The more I think about the current situation with Khalil Greene, the more I think it's time to explore possibilities of moving Greene. If Khalil is to be traded, then a shortstop in return is a must. Here are the scenario's I would listen to if the other parties were interested:

• (1) Khalil Greene to Florida Marlins for Hanley Ramirez, straight up. Hanley can do it all and fits the small ball philosophy with a high .OBP (.386). The question is, are both teams willing to pull off this major blockbuster deal. Personally speaking, I would like to think deal would benefit each club and is a fair one. Something to reflect on is to deal for Marlins' backup shortstop Alfredo Amezaga. Though, the Padres may want to include a third team to get involved where Khalil could be moved to that third team and players from that third team would go to the Padres. Which would allow the Padres to package some players for Alfredo Amezaga and Josh Willingham.

• (2) Khalil Greene to Pittsburgh Pirates for Jack Wilson and Nate McLouth. Jack could step in at SS and offer solid production offensively/defensively. Nate would give the Padres another solid outfielder who could possibly start in left field. If needed be, the Padres could throw in a pitcher in the likes of Tim Stauffer or Justin Germano to sweeten this deal.

I am sure there would be other possible deals out there, though these are probably the best two that would benefit the Padres. Trading Khalil is highly probable if he does not agree for a multi-year contract soon with the fiscal aware Padres. I just hate when our farmhands leave and have an impact elsewhere. It's better to grab compensation now, when Khalil's value is high. The old cliche buy low and sell high.

Let's see this past 12 months has been incredible emotional roller coaster ride for any San Diegan true sports fan. Our beloved Padres were coming off back to back NL West Division Champs and going for the 3rd consecutive one when injuries took a toll on the team, to the likes of Milton Bradley and Mike Cameron. Though that 163rd game, the reserves kept us in the game and practically almost pulled it out.

Now fast forward to the 2007 NFL season as the Chargers were coming off a fantastic 14-2 season that ended early with an upsetting loss to the Patriots. The Chargers got off to a slow start and many people in San Diego were calling for some heads to roll. Despite having the core team is intact, the fan based had no confidence in the coaching staff which blew my mind completely. The Chargers finally got their stuff in order and made a fantastic run to the AFC Championship game against the one of the all time greatest teams in the New England Patriots. Playing without the full services of LaDainian Tomlinson, partial services from Antonio Gates and a courageous efforts from Philip Rivers, the Chargers represented themselves in the utmost respectable fashion and gave the New England Patriots a fight for that AFC Championship.

The morning after the AFC Championship game, I am proud to be a San Diegan Sports Fan. Our teams have given America's Finest City residents (San Diegans) something to be proud about and to look forward in the future, that is two helluva sports franchises who are on the rise in their respectable leagues. Besides, of course our fantastic weather, after all there is no place to live than in San Diego.

Though, I do hope those bandwagoners out there realize the sports culture is changing out here and do support these two upcoming sports franchises. Both franchises has given America Finest City something to cheer about the last three years. It's time to support these franchises and focus on the positives these two franchises have to offer in the upcoming seasons. It's very easy to be critical, it's **** hard to be patient. I think this past season, all San Diegans sports fans have endured through the trials and tribulations of two fabulous professional seasons in MLB and NFL.

I personally would like to thank both the Padres and Chargers for a wonderful year that they have given me in terms of entertainment. Many more seasons are to follow.

Keep your head up San Diegans....The weather is great, no place like here and a championship is about to make a stop here soon, very soon.....

There always comes a time when big decisions have to be made. I had recently read that SS Khalil Greene does not want to negotiate a long term deal with the Padres. Greene is under contract for the next two seasons 08 and 09. The question is, do the Padres Camp decide to move on forward and perhaps begin to listen to any offers on Khalil. If the Padres do decide, maybe an offer like Hensley Ramirez for Khalil might get things moving. Khalil is from Florida and if the issue is location and closeness to family, well that could solve everything. Just some food for thought, I personally can not see Khalil leaving the Padres, he has been great to the organization and a farm-hand at that too.

Another question lingers in my mind, why would Mike Cameron turn down 17m two year contract with the Padres, to only sign for 5m one year + option for 2nd year valued at 10m with the Brewers? Something does not add up right, and I believe the Padres made an honest effort to resign Cameron.

I still believe Padres' GM Kevin Towers will pull a trigger on a deal for a corner outfielder, most notably a right fielder so that Brian Giles can return to left field. After doing some due diligence on a few rosters, I think perhaps a deal between the Padres and Nationals can be done. The Nationals could use some pitching and the Padres are deep in that category. Maybe an offer like Justin Germano and Tim Stauffer for Austin Kearns.

Another scenario, Justin Germano and Tim Stauffer for Indians' Ben Francisco. Though the neighbors to the north in Anaheim, the Angels have a surplus of outfielders that could draw some interest from the Padres. In particular, Reggie Willits or Nathan Hayes, both players could be a lead-off hitter for the Padres.

Balls are flying in Petco Park, as Chase Headley, Matt Antonelli and Scott Hairston are chasing them down. Ahh, the pre-rituals before Spring Training 2008.

Well, it's 29 days until the Padres Pitchers and Catchers report to Peoria Arizona for 2008 Spring Training. But for now, San Diego is catching football fever as the Chargers will be playing the New England Patriots on Sunday for the AFC Championship. Here is a sound off for the entire San Diego Chargers organization and fans.... Chargers Anthem.... Let's Go Bolts !

I am looking forward to attending the Friar's Fest on the last weekend of January. I will be reporting back on Thursday after I get a chance to hear the Sandy Alderson report on Wednesday.

Yes, the Chargers have advanced to the AFC Championship Game ! Give kudo's to GM AJ Smith, who has shown he is willing to pull on a trade during the season to bring in an establish all-star player. Maybe, if the Padres are serious about winning, the Front Office will pull on a trigger for an establish prime time player. Atleast one San Diego Professional Franchise can win a playoff series at home and away.

Back to baseball.....

As of today, 13 January 2008 here is what the Padres projected starting EIGHT:

1b- Adrian Gonzalez, 2b- Tadahito Iguchi, SS- Khalil Greene, 3b- Kevin Kouzmanoff, LF- Scott Hairston, CF- Jim Edmunds, RF- Brian Giles and C- Josh Bard.

I see only one upgrade at 2b and three questions marks all in the outfield. Can Jim Edmunds produced more than 21 hrs, 78 rbi's and 18 stolen bases besides the defense that Mike Cameron provided ? Only time will tell. Will this be the year that Brian Giles is finally shifted over to LF where he spent all the time during his days with Indians and Pirates. What will the Padres get from Scott Hairston in terms of production ? is Scott a super-sub or legit position player ? The major questions for a supposedly contending team that plays in an enormous park. If I were on the pitching staff, I would wonder about the defense as well.

Tosses out a rumor.....

With the pitching staff loaded, perhaps there will be a deal to be made during or after spring training. Only time will tell and here in San Diego, atleast we know one Front Office is willing to pull off a trade during mid-season to make a run for the Championship.

Ah yes ! About a month and three days (Feb 14) until the Padres' Pitchers and Catchers report to Peoria Arizona for 2008 Spring Training. I can hardly wait and just around the corner (end of January) the Friar's Fest will take place at Petco !

News around the league.....
The Brewers and Free Agent CF Mike Cameron have agreed to a one year contract, and this puzzles me alot ! I thought Cameron was looking for a multi-year deal and why couldn't the Padres agree to a one year deal with Cameron? I still think we are going to miss him alot more than people realize. I know alot of fans in San Diego, were down on Mike Cameron because of his high strikeouts. But just like when C Ramon Hernandez left town, defensively the Padres have never been the same behind the plate. Speaking in regards to calling a game and throwing out base stealers. Now, three years later we are going to see the difference between Mike Cameron and Jim Edmunds. This is not to throw Edmunds under the bus, but Mike Cameron can really cover the ground. As I said earlier, I am puzzled about the deal Cameron signed for and why didn't the Padres step up to the plate for a one year deal?

Questions in Left Field....
About 33 days and counting away from the start of 2008 Spring Training and left field is still not solved as it was a year ago, heading into the 2007 Spring Training season. Last year, it was Terrmel Sledge gig to lose and today we all know where Terrmel is !.... JAPAN .... Sledge's competitor was Jose Cruz Jr and we know where he is today ! HOUSTON ASTROS...
So a year has gone by and left field is still unanswered. Who will take the position and produced for over 130+ games ? Will it be a platoon situation ? Brings back memories of Bochy's days when Bochy practically wasted Xavier Nady on the bench in favor of past his glorious days outfielder named Ryan Klesko. Maybe just maybe Padres' Mgr Buddy Black will have one of his old members from the Angels, Jeff DaVanon be the starting left fielder. I think DaVanon and Scott Hairston will do a fine job together. Though, I am still concerned about the mobility of Brian Giles. Giles is getting up there in the years and is coming off surgery on his leg. The once very good defensive/offensive Padres outfield of two years ago (LF-Roberts, CF-Cameron, RF-Giles) has now lost speed and only one remains, coincidental is on the mend from an injury. Petco is spacious and speed comes into play, hopefully somewhere out there, a diamond in the rough will be discovered. Until then, there is alot of work to be done in order for this current Padres team to be better than last years edition.

Let's go Chargers ! Bring home a Championship to San Diego !!.....

Ahhh, the first post of the 2008 Year ! I am very hopeful the Padres will make one or two more roster moves before the start of spring training. Yes, its only more than 30 days before the pitchers and catchers reports to Peoria, Arizona.

So far, the starting pitching rotation and relief corps look very solid. It will be very interesting to see what transpires with those few Rule V picks on the roster. The only two questions right now, is the health of OF Brian Giles and who would be that 3rd outfielder. Between now and most likely the end of Spring Training the Padres will pull off a deal.

Anyhow, I wish all the Padres Fan's a Happy New Year and will be back to posting after the Chargers-Titans game on Sunday. Let's go Bolts !!....