This past week has been very interesting in San Diego, as the fans had witness Trevor Hoffman era coming to an end and the possibilities of Jake Peavy putting on a different uniform as well. I agree, the Padres could have handled the Hoffman situation far more better then they did. Though, it kinda reminded me of when Larry Lucchino, Dr. Charles Steinberg and Theo Epstein left back in 2002. Basically, right then John Moores had lost his baseball club in regards to well knowledgable baseball people in the Front Office. Basically, Petco Park wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Larry Lucchino and Trevor Hoffman. Both of these two people are well deserving some type of special gratitude for their well deserve and professional services they brought to San Diegans.

Now onto a different topic, the Fans in San Diego have been voicing their displeasure about the possibilities of trading Peavy. During the season, I have been mentioning the Padres need to get better and in order to receive good talent, good talent must be sacrifice. The Padres Front Office is just getting a feel of the net worth of the players on the roster. This is common sense and determine if someone is willing to bite the bait and provide the Padres with additional talent that can make a difference in 09 and following years. I expect to see Khalil Greene, Kevin Kouzmanoff and perhaps Jake Peavy as ex-Padres. Only time will tell, though this Winter season expects to be a very exciting one for San Diegans.

I heard people on XX 1090 (Padres Flag station) ,KNBC 7/39, and Union Tribune voicing their displeasure about the possibilities of having a Triple A club in Petco Park next year as rumors about a 40 million dollar roster continues to fly around San Diego. Let’s talk about facts here now, from 1995 to 2004, the Padres only developed FOUR players (Derek Lee, Xavier Nady, Jake Peavy and Khalil Greene) that are major league caliber. Okay, fast forward to 2005 to 2008, the Alderson’s Regime has produced FOUR players (Will Venable, Chase Headley, Nick Hundley, and Josh Greer). Granted, from 2005-2008, the 1st round draft picks have endured arm injuries (Cesar Carrillo, Nick Schmidt, Matt Bush), but that could of happened to any franchise. It’s just a streak of unfortunate luck, it happens ! So those who feel the Padres Front Office are not close to turning around this organization, surely does not know about baseball. It takes time, enormous time to rebuild and revamp the minor league system. I say this on record, the Padres will be okay for 2009 and 2010 could be contending for NL West Division. All hinges on what transpires in 2008 Winter Season, this is a key off-season in terms of laying down the last piece of the foundation. Sometimes, taking two steps back before taking one huge step forward is necessary. Successfull franchises makes bold moves to become better, they do not sit and rest on their laurels. Give the Alderson’s regime some credit as they are trying to make a difference despite the circumstances they are being handed down from the Owner. We can only hope as fans if Moores needs to sell the team, he does so and moves on. In either case, the Padres will get better, time is on our side and hang in there Fans…..

The past few days, I’ve been reading and
hearing thoughts on the Padres players Peavy, Greene,
Hoffman, and Giles. Alot of fans in San Diego are not very
happy and I do not understand that at all. Why? The team had
just finished the season with 99 loses with those same
players on the team. Change is necessary in order to get
better and the only way to do so is to turn over the roster.
Do not get me wrong, each player noted above are good
players, perhaps one or two past their primes but still good
character and professional athlete’s. Though, the Padres need
to get better and nothing is forever in this game of
baseball. Standing pat as the Padres did last winter will not
be good for the Padres this winter season. Bold moves are
coming and it’s time to be honest, in the long run the Padres
will be better off. I know, for the current moment that’s
really hard for many long standing Padres fans. Though,
rewind back to ’94 when Sheffield was traded to the Marlins
for an unknown pitcher Trevor Hoffman.

My wife and I decided to re-sign for the 2009 Padres Baseball season. Though, it was not easy decision and we gave up our Chargers season tickets. I believe in the long run, the Padres will become a very good ballclub and I am willing to endure what lies ahead. Baseball has always been a wonderful sport to attend and enjoy in person. It’s America’s past time sport, Apple pies, hot dogs and beer ! Hopefully our season ticket friends (Neal and Carol) will be there as well so we can share some exciting moments in the near future. Okay, so much for rambling on. We still have the Toreros basketball season tickets, not all is lost.

I am glad to see the Padres re-sign OF Brian Giles for 2009, and I anticipate some bold moves in the next three weeks. This team is 2-3 players away from making a run at the division. I know I know that sounds very optimistic, but hey ! I am a season ticket holder.

On this fine November day in San Diego, the day after Obama wins the presidential election, I sit here pondering a few things. Change in America is here now and coincidently, change is coming to our Padres too ! One of my long time season ticket friends had decided to forgo their 2009 season tickets. One of their many reasons for not re-signing on for 2009 season is that fact the Padres are entertaining thoughts of trading Peavy. I, myself is watching with great interest in what the Padres will do, before I make a concrete solid decision to re-sign for my season tickets. I expect one or two major trades to come down for the Padres, then I might truly consider re-signing on for 2009 season. Otherwise, I will continue to throw my cash at many Canadian companies selling 50-70% below their market value in the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) that will produce 2x, 3x or 4x returns within the next 6 – 18 months. I might then return after making those outstanding profits.

Anyways, I will be watching very closely to see what unfolds in the next 5 days or so. Hopefully, some outstanding talent will be coming to San Diego via trades. It’s time to make some bold moves, taking a line from Peter Schiff  instead of “Bull moves in a Bear Market” Padres version is ”Bold Moves in a Bear Market“  This current Padres front office can ill afford to stand pat after a horrible 2008 season.

Reporting on the first day of spring in Peoria, the Padres pitching staff on paper seem so strong. Jake Peavy, Chris Young, Greg Maddox, Shawn Estes, Mark Prior, Trevor Hoffman, Heath Bell, Cla Meredith, Joe Thatcher and so on. Yes, on paper that looked very promising though paper do not win ballgames. Here are my assessments…..

• Jake Peavy – The lone shining star on the pitching staff for the entire year. Imagine if Jake had any run support his win totals would have been more than 10 and Padres losses would be below 90. Grade – B.
• Chris Young – His season went down the tubes with that nasty liner from Cardinals’ 1B Albert Pulos. In all fairness and with due respect in Chris comeback which is no gimmie, his grade reflects that. Grade – C
• Greg Maddox – Was the main horse for the Padres and should have won more games than he did with the Padres. For a player over the age of 40, Greg was still dealing it better than those who are 20 years in junior to him. Grade – B+.
• Trevor Hoffman – Trevor’s struggles right off from the gate had set the tone for the Padres season. A few gut wrenching losses in the beginning had many people wondering what kind of a year 2008 was going to be. Grade – C.
• Heath Bell – Heath lived off 2007 season reputation and offered more long balls in crucial situations in 08 as compared to 07 season. Grade – C-.

All others not worth grading on, 99 losses says enough…..

Dugout chatter…..

After hearing the talk about the possibilities of trading P Jake Peavy, I wonder why San Diegans are so upset. The Padres just completed a season with 99 losses, how do we expect the Padres to improve if they do not make any moves ? In order to get talent, an organization needs to trade talent. It’s called about leveraging your assets to get better. I am one of the very few season ticketholders who are looking for a mega trade to happen. I expect one or two of the followng players to be traded, Khalil Greene, Adrian Gonzalez, Jake Peavy, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Heath Bell, and Chris Young. As a season ticketholder, I am a San Diego Padres fan first, fan’s favorites comes second in my book. The days of Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell and Ron Cey being together for 10 years are long and gone. Hey ! Even Pete Rose left Cincinnati. If the Padres do not make a mega trade, I will ask for a 10% discount on 2009 Season ticket package. It’s time to hunker down and make some bold movements, otherwise the franchise is sending the wrong message to it’s Players and Fan base. Yes, the fan base that supplements their profits.

Stay tuned….

Nov 3 – 6 is the GM Meetings in Dana Point, by then something should be brewing. Hang in there Padres fans! Like you and I sitting on the sidelines watching and waiting…

This is the 2nd of 6 posts in regards to grading the Padres Organization and Ballclub. The Padres entered Peoria back in February with many questions in the outfield. Left field was up for grabs, Center field had the aging Jim Edmonds and in Right field, Brian Giles was coming off knee surgery. So basically, there were holes in the outfield to begin with and this didn’t bode well.

• LF – Scott Hairston played rather well in both left field and center field. Scott provided pop with his lethal bat and injected speed to the Padres ballclub. Grade – B. Chase Headley was called up in June and hit his 1st homer in Yankee Stadium against the Yanks. The last Padre player to debut against the Yanks was P Jake Peavy and we all know the kind of player Jake is now. Things look promising for Chase. Grade – C+.
• CF – Jim Edmonds pickup was a huge mistake and brought memories back of the trade of Woody Williams for Ray Lankford. Egawds ! I just hope the Padres ballclub isn’t snake bitten by David Freese in the upcoming years. I guess Padres’ GM Kevin Towers didn’t learn from his past mistake in dealing with the St. Louis Cardinals for an aging semi-retired outfielder. Maybe, just maybe Kevin Towers will learn from this. Grade – F. On the bright spot, Jody Gerut was a pleasant surprise and provided great defense along with a sound bat at the plate. In fact, Gerut in my opinion won a spot on the roster for 2009 and he will be a catalyst for the ballclub. Grade – B.
• RF – The dependable, heart and soul of the ballclub Brian Giles played great as usual. I know Giles didn’t hit more dingers but Giles led by example and is a key ingredient for the Padres in 2009. Hopefully, the Pick-n-Save Padres will empty the purse strings in order to keep one of their good players. It remains to be seen, Grade – B+.

On the side note, just dreaming here and tossing out a wild idea, well maybe not that wild. Just recently, it was made known through the media outlet the Padres had issues with SS Khalil Greene for accidently injuring himself. The Padres want to dock Greene’s payment for 2 months. I can understand the Front Office perspective, though I have something to toss out myself. Since being a Season Ticketholder, I would like to get a sweet deal like NBA New Jersery Net franchise are giving their season ticketholders. But in my case would be for enduring the Great Padres 2008 Season collapse. Check this out…..

“Mr. Yormark of the Nets said he knew before the summer the sputtering economy would make this one of the toughest off-seasons in his 20-year career. Last season, the Nets traded their biggest star, Jason Kidd, then unloaded the popular Richard Jefferson in June.

This off-season, Mr. Yormark told his sales staff to be creative. In the spring the team pledged to give back 10% of any season-ticket purchase in the form of a gas card. When the team secured the 10th pick in the NBA draft, it began slashing prices on season tickets.

Then came a buy-one-get-one-free season ticket offer. When the financial markets collapsed, taking out thousands of jobs in the Nets’ backyard, Mr. Yormark instituted the buy-now-pay-later offer.”

- source Wall Street Journal, “As Economy Weakens, Sports Feel a Chill”, 14 Oct 2008.- 

Upcoming next, the Starting Pitchers….. 

This is the 1st of 6 reports based on the 2008 San Diego Padres baseball club from the players up to the Front Office. Today’s posting deals with the Infielders including Catchers. Here are my personal assessment and grades:

• 1B – Adrian Gonzalez, one word ‘STUD’. The best player on the team and still has tremendous skills to improve on his career year. What Adrian accomplished with no support in the line-up is purely amazing. Just think where the Padres would be without Adrian, most likely staring at 110 loses. Grade – A+
• 2B – Hmmm, I am still waiting on Padres CEO Sandy Alderson to find that easy to come by second baseman. Back in 2007, the Front Office thought Marcus Giles was bad, 2008 was even worse. After reading Padres’ GM Kevin Towers statement in the Union Tribune on Saturday 11 Oct 08 “Towers said. “I don’t see us going out and getting a second baseman.”  I just cringed at this remark, anyhow I keep my fingers crossed in hopes Towers was just blowing smoke. Grade – F.
• SS – Khalil Greene, I could sum up Greene in two words “September Sabbaticals”. Ahh, it appears a pattern is occurring and perhaps Khalil is instituting the Academic philosophy to his profession at Shortstop. Khalil’s performance for the year was simply horrible. Grade – F.
• 3B – Kevin Kouzmanoff, made progress and performed commendably for his second season in the big leagues. The other marketable starting position player on the Padres along with Adrian Gonzalez, who may end up in a trade. Grade – B+.
• C – So many here to report and grade on. Though I will keep it simple and categorize this position into Veterans and Rookies. Veterans – Barrett and Bard. Hmmm, I wonder if Barrett brought over the Cubs curse to San Diego. As for Bard, I bet he wishes that Piazza was still around so Josh could be in the shadows and substitute from time to time. Grade – F. Rookies – Carlin and Hundley, well Carlin almost hit like Comedian George Carlin on the field but was a very respectable behind the dish in terms of the defensive aspect. Hundley, simply is the real deal and restored some creditability in terms of all-around play from the catchers position. Only question, why did it take the Front Office so long to promote Hundley. Grade – C+.

Anyhow, this assessment is purely based on my observations throughout the 2008 season, in the next post I will be addressing the outfielders.

A surprising news event occurred on Thursday when news leaked about 49% share of the Padres Franchise is up for sale. This sale will have many profound affects on the ballclub, from Front Office all the way down to the minor leagues. I do not know if anyone would want to acquire 49% of the team and be a minority owner of the team. We all know what happened last time when the Ownership was shared between Moores and Lucchino. Evidently, that duo ownership had broken up and Lucchino went on to win championships in Boston. Personally speaking, I think if anyone wants to purchase the Padres it will be someone who wants full control and ownership. Right now, Sandy Alderson owns 5% in the franchise and if someone else purchases the franchise, Alderson’s fate is also in jeopardy. I just hope whomever is seriously thinking of acquiring the Padres, that new ownership gives Alderson and his entourage a chance to prove their baseball model. At this juncture, the Padres can not afford to start over AGAIN in terms of baseball philosophy, so much has been invested and there are signs on the horizon things will be improving greatly.

I spent last night pondering who I would like to see on that short-list of potential buyers for the Padres. Here it is…..

• Larry Lucchino – Well, based on previous past record, Larry knew how to market the Padres and is a smart baseball man with a successful proven record with not just ONE franchise but several (Orioles, Padres, and Red Sox). I am not sure Larry will agree with Sandy’s philosophy but we never know and Larry still has a house out here in San Diego.
• Leigh Steinberg – Yes, that’s right the former Sports Agent. It is widely known that Leigh has pursued owning a Football or Basketball franchise in Orange County. Heck, why not go for the Padres in San Diego ?? It’s only a short Amtrak ride for Leigh down south. I see Leigh as a great candidate since he will most likely be hands off Owner and let the baseball people run his franchise. Look at the D’backs, ex-Sports Agent Jeff Moorad is the CEO. So it can happen too !!
• Jerry Colangelo – No matter what anyone says, Colangelo is a winner. He’s proven that with owning the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, and USA Basketball team. San Diego is only a 1 hr flight from Phoenix, possibilities are good.
• Peter O’Malley – Yes I know this sounds far-fetched and probably unrealistic. But hear me out, O’Malley wanted to purchase back the Dodgers when FOX had the Dodgers up for sale. If O’Malley wants to make a splash back into the baseball scene, why not go for the Padres and have the last laugh at the Dodgers. Plus, O’Malley knows how to run a baseball club and has a history with international baseball.

Anyhow, what ever lies ahead of the Padres, one thing for sure there will be changes to the entire organization and I do expect to see two of the three players (Gonzalez, Kouzmanoff and Peavy) gone as well. Especially, if the Padres can receive 8-10 players for two outstanding players.

Hang in there Padres Fans….. 

Before leaving Saturday night contest, my season ticketholders to my left and right both expressed their doubts on returning for 2009. Sadly to say, we all have been attending since 1998 and we all thought the seasons of 90+ losses were behind us. Well I was asked several times by the surrounding season ticket holders what will it do for me to return for the 2009 season. I replied back honestly and yes majority people hate to hear the truth. But I always shoot from the hip, if people can’t stand the heat then get out of the kitchen. What will it take for me to consider of renewing my season tickets. I response….“The Padres need to make a blockbuster trade that will not be popular with their fans”….Yes, the responses from those who had asked me the question were not happy to hear my thoughts. But let’s face it, in order to get talent the Padres need to give up some talent. Here are some of the scenarios I shared with my fellow season ticketholders who’ve spent many nights with the past seasons.

• The Padres should trade 1B Adrian Gonzalez to the Yankees for 2B Robinson Cano, OF Melky Cabrera, OF prospect Austin Jackson and P prospect Dellin Betances.
• The Padres should trade 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff to the Rangers for SS Elvis Andrus and C Max Rameriz.

This organization needs to shake up this team and one of those two trades will have to be made in order for this franchise to move forward. Therefore, last year the Padres Front Office had a chance to move SS Khalil Greene when Greene’s value was high. Bold franchises make bold movements, just look at the Angels and Dodgers organizations this year. If this franchise is committed to winning a championship then they will make a bold move. Otherwise, their actions will speak volumes on how they only want to be competitive. Well, paying huge $$ for seeing a competitive ballclub is a bit too pricy for myself, and those long time season ticketholders besides me.

I hope Mgr Bud Black is back for 2009, because that’s one of my points on perhaps returning myself.

Thanks Padres players and coaches for 2008 season, enjoy the offseason and get ready for 2009. Now the clock is ticking on the Front Office and quite frankly, the results of the 2008 is reflective of their work on last year’s winter season. Enough said….time to make a bold move.

For a year in which I personally thought the Padres would be finish above the Giants and a few prospects would make their debut, boy was I wrong !! Our beloved Padres will finish the season in the cellar, yes in the cellar and 14 prospects made their debut with the parent big league club. It was one of those years where everyone in the organization has failed, yes everyone. It’s a team effort and blame is to spread to all levels of the organization. There is no “I” in the word team. I do hope to see Mgr Bud Black return and give a fair opportunity to prove he is the best promising manager in the ranks. Unfortunately, Bud was given a bad hand of cards right from the beginning of Spring Training. What is in store for the hot stove league ?

I, being a vested season ticket holder will be keeping a close eye on the organization to see what kind of moves they will make during the winter season. The organization as a whole has no where to go but up. Per CEO Alderson words two years ago “Is easy to find a producing second baseman than to find a good third baseman”. Well, the clock has stopped ticking and the past two years have been horrible at second base. It’s time to rectify that position and insert some talent. Question is which route, minors or trade ? Which ever decision the organization makes, next year there should be a player who can settle at second base and provide results that adhere’s to the organization’s philosophy.

Anyhow, I would like to personally thank all of the Padres players and coaching staff for providing some note worthy entertainment from time to time during the 2008 home season. I am damn proud to be a season ticket holder, despite the dismal performance of the team. With that all being said, I look forward to what the future brings to the organization as well as the City of San Diego. We all know, how bad the Fans of San Diego are nipping at their lips for a Championship team whether it be the Padres or Chargers. The real question is, what sport will be the first to hoist a championship banner and parade down Broadway and 5th Ave in Downtown.