Quote from fenn68 on March 12, 2022, 7:00 am

The odds for a RHH (who can hit LHP) just increased.

Cruz is looking more feasible … given his history with Preller, clubhouse leadership, and most importantly his ability to still hit with power.

The earlier question was how Melvin would use the DH slot given the current ML trend for a rotational plan. Did hear a report quoting Melvin that he was (while in OAK) with Khris Davis and the regular DH for the bulk of the PA. Davis (when he was on) could deliver power but was a dud in the field and really could not hit for average / OBP. Adds to the Cruz logic.

Seems like a fit when you consider he should be had on a short term deal (1 year with option) and a relatively low AAV allowing more flexibility to add a second bat for LF.

Quote from BoosterSD on March 12, 2022, 11:04 am

Quote from fenn68 on March 12, 2022, 7:00 am

The odds for a RHH (who can hit LHP) just increased.

Cruz is looking more feasible … given his history with Preller, clubhouse leadership, and most importantly his ability to still hit with power.

The earlier question was how Melvin would use the DH slot given the current ML trend for a rotational plan. Did hear a report quoting Melvin that he was (while in OAK) with Khris Davis and the regular DH for the bulk of the PA. Davis (when he was on) could deliver power but was a dud in the field and really could not hit for average / OBP. Adds to the Cruz logic.

Seems like a fit when you consider he should be had on a short term deal (1 year with option) and a relatively low AAV allowing more flexibility to add a second bat for LF.

MLBTR is reporting that Cruz is close to signing with a team. Did not mention the team, but did mention that Preller has an affection for previos TEX players.

Quote from MrPadre19 on March 12, 2022, 11:52 am

Opening Day at Petco Vs. the Braves!

That should be amazing.

Who’s  going?

 

Quote from fenn68 on March 13, 2022, 4:24 am

Positive note … saw an odds board on the teams in the NL … Padres were listed as 5th best (that is playoffs). LAD was 1st but SF was NOT in the top 6.

I know we tend to focus on all the shortcomings we see in the Padres but from a neutral outsider who is looking at the pluses / minuses for all the clubs … Padres are in better shape comparatively.

====

Also, saw the player rack-up for fantasy purposes. A couple of positive Padre rankings:

1. Musgrove, Darvish, Snell, and Clevinger were all in the top 50 SP and when you consider that is a need for 150 SP in MLB … essentially the Padres have four SP who are rated as a #1/#2 quality. That bodes well for winning games over 162 to get into the playoffs and sets up a strong #3 starter in the playoffs.

2. Tatis was the #1 SS and #1 overall. Machado was #23 overall and #3 3B.

Quote from fenn68 on March 13, 2022, 5:34 am

Strategy debate.

Given that SP will be shorter resulting in SP not getting fully extended or a conditioning workload, how do the Padres set up SP to start the season and, in turn, the 26 man roster. Also have to consider that early in the season the pitcher limit MAY BE expanded from 13 to 15.

Remember that last season the SP basically pitched every 5th day but “short” resulting in heavy (successful) use of the pen for the first two month … then the pen ran out of gas. Also, in 2022 the staff is setting up with most arms having no minor league options if a pitchers just becomes ineffective from fatigue.

Option 1: have the SP work longer to better manage the pen and, in turn, have them go every 6th day to not over work the starters. Key becomes keeping a solid 6th SP who can spot start as needed. That would be a case for keeping either Paddack, Weathers, or Gore on the active roster. Note that those “bullpen days” just added to the destruction of the pen as the season wore on.

Option 2: go every 5th day with early shorter starts then build the SP to longer stints over the first two months … that will better set-up the SP for late season / playoff use of the top arms. Rely on the “extra” early season RP to not overwork the key parts of the pen and keep them fresher for the end of the season. The risk is that heavier use of the 14th and 15th pitcher drops the quality of arms and may result in greater losses.

Either scenario suggest the need for keeping at least one … but maybe two “long men” in the pen for spot starting or holding multiple innings if needed in early relief. With the DH … and no need to PH … a good arm coming in early can stay late.

Quote from MrPadre19 on March 14, 2022, 12:32 pm

either way,no matter who plays SS,our pitching needs to step up AND stay healthy.

I have confidence in Musgrove and Snell....Yu should be good as well he just worries me with the way he threw after the sticky stuff ban.

I like the 6 man rotation idea(who knew? lol),especially if Gore or Weathers can handle it.

Isn't Paddack still nursing injury?

Any info on when he should be good to go?

I still like the idea of using him as a long man/spot starter for a while and seeing how he does only needing to go 2-3 innings at a time.

My guess is this would help his velocity and that in turn would really help his Change up.

 

Quote from Randy Manese on March 14, 2022, 2:15 pm

With Melvin mentioning that catchers are more a defensive must than an offensive force, I could see that as a green light to trade Campusano.  Have to find a team needing a catcher and apparently a lot of teams now have some decent prospects at that position.  It will be interesting to see whether Campusano can make a case for having him as a part time DH/1b/c to make the roster vice getting traded or spending another partial year in AAA.

Quote from fenn68 on March 14, 2022, 2:35 pm

Quote from Randy Manese on March 14, 2022, 2:15 pm

With Melvin mentioning that catchers are more a defensive must than an offensive force, I could see that as a green light to trade Campusano.  Have to find a team needing a catcher and apparently a lot of teams now have some decent prospects at that position.  It will be interesting to see whether Campusano can make a case for having him as a part time DH/1b/c to make the roster vice getting traded or spending another partial year in AAA.

I can’t see the Padres keeping Nola - Caratini - Alfonso - Campusano on the active roster leaving very little back-up for the INF (now without Tatis) or the OF.

I had this trade thought sometime back … bundle Campusano with Hosmer to the NYY for minor league bodies to clear most of Hosmer’s salary. Now, even more from NYY perspective the have traded away Sanchez and really have no legit ML catcher who could hit over .200 plus they have been looking for a LHH 1B to balance a RHH dominate line-up (on Gallo is LHH). Clearly they are out on Freeman and Olson … Rizzo is an option but at maybe a price not that different than Hosmer but still would be short a catcher. Note Rizzo has dipped in productivity from his heyday … so maybe not such a difference.

 

Quote from MrPadre19 on March 15, 2022, 7:37 am

I think AJ has so many scenarios out there on other GM's desk that his hands are tied until the first one happens.

Which is why "nothing" has happened....that and he's waiting on Suzuki to decide.

He still has like what.....10-12 days to make a decision if he wants?