Prior A Friar

Mark Prior has officially joined the San Diego Padres Baseball Club. It is a bit unclear when he will be healthy enough to join the rotation, but the Padres could have a lights-out staff of starters once he does. The current rotation figures to be:

1. Jake Peavy
2. Chris Young
3. Greg Maddux
4. Randy Wolf
5. Mark Prior/??? (until Prior is ready to pitch)

While the offensive side of the offseason has been a drag, Kevin Towers has done an excellent job of targeting rebounding pitchers with Petco Park's pitching allure. The exact terms of Priors deal are not yet know, but are likely to include a heavy dose of incentives.

UPDATE:
The AP is reporting that Prior signed a 1 year deal for $1M, with another $4.5M that could be tacked on based on performance milestones.

Kornheiser Kills Telecast

I've avoided Monday Night Football all year as Tony Kornheiser's announcing is like nails on a chalkboard for me. With the Chargers finally scheduled for MNF, I was forced to watch and listen - I should have and encourage others to use the mute button in the future. In fact, I formally request TiVo to support a new feature that selectively blocks out Tony Kornheiser's voice from the telecast. What does ESPN see in this man? If their goal was to make it impossible to enjoy the game - mission accomplished. Here are some of the major Kornheiser-isms that had me dropping F-bombs at the TV:

1. Nobody knows who LT is: Seriously? The guy was the league MVP last year, is generally regarded as the best running back in the game and often referred to as the best player in the game. He is the face of the top selling flat screen TV in the country. Kornheiser's assertion that people would know LT if he played in Chicago or New York cements the East Coast sports bias once and for all - I now understand the delusion that allowed Gino Torretta to beat Marshall Faulk for the Heisman in 1992. Seriously people - I live in Washington, DC and can tell you that same city that brought you Kornheiser also brought you The George Michael Sports Machine. No sportswriter/caster/personality from DC should be allowed past the Beltway in any kind of transmittable form. I won't even start on the Redskins announcing staff that I honestly thought was a bunch a drunks that hijacked the radio station the first time I heard a telecast.
   
2. Chargers Talking Trash: Where the hell has Tony been on this? The average NFL player still acts like he's on a 5th grade playground. You'd have thought that Philip Rivers was the first person in the NFL to utter a negative or degrading comment at an opposing player in league history.
3. The LT Visor: Everybody can't get the visor with the tint as it requires some kind of special exemption based on a prescription. I'm not sure what the exact rule is, but I'm also not paid to annouce a world-wide telecast with a bunch of researchers that no doubt have that information at the fingertips.

A quick check of Awful Announcing unearthed a live blog that echoes some of my concerns:

• First half live blog
  
• Second half live blog
  

Prior Wants to Come Home?

ESPN is reporting that the Padres are the front runners in the Mark Prior race, mostly due to his desire to pitch in the town where he was raised and currently lives. Like many rumored Padres signings this off season, FF will believe when we see it.

Comparing Padre Managers

Geoff Young over at Ducksnorts.com recently posted a comparison of Bud Black vs. Bruce Bochy. His post uses a lot of statistics from the Bill James Handbook 2008 (haven't received my copy just yet). Some of the main differences outlined were (FF reaction inlined):

• Bochy used more than 3 times the number of pinch runners in 2006 than Black did in 2007. I'd attribute this to two things. First, Bochy chronically over-manages. Second, the '06 team (as well as many before it) had a number of veterans nearing the end of their careers that Bochy was infatuated with, seemingly for their experience and their ability to provide an excuse that would indulge his propensity to over-manage (i.e., Mike Piazza, Ryan Klesko, Vinny Castilla). Advantage: Black.
  
• Black pulls his starters faster and uses more relievers on consecutive days. Black seems happy to take a strong outing and rely on the bullpen - at least his favorites. Keeping the only part of the team that is truly strong intact was probably a wise move, but FF wouldn't be surprised to see Heath Bell's arm fall off on his 20th consecutive day of use in the 2008 campaign. We'd like to see him balance out the 'pen a bit more, but prefer Black's approach to Bochy's "use 'em cause we got 'em" approach that seemed to frequently pair a shaky reliever with a tenuous situation. Advantage: Black
  
• Black uses many more pitch outs than Bochy. In all fairness, he was probably just trying to slow down the racetrack that was the base paths. If Bochy was good for something, it was that he seemed to get the most out of catchers - not a huge surprise given his background. Disadvantage: Padres front office for disregarding the defensive skills of catchers in their selection of backstops.

Overall, FF enjoyed the first several seasons of Bochy's reign, but grew tired of his tinkering and increasing reliance on veterans over the years (did you not cringe to see Mark Bellhorn repeatedly trotted out when younger guys watched him strikeout from the pine?). Bud Black did a nice job overall. One of the bright spots for 2007 was Kevin Kouzmanoff - he'd probably be playing for Pittsburgh with Xavier Nady right now if Bochy was still in San Diego.

Bolt To The Playoffs

San Diego sports fans have been in this exact spot before...3 games to play in the regular season needing just 1 victory to solidify a playoff berth. The Chargers have a great opportunity today versus the struggling Detroit Lions to claim their second straight AFC West crown and with a little help slide into the #3 seed behind media favorites New England and Indianapolis. Lets just hope that the Bolts take care of business this afternoon and don't lose on a TD where the ball carrier never gets the ball across the goal line!

Aging Edmonds Joins Club for Prospect

The Padres acquired Jim Edmonds from the Cardinals to take over Petco's spacious centerfield in exchange for minor leaguer David Freese. Edmonds waived his no trade clause to allow the deal, which brings him back to Southern California, where he has roamed center for the Angels from 1993 to 1999. Once considered an elite fielder, Edmonds has been slowed by injuries in recent campaigns. He last won a Gold Glove in 2005 and has eight to his credit in all. The loss of Cameron will put added pressure on Friar corner outfielders as Edmonds does not have the pure speed that Cameron displayed. At the plate, lefty Edmonds has batted just .160 at Petco Park over the last three seasons over 25 at bats. In comparison with Cameron, we can expect a similar, but slightly lower number of punch outs from Edmonds to go with significantly more walks. Cameron was likely the best baserunner from the 2007 club while Edmonds received the same rating, a minus-nine, from the 2007 Bill James Handbook as Padre backstop Michael Barrett. The same publication ranks Edmonds' range as a centerfielder just a hair below that of Cameron. All in all, it isn't the most exciting move, but it will be effective if Edmonds can stay relatively healthy. In fact, if he reaches 137 games, that will be the maximum that Cameron could have possibly played due to his drug test-related suspension. So something in the 120 game range will likely be a break even point between the two.

Busy Day For NL West Arms, OF Answers Soon

Friday proved to be a busy day for hurlers coming and going in the NL West, as the Arizona Diamondbacks acquired All Star pitcher Dan Haren from the A's and shipped last 2007 NL saves leader Jose Valverde to the Houston Astros.

While the reigning NL West champions were busy making moves involving big names, the Padres inked 2 veteran LHP, in Shawn Estes and Glendon Rusch. These moves solidify depth for the back end of the Friars rotation that (after Peavy, Young, & Maddux) features many seasoned lefties coming off of injury in Randy Wolf, Estes, and Rusch. The 2 signings Friday reduce the probability that San Diego will bring in native Mark Prior, or Josh Towers who was non tendered by Toronto earlier this week.

OF Answers Soon

After missing out on Fukudome, and Bradley the Padres are drawing nearer to hearing back on their final offers to Mike Cameron, and Geoff Jenkins. It seems that the Pads and Cameron's agent have agreed on the length (2 years) of a deal but remain far apart in dollars. The Geoff Jenkins sweepstakes (if you can call it that) has come down to the Padres and the Phillies, in both destinations the left handed slugger would be in a platoon role.

The Padres remain desperate for a CF, and if they bring Cameron back he will miss the first 25 games of the season as a result of testing positive for a banned substance. In that case (as the roster stands right now) Scott Hairston would slip into center with corner outfield possibilities that include: Chase Headley, Brian Giles, Geoff Jenkins,and rumored ex Pad Xavier Nady. The Pads outfield questions remain as vast as the the actual outfield at Petco.

For a little fun lets take a look at a very plausible scenario ~(The Pads sign Cameron and Jenkins, Brian Giles starts the season on the DL after knee surgery)... The Padres would have to trot Scott Hairston out in CF flanked by Geoff Jenkins in RF, and rookie Chase Headley in LF. So, how would that work out for a team built around pitching and defense, not very well! Hairston is not a true CF and with the spacious outfields throughout the division it might just remind Friar fans of the "defense" played by Brady Clark in the 1 game playoff against the Rockies. Jenkins has below average foot speed and is much better suited as a left fielder (especially at Petco), but with Chase Headley having never play outfield Jenkins would be the lesser of the evils.

Who knows how the rest of the offseason will play out, but as it stands now GM Kevin Towers must not be sleeping very well. For a franchise that puts such an emphasis on pitching, it becomes extremely important to catch the ball. We continue to hear that there is a plan and that the Pads will look to bring in young players with speed, great plan! The only problem is the Padres perpetually sign players who are past their prime (if they ever had a prime)...frustrating, scary, and ridiculous all wrapped up into 1. This is a recipe for disaster.


UPDATE

Since the post was written, Mike Cameron has broken off talks with the San Diego Padres. The Friars are, amongst others, discussing the possibility of bringing in two more aging players in St Louis' Jim Edmonds, and Kenny Lofton to fill their huge hole in center.

Tender Cuts

Wednesday night was baseballs deadline for tendering contracts to arbitration eligible players. The Padres have decided to non tender two of their mid season Astros' acquisitions, in 3rd baseman Morgan Ensberg and OF Jason Lane. The Friars also cut ties with pitchers Jack Cassell and Ryan Ketchner, although Cassell and Ketchner are expected to be offered minor league contracts.

Other players that were non tendered across the league of note to the Friars include a group of pitchers that were connected at one point or another this off season to San Diego. Starters Mark Prior and Josh Towers have officially hit the free agent market and a bullpen arm of note that is now available is, former Friar, Aki Otsuka. The other position that might interest the Pads is catcher (especially a defensive minded back-stop). Former Padre Miguel Olivo, and Johnny Estrada have hit the open market; if the Padres end up moving Michael Barrett I would expect to see Olivo get a long look.

I would like to see Kevin Towers bring in either Prior or Towers to round out the rotation and FF would love to see Aki back in the fold as he, Heath Bell, and all time saves leader Hoffman would shorten games to 6 innings in 2008. I have a feeling the price will be right, and we all saw that both mark Prior and Aki Otsuka have expressed their willingness to play for the Padres.

Pads Looking At Familiar Faces

The San Diego Padres are desperate for bodies in the outfield, and all MLB GM's know it. According to an ESPN.com report, the Pads and Pirates are deep in trade talks regarding former Padres Jason Bay, and Xavier Nady. The Pirates are said to have interest in backup back stop Michael Barrett, and prized 3B prospect Chase Headley. The Pirates might also be searching for a team who wouldn't mind acquiring starting pitcher Matt Morris and his hefty $12 M contract. I wonder if this is Plan B, C, D, or Z?

Sayonara Kosuke Fukudome

Kosuke Fukudome has chosen to accept an offer from the Cubs, reportedly around $50M for 4 years. While it remains to be seen what the Frairs actually offered Fukudome, it is widely rumored to be over $10M/year for at least 3 years. Otherwise put, the likely difference between the two clubs was about one veteran bench player/year. While the Padres will surely point to Jake Peavy's signing as a major commitment this offseason, the reality is that the farm system will have to do better for the Padres to sport hitting talent (which won't be brought in via free agency - ever). Whatever the excuse is today (we think it is TV revenue these days), the club seemingly was close enough to make this click and is in dire need of an outfielder(s). Considering that Giles will likely start the season on the DL, Cameron will be gone or suspended and Milton Bradley has already bolted, the spacious outfield is looking more so these days. We're fine with Scott Hairston getting a shot, but that still leaves the team an outfielder short. Please KT, don't make that extra outfielder Todd Walker.

Can KT Learn From AJ?

San Diego sports fans know about the promise of big names and bold moves. We've heard it all many times and have even experienced it a time or two. But watching the Padres operate this offseason has been painful. I can't actually believe I'm saying this - but I am: Why can't KT be more like AJ? KT is, of course, the esteemed General Manager of the San Diego Padres; AJ the corollary with the San Diego Chargers. FF has a great deal of respect for both. KT is much more open about his plans while AJ is as closed as (ironically) a Marty Shottenheimer practice. I can't quite understand why the Friar front office is making such a big, public deal out of everything this offseason. I'm not big into conspiracy theories and this isn't meant to be one itself, but there is so much telegraphing of moves going on that it makes one feel like they want everyone to know they tried, should they eventually fail. We saw the reports that Milton Bradley, Brett Tomko, and even Glendon Rusch were all but done deals; none of these players has signed (and perhaps that's a good thing). Sandy Alderson even got into the act in regard to Bradley and Kosuke Fukudome (audio clip). I think the Friar's front office is fantastic on the whole - but agents and other teams don't need any help. AJ keeps everything close to the vest and nobody really knows what he'll will do at any given time. In the giant game of chicken that is a pro sports personnel management, it makes sense to keep the rest of field wondering.

Bradley Headed to Arlington

FoxSports.com is reporting that Milton Bradley has jilted the Padres' offer and is instead heading for a one year gig with the Rangers. This comes on the same day that the San Diego Union-Tribune's Nick Canepa reports that GM Kevin Towers told him:

Giles talked to Bradley, and he said he doesn't know if he's wanted here,” Towers says. “Now why the hell would we offer him a contract ($4 million for one year) if we didn't want him? This is a very good player.”

Regardless, the deal makes sense for Bradley. He can now slowly build up his knee while "playing" DH. This is certainly a loss for the Friars on paper - Bradley was easily their most impactful hitter in 2007 - when he played. That said, the new round of drama may be something that Friars are lucky to escape.

Rival Snags Jones

The LA Dodgers have signed former Atlanta Brave CF Andruw Jones to a 2 year $36 million deal. Jones struggled last year but was oft rumored early in the offseason to be of interest to the Padres if it were on a 1 year deal.

The Friars, still looking for a center fielder are left with a list that continues to shorten. It will be interesting to see how the Padres go about acquiring their starting CF for 2008.

As a reminder the Padres free agent CF, Mike Cameron will begin the '08 season serving a 25 game suspension for violating the leagues banned substance policy. Cameron has been offered arbitration and has until Friday to accept; it is widely reported that he will decline as he is looking for a multi year contract.

Pads Close to Locking Up Peavy

The Padres are close to signing Cy Young winner, Jake Peavy to a contract extension through 2012. This would prove to the fans of San Diego and MLB that the Padres are finally going to start keeping their top notch talent in sand and navy. The terms of the proposed deal were not immediately available.

The winter meetings would be deemed a success if we come away with Peavy for the next 4 or 5 years!

Tomko's Likely Return is Starter Insurance

Kevin Towers expects to sign Brett Tomko, according to the Union-Tribune's Tom Krasovic:

Padres GM Kevin Towers said he expects to sign free agent Brett Tomko for a bullpen spot. “Of course, we're interested,” said Tomko, a Poway resident who has drawn inquiries from several clubs.

This move would be valuable insurance for the surgically-strained group of starters that the Friar front office is courting. The strategy is a bit of a gamble, but seems to have a tremendous upside. Several former standout pitchers have the opportunity to return from injury in pitcher-friendly Petco Park. Coupled with performance-induced contracts like the one given to Randy Wolf, a $4M deal that can jump to a total value of $9M, the Padres could sport a rotation where Greg Maddux is the weak link by All Star break. The addition of Tomko provides a soft landing should Wolf or a future addition suffer a setback. Furthermore, while most of Wolf-like pitchers would probably bolt for big money if their Petco experience proves fruitful, this could be an excellent pattern that few other clubs have the facility to challenge.

How does Petco impact a pitcher? According to the Bill James Handbook 2007, a pitcher can expect to allow 23% fewer doubles, a 9% lower batting average against, 14% fewer runs allowed and 9% more strikeouts, based on 2006 numbers, which isolate the dimension changes to Petco prior to that season.

Pads Land Lefty For Rotation

The Padres agreed to terms (1 year deal) with veteran LHP Randy Wolf on Saturday just days before the GM Winter Meetings start in Tennessee. Wolf tossed for the Dodgers last season winning 9 games for LA. Wolf figures to be one of the two starters that was on the Friars wish list. Some of the other names floating around to join last years Cy Young winner Jake Peavy, future HOF Greg Maddux, and All Star Chris Young are Mark Prior (SD native), and Matt Clement (ex Padres). Both Priior and Clement are coming off of shoulder surgery.

Sledge to Nippon Ham Fighters

Padres experiment Terrmel Sledge has accepted a $2.85M contract to play with the Nippon Ham Fighters of Japan's Pacific League. Based in Sapporo on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido. The Ham Fighters went from the Kansas City Royals of Japan to a team of prominence under the leadership on Trey Hillman, who will try to do the same for the real Royals in 2008. The Ham Fighters have also featured former Padre Brian Sweeney. Sledge was the only aspect of the major trade that sent Adam Eaton, Akinori Otsuka, et. al. to Texas for Sledge, Adrian Gonzalez and Chris Young that didn't click with the Friars. Regardless, we wish Sledge bon voyage and hope he enjoys his time in Japan as much as FF did.

Prior San Diego Ties Wanted

The Union-Tribune reports that Kevin Towers is seeking native San Diegan and one-time Vanderbilt University student Mark Prior via trade over the upcoming winter meetings in Nashville, TN (ironically, the location of Vanderbilt). Prior has averaged just over 14 games for the last four seasons and is now know as much for his injury prone nature as his once-dominant form. That said, both he and Matt Clement may view Petco Park's spacious confines as a way to boost their value for future contracts.

The U-T also quoted Towers expecting Michael Barrett to return as Josh Bard's backup. This news is disturbing to FF, as we grew increasingly tired of watching singles, walks and errors result in doubles and triples due to the complete lack of ability of the Friars to hold folks on base. Granted, this is not solely the problem of the 2007 club's catching staff, but we long for the defensive catcher to at least keep the games close. We also challenge the notion that it is unimportant to hold runners as this seems to largely cancel positive home-field affect of Petco Park.

In unrelated news, FF would like to congratulate Point Loma High School on beating Saints to earn its third consecutive trip to the San Diego Division III final at Qualcomm stadium. PLHS has produced awe-inspiring baseball players with last names like Wells, Ashcraft and Finneran; it's always nice to seem their programs succeed.