Quote from fenn68 on September 20, 2024, 10:04 am

Cronenworth is struggling offensively in the past few months (but still way up in delivering RBI … so not a total flop). He is under a long contract around $12MM per (yes, too much but that is the reality). How to maximize his value? That may be via keeping Bogaerts at SS and Cronenworth at 2B for the foreseeable future.

Hard to guess how his 2B defense will grade out if he returns full time (but it was a major plus when he was there before) and even with is hitting struggles he would rank in the top 5 +/- MLB 2B in wRC+ (2B overall are not good hitters apparently).

I guess that could support not re-signing Kim (injury or not) and using what would go to sign Kim for a more productive 1B/DH or another area of need using Arraez and re-sign Solano / Peralta for the 1B/DH role.

Bogaerts (SS) - Croneworth (2B) until DeVries arrives might makes sense.

Quote from MrPadre19 on September 20, 2024, 10:20 am

Quote from fenn68 on September 20, 2024, 9:49 am

Quote from Randy Manese on September 20, 2024, 7:41 am

It's hard to get a true read on the extent of Kim's injury, but it appears he is having trouble making the long throw across the diamond from SS with full force.  If he is able to throw at all and we want his defensive chops in the playoffs, would like to see him get some actual game time both ABs and in the field to get back his rhythm.  So, why not put him back at 2b and return Croney to 1b in the White Sox series (rotate Croney with Solano).  Certainly a lot less pressure to perform and McCoy is not doing anything anyway, so can be sent down without hurting the depth of the team.

If he can't even make the throw from 2b, then we might have seen the last of Ha-Seong Kim in San Diego.  I really want him to stay but baseball is also a business and San Diego, unlike LA or NY, does not have unlimited resources.  Let's see what happens in this series but we need to sweep and not be swinging for the fences and not taking these guys seriously.

I think this came up in a Shildt press briefing a few days ago and, as I recall, his concern of returning Kim to 2B focused on the hard throws needed on double play balls and relays from the OF.

Not hearing any positive updates on his injury (but Padres are usually closed up on such comments) … at this stage seems low odds of his return in 2024 (or in 2025).

This injury will make his FA this winter interesting. His top value is as a SS and if there is concern by the potential suitors … his market shrinks and his contract likely is shorter / lower cost. Maybe down to a base 1 year with incentives / options? Most likely he will have to do a showcase of his throwing before signing with anyone.

Although I expected Kim not to be re-signed due to his contract potential (and Bogaerts a legit SS) … I guess if his market really drys up Padres may try to re-sign him on the cheap if they believe his arm will rebound (they certainly have the upper hand on Kim’s medicals from the past few weeks). Think that is a long shot but Preller may have some “loyalty” here (for the right price).

Remember that the playoff rosters are back to 26 … so McCoy is likely off that already and if Kim is added who is the next to be dropped … Lockridge?

Given his down year with the bat and injury....what are the chances we just keep him under his mutual option?

It would be a deal for SD and if he's only gonna get a 1 year deal elsewhere he may rather just stay?

When does that decision need to be made?

Would that be after he has time to test his market?

Obv he may just decline anyway....but the chance remains

 

 

 

Quote from fenn68 on September 20, 2024, 11:54 am

Quote from MrPadre19 on September 20, 2024, 10:20 am

Quote from fenn68 on September 20, 2024, 9:49 am

Quote from Randy Manese on September 20, 2024, 7:41 am

It's hard to get a true read on the extent of Kim's injury, but it appears he is having trouble making the long throw across the diamond from SS with full force.  If he is able to throw at all and we want his defensive chops in the playoffs, would like to see him get some actual game time both ABs and in the field to get back his rhythm.  So, why not put him back at 2b and return Croney to 1b in the White Sox series (rotate Croney with Solano).  Certainly a lot less pressure to perform and McCoy is not doing anything anyway, so can be sent down without hurting the depth of the team.

If he can't even make the throw from 2b, then we might have seen the last of Ha-Seong Kim in San Diego.  I really want him to stay but baseball is also a business and San Diego, unlike LA or NY, does not have unlimited resources.  Let's see what happens in this series but we need to sweep and not be swinging for the fences and not taking these guys seriously.

I think this came up in a Shildt press briefing a few days ago and, as I recall, his concern of returning Kim to 2B focused on the hard throws needed on double play balls and relays from the OF.

Not hearing any positive updates on his injury (but Padres are usually closed up on such comments) … at this stage seems low odds of his return in 2024 (or in 2025).

This injury will make his FA this winter interesting. His top value is as a SS and if there is concern by the potential suitors … his market shrinks and his contract likely is shorter / lower cost. Maybe down to a base 1 year with incentives / options? Most likely he will have to do a showcase of his throwing before signing with anyone.

Although I expected Kim not to be re-signed due to his contract potential (and Bogaerts a legit SS) … I guess if his market really drys up Padres may try to re-sign him on the cheap if they believe his arm will rebound (they certainly have the upper hand on Kim’s medicals from the past few weeks). Think that is a long shot but Preller may have some “loyalty” here (for the right price).

Remember that the playoff rosters are back to 26 … so McCoy is likely off that already and if Kim is added who is the next to be dropped … Lockridge?

Given his down year with the bat and injury....what are the chances we just keep him under his mutual option?

It would be a deal for SD and if he's only gonna get a 1 year deal elsewhere he may rather just stay?

When does that decision need to be made?

Would that be after he has time to test his market?

Obv he may just decline anyway....but the chance remains

 

 

 

Interesting possibility … mutual option is at $7MM. Decision is right after the World Series end (before he can test the market).

Both the Padres and Kim (his agent) should have a pretty good idea on how (if) the injury progressed by then. If reasonably OK … expect the mutual option to be declined (Preller does like his FA to test the market) but put on the table that the Padres are interested (if they are) and check back before making a final decision.

With Bogaerts a SS option don’t think Preller would go too high on a contact while on the other hand a team really in need of a SS (think SF) might pay the extra and take the risk.

Quote from WindsorUK on September 20, 2024, 12:28 pm

Does AJ try to move Jake this winter? Has Jake done enough to make himself an asset to someone else?

We have enough O up and down the lineup to allow Jake to continue at 1B but he's definitely more valuable at 2B.

Bogaerts really muddies the water. I've questioned his up the middle D since we signed him. Never thought it would be this bad, this fast. And because of the huge dollars still owed, we're stuck with him. My suggestion last winter was to move him to 1B. That has got to be where he ends up, right?

So if Bogaerts and Arraez share 1B( other DH's), that leaves Jake at 2B. If Jake gets moved, sign Kim, put him at 2B( his range, and now his arm, more suited for 2B).

Go get a defensive first SS( maybe McCoy)?

Quote from MrPadre19 on September 20, 2024, 1:35 pm

Quote from fenn68 on September 20, 2024, 11:54 am

Quote from MrPadre19 on September 20, 2024, 10:20 am

Quote from fenn68 on September 20, 2024, 9:49 am

Quote from Randy Manese on September 20, 2024, 7:41 am

It's hard to get a true read on the extent of Kim's injury, but it appears he is having trouble making the long throw across the diamond from SS with full force.  If he is able to throw at all and we want his defensive chops in the playoffs, would like to see him get some actual game time both ABs and in the field to get back his rhythm.  So, why not put him back at 2b and return Croney to 1b in the White Sox series (rotate Croney with Solano).  Certainly a lot less pressure to perform and McCoy is not doing anything anyway, so can be sent down without hurting the depth of the team.

If he can't even make the throw from 2b, then we might have seen the last of Ha-Seong Kim in San Diego.  I really want him to stay but baseball is also a business and San Diego, unlike LA or NY, does not have unlimited resources.  Let's see what happens in this series but we need to sweep and not be swinging for the fences and not taking these guys seriously.

I think this came up in a Shildt press briefing a few days ago and, as I recall, his concern of returning Kim to 2B focused on the hard throws needed on double play balls and relays from the OF.

Not hearing any positive updates on his injury (but Padres are usually closed up on such comments) … at this stage seems low odds of his return in 2024 (or in 2025).

This injury will make his FA this winter interesting. His top value is as a SS and if there is concern by the potential suitors … his market shrinks and his contract likely is shorter / lower cost. Maybe down to a base 1 year with incentives / options? Most likely he will have to do a showcase of his throwing before signing with anyone.

Although I expected Kim not to be re-signed due to his contract potential (and Bogaerts a legit SS) … I guess if his market really drys up Padres may try to re-sign him on the cheap if they believe his arm will rebound (they certainly have the upper hand on Kim’s medicals from the past few weeks). Think that is a long shot but Preller may have some “loyalty” here (for the right price).

Remember that the playoff rosters are back to 26 … so McCoy is likely off that already and if Kim is added who is the next to be dropped … Lockridge?

Given his down year with the bat and injury....what are the chances we just keep him under his mutual option?

It would be a deal for SD and if he's only gonna get a 1 year deal elsewhere he may rather just stay?

When does that decision need to be made?

Would that be after he has time to test his market?

Obv he may just decline anyway....but the chance remains

 

 

 

Interesting possibility … mutual option is at $7MM. Decision is right after the World Series end (before he can test the market).

Both the Padres and Kim (his agent) should have a pretty good idea on how (if) the injury progressed by then. If reasonably OK … expect the mutual option to be declined (Preller does like his FA to test the market) but put on the table that the Padres are interested (if they are) and check back before making a final decision.

With Bogaerts a SS option don’t think Preller would go too high on a contact while on the other hand a team really in need of a SS (think SF) might pay the extra and take the risk.

Unless the Giants are moving Fitzgerald they may not want Kim either.He's a good fit with Lee there but he may have to play 2b(if the shine has worn off Luciano) or move Fitzgerald to 2b or the OF.

 

Quote from fenn68 on September 20, 2024, 4:15 pm

Word was they want to move Fitzgerald off SS … not great defensively. A left side of the INF of Kim and Chapman would be defensively impressive.

Luciano may have been a good prospect but frankly could never really hit in the minors and barely played at the ML level. Only 23 so time to “develop” but guessing SF does not want to do that as a ML starter. I would expect Fitzgerald to 2B but would not rule out the OF.

Quote from fenn68 on September 21, 2024, 10:14 am

Quote from WindsorUK on September 20, 2024, 12:28 pm

Does AJ try to move Jake this winter? Has Jake done enough to make himself an asset to someone else?

We have enough O up and down the lineup to allow Jake to continue at 1B but he's definitely more valuable at 2B.

Bogaerts really muddies the water. I've questioned his up the middle D since we signed him. Never thought it would be this bad, this fast. And because of the huge dollars still owed, we're stuck with him. My suggestion last winter was to move him to 1B. That has got to be where he ends up, right?

So if Bogaerts and Arraez share 1B( other DH's), that leaves Jake at 2B. If Jake gets moved, sign Kim, put him at 2B( his range, and now his arm, more suited for 2B).

Go get a defensive first SS( maybe McCoy)?

Don't think the can find a buyer for Cronenworth's contact (even if they like him as a player). Would get very little in return if some team did bite and then the Padres would probably have to eat part of the contract. Not seeing the upside for the Padres. As I said, Cronenworth does have value as a 2B (maybe just not at that contract level).

Padres don't have a non-Bogaerts SS ... reality McCoy would be lucky to hit .190 with no power over a full season and getting one (a low cost option) is hard to see given the lack of quality SS.

Also for the back of the mind ... Arraez is a FA after 2025 and will be seeking a long term big money deal to reflect has batting titles. So, no guarantee the Padres will retain him. So move Cronenworth, Arraez a FA, as likely will be Solano a FA, with the unknown of Kim (maybe already gone via FA / injury) ... 2026 has an INF of Machado and Bogaerts with no DH? At least they "control" Cronenworth vs the fate of the others.

Quote from fenn68 on September 21, 2024, 10:18 am

Listened to Shildt yesterday, and as I interpreted Kim is nowhere close to be throwing at full strength. He has been out since late Aug and even swing the bat on the sidelines is not game or playoff quality work.

Hard to imagine the Padres will activate him for the playoffs with both his shoulder and bat in question.

Quote from Randy Manese on September 21, 2024, 12:35 pm

I'm hoping the Padres activate Kim for the last game at PETCO.  He deserves a send-off if this is going to be his last game as a Padre.  Can start him at 2b and take him out after the 1st inning, if necessary.  Unlikely to hurt our chances to win - it's the White Sox for goodness sake!  Has been taking BP and he still can run.  Don't see much playing time for McCoy against the Dodgers or the Snakes anyway.  Ha-Seong Kim!  Ha-Seong Kim!  GO PADRES!

By the way, my wife and I will be at the game on Sunday so I hope we have something really special to celebrate.  We'll know a lot more after the games today/tonight.