Mailbag: Pondering free agents' fates

11/28/2005
The questions -- and suggestions -- keep rolling in, like big breakers. Please send your queries to beat writer Lyle Spencer, including your first name, last initial and hometown. For all those concerned about PETCO Park's dimensions being altered, it won't be significant. This will still be a park pitchers love and hitters aren't crazy about.
Here's a proposal for GM Kevin Towers to present to Trevor Hoffman: three years guaranteed at $5 million each year, with a $1 million bonus for 40-44 saves per season, another $1 million for 45-49 saves and another $1 million for 50-plus saves -- plus a $3 million bonus for breaking the all-time saves record (he's 42 shy of Lee Smith's record 478). The maximum would be $27 million, but more likely would be $21 million to $24 million. Doesn't that sound fair? -- Mike H., Escondido, Calif.
It's creative and does sound fair to me, but how it would play with Padres management -- and Hoffy -- is not known. I do like your effort. It shows how deeply loyalists want to see the anchor back in PETCO Park.
If Brian Giles doesn't return, how do the Padres plan to replace him? -- Jim N., Nevada, Mo.
Plan A appears to be free agent Jacque Jones of the Twins, who would play right field, with Ben Johnson, Eric Young and Dave Roberts (pending trades) sharing left and Mike Cameron in center. Johnson also could platoon in right with Jones, who has had problems with southpaw pitching.
If there's a Plan B, it could be another free agent, Jeromy Burnitz. Like Jones, Burnitz is a local kid who made good, and the Padres have tried to acquire his loud left-handed bat and solid defense in the past. He'll be 37 on April 15, and PETCO Park would frustrate him as it has Ryan Klesko and Giles, but the team does play 81 road games.
There should be appealing trade options, notably with the Reds. They have muscular Wily Mo Pena and Austin Kearns, an expendable pair of right-handed weapons, and a crying need for pitching. The Dec. 5-8 Winter Meetings in Dallas should be fascinating.
I'm a huge fan of Khalil Greene, and I think he is due to have a breakout year. Will the Padres wait for him to develop into the All-Star shortstop he will become? -- Stephen M., Washington, D.C.
Towers likes to say that nobody is untouchable, that he'll listen to offers for anyone -- but Greene and Jake Peavy are virtually untouchable. Khalil is the real deal, all right. He's a pure talent, offensively and defensively, with a high ceiling given his work ethic and sense of purpose.
If he can just avoid the fractures that have dogged him his first two seasons, he's ready to emerge as one of the two or three best in the National League, in a class with players such as Rafael Furcal and Jimmy Rollins.
What do you think of the Padres' trade for Bobby Hill? What is their plan for him for 2006? -- Paul K., Farmingdale, Maine
A switch-hitter with good speed and excellent plate discipline, Hill gives the club more options off the bench. He can play second or third, but with the club's depth at second, he appears likely to see most of his time in support of Vinny Castilla.
It's not hard to see Hill playing a game or two a week at third, and he can lead off, if necessary. Young, returning to his all-purpose backup role, is another leadoff candidate. Young gives the team an aggressive, dynamic presence it needs on the field, and he's a leader in the clubhouse.
Since the Reds have a lot of outfielders, including powerful hitters Wily Mo Pena and Adam Dunn, have the Padres considered trading one/two of their young pitchers (Chris Oxspring, Tim Stauffer) for one of them? Both have really cranked the ball in PETCO. -- Loren C., San Diego
I can't see the Reds parting with Dunn, but Pena and Kearns would have to be available for the right return -- and the Padres do have a surplus of pitching. For Oxspring, in particular, it could be a blessing, getting a chance to start.
I am really curious to know why the Padres never tried to re-sign catcher Ramon Hernandez. He has mentioned many times that he would like to come back to San Diego. Shouldn't the Padres at least have made an attempt to bring him back? What are they thinking? -- Ismael Hernandez, San Diego
Management concluded fairly quickly, it appears, that Hernandez's market value was significantly higher than they were willing to go. It remains to be seen what the Mets or another club will offer Ramon, but you're right, he's happy in San Diego and would like to return.
The Padres feel that catching is one of their organizational strengths now with two of their premier prospects -- George Kottaras and Nicholas Hundley -- not too far away from the Major Leagues. I think they're confident with Miguel Olivo for the time being, and they should be.
In Olivo's 37 games behind the plate with the Friars in '05, the staff ERA was 3.64. With Hernandez, in 99 games, it was 4.07. Olivo batted .304 with a .487 slugging mark, compared to .290 and .450, respectively, by Ramon. I'm not saying Olivo is better than Hernandez -- just that he's not as far away from Ramon as a lot of people think.
What are the Padres' chances of re-signing free agents Robert Fick and Mark Sweeney? -- Eric F., Encinitas, Calif.
Sweeney is getting interest from some heavyweights: the Mets, Giants and Cardinals. If that inflates the financial significantly, it probably diminishes his chances of returning to the Padres.
Something should be worked out with Fick, given his versatility and team-first attitude. Fick flourished as a pinch-hitter and was invaluable in a variety of positions, including catcher.
What are the chances of Josh Barfield becoming a starter next year? If so, what position could he take over? -- Robert C., San Diego
Second base belongs to Mark Loretta, and Barfield doesn't have the experience to start anywhere else. He has paid his Triple-A dues and merits a spot on the 25-man roster with a solid Spring Training, though. He can hit and run, so he should be a nice role player until he is ready to start, perhaps in '07.
With Hoffman testing free agency, Clay Hensley possibly entering the starting rotation, and both Rudy Seanez and Chris Hammond still unsigned, how will Towers go about rebuilding a bullpen that may have been the Padres' biggest strength last season? -- Simon C., Escondido, Calif.
They hope Seanez will be back, and scholarly southpaw Craig Breslow looks like a solid middle reliever. Chan Ho Park, Oxspring and Stauffer are long relief candidates if they don't crack the rotation. Scott Linebrink and Akinori Otsuka are solid, and top draft pick Cesar Carrillo could be a major factor around midseason, like Hensley in '05.
How serious do you think the Padres are about trading Adam Eaton? He was having a breakout year until his injury this last season. -- Jeremy G., Fallbrook, Calif.
I can't see them moving Eaton unless they get an offer they can't refuse, one likely involving gifted young athletes or a proven threat for the middle of the order.
Do you expect the Pads to go after some free agent starters or do we have some prospects in the Minors that we feel can move into our MLB rotation? -- Mike K., San Carlos, Calif.
I think they'd like to bring back Pedro Astacio for a reasonable price, about $1.5 million, and plug him into the rotation along with Hensley and Woody Williams behind Peavy and Eaton, with Park, Stauffer and Oxspring also candidates.
Then there's David Wells, who wants out of Boston and longs to be home. Where there's so much smoke, there's usually a fire. It would be nice to slide a lefty into the middle of the rotation -- especially one as talented as Boomer, even in his 40s.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Kottaras a road warrior in AFL

11/11/2005
George Kottaras had one of the more quirky statistics in the Arizona Fall League this season.
At home, the Peoria Javelinas catcher batted .053, with one hit in 19 at-bats. On the road, Kottaras had a .438 average and his only home run. He appeared in two games during the final week of the Arizona Fall League season, both of them at home. The 22-year-old Canadian went hitless in seven at-bats, although he walked and scored a run on Nov. 8 against the Peoria Saguaros.
Four other Padres prospects played for the Javelinas. Here's how they wrapped up their AFL campaigns:
LHP Craig Breslow -- Breslow had pitched scoreless ball in eight of his previous nine outings before this week, when he was scored on in two of three appearances. Mesa got to him for two runs -- one earned -- on Nov. 5, and the Scorpions got a run on two hits in the Nov. 10 season finale.
RHP Jack Cassel -- Cassel had an encouraging start on Nov. 8. He gave up three runs on eight hits in five innings against the Saguaros, but recorded five strikeouts without issuing a walk. The right-hander finished 2-2 with a 4.56 ERA.
LHP Rusty Tucker -- Tucker gave up only two hits in his last three outings, but both of them led to runs. He struck out two of the three batters he faced on Nov. 7 against Grand Canyon and finished the season with a 2-0 record and a 5.02 ERA. Tucker fanned 18 in 14 1/3 innings.
1B Michael Johnson -- Johnson continued to show some power, hitting solo home runs on Nov. 4 against Grand Canyon and on Nov. 9 against Phoenix. In between, he went 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored on Nov. 5 against Mesa. He batted .272 with six homers and 18 RBIs.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Smith's new approach paying off

11/16/2005
Corey Smith thinks he found an important set of keys recently in Arizona.
Before the Arizona Fall League kicked off, Smith went to work on his own in an intensive session with Rob Deer, the Padres' Minor League hitting instructor. The willing pupil feels he discovered a new approach, new stance and new comfort zone from the old slugger.
The results were immediate, judging by Smith's impressive AFL performance across 24 games with the Surprise Scorpions. Smith batted .330 with seven homers and 21 RBIs, putting together a .390 on-base percentage and .626 slugging mark.
A 2000 first-round pick by the Indians in the First-Year Player Draft out of Piscataway (N.J.) High School, Smith, 23, came to the Padres last Feb. 1 in a deal for infielder Jake Gautreau. With the Indians' organization, Smith batted .257 with 63 homers in 581 Minor League games.
Those were not the numbers Cleveland had projected for a young man with powerful wrists and a quick bat who came into the 2000 draft ranked as the third-best high school hitter and second-best prep power hitter.
Playing third base for Double-A Mobile in 2005, Smith batted .254 with 18 homers and 73 RBIs in 135 games. He showcased a powerful arm but needs consistency at third, according to organization insiders. He'll make the great play, then boot the routine one.
Smith feels he benefited by a visit from Deer at midseason, and they carried that further in the Arizona Instructional League after the season.
"Rob Deer pounded into me an approach where I can be aggressive with pitches I want to hit," Smith said. "He's a great guy; he knows what he's talking about. Basically, I want to go after that fastball early in the count and not go after pitchers' pitches.
"A lot of it is believing in your ability to get to that pitch inside or away, trusting yourself. I put it to work in the Fall League and was fortunate to get some immediate results."
His stance has been remodeled at Deer's suggestion, and that too has been a plus.
"I've spread out a little, with a little lift of my front foot," he said, referring to a timing mechanism a number of hitters find useful. "It's similar to what [Albert] Pujols does, just not as exaggerated off the ground.
"The whole idea is to get myself in a good position to unload. Robby and I got together around midseason and started working on things, and I could tell the difference."
The Padres have until Friday to set their 40-man roster and determine if Smith will have a spot or become exposed to another club in the Rule 5 Draft. At the moment, he's on the Triple-A Portland roster.
"He's got intriguing tools, with a lot of upside and talent," said Jeff Kingston, director of baseball operations for the Padres. "He's a guy we've always liked, going back to when he was drafted.
"We're constantly gauging performance and progress. This was his third straight year in Double-A, and he really picked it up in the Fall League. He does have some flaws and some mental lapses defensively, but if we're patient with the kid, we may have something."
Sean Burroughs and Joe Randa manned third base in 2005, but the Padres acquired veteran Vinny Castilla from the Nationals in exchange for starter Brian Lawrence. Castilla, 38, is viewed as a temporary solution to third base at PETCO Park.
Given the opportunity, Smith would love to settle in someday soon on a permanent basis.
"I don't know what's going to happen on the Spring Training side," Smith said. "They brought in Castilla to play third, and I'm not on the 40-man roster. I'm going to do whatever I can to open up some minds. I'd love to be part of the roster.
"I hope that my play in the Fall League was something that will help me out. I just want to play. When Cleveland traded me, I didn't look at it as the Indians not wanting me; I looked at it as San Diego wanting me."
With the Scorpions, Smith was in a lineup featuring names familiar to serious fans of the game, such as Angels prospects Brandon Wood and Kendry Morales.
Playing alongside Wood, a shortstop who had a huge season with Class A Rancho Cucamonga with 43 homers, 98 extra-base hits and 115 RBIs in 130 games, Smith saw first-hand what all the hype was about.
In 29 games, Wood bashed 14 homers and drove in 32 runs, with a .711 slugging mark.
"When he hit four home runs in one game, that was just sick," Smith said. "What he did in the Fall League was ridiculous. If you look at him, he doesn't look like a guy who would have that much power. But he's a wiry kid, and he gets some leverage. He's got a swing for hitting some home runs.
"Him, Morales, all those guys could play. It's always fun playing with guys that are good."
Triple-A Portland is a possible destination, but wherever he lands in 2006, Smith plans to take that new approach he discovered with Deer and elevate himself in the eyes of people who matter around baseball.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Where's the catch?

11/15/2005
With Trevor Hoffman, Brian Giles and Ramon Hernandez leading nine Padres into free agency, the team has a number of decisions to make and options to weigh in putting together the 2006 roster in the months ahead. Please send questions to beat writer Lyle Spencer, including your first name, last initial and hometown.
Do you think the Padres will sign Brad Ausmus or that catcher from Japan, Kenji Jojima? What about Jacque Jones? And, finally, do you think the Padres would trade Adam Eaton for Laynce Nix or Kevin Mench?-- Jimmy G., San Diego
Ausmus would be a fine fit sharing the catching job with Miguel Olivo at less expense than Jojima, a proven talent in Japan. I don't see them getting into a bidding war for Jojima, given their concerns over how he'd be able to assimilate so much material on an entire league of hitters.
Jones is a fallback plan as a free agent if Giles leaves. No, I wouldn't trade Eaton for Nix or Mench -- or both. Eaton is far too valuable as a No. 2 starter just coming into his prime to be dealt for anything less than a major everyday player.
What are the chances we can hear Hells Bells at PETCO again next year? Or will Padres fans expect to see Scott Linebrink come out of the bullpen with a Clint Black song blaring through the PA system?-- Mike C., Temecula, Calif. via Naples, Italy
Nobody, including Trevor, knows with any certainty what 2006 will hold until he sifts through all the free-agent offers and discovers how close the Padres can come to matching. That's what's known as the San Diego discount.
The Padres know how valuable and popular Hoffman is, how much he's given to the community as one of the really good guys in sports. I don't think anyone who knows the man or has watched him perform for 13 seasons wants to see Hoffman break Lee Smith's all-time saves record in another uniform. It just doesn't feel right.
As for Linebrink, he's ready to close -- the stuff and attitude are first-class -- but Scott's the first to say it wouldn't be the same without Hells Bells blasting away in the top of the ninth at PETCO Park.
Any truth to rumors that the Padres are looking at making a run for Angels pitcher Jarrod Washburn?-- Debora H., San Diego
Washburn would be a nice fit in the rotation, no doubt. But the market is thin with free agent starters, and that has insiders thinking Washburn and A.J. Burnett and Kevin Millwood will draw a lot more than they're probably worth. Simple matter of supply and demand.
Have the Padres made up Ramon Hernandez's mind for him in sending him to free agency, or do you think that they will ever approach him with an offer?-- Stacey L., San Diego
They seem to have determined that they can't afford Hernandez and simply dismissed it while focusing on Hoffman and Giles. Ramon might have been the team's MVP in the first two months and last month of the regular season. It will be hard to find a catcher with his full repertoire of talents.
Olivo's talent and work ethic should not be discounted, however. He'll be a solid replacement if Hernandez departs. Talk of Ausmus coming over for a year or two until George Kottaras is ready makes good sense. Ausmus could share the job fairly equally with Olivo, keeping both men fresh.
What is the club going to do with Josh Barfield? Is there a chance they'll trade Mark Loretta to make space for him? If not, where will he play?-- Matthew S., New York
Barfield most likely will make the club as an extra player in 2006, backing up Loretta on occasion and learning the ropes while serving as a pinch-hitter. It is possible either Loretta or Barfield could figure in a deal, most likely for a talented center fielder.
Barfield can hit -- it's in his DNA. Papa Jesse Barfield was one of the game's finest players in his prime as a right fielder in Toronto. If Josh grows into his body the way his dad did, he'll turn on balls and provide power as well as bullets to the gaps.
What would it take to get Carl Crawford from Tampa Bay?-- Brandon L., Chula Vista
It remains to be seen if the Devil Rays will dangle the ultrafast outfielder who'd be such a hit in spacious PETCO Park. If the Rays do make him available, it would be for financial reasons, not being able to afford Crawford and Rocco Baldelli.
Of the center fielders who have been linked with the Padres in trade rumors, the Mets' Mike Cameron is the only one I'd put in Crawford's class. Cameron has more experience in center, more power and is a respected leader. He's a dream fit for the Padres if they're looking, as it appears, to move Dave Roberts to left with Ryan Klesko at first.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Blum signs deal to return to Padres

11/16/2005
It was Sunday, July 31, and Geoff Blum was about as down as a guy could be, having just learned that he'd been shipped to the White Sox in a trade deadline deal.
Calling his four months as a Padre "the best experience of my professional career," Blum was packing his bags and fighting back the tears. He was Chicago-bound in body only, his heart still with the club he was leaving behind.
As he was departing PETCO Park that day, making the rounds hugging teammates, Blum talked about his four daughters, including triplets who arrived in early May, that he'd be leaving at his San Clemente home and said, "You never know about these things. Maybe I'll be back."
And back he is, returning to the Padres as a World Series hero.
Blum, whose homer decided Game 3 of the Fall Classic for the White Sox in Houston on their way to a sweep of the Astros, signed a one-year contract with the Padres on Wednesday.
Making the announcement was executive vice president/general manager Kevin Towers, who earlier in the day agreed to a deal with the Mets for center fielder Mike Cameron, pending a physical examination of Cameron's eyesight.
Trading Xavier Nady, a young talent full of promise, in the Cameron deal can't be easy, but the arrival of the two-time Gold Glove center fielder and the popular and versatile Blum had to cheer the Padres and fans who want to see the Friars successfully defend their National League West title in 2006.
"Blum is someone who fits into our needs for a bench player who can help in a number of ways," Towers said. "We talked about him coming back when we made the deal with the White Sox."
The Padres acquired Minor League left-hander Ryan Meaux from the White Sox for Blum, who gave Chicago support in the infield and off the bench in their World Series championship run.
Blum, 32, batted .229 with six home runs, 15 doubles and 25 RBIs in 109 combined games between the Padres and White Sox in '05. Blum, who started at all four infield positions for the sixth consecutive season, batted .241 with five home runs and 22 RBIs in 78 games with the Padres before being traded to Chicago.
Over parts of seven Major League seasons with Montreal, Houston, Tampa Bay (2004), the Padres and White Sox, Blum has a career batting average of .251 with 62 home runs, 127 doubles and 277 RBIs in 791 games.
A star at the University of California before signing with the Expos as a seventh-round choice in the 1994 First-Year Player Draft, Blum had one of the hottest streaks in Padres history in late May, delivering multiple hits in seven consecutive games.
A switch-hitter, Blum provides support at third, short and second, positions he plays with equal skill and grace. He signed with the Padres as a free agent last Dec. 9 and was doing an excellent job at shortstop with Khalil Greene injured, when Blum went on the 15-day disabled List on May 2 after an outfield collision with left fielder Ryan Klesko.
It was while he was on the DL that his wife, Kory, gave birth to the triplets, giving the Blums four daughters under the age of 2.
Now, just as he'd envisioned on that day he was sent to Chicago, he's back in Southern California with a team he didn't want to leave.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Linebrink ready to step up if needed

11/18/2005
Nobody has a deeper appreciation for Trevor Hoffman, the person and the performer, than Scott Linebrink, his faithful sidekick in the Padres' bullpen the past three seasons.
Should Hoffman leave San Diego as a free agent after 12 seasons as a closer with few peers, Linebrink is the most likely heir apparent. Fellow setup man Akinori Otsuka, with closing experience in Japan, is another possibility to take the reins, perhaps in tandem with Linebrink.
"If the opportunity ever came along," Linebrink said, "it is something I would really appreciate and be honored by it. But I'm not going to dwell on it. I'm not going to try to overanalyze this. A lot of people are going to try to make this a big thing, but pitching is pitching to me. Keep it simple as possible. That's what works for me."
Like everybody else with a rooting interest, Linebrink is following the Hoffman negotiations closely, wondering if his buddy will be back.
If he's asked to assume the ninth-inning role, Linebrink, a tough-minded Texan with dominant stuff, feels he's ready, able and willing to handle the job.
At the same time, he's the first to admit nobody is truly qualified to replace a man who could succeed Lee Smith late in the 2006 season as Major League Baseball's all-time king of saves. With 436, Hoffman needs 43 saves to supplant Smith.
"If the situation were to come up, I would follow him," Linebrink said by phone from the Lone Star State. "But I'm not looking to replace him. He has done what he's done, and he's a Hall of Famer as far as I'm concerned. I'm not going to try to fill Hoffy's shoes.
"If the opportunity would come, I would take it and do the best I could with it. I've learned so much from him. I'll take what I know from him, but ultimately, it comes down to me.
"As much as I appreciate Trevor's attitude, the way he goes about playing the game, I'm a completely different pitcher than he is."
At 29, Linebrink is a power pitcher in the 95-97 mph range with a splitter and changeup to keep hitters off balance. Hoffman, 38, uses his 88-89 mph fastball and breaking pitches as complements to his wicked changeup, which continues to paralyze hitters.
"There was a game early this season when Trevor gave up a leadoff double, buckled down and got the next three hitters to finish the job," Linebrink said. "I went up to him and told him how much I appreciate the job he does.
"He said, 'I think the job you do is sometimes tougher than my job.'"
Linebrink appeared in 73 games in 2005, working 73 2/3 innings with an 8-1 record and 1.83 ERA, fifth among National League relievers. He struck out 70 and walked 23, holding hitters to a .197 batting average with runners in scoring position.
Closing the season with 23 consecutive appearances (24 innings) without allowing an earned run, Linebrink nailed down his first career save on the final weekend against the Dodgers.
Hoffman, in 60 games covering 57 2/3 innings, was 1-6 with a 2.97 ERA, producing 43 saves in 46 chances, including 38 in a row. He struck out 54 and walked 12.
It turned out to be one of general manager Kevin Towers' most inspired moves when Linebrink was claimed off waivers on May 29, 2003, after getting released by his home state Astros.
An immediate hit in San Diego, Linebrink was 2-1 with a 2.82 ERA in 43 appearances in '03, followed by a 7-3 record and 2.14 ERA in 73 games in '04.
While Hoffman could go a week without appearing in a game, Linebrink would not be comfortable with that kind of inactivity. He'd probably be lobbying manager Bruce Bochy to get him in a game even if there was no save involved.
"Boch really took care of Hoffy," Linebrink said. "He went stretches of seven, eight games without throwing. I don't like any more than three days off. I like that regular work."
Having pitched alongside Billy Wagner in Houston as well as Hoffman, Linebrink understands the special circumstances a closer deals with but doesn't feel the transition from the eighth to ninth is necessarily as daunting as some believe.
"It's something where you look at the natural progression of relief pitching," he said. "I've gone from the mop-up role to seventh inning, eighth inning. The only thing left is the ninth inning.
"A lot of times as a closer, you're going to start with a fresh inning, rather than coming in with men on base. But there's pressure in any situation late in the game, three runs or less. The one thing that's different with pitching the ninth inning is you don't have that safety net under you."
From Wagner in Houston, Linebrink learned never to show up opponents and to be as economical as possible.
"One thing I took from Billy is that even if you have electric stuff, try to get it done with as few pitches as you can," Linebrink said. "Go out and do your job and get off the field -- with less than 15 pitches. Don't do anything to rile up the other team."
Linebrink thinks the team's deals for center fielder Mike Cameron (pending medical clearance) and third baseman Vinny Castilla should improve the overall defense, and he feels a change of scenery should be beneficial for both Xavier Nady, slated to be sent to the Mets for Cameron, and for starter Brian Lawrence, shipped to the Nationals for Castilla.
"I think it's good for 'X' to go to a place where there are no preconceived notions about what he can and can't do," Linebrink said. "If he gets a chance to play every day, it could be the best thing for his career. I don't look forward to facing him, but I wish him the best. Same for B-Law. I think Washington will be a good to pitch for him.
"Cameron is a great center fielder and a good guy, from everything I hear. Vinny Castilla, I think, is a great fit for our ballpark. Besides being an unbelievable third baseman, he has the potential to hit 20 to 25 home runs. He's a fastball hitter, pretty much a dead-pull hitter, and I think he can do some damage in our ballpark."
In the meantime, Linebrink will keep busy moving into a new home and keeping tabs on his good buddy Hoffman, who holds the keys to his immediate future with the Padres.
"If he does leave, and that's a role they want me to fill," Linebrink said, "I'll give it everything I've got."

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Padres get Cameron from Mets

11/18/2005
Returning to the scene of the accident as a San Diego Padre about to make PETCO Park his spacious new home, Mike Cameron couldn't miss the strange twist of fate presented by the baseball gods.
"Maybe it's a test from a higher power to come back to the same place," Cameron said, recalling a violent Aug. 11 collision with Mets teammate Carlos Beltran that ended his 2005 season six weeks prematurely. "I guess the good Lord wants me to get rid of my fears.
"Everything's going to be all right."
If Cameron patrols center field and its gaps the way the Padres believe he can, there's a fine chance things will be more than all right at PETCO Park in 2006.
In a swap of proven goods for promise, Cameron is changing coasts, moving from New York to San Diego in exchange for Xavier Nady.
Satisfied after a battery of tests that Cameron has no lingering vision problems from his collision with Beltran in right-center, the Padres signed off on a deal that brings them a Gold Glove center fielder with power and speed at the expense of an outfielder/first baseman with tremendous raw power and enticing tools.
Cameron, who turns 33 on Jan. 8, suffered two broken cheekbones, a broken orbital socket and a broken nose in the collision. Dr. Jose Quiceno of Scripps Clinic gave the Padres a thumbs up after putting the athlete through what Padres general manager Kevin Towers called a "very thorough physical" that he "passed with flying colors" on Friday.
"I'm pretty much as close to 100 percent as you can get," said Cameron, claiming his vision actually has improved since the collision to 20/15. "I'll be ready in two weeks if they need me to play.
"I didn't have to rehab anything. My limbs are fine. It was all facial injuries. I had to lose my beauty for three months."
Cameron said he's delighted to end the Padres' quest for a center fielder to cover the vast gaps at PETCO Park and serve as an elixir to the pitching staff while entertaining fans with his high-energy performance.
He visualizes good times ahead as he returns to his natural position with renewed enthusiasm for the game.
"I had a lot of time to think," he said, referring to the weeks of recovery. "I just realized how truly blessed I am to get an opportunity to play baseball. I appreciate the Padres giving me the opportunity to [realize] my dream of playing center field on a good baseball team.
"Hopefully, I can keep myself healthy and give us the best opportunity to win the National League West again."
It won't be known for a while who will flank Cameron in the Padres' outfield, with Brian Giles' free agency the big issue.
Leadoff catalyst Dave Roberts is expected to move from center to left, hopefully saving him the rash of injuries that made his '05 season so painful. Right could be manned by young Ben Johnson or a free agent such as Jacque Jones. Ryan Klesko likely is moving to first, especially now with Nady gone.
A right fielder with the Mets in 2005 after they signed Beltran to play center, Cameron won Gold Gloves in 2001 and 2003 as the Mariners' center fielder, making the spectacular play almost routine.
He denies that he tried to force his way out of New York with a demand to play center, calling those reports "a farce." Shifting to right to accommodate Beltran, Cameron felt he could have captured another Gold Glove in 2005 if he hadn't been injured.
"To get back in center field and put my name back in the hat is going to be very interesting, I'll tell you that much," he said when asked if a third Gold Glove will be a goal in '06.
Towers alluded to Cameron's power as another plus in the deal, suggesting Cameron can take advantage of PETCO Park's relatively inviting left-field fences. This is a man who three times in his career has reached 25 homers in a season in difficult hitters' parks, in Seattle and New York -- a man who once homered four times in a game.
Cameron batted a career-high .273 in '05 with 12 home runs, 39 RBIs, 47 runs scored, 13 stolen bases and a .342 on-base percentage in 76 games. He'd missed the season's first month recovering from wrist surgery.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Cameron, across 11 Major League seasons with the White Sox, Reds, Mariners and Mets, has a career batting average of .249 with 173 home runs and 625 RBIs. He has scored 690 runs and stolen 229 bases in 1,268 games.
An American League All-Star in 2001, Cameron is one of just 12 active Major Leaguers with more than 170 home runs and 220 or more stolen bases.
Towers has coveted Cameron for a long time, repeatedly trying to pry him loose from Mets general manager Omar Minaya.
With their three-year offer after the 2003 season, the Mets outbid the Padres for Cameron's services as a free agent. He'll earn $6 million in 2006 with a 2007 team option for $7 million or a $500,000 buyout.
Nady's future with the Mets could be in right field -- he comes equipped with a strong arm and better-than-average speed -- or at first base. There also is a possibility he'll be included in a package designed to acquire a proven slugger such as Manny Ramirez of the Red Sox or Carlos Delgado of the Marlins.
Nady, who turned 27 this week, earned $1.138 million in 2005 -- $488,000 in salary, $650,000 in bonuses based on roster time.
A native of Carmel, Calif., who grew up in Salinas, Nady was a second-round choice in the 2000 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of California.
Playing multiple positions while filling in for injured teammates, Nady was unable to find what he wanted most in San Diego: a regular job. He batted .261 with 13 homers and 43 RBIs in 124 games and 326 at-bats in '05, mirroring his career average of .263 in 269 games across three seasons, with 25 homers and 91 RBIs in 775 at-bats.
Tantalyzing fans with eye-popping displays of power, notably during a stretch in late June when he homered in four straight games, Nady became a popular figure in San Diego.
"I'm good friends with 'X' and I hate to see him go," Padres second baseman Mark Loretta said. "Hopefully, his career will take off and he'll go on and do some great things.
"To have a center fielder like Cameron who can go get the ball is going to be beneficial, especially in our ballpark. This could be one of those win-win trades for both clubs."

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Will trade pay off for Padres?

11/21/2005
Mike Cameron is the new Padres' center fielder, joining third baseman Vinny Castilla in a reshaped lineup. Many more moves await in the weeks ahead with free agency a major story still unfolding, the future up in the air for Trevor Hoffman, Brian Giles, Ramon Hernandez and six other Padres free agents. Please send your questions to beat writer Lyle Spencer, and be sure to include your first name, last initial and hometown.
Do you think this Cameron for Xavier Nady deal will really help the Padres? They have basically the same numbers. Except for the experience and defense, Nady has more potential and can become a Jason Bay kind of player in time. -- Rene M., Tijuana, B.C.
There certainly is some risk in this deal, but it's one the Padres had to make. Cameron will improve their defense dramatically at a vital position, plus he has 25-homer power, speed on the bases and a certain presence that can't be quantified. Nady might blossom into a consistent power threat like Bay, but it didn't happen in San Diego.
I really like Nady. He's a versatile, talented player with a lot of potential. But Cameron is a proven talent with few peers in center field. It's interesting that so many Padres fans don't like this deal. Almost every baseball insider I know thinks it was a steal for San Diego.
Only time will tell, of course, but if you want to see the Padres successfully defend their NL West title, you want Cameron in center field.
What are the chances of Freddy Guzman making the Padres' starting outfield next year? He's currently a designated hitter for Estrellas in the Dominican League (rehabbing from his elbow surgery) and is an offensive force. He's super fast, and haven't the Padres said they'd like two center fielders in the outfield? -- Josh L., Los Angeles, Calif.
Yes, general manager Kevin Towers did make that comment. A switch-hitter who can fly and run down balls like Guzman should be able to find playing time if he hits at all.
Guzman missed the entire 2005 season, but the Padres are well aware of his potential and would love to see him force his way onto the roster with a big Spring Training performance.
The makeup of the outfield is unresolved at this point. We'll know a lot more soon, after Giles decides where he wants to play.
Do you think the Rockies might be amenable to swapping Todd Helton for Adam Eaton and Ryan Klesko? -- Dennis B., Spring Valley, Calif.
In baseball terms, it does make sense. Helton is a great first baseman who has tasted success at PETCO Park, while Klesko tears it up in Denver and Eaton would enrich the Rockies' staff.
But there are serious obstacles. Helton makes $16 million, so including Klesko's $10 million for '06 would be an essential component from the Padres' end. But it's doubtful Klesko would waive his no-trade clause.
The altitude has been damaging to breaking-ball pitchers such as the late Darryl Kile, so you can guess how Eaton, whose big curve complements his fastball, would feel about moving to Denver. He'll be eligible for free agency after the '06 season if the Padres don't extend him, and they'd have a hard time replacing him in the rotation unless they acquired David Wells.
Do you think a solid lefty would make a difference in the starting rotation? If so, would you bring up a prospect or search the market? -- Philip B., Sacramento, Calif.
Wells is the name frequently mentioned, since he wants to come home and could back the Red Sox into a corner by telling them it's San Diego or he'll retire.
Boomer is still a craftsman who'd help any staff. But giving two aging starters -- Wells and Woody Williams -- about $20 million combined sounds over the top, unless the Padres can get the Sox to take some salary back in a trade. Other possibilities exist in the market, but none of the Padres' young lefties appear ready.
I understand Kevin Towers and Sandy Alderson wanting to be careful how they allocate the budget, but Trevor is Trevor. Three years may be too much, but given all he means to the fans and the community, can't they see the wisdom in offering something like a two-year, $15 million dollar contract? -- Glen M., Oceanside, Calif.
That sounds reasonable to me, but it's not my money. Hey, I'm with you all the way. I don't want to see Hoffman in any other uniform. But I've never been very good with budgets, and I doubt that management cares much about my input, anyway.
If the Padres don't resign Giles, what's the chance they would pursue Jacque Jones for a corner outfield spot? He does have a background in San Diego. -- Marquis B., San Diego
I'd say there's a very good chance they'd try to sign Jones to play right, with Ben Johnson and Dave Roberts in left, if Giles departs.
This brings up an interesting question: Would you rather have Giles -- or Hoffman and Jones? Judging by the numbers I've heard thrown around, you might be able to get Hoffman and Jones for close to what Giles will command if the Yankees decide they really, truly want him.
Why not go after Jason Phillips from the Dodgers, a hometown boy who's a hard-nosed catcher? -- John T., San Diego
You're right, Phillips is a fine player with an excellent attitude. But the last thing the Dodgers would do is make a deal that would help the Padres -- unless they felt they were stealing somebody.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Padres sign Young, acquire Bucs' Hill

11/21/2005
Moving to improve their depth and versatility, a strength of the 2005 National League West championship club, the Padres have added a pair of infielders, re-signing veteran Eric Young to a one-year contract and acquiring Bobby Hill from the Pirates in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
The deals were announced by general manager Kevin Towers, who has been the most active executive in the business with trades for center fielder Mike Cameron and third baseman Vinny Castilla and the signing of another free agent, infielder Geoff Blum.
The Padres elected not to pick up Young's $850,000 option for '06, buying him out for $150,000 with the hope of bringing him back at a lesser salary.
Young, 38, batted .275 with two home runs, nine doubles, seven stolen bases and 22 runs scored in 56 games as a Padre in '05. After separating his shoulder in the home opener while making a spectacular catch against the wall in center field, Young returned to the active list on July 2 and was a vital factor in the second half in a variety of roles.
Batting first, second and third in the order, Young appeared in 14 games at second base, including 10 starts, while making 25 appearances in the outfield, including 22 starts. He batted .333 in the NLDS against the Cardinals, with a homer and three RBIs.
Across 14 Major League seasons with the Dodgers, Rockies, Cubs, Brewers, Giants, Rangers and Padres, Young has a career batting average of .285 with 76 home runs, 321 doubles, 45 triples, 528 RBIs, 976 runs scored and 457 stolen bases. His stolen base total ranks 46th all-time and third among active Major League leaders.
"I really like this club," Young said, "and I'm planning to do everything I can to get us back in the postseason -- and go a step or two further. I think I've got a lot of baseball left in me."
The Friars were swept by the Cards in the NLDS in spite of Young's clutch efforts.
Hill, 27, batted .269 with six doubles, 11 RBIs and 12 runs scored in 58 games for the Pirates in 2005. He fits the Padres' desired profile as a patient hitter who swings from both sides of the plate, and he has speed along with a solid glove and strong arm. A natural second baseman, he has played a lot of third as well.
Originally selected out of the University of Miami by the Cubs in the second round of the 2000 First-Year Player Draft, Hill has a career batting average of .262 and on-base percentage of .343 in 523 at-bats, with six home runs, 20 doubles, 58 RBIs and 67 runs scored. He has appeared in 249 games in four Major League seasons with the Cubs and Pirates.
With the additions of Young and Hill, the Padres 40-man roster now stands at 31. Towers will continue to keep the phone lines buzzing with Trevor Hoffman, Brian Giles, Ramon Hernandez and five other members of the '05 club free agents.
"Going into the offseason," Towers said, "we felt we needed to strike early. There have been two trades in the offseason, and we made both of them."
In Cameron and Castilla, the GM feels he satisfied needs for defensive upgrades and power from the right side. With Young, Hill and Blum, Towers has taken steps toward developing the same kind of quality depth that served manager Bruce Bochy so well during the long summer.
First basemen/pinch-hitters Robert Fick and Mark Sweeney remain free agents. Towers said he'd like to have both valued role players back. Also in the free agent market are relievers Rudy Seanez and Chris Hammond and starter Pedro Astacio.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Expect the unexpected from Padres

11/03/2005
Let the winter of change begin in San Diego.
And if Thursday's trade is any indication, the only thing you can really expect out of the Padres this offseason is you can't possibly know what to expect.
Sure, it shouldn't come as much of a shock that the Padres would trade Brian Lawrence. The quick hooks manager Bruce Bochy had for the right-hander late in the year were a pretty good indication he might have run his course in San Diego.
But for Vinny Castilla, a 38-year-old third baseman? Anybody who says they could have called that one is making stuff up.
Of course, there are some rhymes and reasons for this deal. But it certainly smacks of one of GM Kevin Towers' classic trades, a deal that moves players no longer wanted on their current teams to new places where they might plug a hole. He's been affectionately called a "sludge merchant" in making those types of deals. (See: Chan Ho Park for Phil Nevin and Tim Redding/Darrell May for Paul Quantrill during the 2005 season.)
In this instance, the Nationals are getting a 29-year-old pitcher who was among the better innings-eaters in the National League the last few years. Lawrence had posted three consecutive seasons of 200-plus innings before dropping to 195 2/3 this year. Meanwhile, his ERA rose to 4.89, as his soft stuff coming from a low arm angle didn't have the effectiveness it had in years past. But the Nationals got great stuff out of John Patterson after he was jettisoned by the Diamondbacks, so maybe they're hoping for something similar here.
Meanwhile, the Padres are hoping to squeeze one more power season out of Castilla, a right-handed hitter who actually could make sense at PETCO Park. He's been known to yank the ball a bit, and down the left-field line at PETCO is actually a fine place for pull hitters to pick up homers. Obviously, the Padres hope there can be some sort of reprise of his 35-homer season with the Rockies two years ago.
The acquisition of Castilla pretty much sends Joe Randa on his way, and furthers the idea that Sean Burroughs' days at third base for the Padres may be behind him. It can't be a good sign for Burroughs' future with the club when yet another veteran third baseman is acquired via trade, can it?
With the fates of free agents Trevor Hoffman, Brian Giles and Ramon Hernandez hanging in the balance -- and none of them exactly getting off to warm and fuzzy starts to negotiations with the Padres -- it's pretty clear the team that won the National League West last year will be altered for 2006, likely in a significant fashion.
But, hey, don't go predicting what the Padres will do in their first winter under CEO Sandy Alderson. Based on early evidence, it's an exercise in futility.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Is Castilla the answer at third?

11/07/2005
The trade of pitcher Brian Lawrence to the Nationals for third baseman Vinny Castilla signaled the start of an offseason that promises to be filled with drama and intrigue for Padres fans. Send your questions to beat writer Lyle Spencer, including first name, last initial and hometown, and he'll try to provide answers -- or educated guesses.
Do you think Castilla will return to his best form and be the offensive answer that we're looking for? -- Gilberto R., Guadalajara, Mex.
Castilla should feel energized and revitalized in an environment so close to his Mexican roots, knowing he'll be supported by so many new fans. It's not difficult to envision Vinny delivering handsomely both offensively and defensively, while providing leadership with his upbeat attitude and tremendous experience.
One thing to keep in mind: 21 of Castilla's 35 homers in 2004 for the Rockies were hit away from Coors Field. Plus, he has always flourished against the Padres, rising to the challenge with 33 of his 315 career homers against San Diego. Clearly, he loves those ocean breezes.
Which new starters do you think will make the 2006 pitching rotation? Is Pedro Astacio in the plans?-- Dustin M., Poway, Calif.
Clay Hensley will be given every opportunity to move into the rotation. Astacio, a free agent, would fit right into his '05 slot unless another team makes an offer he can't refuse. Woody Williams, Chan Ho Park and Tim Stauffer all figure in the discussion, along with Chris Oxspring, if he has a breakout spring.
A left-hander, for balance, would be a nice addition. David Wells would like to come home, and Boomer appears to have something left. Perhaps the Red Sox would have an interest in Sean Burroughs, a Wade Boggs type. Boggs certainly took full advantage of Fenway Park's dimensions.
How does Robert Fick fit in with next year's plans? -- Phil R., Windsor, Ontario.
Fick is a free agent, and the Padres apparently have an interest in bringing him back. He was tremendously valuable in 2005 as a bench player capable of playing four positions and as a pinch-hitter with ice water in his veins.
Mark Sweeney is in the same position as Fick, a free agent coming off an excellent season. Both were vital components in the clubhouse, as well, with their wit and lively personalities.
Realistically, isn't Sandy Alderson shooting for 2007? Heavy contracts will be gone. Jake Peavy will probably be the highest-paid player. Should Padres fans lower their sights for 2006? -- Jay B., San Diego
It remains to be seen which direction the Padres will take. We'll know a lot more in the next month as Alderson and GM Kevin Towers go about the business of cobbling together a roster.
So much depends on what happens with free agents Brian Giles and Trevor Hoffman in terms of shaping the club that it's hard to make any definitive assessments until that's resolved.
If they elect to go with young talent, giving Xavier Nady, Ben Johnson and possibly Freddy Guzman regular jobs, there probably would be some rough growing pains. But San Diego fans generally have shown patience, and a rebuilding project doesn't happen overnight.
My impression is that Alderson and player development maven Grady Fuson have the big picture in mind and will do whatever it takes to make the franchise strong for years to come. You can't get away with this in markets like New York, Boston and Los Angeles, where the demand is to win now at all costs.
What do you think about the Padres trading for the Twins' Torii Hunter? He is a right-handed power bat and a great center fielder. -- John F., Santee, Calif.
Hunter is all of that and more, a tremendous team leader. I'd take him in a heartbeat. But it's not known for certain if he's available, and if he is, how much in return it would take to get him.
There are other possibilities if the club decides it wants to move Dave Roberts to left, preserving the leadoff catalyst physically. Juan Pierre of the Marlins and Mike Cameron of the Mets would be excellent fits -- different players, for sure, but both great defensively.
I keep hearing about the Padres acquiring a big bat for the outfield. What are the chances they'll have an outfield of Nady, Guzman and Johnson if Giles leaves? Can the Padres win with this outfield? -- Ricardo C., Portland, Ore.
That's the big question, and nobody can answer it until you give it a chance. That would be an exciting and swift outfield, and you can substitute Roberts for Guzman very easily for proven quality.
I'm not sure the Padres are willing to gamble on three young outfielders, but two? That could happen. Certainly Nady and Johnson have excited fans with their potential, and we're all curious to see what they can do with a full slate of games.
Do you see Cesar Carrillo getting a real shot at making this ballclub next year? Do you see this kid becoming the next Ramon Martinez-type pitcher? -- Joshua S., San Diego, Calif.
The early reports on the slender right-hander from the University of Miami are impressive, indeed. He does have that Ramon Martinez body and similar action on the ball, it appears. If he's close to as good as Pedro's big brother, the Padres have found a gem.
As for 2006, Carrillo probably needs a full season at Triple-A, but he could force himself onto the staff with a tremendous spring. More likely is that he shows what he can do at Triple-A Portland and arrives around midseason in the role Clay Hensley handled so beautifully in 2005.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Padres switch around coaching staff

11/03/2005
A Hoffman has signed a contract with the Padres -- former infielder Glenn Hoffman, not kid brother Trevor, a pitcher of some renown in San Diego.
Moving to fill vacancies created in the coaching boxes by the detachments of Rob Picciolo and Davey Lopes, the Padres hired Glenn Hoffman, brother of free-agent closer Trevor, to replace Picciolo as third-base coach. They also shifted Tye Waller from the front office to the front lines, placing him at first base, where Lopes had been anchored as voice and conscience of the club's running game.
The assistant athletic trainer position created by the exit of Jim Daniel has been filled by Paul Navarro, executive vice president and general manager Kevin Towers announced.
It was a busy day for Towers and club CEO Sandy Alderson. The Padres also pulled off a major trade on Thursday, shipping starter Brian Lawrence to the Nationals for third baseman Vinny Castilla.
Glenn Hoffman had been the Dodgers' third-base coach for six seasons. He managed the team in 1998, going 47-41 after taking over on June 21.
Naturally, Glenn and Trevor would love to be reunited at PETCO Park. Trevor often points to Glenn and his other brother, Greg, as huge influences on him growing up as the youngest of the three siblings.
But it might not happen. In the early stages of negotiations to bring Trevor back for a 14th season as their closer, the Padres find themselves far apart from the franchise's centerpiece. The gap is believed to entail about $15 million and one season, the Padres offering two years and $10 million, with Team Trevor reportedly responding with a demand for an estimated $25 million across three seasons.
As the elder Hoffman brother heads south, so does Waller, moving down to the field after spending six seasons as the club's director of player development.
"Glenn and Tye both have an excellent understanding of the game and are tremendous additions to our staff," Towers said in a statement released by the team.
"Paul has done an outstanding job with our players in the Minor Leagues, and we feel he can make that same type of contribution at the Major League level."
Hoffman's sixth full season as the Dodgers' third-base coach in 2005 was his 30th in professional baseball.
Hoffman, 47, played parts of nine Major League seasons with the Boston Red Sox (1980-87), Dodgers (1987) and Angels (1989). He began his coaching career in 1991 as manager at Rookie League Great Falls in the Dodgers organization and went on to register a 246-302 managerial record in their Minor League system from 1991-93 and 1997-98.
Waller, 48, has been a member of the Padres' organization for the past 18 seasons as a coach, instructor and administrator. Following an 11-year playing career with the St. Louis, Chicago Cubs and Houston organizations, Waller began his coaching career at Rookie League Spokane in 1988.
He served as the Padres' Minor League outfield and base-running instructor from 1989-1993 before returning to Spokane, this time as manager, in 1994. He served as San Diego's bullpen coach in 1995, his last Major League coaching role.
From 1997-1999, Waller was the Padres' coordinator of Minor League instruction.
Navarro completed his second season at Class A Fort Wayne in 2005 before joining the Major League staff for the latter part of the season. Navarro, who joined the Padres in 2000 as athletic trainer for the organization's Arizona Rookie League club in Peoria, held that same post for Idaho Falls of the Pioneer League from 2001-03.
A certified strength and conditioning specialist, Navarro spent six years working at West-Star Physical Therapy in Santa Ana upon graduating from the University of La Verne.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Padres swap Lawrence for Castilla

11/04/2005
In a swap of veterans coming off substandard seasons, the Padres sent right-handed starter Brian Lawrence to the Nationals for third baseman Vinny Castilla.
Castilla, 38, batted .253 with 12 home runs, 36 doubles and 66 RBIs in 142 games with the Nationals in 2005. A two-time All-Star, he experienced his finest seasons in Colorado, leading the league in RBIs with 131 while hitting 35 homers for the Rockies as recently as 2004.
It should be of interest to Padres fans that 21 of those 35 homers in '04 were struck away from Coors Field, running contrary to the notion that he did all his damage at altitude. Castilla also has grown more patient at the plate with the advance of time.
Castilla is expected to take over a job that was handled by Joe Randa after he was acquired from the Reds in a midseason trade that cost San Diego two Minor League pitchers. Randa has filed for free agency, but Sean Burroughs -- who started at third for the Friars for almost three seasons before being demoted to Triple-A Portland last summer -- remains in the picture.
In detaching Castilla with one year remaining on his contract at $3 million, the Nationals create an opening for their superb young third baseman, Ryan Zimmerman.
"They wanted to open up room for Ryan, and that's good -- Ryan Zimmerman is a great player and great prospect," Castilla said. "The trade will work out for me, too. I'll be in San Diego with a team that made the playoffs this year."
Castilla should have tremendous appeal among the thousands of fans over the border in his native Mexico. He calls Oaxaca home.
Castilla will be embraced for his glove as much as for his bat. Always steady defensively and sometimes spectacular, he finished the 2005 season ranked second among all National League third basemen with a .970 fielding percentage, making only 11 errors in 362 total chances. Twice -- in 2002 with Atlanta and in 2004 with the Rockies -- Castilla led NL third basemen in fielding percentage.
Across 15 Major League seasons with Atlanta, Colorado, Tampa Bay, Houston and the Nationals, Castilla has a career batting average of .278, with 315 home runs, 339 doubles and 1,078 RBIs in 1,767 games.
His production was down in 2005, but RFK Stadium was a death valley for power hitters -- even more so for a right-handed hitter than Castilla's new home, PETCO Park.
The Padres hope that Castilla can take advantage of the relatively friendly left-field fences at PETCO, where most of the suffering has been experienced by left-handed batters.
Castilla owns two of the top-10 highest single-season RBI totals for a third baseman. He drove home 144 runs in 1998 -- second all-time for his position, and the highest ever by a National League third baseman. His 131 RBIs in 2004 represented the eighth-best total in history by a third baseman.
Castilla holds Major League records for most hits, home runs, RBIs, runs scored and doubles by a Mexican-born player.
Lawrence, 29, slumped to 7-15 with a 4.83 ERA in 33 starts for the Padres in 2005. He enjoyed his best month in June, when he went 2-1 with a 3.05 ERA, allowing two or fewer runs in four of his six starts.
In five seasons with the Padres, he was 49-61 with a 4.10 ERA in 162 games, including 146 starts.
"I think both sides benefited," said Lawrence, who shared a special bond with lockermates Jake Peavy, Adam Eaton and Scott Linebrink. "I'm excited to come to a new city and do the thing that I love -- and that's pitching.
"I feel that I have a lot of good years in front of me."
The Nationals are banking on Lawrence getting an emotional lift from a change of scenery, along with the vast dimensions of RFK Stadium. A sinkerball artist, he was hurt badly by the long ball in 2005 as he struggled with his command.
Selected in the 17th round of the June 1998 First-Year Player Draft, Lawrence is one of only eight pitchers in franchise history to toss 200 or more innings in three consecutive seasons -- 2002 to 2004. He ranks among the Padres' all-time leaders in wins (11th), innings pitched (ninth), strikeouts (12th, with 579) and games started.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Towers plans to remain in San Diego

11/04/2005
It is time to go to work, full speed ahead, for Kevin Towers, general manager of the Padres for now and the immediate future.
Towers made it official that he plans to stay with the Padres through the balance of his contract in 2007, at least, by rejecting emphatically all potential interest from teams from Boston to Los Angeles that remain involved in the dizzying GM merry-go-round.
"I'm glad it's behind me," said Towers, who interviewed with the Diamondbacks for the GM job that went to former Red Sox assistant Josh Byrnes. "I'm a loyal person. I hated having my face out there for every job that was coming up. It started bothering me.
"After going through the process with Arizona, I had time to reflect on what was important to me. I realized what matters is quality of life, familiarity with people I've worked with, being happy where I am.
"I'm thankful to this organization for giving me the opportunity to do so many things, for standing by me. I came to realize that years and dollars weren't that important to me, after all. It was getting pretty crazy with all the speculation out there, and I needed to put a stop to it."
When Boston GM Theo Epstein unexpectedly resigned, Towers' name quickly surfaced as a possible replacement, given his longstanding relationship with Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino.
Towers became the Padres' general manager in 1996, working closely with Lucchino in his role as club president. But Towers did not wait for the Red Sox to come calling, electing to put the kibosh on all the speculation.
The Dodgers were also in the market for a GM after firing Paul DePodesta and sought an interview with Towers, asking permission of Padres CEO Sandy Alderson. But Towers quashed that with his decision to work in concert with Alderson in the reshaping of the Padres.
There's enough work there for two or three able men, given the nine free agents who might have to be replaced. Towers and Alderson already put their heads together in pulling off a deal that brought over third baseman Vinny Castilla from the Nationals in exchange for starter Brian Lawrence.
In securing Castilla, still a power threat and excellent defensive third baseman at 38, the Padres might have been sending a message to free agents such as Brian Giles and Trevor Hoffman that they are serious about winning and aren't planning to gut the roster and start all over with young talent.
Towers will be attending the General Managers Meetings in Indian Wells, Calif., starting on Monday. These sessions are usually more about finding common ground for future deals, with most GMs focused on free agents at the moment, but Towers will be looking for serious trade partners.
"I plan on being active," he said. "Sometimes clubs are not as aggressive at these meetings because they're waiting to find out what's going to happen with free agents. But from my standpoint, I'm not opposed to making a deal or two."
He's enthused about the acquisition of Castilla on a variety of levels.
"We looked at the third basemen in the free-agent market, and Joe Randa and Bill Mueller were the top guys," Towers said. "We had an excess of arms and have always liked Castilla. We think he can be a productive player for us. That's the main draw with Vinny, his ability to swing the bat and play great defense.
"This guy's probably the most popular player in Mexico. With our proximity to Mexico, it will help make a connection with fans, and that's certainly something we look at. Since we don't have [native Mexicans] Oliver Perez or Miguel Ojeda any more, it will be good to have Castilla. He's just a great guy to have on a ballclub."
Towers, signed for more than $1 million per year through 2007 with a club option for 2008, has maintained all along that talk of a rift with Alderson was without merit, and that the two have been on excellent working terms since the former Oakland GM came to San Diego early in the 2005 season.
"I think Kevin is critical to our baseball operations," Alderson said. "I think going into next season, we're going to have as strong a baseball operations staff as any team in the league."
The Padres earlier in the week announced the appointment of Grady Fuson, highly successful in scouting and player development in Oakland and Texas, as their new vice president in charge of those vital departments.
"I talked to Kevin, and he said he was going to put that [speculation] to rest," Padres second baseman Mark Loretta said. "Everybody seems to be on the same page, with a coherent plan. Having that kind of brainpower is only going to help."
Towers' many moves during the of-season last winter and over the course of the 2005 season were essential in the club's NL West title despite an injury-riddled season.
While their 82-80 record was less than dazzling, it could not have been accomplished, Alderson pointed out, without moves by Towers that landed starting pitcher Pedro Astacio, third baseman Joe Randa and catcher Miguel Olivo -- as well as the GM's efforts last winter in assembling a superb bullpen and deep bench.
A native of Medford, Ore., Towers was a first-round selection by the Padres in the 1982 First-Year Player Draft after starring at BYU. A series of arm injuries brought his pitching career to a close after seven seasons in the team's farm system.
He soon launched his new career as an area scout, rising through the ranks until he was appointed vice-president/general manager on Nov. 17, 1995.
Known for going with his instinctive feel for talent, Towers has made a number of bold moves that have been applauded by fans, notably during the club's runs to postseason play in 1996, 1998 and 2005.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Will 'X' man play third?

11/14/2005
The response has been overwhelming from Padres fans brimming with suggestions and questions for management in the afterglow of a roller-coaster ride of a 2005 season. We'll try to get to as many e-mails as possible that address widely expressed concerns. Please try to keep your questions fairly brief and always include your first name, last initial and hometown.
Is Xavier Nady at third base an option? It is high time we see what X can do with a full season. He hit most of his homers against right-handed pitching, but he mostly played against lefties. -- Jason M., La Mesa, Calif.
The Padres apparently have decided that Nady is a first baseman or corner outfielder, not a third baseman. There is a strong groundswell of support for Nady as an everyday player among fans, with good reason.
There are few players in the game with as much raw power as Nady. You're right -- it's time to find out what he can do playing every day, not looking over his shoulder. He could be dealt for a proven player, but that could come back to haunt the club.
Is there any credence to the rumors that the Padres may take Steve Finley back to finish his career? If Ryan Klesko leaves, we could have a hole in the outfield that Finley would fill nicely.-- Julie J., San Diego
This is a potential straight-up swap -- Finley for Klesko -- that could work to everyone's advantage if the money issues could be ironed out. Finley slumped badly in 2005, as did Klesko in the second half, and a change of scenery could do wonders for both men.
Klesko would have to waive his contractual veto right, but for Anaheim, and a chance to play for a World Series contender, he might be convinced it's the right thing to go DH and save wear and tear on his shoulder and back. Finley keeps himself in great shape and can still play center field.
How about getting someone who likes to hit at PETCO Park, like Randy Winn, Reggie Sanders or J.T. Snow? We have a good blend of veterans and talented youth. Snow or Sanders could really add to that dynamic. -- Jeffrey C., Vista, Calif.
Interesting thought. Sanders certainly moves around, and he can pull the ball out of any park. Snow fits the same profile: experienced talent, good guy in a clubhouse. J.T. would save a lot of errors at first, where he's as good as anybody, and he's an underrated hitter. Winn will be back with the Giants.
Will the Padres do anything to bring Hank Blalock home from the Rangers? We have plenty of guys to trade, and Hank's bat will win way more games than someone like Adam Eaton's pitching or Sean Burroughs' hitting.-- Grayson A., Solana Beach, Calif.
Blalock could be on the block as the Rangers continue their never-ending pursuit of pitching. His value as a power threat, quality glove at third and drawing card is evident. But I'd hate to sacrifice Eaton, and so would the Padres. He was on his way to 18-20 wins when he injured his finger.
How much are the Padres willing to spend next year? Is there any way they can get out of paying these huge salaries to players who do not deserve them? -- Tracy L.V., Las Vegas
From most indications, they'll try to keep the salary ceiling around $70 million, which means the arrival of a big name is unlikely. As for players with huge contracts, generally the only way to unload them is for a similar contract -- unless you can interest the Yankees.
Why are the Padres not being aggressive in trying to re-sign Hoffman? He is almost automatic. Furthermore, the fans and community love him. Are the Padres trying to find cheaper help for the closer role?--John G., San Diego
One theory is they'd like to see what the market sets as his value and then determine if he's worth that figure to them. They have great admiration for Hoffman, but feel they're covered if he leaves with Scott Linebrink, who has closer stuff and appears to have the attitude to succeed in that role.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Numbers deceiving for Breslow

11/04/2005
Craig Breslow has been one of the Javelinas' most reliable relievers for a couple of weeks, but his overall numbers still are skewed by the eight runs he gave up in two innings during his first three appearances.
Breslow had a streak of seven straight scoreless outings snapped on Nov. 1, when he allowed a run in a one-inning stint against the Saguaros.
Since Oct. 14, Breslow has surrendered that one run in 8 2/3 innings covering nine outings, yet his ERA was 7.59 as of Nov. 3. He has 11 strikeouts and two walks. Breslow and four other Padres prospects are playing for the Javelinas. Here's how they fared during the past week:
RHP Jack Cassel -- Cassel gave up two runs in four innings and was the hard-luck loser as the Javelinas were beaten by the Saguaros, 5-0, on Nov. 2. Cassel escaped some jams as he gave up six hits and four walks. The loss evened his record at 2-2.
LHP Rusty Tucker -- Tucker got his second win of the season with two scoreless innings against the Saguaros on Oct. 28. His ERA after that game was 2.70, but it went up to 4.76 after he yielded two runs in two-thirds of an inning to the Desert Dogs on Oct. 31 and one run in two-thirds of an inning to the Saguaros on Nov. 2.
C George Kottaras -- Kottaras has more than doubled his batting average in the last four games he's played. He went 6-for-12 in that span to go from .125 to .286. One day after hitting his first home run, Kottaras went 2-for-3 and drove in three runs as the Javelinas defeated the Saguaros, 7-0.
1B Michael Johnson -- Johnson hit three home runs in one game on Oct. 25. He didn't get three hits in all of last week. He went four games and 13 at-bats without a hit, dropping his batting average to .282 before ripping a single against the Saguaros on Nov. 2. Johnson walked three times and scored twice in a 7-0 victory over the Saguaros on Oct. 28.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Leitner, Ortega among Frick candidates

11/08/2005
Sharing an endearing love of the game, an enduring bond with listeners and boundless energy, Ted Leitner and Eduardo Ortega are the Padres' candidates for the 2006 Ford C. Frick Award for baseball broadcasting excellence.
Presented annually since 1978, the Ford C. Frick Award is given to an active or retired broadcaster with a minimum of 10 years of continuous Major League broadcast service with a ballclub, network, or a combination of the two.
Fans will have the opportunity to vote for up to three of the 182 broadcasters eligible for consideration for the 2006 Ford C. Frick Award. Fans are allowed to vote once daily. Results will be announced when voting concludes, though updates will not be provided during the voting. The fan selections, along with the full ballot of 10 candidates, will be announced on Dec. 5.
The final ballot will be comprised of the three fan selections, along with seven other candidates, determined by a Hall of Fame staff research team. The Frick electorate includes all living award winners and six historians appointed by the Hall of Fame.
The voting electorate consists of 20 members, featuring 2005 Ford C. Frick Award winner Jerry Coleman and the other 13 living Frick Award winners: Marty Brennaman, Herb Carneal, Joe Garagiola, Curt Gowdy, Ernie Harwell, Jaime Jarrin, Milo Hamilton, Harry Kalas, Felo Ramirez, Vin Scully, Lon Simmons, Bob Uecker and Bob Wolff.
Six historians and veteran media members are also part of the electorate, including Bob Costas (NBC), Barry Horn (Dallas Morning News), Stan Isaacs (formerly of New York Newsday), Ted Patterson (historian), Curt Smith (historian) and Larry Stewart (Los Angeles Times).
Voters are asked to base their selections on the following criteria: longevity; continuity with a club; honors, including national assignments such as the World Series and All-Star Games; and popularity with fans.
Paper ballots will be cast by voting members each January and the final results will be announced at the Hall of Fame's Web site in February. Each voter will cast ballots for three candidates and the broadcaster with the most support will be named as that year's award winner, and be honored the following summer at the annual induction ceremony in Cooperstown.
With a distinctive voice and rich background lending itself to plentiful anecdotes, the colorful and insightful Leitner has served for 26 seasons behind the microphone for "My Padres." Listeners tune in knowing they can count on Leitner to shoot straight while giving them an impassioned account of the action.
Leitner has spent a quarter-century working alongside Coleman, the immensely popular 2005 Ford C. Frick Hall of Fame honoree. Leitner joined Coleman in Cooperstown, N.Y., last summer for his partner's ceremony. Coleman, in his unique fashion, highlighted Leitner's Hall credentials during his speech.
Now in his 32nd year as San Diego's most outspoken and widely respected radio broadcaster, Leitner's previous play-by-play credits also include the National Football League's San Diego Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles, the National Basketball Association's San Diego Clippers, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Connecticut and San Diego State University Aztecs football and basketball.
In addition to his play-by-play, Leitner also hosts a popular talk show on the Mighty 1090 AM. His distinguished broadcasting career includes stays in Oklahoma City, Okla.; Hartford, Conn.; and Philadelphia.
A graduate of Oklahoma State University, Leitner attended graduate school at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. His versatility and high-energy broadcasts reflect a love of the games he announces as well as a deep affection for his listeners, who develop an emotional attachment to Leitner owing largely to his interest in serving as their connection to the teams and players they follow.
Leitner always has had a lot of incentive at home to keep the paychecks rolling in. He has a daughter, Kristin, and six sons: twins Nicholas and Ryan as well as Mark, Matthew, Jordan and Theodore.
With his own distinctive style in a neighboring booth, Ortega has been captivating listeners for 19 years as the Spanish voice of the Padres.
Ortega brings his one-of-a-kind charisma and flair to Padres Spanish radio and television. Like his esteemed colleague to the north, the Dodgers' Jarrin, Ortega is beloved by fans on both sides of the border for his passion and commitment to creating word's eye pictures of the game's great talents.
The Tijuana native's credentials include a season as the voice of the San Francisco Giants in 1991, four years as play-by-play man for the Tijuana Potros of the Mexican Pacific Winter League and two seasons broadcasting for Tijuana's team in the Northern of Sonora AA Summer League. Prior to join the Padres, he spent one year as the voice of the Cottongrowers in Union Laguna in the AAA Mexican Summer League.
For the last 14 seasons he's been the lead play-by-play in Padres baseball. Since 1993, Ortega has broadcast the playoffs and World Series for CBS Hispanic Radio Network, LBC Radio Network and ESPN Deportes Radio, working with the only living Hispanic Frick Award-winning announcers, Jarrin and Ramirez.
In 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2004 he was chosen to broadcast the All-Star Game, bringing the action to millions of fans across the U.S. and Latin America. For eight winter seasons, the tireless Ortega handled the play-by-play for the worldwide telecast of the Caribbean World Series for Galavision and Fox Sports Network and radio networks from the four different host countries.
Ortega, who hosts the Padres' Spanish-language TV show "Mas Cerca Del Juego," has made presentations at Major League Baseball's Rookie Career Development Program. Along with the four All-Star Games, he has broadcast nine World Series, the 3,000th hit by both Tony Gwynn and Ricky Henderson, two no-hit, no-run games and the 500th home run by Mark McGwire.
In 1995, he joined the Padres' front-office staff on a year-round basis, assisting in sales and public relations and making countless appearances on behalf of the club across the region. He was named Sports Ambassador of Tijuana by the city's mayor in November 1998 and was honored as 1997 Sportscaster of the Year by the Sportswriters Association of Tijuana.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Hoffman, Giles could have domino effect

11/09/2005
Never shy about pulling the trigger on moves of any size or shape, Padres GM Kevin Towers came to the general managers meetings in Indian Wells, Calif., looking for trade partners.
If might take some time to get familiar with all the new faces and personalities, however, given the amazing turnover among personnel chiefs.
As he surveys the landscape, Towers realizes that he's among the old guard now, but he'll dive right in nonetheless and make every effort to begin the process of improving a club that won the National League West Division with an 82-80 record before getting swept by the Cardinals in the NLDS.
Before Towers and CEO Sandy Alderson can move boldly forward with their plan, they first need to know whether their most coveted free agents -- outfielder Brian Giles and closer Trevor Hoffman -- will be back.
If both men depart, the club will have further needs to address in the outfield and in the bullpen, even with in-house talent (outfielders Xavier Nady and Ben Johnson, reliever Scott Linebrink) capable of filling the vacuums.
Free-agent catcher Ramon Hernandez also is expected to leave. This most likely gives Miguel Olivo, who played superbly with Hernandez sidelined, the opportunity to be a full-time catcher, unless the club delves into the market.
The Padres have interest in Japan's Kenji Jojima, who comes highly recommended and would have no trouble communicating with Akinori Otsuka, the team's valuable middle reliever.
Among the most expendable Padres is third baseman Sean Burroughs, who could have appeal as a Wade Boggs-type hitter with solid defense. Burroughs' lack of power is underscored by PETCO Park's spacious dimensions.
"We have some things we want to do," Towers said, "and we plan to be aggressive. We need more speed and defense in the outfield; that's something we'll be trying to improve. And we'll be concentrating on the bench and the bullpen. Those were areas of strength last season, and we intend to be strong there again."
Damian Jackson has signed with the Nationals, creating a hole on the bench, and Robert Fick and Mark Sweeney are free agents. And Eric Young's multiple talents will have to be replaced if the club does not pick up his $850,000 option year.
In the bullpen, Rudy Seanez and Chris Hammond are free agents, and both served valuable roles. Pedro Astacio, a late-season revelation in the rotation, also is a free agent, with his old club, the Rockies, apparently interested.
Towers got a head start on reshaping the club when he sent starting pitcher Brian Lawrence to the Nationals for veteran third baseman Vinny Castilla. At 38, Castilla is clearly a short-term answer, but Towers thinks the Mexico native can bring stability along with leadership -- to say nothing of a quality glove and dangerous bat.
"We looked at the third basemen in the free-agent market, and Joe Randa and Bill Mueller were the top guys," Towers said. "We had an excess of arms and have always liked Castilla. We think he can be a productive player for us, and an excellent leader."
The Padres are set with their everyday lineup only at third with Castilla, at shortstop with Khalil Greene, at second base with Mark Loretta and with Dave Roberts in the outfield, given the uncertainty with Giles.
A force when healthy in the leadoff role in 2005, Roberts is arbitration eligible and figures to play center or left. Ryan Klesko, also hindered by injuries in 2005 while leading the club in homers with 18, has one year left at $10.5 million. Klesko can play first or left and has the right to veto any trades.
In trade conversations, Linebrink is a name that inevitably surfaces, but his value is twofold -- both as a set-up artist with few peers and a fallback closer if Hoffman exits. The Padres have some young pitchers who could be attractive to potential trade partners such as starters Tim Stauffer and Chris Oxspring and reliever Brad Baker.
While the rotation does not appear to be a high priority, David Wells has made it known he'd love to return home to give the Padres something they lack: a left-handed starter between Jake Peavy and Adam Eaton.
Likely trade targets are established outfielders capable of covering PETCO's vast reaches. Heading this list are the Marlins' Juan Pierre, the Mets' Mike Cameron and the Devil Rays' Carl Crawford. The Twins' Torii Hunter would be a dream fit, but it's unlikely he'll be made available at a realistic price.
In the free agent market, the Twins' Jacque Jones is a San Diegan who would have some appeal as a corner outfielder, especially if Giles departs.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Padres bring Otsuka back for 2006

11/09/2005
The Padres moved to solidify one area of strength, their bullpen, by exercising an option for 2006 on middle reliever Akinori Otsuka. They also chose not to renew veteran Eric Young but kept the door open on the possibility of bringing back the infielder/outfielder at a lesser salary.
Otsuka, who will be 34 next season, will make $1.75 million plus bonuses for games finished. He has been invaluable in a setup role the past two seasons after leaving the Kintetsu Buffaloes of Japan's Pacific League, where he established a league record in 1998 with 35 saves.
Otsuka was 2-8 with a 3.59 ERA in 66 appearances covering 62 2/3 innings in 2005. He was especially effective at PETCO Park, with a 2-0 record and 1.23 ERA in 36 2/3 innings.
Otsuka, along with fellow setup artist Scott Linebrink, will provide a fallback for the club if free agent closer Trevor Hoffman chooses to depart San Diego after 13 seasons.
In his two seasons with the Padres, Otsuka has compiled a 9-10 record with three saves and a 2.57 ERA in 139 relief outings. In 2004, his 1.75 ERA was the lowest-ever mark by a Padres' reliever making at least 70 appearances in a season.
Young, 38, was presented a $150,000 buyout. The club could have signed him for $850,000, with $700,000 in potential performance incentives.
Young had his 2005 season painfully interrupted in the club's home opener when he crashed into the wall making a spectacular catch and separated his right shoulder. He came back sooner than expected on July 2 and was an inspiring second-half presence in a variety of roles, batting .275 with a .356 on-base percentage and .380 slugging average.
Young emerged as the vocal and emotional leader of the Padres' "Red Alert" unit of reserves, a band of veterans that plugged holes all season as one regular after another went to the disabled list with injuries.
Making 19 starts in left field, three in center and 10 at second base, Young provided energy and speed at the top of the order -- and he came through in the NLDS against the Cardinals, homering and driving in three runs with a .333 batting average.
"I think I have a lot left to offer," Young said. "I plan to come back and have a good year. I still love the game with a passion."
Across 14 Major League seasons with seven clubs, Young has a career batting average of .285, with 76 home runs, 321 doubles, 45 triples, 528 RBIs, 976 runs scored and 457 stolen bases. His stolen-base total ranks 46th all-time and third among active Major Leaguers.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Hoffman about to hit open market

11/10/2005
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- The free agent signing period opens on Friday and Trevor Hoffman is about to discover what he's worth on the open market.
Based on the gap between what the Padres have offered and what he's asking, the potential Hall of Fame reliever is starting to prepare for life after his stellar career closing games for San Diego. And the Padres, who must fit Hoffman into their $70 million budget, may be beginning to prepare for life without him, too.
"I don't need to be the highest-paid reliever in baseball, I'm just looking for fair market value," Hoffman told MLB.com when reached via phone from San Diego this week. "But they're not even being fair. To me, that's the writing on the wall."
About a week ago the two sides exchanged figures. The Padres' first salvo was for two years at $10 million, and Hoffman countered at three years for $25.5 million, general manager Kevin Towers said. The breach is now as wide as the outfield gaps at spacious two-year-old PETCO Park, and the two sides haven't talked since then.
The Padres have three key free agents to sign this offseason: Hoffman, right fielder Brian Giles and catcher Ramon Hernandez, who is probably out of the picture. But Towers said this week as the general managers meetings played themselves out here that Hoffman is the team's top priority.
"Based on what he's done for this organization for almost 13 years," Towers said. "It's very important to have a closer to shut things down at the end of the game."
A case can be made that the Padres wouldn't have won the National League West this past season without the now 38-year-old right-hander coming out of the bullpen to close games. The Padres won 82 times, tied for the fewest ever by a playoff team with a 162-game schedule, and Hoffman saved 43 of them. The Dodgers, who virtually lost Eric Gagne for the entire season, and the Giants, who lost Armando Benitez for a sizeable portion of it, would have loved to have had Hoffman.
And that's what the Padres are about to find out. Who wants him and at what price?
"Once he gets out there and starts talking to other ballclubs, that could either help us to make our numbers seem more fair or it could hurt us," Towers said. "He needs to find out what the interest level is and what the market is."
There's certainly a high premium on closers, particularly one who has saved 436 games over the course of his career and is as well-conditioned as Hoffman, who bounced back from right shoulder surgery in 2003 to save 84 games during the past two seasons. The total saves figure is the second highest in baseball history behind Lee Smith's 478, but it should be noted that all except two of Hoffman's saves came for the Padres.
The Mets, for one, have prioritized signing a closer, said Omar Minaya, their general manager, who opted out of a contract recently with Braden Looper. And although their first choice may be Phillies left-hander Billy Wagner, the Mets believe that Philadelphia will make a concerted effort to retain their free agent. If that happens, the Mets will take an alternative route.
"We'll go to Plan B," Minaya said, indicating that the world of relievers out there would certainly include Hoffman.
The fact that it has to come to this seems to have saddened Hoffman, who brings more to a team than just his able right arm, but adds a very high quotient of leadership.
"It makes me upset and very frustrated," Hoffman said. "I don't even like the idea of going out there and talking to other teams let alone thinking about playing somewhere else than San Diego. But if that's the reality of the situation that's what I'm going to have to do. They keep taking about my age and that Dennis Eckersley is the only reliever in history who was effective after 38. But that has to be only part of the equation."
In essence, it's the wrong year and the wrong offseason for Hoffman to be out on the market a far as the Padres are concerned. About $30 million of their $70 million payroll is already committed, with Ryan Klesko and Chan Ho Park accounting for $18 million of it.
Heading into 2007, only Jake Peavy is under contract, giving the team a lot of wiggle room a year from now. But this year they're going to have to make some tough choices.
"We've got to look at our budget," Towers said. "We want to put a competitive team on the field that can compete for a championship, and we need a few pieces. We don't just need a closer. There are other things we're going to have to do, so we need to decide where we're going to allocate our dollars.
"If the bidding is too high on Trevor then we might have to go with a [Scott] Linebrink or an [Akinori] Otsuka to close. We might not want to do that, but if we want to field a competitive team we might have to."
The two aforementioned setup men have been effective for the Padres during the last two seasons, but they only have four career saves between them. No one knows whether the psyche of a pitcher is strong enough to make the change from setup man to closer until he is placed in that role.
Hoffman, for one, thinks Linebrink has the ability to do it, but he's a right-hander whom the Padres acquired on waivers from the Houston Astros a little more than two years ago. Otsuka, a Japan League product, was signed in 2003 as a free agent.
It's a bridge that neither the Padres nor Hoffman want to cross, but it is obvious that both parties are preparing to make that journey.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Padres may adjust PETCO dimensions

11/10/2005
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- The Padres are actively looking into a plan to move the fence in right-center field at PETCO Park from the 411 mark to something in the 395-foot range, and are hoping to get it done in time for the 2006 season.
After a long day of trade discussions at the general manager meetings that yielded nothing concrete, Padres general manager Kevin Towers said he thinks it's "better than 50-50" that something can be done in the area that has become a death valley to left-handed hitters in time for the first pitch in April.
"At the last VP meeting we had, they had some architects out there," Towers said. "It's not going to be dramatic -- cutting the 411 corner to around 395. Right field and the gap are not going to change.
"I'm for it. It's still going to be a pitcher's park. It will give some of your left-handed power hitters a chance to hit a few more home runs. That 411's big. It'll make it a little more fair. Aesthetically, it will look better, too."
Possible obstacles include cost and time. PETCO Park is staging the semifinals and finals of the inaugural World Baseball Classic on March 18-20.
"If we do it, we have to get started," Towers said. "You have to look at the costs, the time frame, can you get it done by mid-March. As far as the baseball people are concerned, we're all for it."
The Padres' main left-handed threats, Brian Giles and Ryan Klesko, have experienced their share of frustration in their home park while driving balls for outs in the vast area of center field and deepest right-center.
Giles, a free agent who can begin accepting offers from other Major League clubs on Friday after the Padres' exclusive negotiating period elapses, batted .267 at home with six homers and 31 RBIs, compared to .333 on the road, with nine homers and 52 RBIs.
The Padres have offered Giles, their Most Valuable Player in 2005 after leading the club in almost every major offensive category, a three-year deal believed to be in the $24-$25 million range.
Giles has expressed a desire to explore free agency for the first time and see what's out there. A number of clubs have expressed interest, from St. Louis and the Cubs in the NL Central to the Yankees and Red Sox in the AL East, with the Indians, Giles' first club, also in the hunt.
"I've talked to his agent," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said on Thursday, referring to Joe Bick. New York is in the market for a center fielder and could play Giles there, or they could put him in left field if Hideki Matsui signs a new contract and moves to center.
With Larry Walker departing, Giles would be an excellent fit in St. Louis, and the Cubs and Indians also have a need for an outfielder with his multiple talents.
"I talked to Bick [Wednesday], and he said we're still Brian's main choice," Towers said. "Winning is a big thing at this point in his career. He's [34 years old], and he got a taste of the postseason this year -- and he wants to be in the playoffs every year.
"He's waiting to see what we're able to do. We're trying to do some things to make a strong enough statement to him and [closer Trevor Hoffman] that we do feel we can win again."
To that end, Towers has made it a high priority to improve the outfield defense, saying that he'd love to have two center fielders to handle PETCO's vast reaches. He feels he'll need to get it done in a trade and thinks he can get something done before the Winter Meetings in Dallas in early December.
"We're down the line in discussions that could bring us an outfielder," Towers said.
Names that have come up in the rumor mill include the Mets' Mike Cameron, the Devil Rays' Carl Crawford, the Marlins' Juan Pierre and the Rangers' Laynce Nix, swift outfielders capable of running down balls in the gaps.
While refusing to get into any specifics, Towers said, "We need to get much more outfield athleticism. In our ballpark, the emphasis is on defense as much as offense in a center fielder. You really have to have somebody who can go get it.
"Dave Roberts did a nice job. Our focus is, we'd like to have at least two center fielders in our outfield -- probably in right and center."
Towers feels that Ben Johnson and Xavier Nady both have the skills to play right.
As for Klesko, who played left field most of the season with Roberts in center and Giles in right, Towers said, "We're probably looking at him more at first base. I'd say there's a good chance he'll be with us. He had a down year, but did lead our team in home runs [with 18]. He'll let his shoulder and neck rest. When healthy, he's a legitimate 3-4-5 hitter."
As for reports of interest in starter Adam Eaton, Towers said, "He's always been asked about. He's got a great arm, and is a good athlete who fields his position well and swings the bat. We're not shopping him. There's a better than even chance he'll be back with us.
"I've always gone into these meetings with the idea that nobody's untouchable. We had a club ask about [Jake] Peavy. You're gathering information here, finding out who they like and don't like. That's part of the preparation, being able to act when you have to."
Towers said the club has made no offers to their seven free agents besides Hoffman and Giles, but will get started soon assessing needs.
As for free-agent catcher Kenji Jomina, a seven-time Gold Glove winner in Japan with power in his right-handed bat, club officials said they'd received "mixed reports" and were not sure they'd be moving in that direction as a replacement for Ramon Hernandez, expected to depart as a free agent.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/