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. San Diego 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). The team signed veteran David Eckstein to play second, but there are still questions, specifically at short, the back of the rotation and in the bullpen. 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: None.
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) expects to be in the lineup on Opening Day.
