Quote from BoosterSD on January 20, 2024, 11:10 am

Quote from MrPadre19 on January 20, 2024, 9:55 am

Who's the Padres starting Leftfielder on Opening Day?

 

I'll guess Joc Pederson

 

Profar.

 

Quote from Randy Manese on January 20, 2024, 11:17 am

Likely someone not currently on our 40-man.  My guess is Jurickson Profar.  But whose on 1st base and CF? Possible batting order:  Kim 3b, Tatis RF, Machado DH, Bogaerts SS, Cronenworth 2b, Campusano c, Profar LF, x 1b, y CF.  Opening day pitcher in Korea - Darvish.

Quote from BoosterSD on January 20, 2024, 11:47 am

I would like to see if SD could pull off the SH trifecta, and sign Profar LF, Hicks CF, and Santana 1B. Then I think this is the season that Preller finally gets Gallo, who can play all for corners, and CF as well. The BA sucks, but he still pumped out 21 HRs last season.

This lineup would still leave some to be desired; however, it would be more balanced that what we have now. Gives the kids some time to season in the MiLs this season. And all 4 should sign cheap enough to leave some room for trade deadline moves and still keep SD under the CBT level.

Quote from fenn68 on January 20, 2024, 12:05 pm

Most likely someone not on the 40 man … and that is a wide open field depending on what they spend on CF and 1B/DH/utility.

Profar seems to be the one with the best chance (assuming the rumor of his pending signing actually turns into a signing … not sure I understand what is going on there). I don’t see Pederson who will be too expensive, poor defense, and a liability vs LHP.

Two decisions in my mind have to be made before LF … first will Machado start the season as  the DH (that is not yet set in stone) and if so, how long do they estimate his DH role. Machado will impact Kim (to 3B?), Cronenworth (to 2B?) and maybe making 1B a more critical add (unless that becomes Profar) or maybe Pauley or Merrill step into the INF mix (low cost) freeing up more to spend on the OF. Second, a real CF decision … Azocar is not it but can they live with Marsee (L) / Azocar? Probably not and given the CF FA options only Taylor appears to be a full time option (but will be expensive). Of course the unknown of a trade (or two) can address both those issues.

In house, any of Marsee, Pauley, or Merrill … maybe Batten could end up in LF … even NRI Mitchell or Marcano. More fall back than plan … but possible.

Since I am not enamored with any of the potentially reasonable priced FA (and think the better ones will still be overpriced for the budget) … go high on one means going way down the list for the other two open spots … and over a 162 games season that could be a problem.

No good plan here … but seeing a trade (even a marginal one) as the plausible route.

Quote from fenn68 on January 20, 2024, 12:21 pm

Quote from BoosterSD on January 20, 2024, 11:47 am

I would like to see if SD could pull off the SH trifecta, and sign Profar LF, Hicks CF, and Santana 1B. Then I think this is the season that Preller finally gets Gallo, who can play all for corners, and CF as well. The BA sucks, but he still pumped out 21 HRs last season.

This lineup would still leave some to be desired; however, it would be more balanced that what we have now. Gives the kids some time to season in the MiLs this season. And all 4 should sign cheap enough to leave some room for trade deadline moves and still keep SD under the CBT level.

I could see (if they want to sign with the Padres) Profar, Hicks, and Santana … maybe Jankowski if one does not want to sign with the Padres. Agree a relatively low cost set of placeholders until the prospects are ready for a call-up. I pass on Gallo … and probably not as cheap as you hope for a sub-.200 hitter mega K%.

No idea what is going on with Hicks … a FA with 2024 being paid for by the NYY so any team that signs him it is just for league minimum. A lot of teams need upgrade for the OF and Hicks may not be a game changer bout for league minimum would think he has had the offers. Does he not want to play in 2024 while getting paid by the NYY? Is he being very selective as to the team (locale, contention, playing time as a starter)? Outside chance he is trying to tie signing for 2024 to getting a contract for 2025? Get the feeling the decision sits more with Hicks that that pursuing teams.

Similar with Profar … all the rumors from a couple of weeks ago were that the Padres and Profar were in agreement and we should expect an announcement soon … and we are still waiting. Why? Not a roster limit issue. Is there an issue with his physical?

 

Quote from BoosterSD on January 20, 2024, 1:01 pm

Quote from fenn68 on January 20, 2024, 12:21 pm

 

I could see (if they want to sign with the Padres) Profar, Hicks, and Santana … maybe Jankowski if one does not want to sign with the Padres. Agree a relatively low cost set of placeholders until the prospects are ready for a call-up. I pass on Gallo … and probably not as cheap as you hope for a sub-.200 hitter mega K%.

On Gallo, I pass too if he is not cheap, less than $5M. I cant believe that someone paid him $11M last season. Even though he offers versatility in the field, that bat is so unbecoming.

On Hicks, he is being paid by the NYY this season and 2025. So maybe he is fine sipping Mai Tais on the beach with Hosmer in MIA. Although, if he wants to play seems like SD is a good spot, plenty of playing time, and a team that can still make the playoffs.

Since I had not seen any Profar rumors saying something was close, not too concerned about why he hasnt signed yet.

I like Jank too, but for whatever reason, I dont think Preller shares our affection towards Jank. I think he has the least chance to sign in SD.

Quote from brent wolff on January 20, 2024, 3:24 pm

Pads still need a starting CF, LF & 1B/DH types, preferably LH hitters.  I see LF/Utility Jurickson Profar; CF either Michael Taylor or Aaron Hicks; 1B/LH DH/LF Joc Peterson or CJ Cron & RH DH/LF/1B Garrett Cooper.  I wouldn't mind Carlos Santana, but him & possibly Peterson might cost too much.  Plan B includes CF Jankowski and LF/1B Joey Gallo.  Hmmm, not the greatest options, but we could get lucky and it might work out for the good guys.  I would just like to get the roster/lineup set.  Go Pads!

Quote from fenn68 on January 21, 2024, 9:36 am

Still struggling with the CF solution. Until a Padre move … sitting with an Azocar / Marsee (L) platoon. At least they are at league minimum allowing more money for adding a couple of other hitters … so would not rule that out. For now not considering a position shift for anyone to CF.

I could see a trade … but not hearing any rumors of CF on the trade market … at least veterans who would be a clear upgrade from Azocar / Marsee. Then if there may be one … what is the salary and what is the other team’s demand. Maybe another upside gamble to go with Azocar / Marsee as insurance … at a low cost?

Back to FA:

1. Taylor (32) is clearly the leader of the pack … 129 games (126 CF) in 2023 with a 96 wRC+ / +3.4 dWAR. Projected for a 2.0 WAR in 2024 but on a likely 2 year deal in excess of $7MM per season. Just not a lot of rumors except that the Padres inquired but his asking was too high.

2. Hicks (34) we have discussed … 93 games (44 CF) in 2023 with a 109 wRC+ but a poor -6.9 dWAR. Looks like a sign that his CF days are over. Then at 34 getting paid $9MM in 2024 and 2025 by the NYY and unlikely to get a big contract at 36 … looking more like he takes the Hosmer route.

3. Jankowski (32) … 107 games (only 16 in CF) with a 95 wRC and a dWAR of +2.0. Maybe still some life as a CF using defense and base stealing … projected as a 0.5 WAR so should be very low cost. Some question as to whether he wants to return to the Padres (or the Padres want him). LHH helps.

4. Duvall (35) …92 games (61 CF) with a 116 wRC+ but a disappointing -3.0 dWAR. Projected for 0.3 WAR yet maybe pulling down an $8MM deal. Boston and LAA seem to be finalists for him but more as a part-time player. RHH does not help his appeal to the Padres.

So what is the max to give Taylor to take CF (remembering need money for two more hitters) before going with Azocar / Marsee? Can the Padres and Jankowski get it together as the best low cost alternative (insurance) in the OF? Long shot with Mercado … a NRI who once was productive before fading in the ML?

Preller is going to have to take a real gamble to solve the CF issue … has he already bought into Marsee?

Quote from lafnboy13 on January 21, 2024, 10:25 am

Quote from BoosterSD on January 20, 2024, 11:47 am

I would like to see if SD could pull off the SH trifecta, and sign Profar LF, Hicks CF, and Santana 1B. Then I think this is the season that Preller finally gets Gallo, who can play all for corners, and CF as well. The BA sucks, but he still pumped out 21 HRs last season.

This lineup would still leave some to be desired; however, it would be more balanced that what we have now. Gives the kids some time to season in the MiLs this season. And all 4 should sign cheap enough to leave some room for trade deadline moves and still keep SD under the CBT level.

Thinking this through it makes a lot of sense. I would be behind these moves.