Quote from WindsorUK on March 19, 2024, 9:02 am

I'm thinking I'd rather have Sullivan than Eguy?

What about you guys?

And sticking to my guns, based on what Schildt said- if the kids are up, they're playing. Still think Pauley gets the call at 3B.

Quote from Randy Manese on March 19, 2024, 9:35 am

Pauley would not be our best defensive option at 3b and you don't want to give the Dodgers any extra outs.  I'm thinking they keep Pauley non-rostered until after the Korea series and see what Eguy or Wade (if rostered) do.  I'm for keeping a 3rd catcher for this series.  Merrill, of course, makes the 26 man.  So, among position players for the 40 man, my guess is Marcano goes to the 60 day I (if that needs to be done now), Merrill and Wade get put on and Pauley does not while Eguy and Sullivan get a chance to play in the Korea series.  That should be 13 position players if I counted correctly.

The 13 pitchers are even harder to call.  I'll wait and see!

Quote from fenn68 on March 19, 2024, 10:01 am

Keep in mind that the 26 man for this two game series is not necessarily the 26 man when the season starts v SF.

Have to pick from the 14 position players in Korea ... so more flexibility with the options other than Sullivan for PH/PR/defense in the field plus if a C is injured in game 1 Sullivan can be activated for game 2.

Since a RHP probably go with Wade at 3B and Pauley / Rosario are on the bench and may not ever see the game(s). If they sign Pham ... and depending on their view of Manny returning at 3B ... good chance Pauley is optioned just before the SF game. If they don't sign Pham ... and they are OK with the Wade / Rosario platoon until Manny returns ... still send down Pauley and add Mercado (or similar).

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Pitching????? Cease is not being put on the 26 man for this series ... so at least one TBD who may not be around for SF. Would think for these two games Padres will select the ones they see as the best options for this two game set vs LAD ... so maybe more than one on this roster that will not be on the SF roster.

Go will my next "interesting" call for this series ... not been used or effective so far. Padres want to win not just test out pitchers, so maybe not activate Go. Maybe Avila and Kolek get a shot? Estrade and Morejon?

 

Quote from Jeremy Hill on March 19, 2024, 11:37 am

It's speculation on my part, but I think the fact that Waldron threw 63 pitches in the second exhibition could take him out of the mix for the active roster in Korea and indicate that he's going to be the 5th starter. Brito only threw 30 in the first exhibition, so I think he could be in the bullpen.

I'm going to guess that Waldron gets optioned with Cease and Avila taking 2 of the 3 inactive spots. I would lean towards Morejon being optioned for the last pitcher move. They could go a few different directions though. As Fenn said it'll get more complicated once they're back in the states and can't use those inactive slots or carry an 11 man bullpen anymore.

Quote from fenn68 on March 19, 2024, 11:54 am

Quote from Jeremy Hill on March 19, 2024, 11:37 am

It's speculation on my part, but I think the fact that Waldron threw 63 pitches in the second exhibition could take him out of the mix for the active roster in Korea and indicate that he's going to be the 5th starter. Brito only threw 30 in the first exhibition, so I think he could be in the bullpen.

I'm going to guess that Waldron gets optioned with Cease and Avila taking 2 of the 3 inactive spots. I would lean towards Morejon being optioned for the last pitcher move. They could go a few different directions though. As Fenn said it'll get more complicated once they're back in the states and can't use those inactive slots or carry an 11 man bullpen anymore.

Think you are right on Waldron not being activated.

Quote from fenn68 on March 19, 2024, 1:41 pm

Not for this two game set but for the stateside season … we really need to know what the Padres’ view of Machado’s timeline to becoming the full time 3B. That will have a significant impact on the roster set-up.

Every report has Machado all spring working at 3B on the back fields and making throws … not sure at what level. So should not be that far away although Shildt said he expects even when Manny returns to 3B initially it will be part-time (but don’t know how long).

If he is full time, Padres don’t need a 3B (just an emergency guy) since Manny plays every day. In turn (with Profar in LF) that opens the 9th hitter to be more focused on a legit bat and less on defense.

Internally, I would not really on Wade (7 years … only 709 PA … 217/293/306 (66 wRC+), that is poor … he is useful as a super utility but not someone who you want getting regular AB. Rosario has only 43 PA with a 33K% … bat not his strong point. Azocar 249 PA only a 81 wRC+. So, as we go through the season, Pauley (as primary DH) maybe be the best option for offense (plus a LHH).

If Pauley is the best internal option for DH … then will any of the remaining FA be significantly better at a price that fits the budget?

1. Belt (LHH) … LHH DH only these days … not getting much traction as a FA but said he will not retire … was estimated to get over $10MM but based on recent signings maybe $5MM?

2. Martinez (RHH) … DH only … wanted 2 years a > $10MM per … not getting that but some interest in MIA and a couple of other teams but at prices well below asking … also not retiring

3. Pham (RHH) … I guess can at least play some LF … reported in the $3-4MM range now but not signed so maybe not …

In all cases they could wait into the season and wait for injuries / under performance to get a deal or maybe sign a “creative” deal on a multi-year deal with a player opt out after one year with year two being low salary keep the AAV down.

Since not a fan of Pham … possible to get Belt or Martinez on one of those creative deals keeping the AAV within the CBT. I think they would be better hitters and just better for my viewing pleasure.

Quote from 3fingersplit on March 19, 2024, 4:51 pm

I actually am okay with this team going forward…there is nothing available worth the money but if they made a move the only one I would even consider would be Brandon Belt if the price was right…left handed that can still hit…DH and 1B…and a great clubhouse guy… other than that I am a no on Martinez and not only a no but hell no on Flim Flam Pham…clubhouse cancer and would destroy any team chemistry.

The move that everyone seems to forget about is getting Bob Melvin out of here…he quit on this team halfway through the season last year and the players almost made the playoffs in spite of him…now he is the Giants problem…thank God

Mike Shildt is going to be such a big improvement this season and the players will play for him instead of in-spite of him.

Merrill and Pauley will be just fine and Marsee will be a good mid season call up. This team is going to surprise people in a good way and I give AJ credit for that…he has always had a great eye for talent and now with budget limitations it’s time to let the young guys get a shot and Shildt will manage this team in a positive manner…I’m excited…as long as they don’t bring Pham anywhere close to Petco.

Quote from BoosterSD on March 19, 2024, 6:58 pm

Pauley is being signed to the ML team, and added to the 40 man according to MLBTR. So if Shildt holds true, should see Pauley as the dominant 3B until Machado returns to the field.

Then depending on his hitting, finish the year as DH and then work on his 1B skills for 2025 in the offseason.

Quote from Jeremy Hill on March 19, 2024, 7:14 pm

Sullivan and Go were optioned while Cease, Avila and Waldron were designated as the inactive extras. Good to know Go can be optioned.

https://padres.mlblogs.com/padres-announce-2024-opening-day-roster-87eba930fab5