Quote from fenn68 on December 28, 2020, 7:20 am

Meanwhile, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Blue Jays and Padres are considered to be front-runners for Kim, with the Red Sox still looming as a possible but less-likely destination.

Quote from BoosterSD on December 28, 2020, 7:23 am

Kim, would make good sense in a platoon effort with Cronenworth, and some say that he can even play LF. So IF the DH comes in, maybe his a primary LFer, and Pham becomes DH?

I would now, not be surprised to see a reunion with Castro, LHH back up C.

And I would imagine that Siedler is not going to nibble on the barrel now, fully expect them now to make an honest run at both Yates and Rosenthal.

Quote from MrPadre19 on December 28, 2020, 7:30 am

Quote from fenn68 on December 28, 2020, 6:25 am

Molina to catch?

Nola is not catching every game ... not the biggest guy and not a career catcher ... would be worn down by August and a stretch run.

Campusano is a prospect .... who played in A+ .... good chance he will be way over matched in the ML at this stage of his career

Zero insurance in the upper minors ... Rivas? Cantu? Overstreet? Realmuto is way way out of the price range and little else on the FA market.

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How about a much cheaper option in Curt Casali?

Knows Snell from TB days and hits LH pitching well.

 

Quote from fenn68 on December 28, 2020, 7:38 am

Quote from MrPadre19 on December 28, 2020, 7:30 am

Quote from fenn68 on December 28, 2020, 6:25 am

Molina to catch?

Nola is not catching every game ... not the biggest guy and not a career catcher ... would be worn down by August and a stretch run.

Campusano is a prospect .... who played in A+ .... good chance he will be way over matched in the ML at this stage of his career

Zero insurance in the upper minors ... Rivas? Cantu? Overstreet? Realmuto is way way out of the price range and little else on the FA market.

====

 

How about a much cheaper option in Curt Casali?

Knows Snell from TB days and hits LH pitching well.

 

Casali is a good call and should be had for around $1MM to serve as a bridge to Campusano.

Oddly Nola has difficulty hitting LHP but hits RHP ... reverse splits ... so a RHH catcher works. No so much Castro who can't hit LHP (and seems to be close to a deal with HOUSTON).

Quote from fenn68 on December 28, 2020, 7:45 am

Kim is on they way to the US to take the physical (required to make any deal apparently) ... and with the signing deadline on Jan 1st .... we should know on Thursday.

Most reports have him getting a 5 year deal (dollars ??????).

Almost see a better chance of Cronenworth becoming the "super utility" guy ... might want Kim to just settle into one slot (2B a new position) as he learns the ML rather than playing the Myers' game and hurting his production. If the Padres make a bigger money / 5 year commitment ... not really going to mess with his psyche.

Quote from fenn68 on December 28, 2020, 7:48 am

Well:

9:41am: Sherman now tweets that the Padres are viewed as the favorites for Kim. A deal has not yet been completed, but the two sides have discussed a $7-8MM annual value over a term fewer than six years. If a deal is completed, Kim would step in at second base, with Cronenworth likely moving into the outfield.

Pham to DH and Cronenworth in LF? Cronenworth is athletic and has some speed ... could be the better fit in the next few years for an OF slot over ?????

Quote from BoosterSD on December 28, 2020, 7:52 am

Quote from fenn68 on December 28, 2020, 7:48 am

Well:

9:41am: Sherman now tweets that the Padres are viewed as the favorites for Kim. A deal has not yet been completed, but the two sides have discussed a $7-8MM annual value over a term fewer than six years. If a deal is completed, Kim would step in at second base, with Cronenworth likely moving into the outfield.

Pham to DH and Cronenworth in LF? Cronenworth is athletic and has some speed ... could be the better fit in the next few years for an OF slot over ?????

That could work, didnt (we) as a group, talk about Cronenworth being tried out at CF last offseason? A platoon or LF/DH combo of Cronenworth and Pham would not be bad at all.

Quote from BoosterSD on December 28, 2020, 7:59 am

With all of our best guesses, budget ideas, hold or trade prospects ideas/banter on this forum. One thing is for sure. This is not our traditional Padres team anymore. No more sitting on their laurels and hoping 15 mid level prospects pan out. This ownership/management team is pushing the envelope for a small market team and trying to put and keep SD on the baseball map!!

LOVE IT!!

Quote from fenn68 on December 28, 2020, 8:11 am

Looked at some scouting reports on Kim ... and as expected all over the place given his KBO profile.

Power is a big element when he pulls but hits to all fields for extra bases with a line-drive swing (not a big upper cut hitter which fits the Padres current model). Big leg kick and may have some difficulty with the high heat (but who doesn't). Not a big strikeout guy.

Has a strong arm but just an OK fielder at SS and just OK speed. Seems to be the best fit for 2B (played a little there in the KBO). Bat will be his calling card.

Now if you want to get really hyped about Kim ... one site made his Comp ... Trea Turner with less speed and a stronger arm. I could live with that for 5 years at $7-8MM per year at the peak of his career (only 25 now)!

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Kim - Tatis - Machado as a stable INF for 5+ years could be a great base for long term winning. Cronenworth to the OF could fill a looming hole in 2022 (maybe 2021). Maybe a Kim signing sends Abrams to the OF sooner than later in his development.

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With Snell ($10.5 MM cash in 2021) and Kim ($7-8MM) ... that would consume all the assumed payroll flexibility ... so, suspect Preller has convinced Siedler to push the envelope on payroll for longer term / high ceiling adds with some money still on the table for a catcher / RP.