Brocail To Move On

It appears that the Padres will let relief pitcher Doug Brocail move on, citing a hefty raise he is due after a pair of solid seasons at Petco Park. With Kevin Tower's well known ability to cheaply stock the bullpen, this isn't much of a surprise. Manager Bud Black will likely have to look to a younger replacement, which should be interesting as he chose to go with veteran in many tough situations in 2007.

Angel to Padre Outfield?

With the Angles' recent signing of 7-time Gold Glove winner Torri Hunter, the Halos suddenly have a crowded outfield. It has long been rumored that former Angel pitching coach and current Friar skipper Bud Black's strong relationship with his former team could help the two teams make a deal. Who might be the odd man out is questionable, but it could be Garret Anderson or Juan Rivera.

Dead Cat Bounce?

When stock traders pick up a stock after a day of huge losses, they expect the value of that stock to slightly rebound the following day, thereby making some money off of the so-called "dead cat bounce". The Padres seem to be considering a similar play by bringing Japanese pitcher Kazuo Fukumori in for a workout. Fukumori is coming off his second elbow surgery, but has reportedly been clear by doctors to resume play.

Arbitration for Cameron and Barrett?

FoxSports' Ken Rosenthal reports that the Friar front office is "strongly considering" arbitration offers for center fielder Mike Cameron and cather Micheal Barrett. While the offer is probably tempting for Cameron in light of his 25 game suspension for failing a second drug test, the Barrett offer is a bit troubling. Cameron would be of use to the Pads based on his fielding prowess alone. Coming off a weak season (particularly while playing for the Padres), Barrett may find it difficult to get a better offer. FF is deeply disturbed of the thought of another season where the basepaths turn into the Del Mar track. Kevin Towers may get a draft picks out of the offer, but both players seem likely to have their value maximized by accepting arbitration...

Peavy Domination Tour Complete

Jake Peavy finished his 2007 Domination Tour in fitting fashion - as the unanimous NL Cy Young choice. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that watched National League baseball this past year, as Peavy cruised to the pitching Triple Crown by leading the NL in wins, ERA and strikeouts. Better news for Friar fans is news that Kevin Towers is in contact with Peavy and his agent, Barry Axlerod, on a contract extension to keep Peavy in Padre Sand past 2009.

Maddux Returns for '08

ESPN's Buster Olney is reporting that the Padres and Greg Maddux have met in the middle of their respective options to bring the future Hall of Famer back to Petco for the 2008 campaign.