Quote from Jeremy Hill on November 9, 2022, 9:15 am

In his latest article Kevin Acee said that he doesn't expect payroll to rise much beyond last year's levels. He gave the usual caveats about Preller and Seidler, but basically said that as much as he's been willing to spend Seidler still isn't Cohen. He also said that starting pitching is the main priority and that they may be looking to do what I've been calling for and try to set up platoons at 1B and in LF.

I'm sure there's some wiggle room for the right move. Expecting payroll to push to the 250+ range is probably wishful thinking.

Quote from BoosterSD on November 9, 2022, 9:17 am

Quote from fenn68 on November 9, 2022, 9:07 am

What might alter my logic are the murmurs that the Padres and Martinez may be working on a new deal ... and that will take money off the table since can't see a re-sign of Martinez to be significantly below a mid-range SP on the FA market.

Should know more on Martinez tomorrow.

That should be interesting dollar wise, since I see him as a better RP option than SP.

If Senga can be signed for $15M, and I am still on the Davies kick, for maybe $2-3M max. That would leave $18M for position adds. Could you add both Pederson and Myers for a platoon situation in LF for around $13-14M combined? Myers could also play some 1B if he is on a hot streak. In that situation, Tatis at SS, Kim at 2B, and Crone at 1B.

In that situation, against tough LHSP you could field Azocar in LF, Grisham in CF, and Soto in RF. With an INF of Machado, Tatis, Kim, Myers.

Then against RHSP, Pederson, Grisham, Soto, with Machado, Tatis, Kim, Crone.

Quote from BoosterSD on November 9, 2022, 9:20 am

Quote from Jeremy Hill on November 9, 2022, 9:15 am

In his latest article Kevin Acee said that he doesn't expect payroll to rise much beyond last year's levels. He gave the usual caveats about Preller and Seidler, but basically said that as much as he's been willing to spend Seidler still isn't Cohen. He also said that starting pitching is the main priority and that they may be looking to do what I've been calling for and try to set up platoons at 1B and in LF.

I'm sure there's some wiggle room for the right move. Expecting payroll to push to the 250+ range is probably wishful thinking.

Didnt Acee say that last year too. And they crushed what he thought payroll would be. I dont see anyway that SD can hold firm with last years payroll and accomplish what they want. They have $12.28M buried in Hosmer alone. They will push $265 by the start of the 2023 season.

Quote from Jeremy Hill on November 9, 2022, 9:32 am

I think Seidler kind of looks at the first threshold as a soft cap. I'm sure they'll end up over it again. I don't think they'll blow by it. We've gone slightly over the last 2 years. I think that continues. 240-250 seems reasonable.

Quote from fenn68 on November 9, 2022, 10:13 am

I will guess the end up near the lower end of the first block and leave some room under the 2nd threshold for mid-season maneuvering  targeting what emerges and the most pressing needs at that time ... especially trade deadline. Until then may gamble on some of the needs with internal or low cost FA ... hope some workout ... and focus the remaining money later. Not going to cover everything (and be right) in the winter especially if injuries hit key players (e.g. Manny, Musgrove, Soto, Tatis, Darvish, Snell) as early as ST.

Could make the case that RP openings are all internal candidates (league minimum) and the four bench pieces are Campusano (C), Rosario (INF), Azocar (OF). and either Dixon or Batten (OF/INF) (all league minimum) and go with that until a surprise low cost option falls in their lap. Just take those slots off the table now and target the 3 "starting" bats and 2 SP.

Quote from Henry Silvestre on November 9, 2022, 10:32 am

Quote from fenn68 on November 9, 2022, 10:13 am

I will guess the end up near the lower end of the first block and leave some room under the 2nd threshold for mid-season maneuvering  targeting what emerges and the most pressing needs at that time ... especially trade deadline. Until then may gamble on some of the needs with internal or low cost FA ... hope some workout ... and focus the remaining money later. Not going to cover everything (and be right) in the winter especially if injuries hit key players (e.g. Manny, Musgrove, Soto, Tatis, Darvish, Snell) as early as ST.

Could make the case that RP openings are all internal candidates (league minimum) and the four bench pieces are Campusano (C), Rosario (INF), Azocar (OF). and either Dixon or Batten (OF/INF) (all league minimum) and go with that until a surprise low cost option falls in their lap. Just take those slots off the table now and target the 3 "starting" bats and 2 SP.

I thought it was 2 Bats?? Isn't Tatis 1 of the 3?

Quote from Jeremy Hill on November 9, 2022, 10:39 am

I'm warming to the idea of Cronenworth at 1B when Tatis comes back. The shift restrictions should make rangy fielders more valuable. The old 4 SS defense could be a big advantage for the team.

Quote from fenn68 on November 9, 2022, 10:42 am

Quote from Henry Silvestre on November 9, 2022, 10:32 am

Quote from fenn68 on November 9, 2022, 10:13 am

I will guess the end up near the lower end of the first block and leave some room under the 2nd threshold for mid-season maneuvering  targeting what emerges and the most pressing needs at that time ... especially trade deadline. Until then may gamble on some of the needs with internal or low cost FA ... hope some workout ... and focus the remaining money later. Not going to cover everything (and be right) in the winter especially if injuries hit key players (e.g. Manny, Musgrove, Soto, Tatis, Darvish, Snell) as early as ST.

Could make the case that RP openings are all internal candidates (league minimum) and the four bench pieces are Campusano (C), Rosario (INF), Azocar (OF). and either Dixon or Batten (OF/INF) (all league minimum) and go with that until a surprise low cost option falls in their lap. Just take those slots off the table now and target the 3 "starting" bats and 2 SP.

I thought it was 2 Bats?? Isn't Tatis 1 of the 3?

Yes, keep forgetting about Tatis as an "add" ... so 2 "starting" bats maybe in the $5MM range each? One has to be somewhat versatile (would prefer both). Just don't want two 1B/DH types forcing a bench bat to cover a non-1B being injured / resting at DH.

Quote from fenn68 on November 9, 2022, 10:55 am

Quote from Jeremy Hill on November 9, 2022, 10:39 am

I'm warming to the idea of Cronenworth at 1B when Tatis comes back. The shift restrictions should make rangy fielders more valuable. The old 4 SS defense could be a big advantage for the team.

I can see that ... but a bit of who is available at the price the Padres can sign them.

Tatis does give flexibility in the signing target ... so if the LF options are just not signing with the Padres but they get lucky on a 1B option ... would pass on the defense take the better (more cost efficient bat).

Of course as wild card option could still land Cronenworth at 1B for defense by the Padres signing a good middle INF to handle 2B who is a plus defensive option with a decent bat at a low cost since 2B are not generally high in the pecking order of FA. (no idea who though). Tatis to LF.

Preller will probably go multiple directions initially ... once the landscape is clearer on who may be willing to sign with the Padres (at Preller's price) ... bear down on them ... and as they sign player A (or another team signs them)  ... may need to alter the priority of the following targets.

Pinball?