Quote from BoosterSD on December 29, 2020, 2:54 pm

Quote from MrPadre19 on December 29, 2020, 2:45 pm

While it’s true these guys have versatility it’s also true that 2 of those 3 will already be in the starting lineup....not on the bench.

With one injury “anywhere”,they will all be starting....and that’s not even considering the DH possibility.

We still need a “major league” level 4th outfielder and one more late inning reliever IMO.

 

As I mentioned, I think Pillar could be a good fill for that. Not as good as he once was; but as good once, as he ever was.

And bringing back Yates or Rosenthal would be icing on the cake.

Quote from fenn68 on December 29, 2020, 3:07 pm

Listen to a bit of critique of Paddack ... potentially his future. Note he is 25 with 4 years control.

Basically, in this era of evaluating top SP, his FB/CH combo with no third pitch is not going to be effective enough to elevate him to a top pitcher.

So, took a look at Darvish, Snell, and Lamet for comparison:

1. Paddack throws more FB (60%) and changes (30%) than the others while his FB is the slowest (under 94MPH avg).
2. The others throw a major portion of breaking balls sliders / cutters / curves ... and throwing breaking balls in the repertoire is seen as more effective
3. As a result (I guess) is that Paddack has the lowest K% and opponents have the highest hard contact rate ... expect that they can sit better on the FB or CH

Possible opponents learned Paddack was a two pitch pitcher and in 2020 were more able to attack him. Many have said he needed that third pitch since the minors ... he has not developed it (or is willing to use it) ... so some risk in believing he will show up in 2021 new and improved.

Just something to be concerned about.

Quote from Randy Manese on December 29, 2020, 3:58 pm

Randy Jones suggested that Paddack ditch the curve and throw the cutter, which seems a more natural pitch for him to throw.  If he could learn that from Darvish, who throws just about everything, then he has a chance to progress as a starter otherwise the best option for him is the bullpen.

Quote from fenn68 on December 29, 2020, 5:10 pm

Quote from Randy Manese on December 29, 2020, 3:58 pm

Randy Jones suggested that Paddack ditch the curve and throw the cutter, which seems a more natural pitch for him to throw.  If he could learn that from Darvish, who throws just about everything, then he has a chance to progress as a starter otherwise the best option for him is the bullpen.

How about Rothschild earn his pay and teach the cutter or slider or just a better curve ... whichever works for Paddack ... assuming Paddack would listen.

One thing to learn how to throw a better breaking ball ... another to actually use in effectively in setting up / finishing off a hitter.

Not sure what Paddack is working on in the winter ... but better be something since hard to go to ST and start trying to incorporate a new (effective) pitch.

Quote from 84padres on December 29, 2020, 7:56 pm

Still not convinced on Rothschild, I still miss Balsley

Quote from Randy Manese on December 29, 2020, 8:06 pm

Got a kick listening to a Cubs podcast just before the Darvish trade with the hosts saying there was no way Darvish was going to be traded.  Said Darvish was being mentioned by the Padres as a bait and switch so Padres could get Snell.  Later in the show, said any trade would have to start with Gore.  Got to be a real shock to Cubs fans even though the 4 youngsters do have upside but possibly not Gleber Torres or Eloy Jimenez upside.   Gotta hope no one on the team has health issues - losing Clevinger is enough for this coming year.

 

Quote from Ben Davey on December 29, 2020, 10:25 pm

Was listening to Casavell this morning.  He gave it a virtually 0% chance that the Padres are still in on Sugano, unless Preller already has a deal in place to shed payroll somewhere else.  He said the Padres wernt done but dont expect much more until the end of Jan/early Feb when the market starts to settle down.

Padres still in the market for...
1. Vet starting pitcher (probably someone on a minor league contract or a $1 mil deal, essentially Preler doesnt want any of the young pitchers (Morejon/Paddack/Gore) to assume that they have a spot in the rotation, and wants them to earn it.)
2. Closer/BP arm:  He thinks Trevor might be out of the Padres $, but that there is mutual interest with Kirby (my interpretation is that its a low ball offer, and Preller is letting him see if he can find something better)
3. DH/4th OF: Again, a small vet deal, probably someone with big splits that could work in a platoon or help on defense with Pham.  (No mention on if Kim/Cro play 2B of OF)

Quote from Ben Davey on December 29, 2020, 10:36 pm

Quote from fenn68 on December 29, 2020, 5:10 pm

Quote from Randy Manese on December 29, 2020, 3:58 pm

Randy Jones suggested that Paddack ditch the curve and throw the cutter, which seems a more natural pitch for him to throw.  If he could learn that from Darvish, who throws just about everything, then he has a chance to progress as a starter otherwise the best option for him is the bullpen.

How about Rothschild earn his pay and teach the cutter or slider or just a better curve ... whichever works for Paddack ... assuming Paddack would listen.

One thing to learn how to throw a better breaking ball ... another to actually use in effectively in setting up / finishing off a hitter.

Not sure what Paddack is working on in the winter ... but better be something since hard to go to ST and start trying to incorporate a new (effective) pitch.

Pitcher verse thrower, and unfortunately up until now he has been a thrower.  Prior/Trevor/Balsley and about 5 other coaches have worked with him since he was traded on developing a 3rd pitch.  The problem was in the minors he wouldnt do it.  His rationale was "they hit my cutter, why would I throw it?"... last year was exactly why he should have.  Instead of taking lumps but developing the pitch in A/AA, he;s having to do it at the MLB level and paying the price.  Balsley can teach a man to fish and lead them to water, but if they are still trying to fish with a gun it doesnt work.

Balsley is still with the team, and I remember seeing video of him in Peoria last spring training.  From rumors, he didnt want to travel as much so the Padres were trying to keep him around in a similar capacity to Trevor (roving pitching coach).

Quote from fenn68 on December 30, 2020, 6:31 am

I have my doubt we will see much change in Paddack ... he comes across as a pretty stubborn guy and “success” in the ML is not that far in the rear view mirror. Plus I wouldn’t underestimate how difficult it is to actually develop an effective breaking ball and learn how to integrated into pitching plan.

Having said that he still may be a serviceable bottom of the rotation SP (compared to those on other teams) ... but on shaky ground for the long haul.

Given the likely need for more than 5 SP in 2021 ... partly because teams always do ... partly due to the limited work everyone got in 2020 ... Paddack will be around and I can see the Padres adding another bottom of the rotation option .... nothing great but healthy and “serviceable”.

How much money will the Padres have to deploy ... and how much of that toward a SP vs RP vs bench?