Quote from BoosterSD on November 30, 2021, 5:24 am

Quote from fenn68 on November 30, 2021, 3:37 am

Did a quick comparison between Alfaro and Caratini … based on 2021 Alfaro could be an upgrade as the back-up.

34 catchers with > 250 PA … Alfaro was #24 and Caratini #34.

Alfaro (311 PA) …73 w/RC+ … +6.7 dWAR … +0.6 WAR

Caratini (356 PA) … 72 w/RC+ … -0.9 dWAR … -0.7 WAR

Basically the same age (28) … same pay $2-3MM … same control at 2 years.

I guess adding Alfaro gives some flexibility through ST to cover injury to Nola and/or Caratini and if Campusano is “not ready” (or a trade chip). Plus a DH option if additional moves don’t materialize.

Caratini is the much better option than Alfaro. Switch hitter, and most importantly, Darvish's personal Catcher. If we are thinking of putting any of the catchers into the DH role, it should be Nola. As you have stated many times, he doesnt seem to be able to hold up at the C position. So maybe a platoon of Alfaro and Caratini, leaving Nola as the DH, RHH platoon at 1B with Hosmer. Dont forget that he also came up as a SS, so he can also cover all INF positions. Maybe he becomes another super sub. He could probably play LF as well.

Quote from fenn68 on November 30, 2021, 6:59 am

Looking at the past 3 seasons and

Offensively, Nola is way ahead of the others and Caratini / Alfaro are comparable.

Defensively, Alfaro is best with Nola second … Caratini poorest by a good amount.

IF the Padres buy into a defensive 1st catcher … advantage Alfaro over Caratini. Not sure the Darvish “personal catcher” is that a compelling issue for Preller if he believes the other two can adapt.

Could just be get Alfaro and let ST sort it out after seeing other LF/DH contenders and the status of Campusano. Not as though there is a roster crunch today. Really doubt going with a catching pairing of Alfaro / Caratini fits a contender.

Maybe they package Darvish and Caratini to get a bat?

Quote from fenn68 on November 30, 2021, 9:34 am

Desperate for Padre rumors … apparently the Padres are in discussion with two “marginal” RP:

1. Robert Suarez … 31 … RHRP … played in Japan his entire career I guess … very effective the last two season (not so much before). Out of Venezuela.

2. Luis Garcia … 34 … RHRP … did well last season in STL but basically a career journeyman.

Neither floats my boat but I guess they could bump Strahm (if non-tendered) or the out of option duo of Norwood / Guerra.

Quote from BoosterSD on November 30, 2021, 11:06 am

Quote from fenn68 on November 30, 2021, 9:34 am

Desperate for Padre rumors … apparently the Padres are in discussion with two “marginal” RP:

1. Robert Suarez … 31 … RHRP … played in Japan his entire career I guess … very effective the last two season (not so much before). Out of Venezuela.

2. Luis Garcia … 34 … RHRP … did well last season in STL but basically a career journeyman.

Neither floats my boat but I guess they could bump Strahm (if non-tendered) or the out of option duo of Norwood / Guerra.

I would think that Suarez could/should be a MiL contract with an invite. While Garcia, with his success last season in STL, could require a ML contract, agree probably costing Strahm his 40 man spot.

Quote from MrPadre19 on November 30, 2021, 11:17 am

Unless I'm misreading things I believe the deal for Alfaro involves moving Hosmer.

Something like Hosmer/Campusano/$ for Alfaro.

Basically giving them Campy and $ to take Hosmer.

 

Quote from MrPadre19 on November 30, 2021, 11:19 am

My guess is Alfaro ends up in AAA or just released...unless of course AJ pulls some deal moving Darvish/Caratini?

 

Quote from fenn68 on November 30, 2021, 12:12 pm

Sort of a coin flip … but I could see Alfaro beating out Caratini on his defense and having history with Preller in Texas.

Alfaro has no minor league options so not likely ending up in AAA.

Not buying into the personal catcher glue … Darvish had other catchers before Caratini and was successful and having the 34th ranked catcher out of 34 with > 250 PA is not much value to the rest of the staff (and Nola is not catching 4 of 5 games).

 

Quote from fenn68 on November 30, 2021, 12:15 pm

Quote from BoosterSD on November 30, 2021, 11:06 am

Quote from fenn68 on November 30, 2021, 9:34 am

Desperate for Padre rumors … apparently the Padres are in discussion with two “marginal” RP:

1. Robert Suarez … 31 … RHRP … played in Japan his entire career I guess … very effective the last two season (not so much before). Out of Venezuela.

2. Luis Garcia … 34 … RHRP … did well last season in STL but basically a career journeyman.

Neither floats my boat but I guess they could bump Strahm (if non-tendered) or the out of option duo of Norwood / Guerra.

I would think that Suarez could/should be a MiL contract with an invite. While Garcia, with his success last season in STL, could require a ML contract, agree probably costing Strahm his 40 man spot.

Suarez will get a ML deal … some were speculating in the $7MM range.

Quote from fenn68 on November 30, 2021, 12:28 pm

Quote from MrPadre19 on November 30, 2021, 11:17 am

Unless I'm misreading things I believe the deal for Alfaro involves moving Hosmer.

Something like Hosmer/Campusano/$ for Alfaro.

Basically giving them Campy and $ to take Hosmer.

 

I think adding Alfaro as a stand alone move because Preller likes him (see Profar logic).

Oddly, Padres are not in a position roster-wise to move Hosmer (opening up a third void in the starting line-up if a DH) … moving their 2nd best prospect who could fill a DH role… AND add money making it more difficult to sign anyone of consequence to fill even one void … zero chance to fill three.