is Will Venable starting games? Are the Padres "showcasing" him so they can trade him? Entice teams with a tantalizing short burst of play over mediocrity from Venable?<br />
<br />
Padres fans have ample evidence over the past 3 years that Venable cannot sustain any kind of over average performance and are resigned oto seeing only flashes of brilliance reminiscent of Ruben Rivera.<br />
<br />
Chris Denorfia is doing everything right. He is hitting over .300 including an incredible .289 at Petco, hitting for power - .451 slg, and playing good defense.What else does he need to do to be an everyday starter? I guess what he has to do is have flashes of great play.<br />
<br />
Oh wait, Deno has had CONSISTENT great play.<br />
<br />
The only explanation is that the Padres just don't care about winning right now and only want to see if they can get something for Venable when they include him in one of the inevitable trades the team will make before July 31st. <br />
<br />
So why should fans care?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-41143326636162596492011-06-27T22:32:00.000-07:002011-06-27T22:32:52.223-07:00Introducing your 2012 San Diego Padres!<!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal">Monday June 27, 2011</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Introducing your 2012 San Diego Padres!</b></span><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A week ago I wrote that trade winds were whipping up in San Diego. Well, GALE force winds are blowing in San Diego today. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Padres have gone 10-14 for the month of June, including a 6 game losing streak from the 14<sup>th</sup> to 20<sup>th,</sup> and after starting out 24-31 their recent play has sealed the fate of many of the veteran player on the team. Most of the veteran players brought in during the 2<sup>nd</sup> half of 2010 and in the offseason will be blown right out of town.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">With the Padres 11 games under .500 and 10.5 games back in the NL West,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it’s a foregone conclusion that 2012 free agents Heath Bell and Ryan Ludwick will be gone before the trading deadline and probably much sooner. Possibly as soon as June 30<sup>th</sup>? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The fact is that players like Bell and Ludwick that are free agents after the season are worth more in trade the longer their new team gets to use their services after the trade. Hoyer is no dummy. They will both be gone before the All Star break.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Reliever Chad Qualls, Brad Hawpe, Orlando Hudson, Jason Bartlett, and Aaron Harang all have big dollar options or guaranteed salaries for 2012 ($6 million option, $6 million option, $5.5 million salary, $5.5 million salary, and $5 million option respectively) and the Padres have serviceable, if not good, internal options. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those Padres players have a heavy tail wind blowing them out of town as well.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So what WILL the 2012 Padres look like?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I am not sure who will be coming back as part of the trades that will probably blow 5-6 veteran players out of San Diego over the next month, but I can make an educated guess as to who may be called up or be moved into the position from the Padres bench.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><ul><li>Heath Bell with Mike Adams – Adams is arbitration eligible but has been groomed as Bell’s replacement and will make much less than the $7++ million Bell would command in free agency.<br />
</li>
<li> Ryan Ludwick with Chris Denorfia – Deno has been the only consistent performer in the outfield and deserves a full time spot, at least for the rest of the 2011 season. Venable takes over RF, Maybin in CF and Deno in LF with Kyle Blanks being called up.<br />
</li>
<li>Chad Qualls with Luis Perdomo, Even Scribner or Brad Brach – Bullpen is an area the Padres are deep in and can replace Qualls with relative ease, either in the trade or from the farm.<br />
</li>
<li>Brad Hawpe has already been replaced with Anthony Rizzo. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he returns from the DL before July 31<sup>st</sup>, a bag of balls or a rosin bag would be a positive replacement.<br />
</li>
<li>Orlando Hudson with Logan Forsythe – Forsythe did not hit well in his first appearances with San Diego, but is still the only serviceable internal candidate at 2<sup>nd</sup> base for the remainder of 2011.<br />
</li>
<li>Jason Bartlett with Everth Cabrera – the 24 year old Cabrera has returned from his injury for AAA Tucson and played extremely well hitting .296/.359 with 13 sb in 31 games. He is the heir apparent at SS.<br />
</li>
<li>Aaron Harang with Cory Luebke, Wade LeBlanc, Anthony Bass or Casey Kelly or any number of good young arms.</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Predicting the 2012 roster is a little more of a crapshoot at this point, but you can count on it being young. Predicting the return the Padres may get on the veterans they ship out is also a crapshoot, but I will give it a shot.<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Padres Return On Investment</b> </div><ul><li>Bell is a highly valuable commodity and will likely get a top 20 type prospect from the Rangers, Phillies, Cardinals, or whoever else gets in the bidding. Possibly Roman Mendez or possibly even Neil Ramirez from the Rangers if the Padres eat a little salary. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Phillipe Aumont + a second lower level prospect <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>or possibly even<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JC Ramirez from the Phillies. Rasmus’ name has been bandied about from the Cardinals.<br />
</li>
<li>Ludwick is having a real good year away from the unfriendly confines of Petco with a 114 OPS+. He will bring back a decent prospect in return. Seattle has reportedly offered a middle infield prospect. Could it possibly be Carlos Triunfel? His stock has dropped tremendously, but he still has tremendous tools. The Phillies have also reportedly offered a good OF prospect. A power hitting prospect that is very raw and still in high A, but undoubtedly a good prospect.<br />
</li>
<li>Qualls is in a rebound year that is at least in part attributable to the Petco effect. His ERA away is a pedestrian 3.93. He will not bring back a great prospect, but even a mid-level prospect while not having to pay the cost of buying out his option year is worth trading him.<br />
</li>
<li>Hawpe will only be valuable to an AL team that has a short RF porch so don’t expect much. Maybe a low level prospect from the Orioles or Yankees.<br />
</li>
<li>Hudson is on a down year punctuated with injuries and he has an $8 million option for 2013, so he may be the only player the Padres are unable to move.<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a> Which is ok by me. Unless they get a middle infielder that is major league ready for Bell or Ludwick, chances are the Padres best replacement for Hudson is Logan Forsythe. Not good enough right now. Plus Hudson <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>plays decent defense and provides veteran leadership and a motor mouth that is fun.<br />
</li>
<li>Bartlett is having a decent, but not good year and may prove difficult to move as well. I think teams will be more willing to part with a decent prospect for the 31 yr old Bartlett than the 33 yr old Hudson. <br />
</li>
<li>Harang is an interesting case. We all knew his era would go down coming to Petco, what was not expected was that he would be going an average of 6.2 innings per start and would have a 7-2 record after 13 starts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>With only a $5 million option year, the Padres may just hang onto Harang for 2012. But then I said that about Garland after last season.</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I can’t guess at this point about what players the Padres will sign in the offseason, so here goes nothing. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Your 2012 San Diego Padres</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Starting 8 1/2</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">1B – Anthony Rizzo – 22 (or Kyle Blanks) – Rizzo will be given every chance to hold onto the job for the rest of the 2011 season. If he can rebound to hit even .220-.230 he will likely be the opening day starter at 1B</div><div class="MsoNormal">2B – Orlando Hudson – 34 – I think he is close to untradeable and will return in 2012.</div><div class="MsoNormal">SS – Everth Cabrera – 25 – the 2<sup>nd</sup> coming of the talented young SS.</div><div class="MsoNormal">3B – Chase Headley – 27 – hitting .300 while playing half your games in Petco is impressive even if you aren’t hitting many home runs.</div><div class="MsoNormal">LF – Kyle Blanks – 25 – Blanks is really a 1B, but if Rizzo wins the job the Padres will be forced to play the talented and powerful young man in LF again in 2012.</div><div class="MsoNormal">CF – Cameron Maybin – 26 – Great defense. Mediocre bat. Occasional power. Perfect fit for Padres.</div><div class="MsoNormal">RF – Will Venable - 29/Chris Denorfia – 31 - </div><div class="MsoNormal">C – Nick Hundley – 27 – With no other real options, Hundley will once again be the number one catcher on the Padres squad.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Bench</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">OF - Venable or Denorfia</div><div class="MsoNormal">MI – ?? I just know that Alberto Gonzalez will not be back. Possibly Jarrett Hoffpauir - 28</div><div class="MsoNormal">IF – Logan Forsythe – 22 or possibly Vince Belnome – 24 – who has been tearing it up with the bat in AA</div><div class="MsoNormal">UT – Guzman – 27 – Good bat, bad defense. Will back up 1B and OF and mostly be a bat off the bench.</div><div class="MsoNormal">C – Another veteran schmoe like Rob Johnson, but probably a different schmoe</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Starting Rotation</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Mat Latos</div><div class="MsoNormal">Clayton Richard</div><div class="MsoNormal">Tim Stauffer</div><div class="MsoNormal">Dustin Moseley</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wade LeBlanc/Cory Luebke/Casey Kelly/Anthony Bass</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Bullpen</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">CL – Mike Adams – 31- Closer in waiting</div><div class="MsoNormal">SU – Luke Gregerson – 29 - </div><div class="MsoNormal">SU – Ernesto Frieri - 26</div><div class="MsoNormal">Loogy – Joe Thatcher - 30</div><div class="MsoNormal">MR – Luis Perdomo</div><div class="MsoNormal">MR – Evan Scribner/Josh Spence/Brad Brach</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">LR – Luebke/LeBlanc </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-65281452365170539552011-06-20T21:57:00.000-07:002011-06-20T21:57:33.188-07:00Trade winds begin to blow through San Diego<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" /> <style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style> <![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">Monday June 20, 2011</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Padres get swept by the sad sack Twins & talk of Padres players finding homes in new cities in the next month has turned from an if to a when. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Padres closer Heath Bell and his $7 million salary is a certainty to be moved.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Chad Qualls and his $6 million 2012 option are another certainty to be moved.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ryan Ludwick is making nearly $7 million and will be a free agent after the season. Waive buh bye to him in the coming weeks also. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Orlando Hudson and Jason Bartlett are also likely gone with salaries that total $14.5 million in 2012.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Brad Hawpe and his $6 million option for 2012 WOULD be a certainty to be traded, but the Padres would likely have to pay his option buy out of $1 million to get someone to take the bum off the Padres hands.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">So ... <br />
<br />
Ludwick to the Phillies, Braves, Mariners or maybe the Tigers<br />
<br />
Bell to Cardinals, Rangers or ??<br />
<br />
Qualls to Rays, Yankees, Rangers or Cardinals.<br />
<br />
Harang to the Cubs, Tigers or ?? <br />
<br />
Bartlett to Red Sox</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hudson to ??<br />
<br />
Hawpe to AAA. Ok, maybe the Angels would take a flyer on him for a PTBNL or a little better if Padres pick up buyout. Maybe the Orioles. D Lee is not exactly tearing it up there and the ballpark is built for Hawpe's swing.<br />
<br />
Adams likely will stay a Padre because even a win in arbitration will likely not net him more than $4 million for 2012 and that is a cheap price for the closer he would become in Bell's absence.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now the question becomes, what will the Padres get in return for the 5-6 veteran players that will likely be traded away in the coming weeks.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What do you think Padres fans? Who will go and what will the Padres get in return. Will it be enough to help make the Padres a contender in the next few years? </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-65700334706669498732011-05-08T13:32:00.000-07:002011-05-08T13:35:23.813-07:00Worst Stat Ever?Sunday May 8, 2011<br />
<br />
Happy Mothers Day!<br />
<br />
In keeping with my "worst" theme, I want to talk about what is possibly the worst measure of a players performance.<br />
<br />
<b>Win-Loss for Starting pitchers.</b> Really pitchers of any kind.<br />
<br />
Want to know just how ridiculous it is to even attempt to use won-loss as a stat to measure the performance of a starting pitcher? <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The San Diego Padres starting pitchers have 21 quality starts in 33 games, but just 6 wins. That means that in 21 games the Padres starting pitcher has gone 6 innings while giving up 3 runs or less, but have recorded a win in just 6 of those games.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyklZNwyM6wPS8wCxYYNuUViiuEmkWLFdynIuqHXVdhjBRzpTfMlmmSi1MPgjEE70ILUEToz1nwHgQ7H4yWBCRlz38RcXs0pa_tiIR1pfA-jx4q-JMi2MIHEwdTqUUQEC7kPL7zA/s1600/300px-Tim_Stauffer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyklZNwyM6wPS8wCxYYNuUViiuEmkWLFdynIuqHXVdhjBRzpTfMlmmSi1MPgjEE70ILUEToz1nwHgQ7H4yWBCRlz38RcXs0pa_tiIR1pfA-jx4q-JMi2MIHEwdTqUUQEC7kPL7zA/s1600/300px-Tim_Stauffer.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
Tim Stauffer has a 1.38 ERA in his last 4 games giving up just 4 runs in 26.1 IP (and a 2.61 ERA in his 7 starts this season) but has no wins to show for it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Prior to last nights game Dustin Moseley had an ERA of 1.63 having giving up just 7 earned runs, but had only 1 win in those 6 starts. The Padres have been SHUTOUT in 4 of his 7 starts.</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
And somehow wins and losses are supposed to represent the performance of these two Padres pitchers? NOT!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">These two guys, and the Padres pitching staff as a whole, have been lights out. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">The defense, while not as good as last years version, is ranked 10th in baseball in UZR and 7th in DRS. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The OFFENSE for the Padres has been, well, offensive. Even the Petco factor cannot explain how poorly they have done. Many games have featured four or five players hitting under .200 in the starting lineup simultaneously. The Padres are leading MLB in being shutout with 8 and they have the worst batting average with runners in scoring position in this century - by FOURTY (40) points.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So when talking about pitchers performance lets just completely eliminate wins and losses. The wins & losses recorded by these Padres pitchers have had absolutely no relation with their performance on the mound. Those losses are the result of an unprecedented lack of hitting by the Padres team as a whole.<br />
<br />
So from now on, </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you want to mention ERA - OK</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you want to mention WHIP - OK</div><div class="MsoNormal">If you want to mention FIP, xFIP, or tERA (my current favorite) - OK<br />
If you want to mention BABIP, K/9, BB/9 and HR/9 - OK </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Just do not even bring up Wins & Losses.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-37403972586757079302011-05-06T20:51:00.000-07:002011-05-06T20:52:49.015-07:00Worst and WorserFriday May 6, 2011<br />
<br />
Yesterday I gave you the bad news and it got worse for the Padres since I posted that piece.<br />
<br />
The Padres "best" hitter on the season so far, catcher Nick Hundley, was placed on the the 15 day DL with a strained oblique muscle.<br />
<br />
Just two days ago the 2nd best hitter on the team so far this season, 2B Orlando Hudson, who was hitting a robust .245 at the time, was placed on the 15 day DL with a hamstring strain in his right leg.<br />
<br />
Hundley was hitting above his career average so regression towards the mean would indicate his batting average will drop when he returns.<br />
<br />
Hudson was below his career average & 23 points below his 2010 average so will likely improve only slightly when he returns but with less speed due to the hamstring injury. Less speed means even less XBH on a team that is sorely lacking in xbh.<br />
<br />
Brad Hawpe is hitting just about what he did with Tampa Bay, so unless the Padres suddenly start playing their home games in Coors Field, don't expect much improvement from him. His 23k vs 4 bb is an excellent indicator of how lost he is at the plate.<br />
<br />
Ryan Ludwick has shown some signs of life recently, but since he is currently hitting at almost exactly the same pace as his stint with the Padres in 2010, I am not holding out much hope there either.<br />
<br />
The only true hope of improvement I see is in Will Venable who has shown absolutely no extra base power in 2011 after 13 hr & 31 xbh in 392 abs in 2010 and is hitting more than 50 points lower than both his career and 2010 batting average.<br />
<br />
The Padres offense has regressed substantially in the past 3 days and any more injuries will simply compound an already critical problem.<br />
<br />
Things are the worst I have ever seen offensively and getting worser.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-60078375537409784512011-05-05T21:50:00.000-07:002011-05-05T21:50:32.440-07:00Sad Sack San Diego Padres of 2011Thursday May 5, 2011<br />
<br />
When you lose two of three to the lowly Pittsburg Pirates and the player leading your team in RBI and hitting 3rd in the lineup is batting just .215, you know your team is not destined for great things.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfb_jgit8BnBY8INUxzUhw6Sw-DhctQ-FXU1O6sD6C2CFcZgEfZo4aoYs-DL2UYShm1VbahfIxohwqwpKy7yB7bCV_BvKOpwG8rUI2JV-ikBuNahtzdaA_mc73oYZyoAOoNtIjTA/s1600/FireShot+capture+%2523006+-+%2527Ryan+Ludwick+Stats%252C+News%252C+Pictures%252C+Bio%252C+Videos+-+San+Diego+Padres+-+ESPN%2527+-+espn_go_com_mlb_player___id_5036_ryan-ludwick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfb_jgit8BnBY8INUxzUhw6Sw-DhctQ-FXU1O6sD6C2CFcZgEfZo4aoYs-DL2UYShm1VbahfIxohwqwpKy7yB7bCV_BvKOpwG8rUI2JV-ikBuNahtzdaA_mc73oYZyoAOoNtIjTA/s1600/FireShot+capture+%2523006+-+%2527Ryan+Ludwick+Stats%252C+News%252C+Pictures%252C+Bio%252C+Videos+-+San+Diego+Padres+-+ESPN%2527+-+espn_go_com_mlb_player___id_5036_ryan-ludwick.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Padres LF Ryan Ludwick on the season </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
When your team is getting .190/.285 from the leadoff spot you know you aren't scoring many runs, because, well, nobody is ever frickin' on base to be driven in.<br />
<br />
When your 1st basemen are hitting a combined .165/.214 with a slugging percentage normally reserved for light hitting middle infielders, you know you are not knocking in many runs.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9xXPRSam7BrgIQtSY9wFyHWxKPjL_Kc6GGFcUepmXD4krr9LvmNodI_ShybWfi6FRCsuRBvvyV7yTBZAOr88ooc7faEDw-rYQnbVNZ0CuD0dgfxWhzySNkGrPMsmLBytJ90aVw/s1600/FireShot+capture+%2523004+-+%25272011+MLB+Team+Batting+Stats+-+Major+League+Baseball+-+ESPN%2527+-+espn_go_com_mlb_stats_team___stat_batting_split_79.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK9xXPRSam7BrgIQtSY9wFyHWxKPjL_Kc6GGFcUepmXD4krr9LvmNodI_ShybWfi6FRCsuRBvvyV7yTBZAOr88ooc7faEDw-rYQnbVNZ0CuD0dgfxWhzySNkGrPMsmLBytJ90aVw/s640/FireShot+capture+%2523004+-+%25272011+MLB+Team+Batting+Stats+-+Major+League+Baseball+-+ESPN%2527+-+espn_go_com_mlb_stats_team___stat_batting_split_79.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2011 Batting Average of Padres 1B</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
That would be the 2011 version of the San Diego Padres.<br />
<br />
Right now the Padres are in competition for the #1 overall pick in the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft with only 12 wins against 19 losses. They are currently tied for last place in the NL. These Padres have the WORST home win percentage in baseball.<br />
<br />
Not what fans expected after a 90 win season in 2010 and not what most people would expect today with a pitching staff with an ERA under THREE with 20 Quality Starts in 31 Games (tied for 3rd best in baseball).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5u2EA89Trnytl8gBx-Nq7rmOTLoL-LW4Vx-ZoB4E2YRdU9n7YGwXWlVW2g5Po4dBvL0F9olE1BhnfObpbtz7tyx7pi9SQXlIAyJWO3442XPDrIrdCLDgX99jEyBM_9mFSeqwxg/s1600/FireShot+capture+%2523008+-+%25272011+MLB+Team+Pitching+Stats+-+Major+League+Baseball+-+ESPN%2527+-+espn_go_com_mlb_stats_team___stat_pitching_year_2011_seasontype_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5u2EA89Trnytl8gBx-Nq7rmOTLoL-LW4Vx-ZoB4E2YRdU9n7YGwXWlVW2g5Po4dBvL0F9olE1BhnfObpbtz7tyx7pi9SQXlIAyJWO3442XPDrIrdCLDgX99jEyBM_9mFSeqwxg/s640/FireShot+capture+%2523008+-+%25272011+MLB+Team+Pitching+Stats+-+Major+League+Baseball+-+ESPN%2527+-+espn_go_com_mlb_stats_team___stat_pitching_year_2011_seasontype_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MLB 2011 Team Pitching Stats</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Its time for the Padres brass to either jettison the overpaid, under-performing veterans and simply play the kids that will be the future of the team or pay the price in prospects and dinero to pick up a couple of guys that can actually HIT the ball. If they don't act pretty quick, the 2011 season can be effectively considered over and May is only 5 days old.<br />
<br />
What a sad state of affairs in Padredom. <br />
<br />
Happy Cinco De Mayo.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-61542526127934525242011-04-11T20:05:00.000-07:002011-04-11T20:05:30.938-07:009th game & its time for Padres to sit HawpeMonday April 11, 2011<br />
<br />
On the day I paid $4.11 for gas, I came to the realization watching Hawpe fail miserably to get a hit in the 1st inning of the Padres vs Reds that even though its only the 9th game of the season, its time for the Padres to sit Brad Hawpe.<br />
<br />
His herky jerky movements at the plate testify to a lack of confidence that is making it impossible for him to hit consistently. If you watch video from earlier in his career when he was hitting decently, he had much less movement of his bat and body at the plate. Now he looks like he is dancing up there never coming set before swinging the bat.<br />
<br />
So its time he took a seat and Black brought in someone else to play. 1B. Cantu is not an improvement or he would already be manning 1B. Maybe its time to give Rizzo or Clark a shot. They can't do much worse than .174Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-84939055350883883242011-04-10T16:00:00.000-07:002011-04-10T22:50:30.435-07:00Ludwick picking up where he left off in 2010Sunday April 10, 2011<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXq_nX0CE_lY5kG-W8NAavyc0NegUv_68piRRLL7BQhJ4jGY_8vSzZB-cNgwDhboCx2jXVU-SjLvHQeJUqewgLb792ohl2w-_vmbtFeQh28hBOiA1QcedU03snyLkOXHBhLMZzTw/s1600/104070256_display_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXq_nX0CE_lY5kG-W8NAavyc0NegUv_68piRRLL7BQhJ4jGY_8vSzZB-cNgwDhboCx2jXVU-SjLvHQeJUqewgLb792ohl2w-_vmbtFeQh28hBOiA1QcedU03snyLkOXHBhLMZzTw/s320/104070256_display_image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Well, Ludwick is who we thought he was <a href="http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=ludwiry01&t=b&year=2010&team=SDP&per162=0">at the end of last season</a> - a terrible Padres hitter.<br />
<br />
So far he is <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=310410125">hitting just .120 as a Padre</a> in 2011 with just 3 hits in 25 abs. Granted 1 of the 3 was a home run, but even if all 3 were home runs, 3 for 25 just will not cut it.<br />
<br />
Worse yet, he is not even getting good wood on the ball. Most of his 9 FB were pop ups, 2 in the infield and 3 foul. All of his ground balls were for outs. The ONLY ball he has struck well was his home run today. <br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, Ludwick is not the only Padre starter we were counting on to hit the ball well that is sucking wind. <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=310410125">Will Venable is hitting just .120</a> as well and looks completely lost at the plate. Bartlett is hitting under .150. Hawpe is hitting just .174 with 9 SO against just 1 BB in 23 AB.<br />
<br />
Now the Good news in terms of Padres hitting:<br />
Nick Hundley has come of age. After today he is hitting .445 with 2 home runs and 5 XBH in his 11 hits.<br />
Orlando Hudson is his consistent self, hitting .286 after 8 games.<br />
Chase Headley was hitting .280 going into today's game.<br />
Cameron Maybin is hitting .276 and showing some power with 4 XBH in his 8 hits.<br />
<br />
The REAL good news? Its only 8 games. So while I am bitchin' about Ludwick, Venable, Hawpe and Bartlett's production so far, I realize we have 154 games, 95% of the season, to go.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5020322.post-59055928938502751822011-03-28T21:32:00.000-07:002011-03-28T21:32:49.752-07:00Amazing how much one trade & one DL trip effects rosterMonday March 28, 2011<br />
<br />
Its amazing how much one trade and one trip to the DL can effect the opening day roster. And all in the space of 18 hours.<br />
<br />
As widely anticipated, or at least bandied about, the Padres traded for utility man Alberto Gonzalez today. When Gonzalez joins the team, Everth Cabrera was optioned to AAA Tucson where he can play every day.. I was told at the game today that the Padres still consider Cabrera a front runner to be the SS of the future and they preferred that he have an opportunity to play every day at one position instead of backing up SS and 2B.<br />
<br />
<br />
The Padres also placed Mat Latos on the DL retroactive to 3/22, meaning he is eligible to come off the DL on 4/6.<br />
<br />
This caused a flurry of moves. Wade Leblanc was optioned to AAA camp so he could make a start with the AAA squad in camp and a simulated start in preparation for his 4/12 start against the Cincinnati Reds.<br />
<br />
Because they cannot count on the innings Latos would have eaten and because there are 3 days off in first 8 days of the season, the Padres made a decision to go with 4 starters and 8 relievers. Moseley will make a start or possibly more in the absence of Latos in the rotation. Corey Luebke was added to 25 roster as the LH specialist and long reliever.Ernesto Frieri was kept on the active roster and Luis Perdomo will be added to the bullpen to start the season. <br />
<br />
Did I miss anything?<br />
<br />
I'm sure one of you will be glad to tell me if I missed anything.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1