The San Diego Padres ownership yesterday fired their general manager, Josh Byrnes, yesterday and might be looking to continue their summer house cleaning.
According to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe, "As for other hitters, start with San Diego, which would like to conduct a fire sale, with Carlos Quentin and/or Seth Smith sought after." "Chris Denorfia is another Padres outfielder who could change teams."
At 32-44, the Friars aren't in contention for any post-season baseball, therefore it seems appropriate to work on the rebuilding of the club. With a payroll of roughly $91 million for 2014, the club was expecting to take the next step in the competitive Southern California market, but that hasn't yet materialized.
Chris Denorfia is being paid $2.25 million for his services in 2014 and will be a free agent for his age 34 season. Seth Smith avoided arbitration in his age 31 season by signing a one-year deal at $4.5 million for 2014. Conversely, Carlos Quentin is under contract for the next two years at $9.5 million in 2014, $8 million in 2015 and a mutual option at $10 million for 2016. Contractually, these players are tradeable, but what can be gotten in return?
In the wake of the premature death of "Mr. Padre" Tony Gwynn is it possible that the new ownership contingent has finally woken up to the urgency of being competitive in the Southern California market? With the lucrative television deal worth $1.2 billion over the next 30 years, resources are in place. The other remaining questions are: What’s going to be the new philosophy moving forward? Do the Padres want to continue stockpiling suspect prospects, or go after proven free agents?
Dodgers , padres or giants for first. Gotta go with LA. Best infield, good outfield., strong pitching. ( think SD has the best pitching) but SD will put up a good fight. Part of me really wants to pick SD for first but LA just has more. Not much bats in SD infield.
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