Quote from fenn68 on November 4, 2021, 6:10 am

Quote from WindsorUK on November 3, 2021, 4:56 pm

If the DH is truly to be added to the NL, is not Jorge Ona a possibility?

I know he has a horrible history of injury but surely they've gotta give him a shot? Too many times Padres has given up on young guys with power( see Reyes and Rizzo)

Give the kid a shot before throwing him on the baseball scrap heap.

It might be a good idea to actually see Ona play an effective full season in the minors before trying to put him on the 26 man roster of a contender.

IF he is that impressive in ST … there is a lot of space as it is on the projected 26 man roster (with out without the DH) … more concerned that if he is unimpressive in ST (or inured again), who fills those final two position player bench roles.

Quote from fenn68 on November 4, 2021, 6:33 am

Since I see the Padres needing ML quality bodies (beyond the high profile potential adds) to enter 2022 … we probably should be also scouring market of some veteran (low cost) bench options … maybe some for the immediate 26 man roster and some as non-roster / ML camp invites who may end up in AAA in case of emergency.

Injuries will happen and must be covered with at least a measure of ML skills … and there needs to be some in house insurance for that reality. Aside: nice to HOPE one of the top prospects can step in (e.g. Abrams, Ona) but good chance they are not and more needs to be in the mix.

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What triggered that comment was note I saw that the Giants may non-tender Alex Dickerson … not a candidate for starter but a LHH bench option (maybe more if DH is in play) since his defense is poor. He had a poor offensive year in SF but when with the Padres showed some offensive skills.

Look for other options at that same profile for quality proven roster depth.

Quote from BoosterSD on November 4, 2021, 7:08 am

I see a trade with DET for Fulmer and Grossman. Fulmer gives us a closer and Grossman is a SH LFer, and reunites him with Melvin from their time in OAK. Not sure what the return might be, but both are FAs after this season, and DET is not ready IMO to compete, so shouldnt be that expensive.

Quote from MrPadre19 on November 4, 2021, 7:18 am

The Tigers had a good 2nd half and I think "they think" they are closer to competing than others do.

They have money to spend ...but are still on the hook for $30 mil per for Cabrera for two more seasons.

We should have a better idea of when they think their window to compete will open by how much,and on who,they sign in free agency this year.

Also keep in mind they have a few really good looking prospects about to hit Detroit in Torkelson and Greene.

Plus in that Division I wouldnt be surprised if they are competitive as soon as next season and certainly in 2023.

 

Quote from BoosterSD on November 4, 2021, 7:31 am

Quote from MrPadre19 on November 4, 2021, 7:18 am

The Tigers had a good 2nd half and I think "they think" they are closer to competing than others do.

They have money to spend ...but are still on the hook for $30 mil per for Cabrera for two more seasons.

We should have a better idea of when they think their window to compete will open by how much,and on who,they sign in free agency this year.

Also keep in mind they have a few really good looking prospects about to hit Detroit in Torkelson and Greene.

Plus in that Division I wouldnt be surprised if they are competitive as soon as next season and certainly in 2023.

 

They have three teams to leap frog in that division. CWS who is farther along than DET. MIN although you never know what they are going to do, and CLE, who has the pitching to stay competative.

I dont 2 soon to be FAs helps DET that much next season. I would do Ona, Lawson, and a low A ball lottery ticket type player would do.

Quote from fenn68 on November 4, 2021, 9:10 am

Considering the Tigers just traded for Tucker Barnhart … a 30 year old catcher with only  1 year control … using a prospect and taking on salary ($7.5MM), don’t think THEY are thinking they cannot compete in 2022 (especially if there are expanded playoffs).

All the teams in the AL Central have holes going into 2022 and all could have the fate of MINN in 2021.

Given the demand for RP in MLB … Fulmer by himself would get a better package than Ona - Lawson - plus a lottery shot.

Once Detroit falls out (trade deadline) … then may see the deal of Fulmer / Grossman.

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Not sure the trade value of Ona (probably low given injuries in the minors and likely a DH type given his defense) but Lawson is likely lower (if any). Lawson has not really pitched since 2018 (injuries) and only has 2 minor league option years left … who would give up anything for that profile even if he is was a good prospect in the past.

Quote from Randy Manese on November 4, 2021, 9:34 am

The FA class is starting to shape up as an extremely good one at the top with Castellanos opting out and several FA's not eligible for qualifying offers; everyone already anticipated the high end shortstops that were going to be available and only Lindor has moved off the market.  With many of the big money teams looking at these prospects and within our division the Dodgers having multiple FAs and the Giants pitching rotation at risk, it seems like the Padres could be able to swoop in and get some valuable "under the radar" pieces before the current CBA expires.

I think the combination of Melvin as the skipper and the potential of the team will have some of these "lesser" prospects lean toward San Diego, just like Melancon did last year.  Melvin has done well with older players that teams may have given up on but still have the potential to be productive in a limited capacity.  I think those are the kind of guys you're looking to fill out your bench/RP core and rotate through to give your starters, particularly guys like Tatis and Cronenworth, that go full bore every time they are out there.

Just curious - does anyone think Justin Verlander has anything left and could you see him signing a sweetheart contract as the Padres 5th starter?  The off-season is a time for hopes and dreams!

Quote from WindsorUK on November 4, 2021, 11:19 am

I'd be interested in Andrew McCutcheon.

Still has pop in the bat and would be an upgrade over all our current OF( yes, even Grisham, who I thought regressed last year) in the field.

I imagine he'd cost at least $10 million a year. Any thoughts?

Quote from fenn68 on November 4, 2021, 11:51 am

Quote from WindsorUK on November 4, 2021, 11:19 am

I'd be interested in Andrew McCutcheon.

Still has pop in the bat and would be an upgrade over all our current OF( yes, even Grisham, who I thought regressed last year) in the field.

I imagine he'd cost at least $10 million a year. Any thoughts?

Unfortunately McCutcheon’s defense has really regressed at age 35 … he is not what he was. Just for comparison in 2021:

McCutcheon: dWAR -13.6 …. 46th of 47 qualified OF; wRC+ 107 … 29th

Pham: dWAR -5.7; wRC+ 102

Basically he was a poor defensive alternative to Pham. Hopefully the Padres can find a better option for the same cost.

Time gets to everyone and looks to have caught up with McCutcheon in his mid-30s.