Quickly this morning. Padres continue to make moves this off-season, re-signing last year’s interim closer and bullpen savior Rod Beck. He’ll work the eighth inning this year, setting up Trevor Hoffman.

Also, Japanese reliever Akinori Otsuka is close to signing. Once he’s in the fold, the Pads are rumored to be looking to add a second left-hander to join Kevin Walker in the bullpen. Top candidates include Mark Guthrie, Steve Kline, and Ricardo Rincon. I’m hoping it’s Rincon but only because I think it would be amusing to have him and Brian Giles (for whom he once was traded straight-up) on the same team.

Finally, the Padres are searching for a true center fielder. Kenny Lofton appears to be the front-runner right now, but I’m holding out hope for Mike Cameron (who was not offered arbitration by the Mariners and won’t cost any picks). If Lofton signs, word is he’ll lead off and Sean Burroughs will drop to sixth or seventh in the order. Of course, if the Pads do bring in a center fielder, Xavier Nady goes back to the bench. On the good side, pitchers would be able serve up the occasional fly ball without trepidation.

I leave you now with a little reading material:

• Padres strengthen bullpen, re-sign Beck We’ve already covered this but here’s the source for those interested.
• 2003 Wrapups: San Diego (Baseball America)
• WHO TO WATCH: Padres prospects (Fox Sports)