Forum
Forum Navigation
OFFSEASON 2023-24
#1601 · February 2, 2024, 10:59 am
Looks like Cardinals still trying to patch up their bullpen with low-cost options (see announced Middleton signing) vice having to trade some of their OF depth. Should be obvious to them by middle of ST, that they are going to have to make a deal (hopefully with Padres) to get a more reliable/talented arm(s) in the pen if they intend to compete for the Central, which has gotten a lot more competitive.
#1602 · February 2, 2024, 8:25 pm
OK seriously, along with 2 OFers, we need a 1B. You mean to tell me that we couldnt offer more playing time and the same or a little more money for Santana than MIN can.
Im really thinking that this is going to be a bad season, using it to get under the CBT and get a better draft pick.
Plus ruin the careers of at least 2 MiL by rushing them to the ML this season.
#1603 · February 2, 2024, 8:44 pm
Just like any business this year is a budget reset but filling the holes can be done with some of the young guys…I have faith that they will surprise people and a season is not lost because of it…I think Garrett Cooper (1B-DH) is still available and he would be a good fit again…Profar (OF-1B) is versatile and Merrill , Marsee and Pauley might be a pleasant surprise
The Padres need to actually develop their own draft pick prospects and have some homegrown talent…
#1604 · February 2, 2024, 8:49 pm
#1605 · February 2, 2024, 10:08 pm
Quote from Jeremy Hill on February 2, 2024, 8:49 pmCronenworth is staying at 1B.
There was a whole lotta room to read "uncertainty" between the lines in nearly everything he said in that interview. "Where we're looking for him to start the season" or "things can change" or "right now he's" or "he was good there last year..." To me, that was a company man toeing the line in a positive way and doing his best to shield the giant question marks that remain behind the scenes.
In other words, yeah, Jake is our 1b right now. But that's only because we haven't waited long enough for bargains to materialize like AJ is hoping.
WindsorUK and lafnboy13 have reacted to this post.
WindsorUKlafnboy13
#1606 · February 3, 2024, 7:50 am
Quote from sportwarrior on February 2, 2024, 10:08 pmQuote from Jeremy Hill on February 2, 2024, 8:49 pmCronenworth is staying at 1B.
There was a whole lotta room to read "uncertainty" between the lines in nearly everything he said in that interview. "Where we're looking for him to start the season" or "things can change" or "right now he's" or "he was good there last year..." To me, that was a company man toeing the line in a positive way and doing his best to shield the giant question marks that remain behind the scenes.
In other words, yeah, Jake is our 1b right now. But that's only because we haven't waited long enough for bargains to materialize like AJ is hoping.
A bit of coach speak sure. He is good defensively at 1B. Once Manny is able to play the field our best defensive alignment has Jake at 1B. I made a post a while back about why I expected Jake would wind up back at 1B. Even if Bogaerts was willing to play 1B all that does is change who is playing out of position. Your defense likely gets worse with him learning a new position. They're both going to be in the lineup regardless, so defense should be the priority.
If Manny is on track to potentially be back at 3B by opening day as Shildt is suggesting I think that lessens the need for a 1B/DH type. The infield is set when everyone is healthy. The outfield is the much bigger concern. We could still use a big bat to DH, but I also think it's possible they just try to rotate guys through. It could help keep guys healthy and give us more defensive flexibility with some of the young guys when they're ready.
I'm sure AJ would still love to find a bargain bat. It may not be as critical as it was made out to be.
#1607 · February 3, 2024, 9:07 am
No idea who but beginning to think the trade options may be more viable than overpaying for what is left on the FA market. 1B/DH may be a WANT for an upgrade but CF/LF NEED bodies to actually play in the field … and under a limited budget those needs to be resolved first since no idea on what their salaries will be.
Since it is very unlikely at the point (and for the money available) the Padres can land two every day OF, the third add need to be also an OF for platoon / replacement needs … a 1B/DH (not getting a great one at a bargain price) will be a drag with no versatility and blocking the DH role if one of the “regulars” need the day off from the field.
CF is the key (can make some compromises to cover LF but not really CF).
Azocar … incumbent but no chance a 162 games starter or really not a platoon starter
Marsee … only prospect that COULD cover but minimal time in AA is a big stretch and better off as a mid-season call-up IF he performs well in the minors
Tatis … few want to see the move to CF and that just move the needed add from CF to RF
Taylor … last real CF on the FA market (can’t afford Bellinger) and since he has not yet signed with multiple teams interested … guess he is seeing that multi-year deal at a price point that no team wants and probably would take too much out of the Padres yet to deploy money not allowing them to fill the other two hitter roles with much ML quality.
TBD Trade … has to be being discussed … legit CF at a low / mid-range price point not easy to find
Would think at some point Preller has to make a call on CF then focus on the other two hitters with the money / trade chips remaining. Fall back seems to be Marsee (L) / Azocar both that league minimum and then he “could” go with more money for LF / 3rd hitter.
Side: we are assuming that the Padres will push to near the CBT threshold but is the a chance that at this point their real internal target is a bit less maybe boxing Preller into waiting for some real bargains to fall through the cracks or just go with the NRI (prospect and non-prospects)?
Given the trade option … probably should not over react until opening day.
#1608 · February 3, 2024, 9:40 am
Quote from fenn68 on February 3, 2024, 9:07 am...
Given the trade option … probably should not over react until opening day.
This is definitely true, although I have to say that after last Spring Training I was really hoping we'd roll into February with a largely settled roster and 100% attendance and participation throughout the spring. I think the team suffered for having such a large contingent of WBC players absent from the spring clubhouse.
#1609 · February 3, 2024, 12:46 pm
I don’t understand why the Padres don’t kick the tires on bringing back Eric Hosmer…they are already on the hook for 12.2 million this year and next and that money is already counted against the cap I believe.
1B- DH…left handed that has great opposite field power…it would plug a hole and check the boxes and allow the Padres to focus on OF and a SP…. The money is already on the books so a spring training invite couldn’t hurt and besides he was a good leader in the clubhouse and mentor to younger players…allows Jake to go back to 2B and Ha Son Kim to 3B while Manny is healing at DH.
Hosmer could still give you 15-20 knocks and 50-60 rbi and was a Gold Glove winner. Unless he has completely lost his ability and desire to play this is a viable option in my opinion…what’s the worst thing that could happen? He makes the team and has a chance to help this team rebound from last year and gets paid to play or he doesn’t have anything left in the tank and gets released and still gets paid…this is a no brainer from what I’m seeing. It also allows some of the young guys a chance to get dialed in at the minors for a mid season call up.
Just a thought and curious as to what or why this would be detrimental to the team.
Any thoughts ?
#1610 · February 3, 2024, 2:35 pm
I would say Hosmer is a liability defensively. He wasn't even average when he was here, so I can't imagine he's gotten any better the past 2 seasons.
That said, there is something to the fact we're already paying him $12 milion.
Could he be worse offensively than anyone we bring in at this point?
Who knows, Hosmer may hate Preller for dumping him so he may not want to come back? Which then leads me asking: if the Padres reached out to bring him back, and he refused, would that nullify his deal?