While we’re all waiting for “something to happen” (no I’m not talking about those ridiculous Manny Ramirez rumors), here are a few links to keep you occupied, amused, and otherwise out of trouble:
- Padres, Graffanino talking (San Diego Union-Tribune). Tom Krasovic reports that the Pads are looking at Tony Graffanino as a possible successor to Josh Barfield at second base. Since the start of the 2005 season, Graffanino has hit .290/.355/.414. He turns 35 in June. No clue what he’s asking, but I think I could get behind something like 2 years, $8 million. At the season ticket holder’s event last night, Graffanino’s name was mentioned along with many others — Ray Durham, Marcus Giles, Mark Loretta (aka the usual suspects).
- Former Padres pitcher Pat Dobson died last week, while former Padres trainer John “Doc” Mattei died Wednesday night. Both served in San Diego well before my time as a fan of the club, but both represent an unmistakable part of the organization’s history. My condolences go out to the Dobson and Mattei families.
- Rich Lederer at Baseball Analysts previews this winter’s free agent crop. Yes, some of these are a little old but I was on vacation and the analysis is solid, so here you go. Part 1 focuses on the top 10 hitters, Part 2 on the top 10 pitchers, and Part 3 on the “best of the rest.” Rich also has an amusing riff on Dodgers GM Ned Colletti in the wake of his signing of Juan Pierre. Needless to say, I don’t see any problem with the deal.
- The Free Agent Cycle (Hardball Times). Speaking of free agents, Dave Studeman offers a thoughtful discussion on the cyclical nature of player salaries, comparing the fluctuations with those seen in the insurance industry. Good food for thought here.
- A pitcher ‘dying inside’ (Washington Times). A while back, reader Kevin pointed us to this story about former Padres right-hander Jay Franklin. The David Clyde story is famous, but not many folks (myself included) know about Franklin. A tough read, but worth it.
- Meanwhile, back at Baseball Analysts, Jeff Sackmann reveals the best and worst minor-league defenders at each position. I’ll leave the methodology to Jeff, and just note here that among Padres, second baseman Luis Cruz (#7), third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff (#4), and center fielder Yordany Ramirez (#9) all make the top 10, while third baseman Chase Headley (#2) makes the bottom 10.
Rock over London, rock on San Diego. The Padres are whooping on a mule’s ass with a belt.
Rotoworld reports Graffanino was offered arbitration, Loretta wasn’t. Count me in on Loretta if Graff is going to cost a 1st round pick.
I imagine Bochy’s double-switch-itude last year was partially due to his inept/undermanned bench. He had to make the most of the five bench guys he had (with two of the five being catchers).
With Steve Phillips a so called “expert”, I wonder how come Kevin Malone doesn’t have a job with ESPN. I’ve seen kids come up with better supposed trade proposals than Phillips. He’s horrible.
With all of the focus recently on Manny Ramirez, the one name that I would be inquiring about along with Burrell for LF is Adam Dunn. The Reds seem down on him, and Joe Sheehan over at BP thinks the Reds can’t get top value for him. What mediocre package could we throw at the Reds? What are their needs? He would fit right in here.
Besides my proofreading being worthless …
26: Sarcasm. I thought the “even better than Derek Jeter” reference sold it; guess not.
But I have heard those sentiments on XX during the past two weeks.
54: If it’s any consolation, I knew you were being sarcastic. I even thought it was funny.
Since I have to be at work today I thought I’d round up some arbitration news:
Offered arbitration:
Mulder, Suppan, Graffanino, Jason Schmidt, Julio Lugo, Miguel Batista
Not offered arbitration
Loretta, Jeff Weaver, Belliard, Aaron Boone, Barry Bonds, Maddux, Luis Gonzalez, Trot Nixon, Eric Young
I believe those are all Type A free agents.
Padres offered arbitration to Roberts, Walker, Chan Ho Park, Klesko, Embree and Wells. Roberts signed a 3 year/$18 million deal with SF so we picked up a draft pick there. Is there a team out there that would give up a 1st round pick for Park or Klesko? I hear San Francisco calling…
53: I’ve always liked Dunn for Petco because he could hit it out of the Grand Canyon but he looks like a beer league softball player. But I agree, if we can get him for cheap I’d take a chance. Another possibility is Geoff Jenkins, Milwaukee is trying to get rid of him. He was pretty awful for a good portion of the season but finished strong and is .279/.350/.499 for his career.
I forgot to include Steve Finley and Aubrey Huff in the No Arbitration list. Why do I have the uneasy feeling we’ll end up with Luis Gonzalez in left next year?
57: It wouldn’t be that horrible if he was on a 1-year contract.
Dude! What a random Wesley Willis reference!
“Suck a European Bison’s smelly ass!!!”