The Padres are trying to rebound from a 99-loss season while dealing with a payroll ceiling of around $40 million set by an owner, John Moores, who is in the process of selling the team to a group led by former agent Jeff Moorad. The rebuilding process starts with subtraction. The most recent losses were all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman (a free agent after being a Padre for 15-plus seasons) and homegrown SS Khalil Greene (who was traded to the Cardinals to free up $6.5 million). Immediately after the end of the season, the Padres waived seven players from the 40-man roster -- only one of whom, RHP Dirk Hayhurst, was claimed by another team, which gives you an idea of the overall talent level. The Padres are still contemplating a trade of RHP Jake Peavy and the $64 million due the pitcher over the next four years. The Padres did pick up the $9 million option for RF Brian Giles (who since has been sued for $10 million by former a girlfriend, who alleges physical abuse, among other things). Although there are still questions to be answered in the bullpen and at catcher, the Padres apparently settled their middle infield problem, with the signing of David Eckstein to play second and holdover Luis Rodriguez taking over at short.
BIGGEST NEEDS: The Padres bullpen was the best in the National League in 2007. Last season it ranked third from the bottom. The Padres were outscored by 68 runs in the sixth and seventh, proving the ineffectiveness of the middle relievers. Now Hoffman is gone and former setup man Heath Bell moves into the closer's role for the first time in the majors. With Josh Bard and Michael Barrett both having been jettisoned, 2008 rookie Nick Hundley the heir apparent at catcher. A veteran backup would help (Brad Ausmus has been mentioned, although the Padres have already signed Eliezer Alfonzo to a minor league contract). The Padres desperately need another big bat in the outfield. ARRIVALS: RHP Mark Worrell (trade with Cardinals), SS Everth Cabrera (Rule 5 selection from Rockies), RHP Ivan Nova (Rule 5 selection from Yankees), INF David Eckstein (free agent from Diamondbacks), INF/OF Chris Burke (minor league free agent from Diamondbacks), RHP Jae Kuk Ryu (waiver claim from Rays).
DEPARTURES: SS Khalil Greene (traded to Cardinals), C Michael Barrett (free agent, signed minor league deal with Blue Jays), C Josh Bard (free agent, signed with Red Sox), RHP Clay Hensley (non-tendered, signed minor league deal with Astros), RHP Trevor Hoffman (free agent, signed with Brewers), LHP Shawn Estes (free agent, signed minor league deal with Dodgers).
FREE AGENTS: OF Chip Ambres, RHP Charlie Haeger (non-tendered).
The team has an abundance of outfield candidates, so Ambres might not return.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Heath Bell.
Bell, who stands to be the closer with the loss of Hoffman, is upset that the Padres didn't sign an agreement that was sitting on CEO Sandy Alderson's desk at the end of the season.
IN LIMBO: 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff.
Kouzmanoff has been mentioned as a possible trade candidate with Chase Headley moving from the outfield to third. But Kouzmanoff had postseason shoulder surgery, making a trade less likely.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Mike Adams (right shoulder surgery in October 2008) is expected to be out until sometime around the All-Star break.
OF Scott Hairston (left thumb ligament surgery in September 2008) is rehabbing on schedule.
RHP Mark Prior (right shoulder surgeries in April 2007 and June 2008) wants to resume his career next spring.
OF Jody Gerut (ligament strain in left middle finger) missed the final month of the season.
RHP Chad Reineke (stress reaction in right scapula) had his season end in mid-September.
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff (arthroscopic right shoulder surgery in November 2008) should be 100 percent for spring training.
