Quote from TucsonClip on July 22, 2021, 11:28 pm

Quote from fenn68 on July 22, 2021, 6:12 pm

For this winter and IF the DH comes to the NL … would Preller go for a 41 year old Cruz? Look at his stats and he still can hit … TB is not going to try to resign him (and since trade will not carry a comp pick) … MINN likely suitor with others.

Think Preller and Cruz were in TEX as the same time (and Preller likes his TEX connections) … playing for a clear contender may appeal to Cruz at this age … signed for this year on 1 year ($13MM) deal, a real bargain. So, not going to be a long-term big money deal.

Probably a lot of focus (and the main money) will be initially chasing the younger options that can play the field (e.g. Bryant, Story, etc.) which should create a window for Preller to sweep in and get a deal. Remember with a DH added and Pham a FA … they will need a productive bat (not coming from the system in 2022).

Just thinking ahead.

Rosenthal wrote in his article Preller was after Cruz, very hard, which forced the Rays package to get the deal done.

Article said Padres players reached out to him to express their interest. Team officials inquired about Cruz's history of taking grounder and 1B and 2B.

Sounds like we just missed him.

Quote from fenn68 on July 23, 2021, 1:39 pm

Once we get past the reporting the Padres were heavily in on Cruz … beginning to think on what that pursuit implies:

1. High on Preller’s target list is someone who can hit LHP? Maybe.

2. Preller wanted others to think they were heavily in on Cruz … getting TB to bite may take them out of the running for the real Padre target? Maybe.

3. Preller wanted others to think he is planning to go big and push others to overpay to compete? Maybe.

4. All of the above?

However, Machado is one who likes (and played with) Cruz, so back to my earlier post … look for a push for Cruz (short term and bargain price) …

Quote from BoosterSD on July 27, 2021, 9:10 am

Latest on the rumor mill is that SD is in on Kimbrel from CHC. It notes that while SD is willing to go over the CBT, they are still exploring options for Hosmer as well. Not saying that the two are tied together; however, they could be since Kimbrel has $16M due next season on a club option.

While it also mentions that BOS might be in on Rizzo, that Rizzo might still be an option to stay in Cubbieland.

Anyone think that there might a 3 team trade built around Hosmer to BOS, Kimbrel to SD, and then some batch of prospects being exchanged between all 3?

Side note: While most of on here see Hosmer as a hole in the line up. Maybe we should be more diligent and look at Hosmers numbers more closely and realize in the scope of things, he is not really that bad, just been streaky this season, and his defense is suspect again this season.

Hosmer has 10 more RBIs than Rizzo, is #4 in BA among qualified 1B in the NL, almost 20 points ahead of Rizzo. Where he lacks, is slugging, 60 points behind #9 Rizzo.

And this season, he has no trade rights to 10 teams, Athletics, Blue Jays, Brewers, Cardinals, Giants, Indians, Mariners, Orioles, Pirates, and Tigers, according to MLBTR.

Quote from MrPadre19 on July 27, 2021, 9:48 am

Hosmer is much better thought of around the league than he is here in S.D. by fans.

We watch him everyday and have forgotten how clutch he was the first two months and remember every GIDP or ground out in a clutch situation.

He has "some" value even despite his contract so just maybe we can move him without losing a top 4 prospect in the process.

 

Quote from 84padres on July 27, 2021, 9:56 am

Hosmer 21M in 2022 with an opt out or 13M for the remaining 3 years. Best bet would be KC for the nostalgic value . Pay down 8M makes it 52M for 4 years which would be a little better.

Quote from MrPadre19 on July 27, 2021, 10:35 am

I just don't see what's in it for KC?

Yes nostalgia....but $52 million worth?

I'm thinking a 1b needy team in contention may be talked into it if we also take a contract back or add a guy who can help them now.

Hosmer is an upgrade at 1b for teams like Bos and maybe even NYY if they aren't sold Voit can stay healthy...he's barely played all season.

 

Quote from fenn68 on July 27, 2021, 11:02 am

I would like to think some GM likes Hosmer enough to add him and a major portion of his contract .... but if he has an analytic group looking at FanGraphs Qualified 1B for this year ... 25 qualified and Hosmer is:

#24 WAR (-0.4)

#24 wRC+ (96) ... most 1B can hit

#25 dWAR (-11.1)

those stats and his contract will keep about everyone away. I guess if replacement value is in the area of $9MM, maybe some would bite if the Padres bought down the deal to that level.

The other factor that is hard to value is his leadership in the clubhouse and as a teammate ... and I accept that has value especially on a team contending ... how much???? All I hear is that is a big part of Hosmer's worth.

I still think Boston is the logical home given they are 30th in MLB WAR / wRC+ at 1B by a wide margin ... while in the lead in the AL East. The contract has to be the issue ... not wanting to get locked into 4 more years if he does not opt out. At least Rizzo is done after 2021.

From Preller's standpoint, there has to be a level when the pay down to move him is just too much or the prospect to attach for some team to take him is just too valuable.

Quote from MrPadre19 on July 27, 2021, 11:38 am

Bos. I'm sure prefers Rizzo.......but maybe the cost is too much?

They would have to pay heavy for Rizzo while they could actually "add" another player/prospect with taking on Hoz.

Maybe they will take Anderson Espinoza?...:)

All I know is it will all shake out over the next 72 hours.

Quote from fenn68 on July 27, 2021, 11:52 am

Speculation does run wild and much is about the Padres adding a “top 4” prospect to a Hosmer deal … some others don’t see that in Preller’s playbook.

IF (and I doubt) that is the route … a deal probably involves a number of other players with the Padres actually getting a key piece in return. It will not be about shedding Hosmer and his contract. Don’t see that scenario playing out with Boston baring some very complex 3 teams deal.

Since speculation is the theme … maybe Gallo from Texas for Hosmer (clubhouse leader for a rebuilding club) with Campusano (Padres have Nola/Caratini for 2 more years), Lange (Padres Top 10 with upside), and Thompson (Padres Top 10 … RP with big FB). While Campusano - Lange - Thompson is probably overpay for one year of Gallo they would compensate Texas for taking Hosmer and most of his contract. Gallo would do more for the Padres winning in 2021-22 than any of those prospects.