Quote from Jeremy Hill on December 20, 2023, 10:46 am

Reports out of Japan say that Matsui's deal is for 4 years and 3 billion Yen which is just under 21m dollars.

Quote from fenn68 on December 20, 2023, 10:52 am

Quote from Jeremy Hill on December 20, 2023, 9:35 am

Quote from sportwarrior on December 20, 2023, 8:58 am

Quote from BoosterSD on December 20, 2023, 8:11 am

Dont give to much credence to Tatis playing CF in the DR league, as he has also played SS this winter. His dad is running the team, and probably letting Tatis play where ever he wants.

 

I somewhat agree, although it's worth noting that Tatis only was slated to play SS before Preller got pissed and discussed it with him. I believe he's only played OF since then, no? It's logical to say that, if he is indeed listening to Preller's instructions, that AJ may also have told him to give CF a shot, as well.

But also, who knows..

Quote from sportwarrior on December 20, 2023, 8:58 am

Quote from BoosterSD on December 20, 2023, 8:11 am

Dont give to much credence to Tatis playing CF in the DR league, as he has also played SS this winter. His dad is running the team, and probably letting Tatis play where ever he wants.

 

I somewhat agree, although it's worth noting that Tatis only was slated to play SS before Preller got pissed and discussed it with him. I believe he's only played OF since then, no? It's logical to say that, if he is indeed listening to Preller's instructions, that AJ may also have told him to give CF a shot, as well.

But also, who knows...

He hasn't played SS at all. It was announced that he was going to play SS and Preller shut it down. He's only played RF and CF. Getting him looks in CF makes sense. It could give them some flexibility in filling out the roster and help with in game maneuverability.

I did hear the interview about a week or so ago when Preller ... when the subject of Tatis playing SS in winter ball was mentioned ... was specific but the comment was he was going down to the DR and will talk to Tatis (both father and son) on what they should be focusing on in winter ball. Result no SS and OF.

Given Tatis emerged as the best RF in MLB ... would not be surprised if Preller told him to work in CF to create some flexibility in his remaining winter moves. Add that Shildt is down there "observing" and he will have a lot of input as to Tatis being able (if needed) CF at a quality level.

If the Padres sign Matsui and Profar (under $5MM) and plan to go with Marsee in LF ... no trades to shed payroll ... then Preller will have around $5MM to spend on either CF or RF. IF Tatis can handle either ... Preller can go for the best he can get at either position making the roster better. Pretty sure he does not want to get stuck with what might be a poor CF choice if the better options don't come down in price. (note as of now Kiermaier, Bader, and Taylor all projected way over $5MM.)

As for Tapia ... don't suggest him ... just more the price point player they can afford ... and maybe a RF for $5MM is an easier find ... at least Preller needs that flexibility in negotiation.

Quote from fenn68 on December 20, 2023, 10:54 am

Quote from Jeremy Hill on December 20, 2023, 10:46 am

Reports out of Japan say that Matsui's deal is for 4 years and 3 billion Yen which is just under 21m dollars.

$21MM / 4 years would be a good deal for the Padres ... no matter what role Matsui has ... $5.250 AAV is a lot easier to handle than $10MM. Hope that is true.

Quote from fenn68 on December 20, 2023, 11:41 am

Quote from fenn68 on December 20, 2023, 10:52 am

Quote from Jeremy Hill on December 20, 2023, 9:35 am

Quote from sportwarrior on December 20, 2023, 8:58 am

Quote from BoosterSD on December 20, 2023, 8:11 am

Dont give to much credence to Tatis playing CF in the DR league, as he has also played SS this winter. His dad is running the team, and probably letting Tatis play where ever he wants.

 

I somewhat agree, although it's worth noting that Tatis only was slated to play SS before Preller got pissed and discussed it with him. I believe he's only played OF since then, no? It's logical to say that, if he is indeed listening to Preller's instructions, that AJ may also have told him to give CF a shot, as well.

But also, who knows..

Quote from sportwarrior on December 20, 2023, 8:58 am

Quote from BoosterSD on December 20, 2023, 8:11 am

Dont give to much credence to Tatis playing CF in the DR league, as he has also played SS this winter. His dad is running the team, and probably letting Tatis play where ever he wants.

 

I somewhat agree, although it's worth noting that Tatis only was slated to play SS before Preller got pissed and discussed it with him. I believe he's only played OF since then, no? It's logical to say that, if he is indeed listening to Preller's instructions, that AJ may also have told him to give CF a shot, as well.

But also, who knows...

He hasn't played SS at all. It was announced that he was going to play SS and Preller shut it down. He's only played RF and CF. Getting him looks in CF makes sense. It could give them some flexibility in filling out the roster and help with in game maneuverability.

I did hear the interview about a week or so ago when Preller ... when the subject of Tatis playing SS in winter ball was mentioned ... was specific but the comment was he was going down to the DR and will talk to Tatis (both father and son) on what they should be focusing on in winter ball. Result no SS and OF.

Given Tatis emerged as the best RF in MLB ... would not be surprised if Preller told him to work in CF to create some flexibility in his remaining winter moves. Add that Shildt is down there "observing" and he will have a lot of input as to Tatis being able (if needed) CF at a quality level.

If the Padres sign Matsui and Profar (under $5MM) and plan to go with Marsee in LF ... no trades to shed payroll ... then Preller will have around $5MM to spend on either CF or RF. IF Tatis can handle either ... Preller can go for the best he can get at either position making the roster better. Pretty sure he does not want to get stuck with what might be a poor CF choice if the better options don't come down in price. (note as of now Kiermaier, Bader, and Taylor all projected way over $5MM.)

As for Tapia ... don't suggest him ... just more the price point player they can afford ... and maybe a RF for $5MM is an easier find ... at least Preller needs that flexibility in negotiation.

Whoops … think I went brain dead for a spell and lost track of where the Padres stand vs the luxury tax … currently they are about $31MM UNDER … if Matsui come in at about $5MM AAV and the Padres keep a cushion for mid-season call-ups / adds … still would have maybe $20-23MM to spend.

So a lot more options for the OF. For some reason I think I was already thinking they would be adding a $15MM+/- SP (Burnes? Bieber?)

 

Quote from 3fingersplit on December 20, 2023, 11:44 am

Just a thought and it would require AJ to put his ego aside…we need a 1b lefty…we are already paying his salary for this year so why not bring back Hosmer to ST and see if he has anything left and while we’re at it we need an OF with a good arm and can get you 20-30 HR a year…Hunter Renfro who wouldn’t cost a lot of money…if they both actually played that frees up $$ for pitching and serve as a bridge to the young guys for 2025…like I said…just a thought

Quote from BoosterSD on December 20, 2023, 11:46 am

I agree, I still think there is a trade for a SP in the line of a Burnes, Beiber, or Cease.

Cease would be the least expensive dollar wise, most expensive prospect wise. But also has an extra year of control over Burnes or Beiber.

Quote from BoosterSD on December 20, 2023, 11:50 am

Quote from 3fingersplit on December 20, 2023, 11:44 am

Just a thought and it would require AJ to put his ego aside…we need a 1b lefty…we are already paying his salary for this year so why not bring back Hosmer to ST and see if he has anything left and while we’re at it we need an OF with a good arm and can get you 20-30 HR a year…Hunter Renfro who wouldn’t cost a lot of money…if they both actually played that frees up $$ for pitching and serve as a bridge to the young guys for 2025…like I said…just a thought

I had that thought about Hosmer about 1.5 weeks ago, thought I would get laughed off this page 😉, but yeah we are already paying him.....so why not.

Renfroe signed late last week/early this week with KC for $13M for 2 years, with an opt out after this season.

Quote from JasonE135 on December 20, 2023, 12:05 pm

Quote from Jeremy Hill on December 20, 2023, 10:46 am

Reports out of Japan say that Matsui's deal is for 4 years and 3 billion Yen which is just under 21m dollars.

$5.25 million per year? That is a great deal! I was expecting $8-$10million. Every little bit helps.

Quote from JasonE135 on December 20, 2023, 12:08 pm

Quote from 3fingersplit on December 20, 2023, 11:44 am

Just a thought and it would require AJ to put his ego aside…we need a 1b lefty…we are already paying his salary for this year so why not bring back Hosmer to ST and see if he has anything left and while we’re at it we need an OF with a good arm and can get you 20-30 HR a year…Hunter Renfro who wouldn’t cost a lot of money…if they both actually played that frees up $$ for pitching and serve as a bridge to the young guys for 2025…like I said…just a thought

I think the Hosmer/Preller relationship may be broken beyond repair. Preller paid something like $30 million just to make Hosmer go away.