Missing puzzle pieces

Winter meeting is approaching quickly and the Padres need to make very smart choices in order to have a successful 2010 season. Last year’s meeting got me almost sick. Yes. I admit we have not-so-good payroll which allowed to release ton of guys who were my favorites in the Padres. Not good.  

Anyway, Padres already made a move by sending veteran catcher to New York as a new member for the Mets. My part of request for the Padres didn’t work. Oh well. It was a pleasure to have Henry Blanco as a catcher for this team. Even though he was with us only one year and also spent some time in the disabled list, I enjoyed watching him play and teaching and giving advice to the young guys. Overall, I loved watching this guy during 2009 regular season as a leader.

Speaking of Henry Blanco, now that he’s gone, Padres need a back up for this guy.

Adding a backup catcher for Nick Hundley is a must. I’ve seen Eliezer Alfonso and Jose Lobaton when both Henry and Nick were injured. Well, Alfonso and Lobaton failed to impress me and I did not enjoy watching them. Nick in the other hand, is still a young guy but I can see his strong desire and ability to be an everyday catcher. He progressed so much and is still growing in the majors, which is something I love seeing from him. Looking back a year ago and today, I believe he truely knows what’s he is doing and can definitely handle his job very well.

Finding a missing piece for catching is first. Next missing piece is the infield. We have a strong group of infield whose names are: Adrian Gonzalez, David Eckstein, Everth Cabrera and Kevin Kouzmanoff. Padres are looking for someone to back up the middle infield and I’m can accept that. What I do not want to happen is trading away Kevin Kouzmanoff. Why on Earth we should release him? Did he do anything wrong? No. Is he a terrible defensive player? Heck no. They are talking about a guy who’s glove is at the Hall of Fame and made only 3 errors out of over 300 chances. Here’s the dillema: We have an outfielder who’s natural position is thirdbase. His name is Chase Headley and he managed to fit in the outfield very well when he was told by the Padres to move his position. I don’t understand why some fans are thinking Chase is a better third baseman then Kevin. I can rely on Kouz much more than Chase. Fans have to wait and see it this risky move will happen or not. Adrian can be traded as well but I do not want that to happen. Like I mentioned in this entry, Adrian will not look good in any uniform besides the Padres. He is a hometown hero and little kids in Chula Vista who want to play in the majors are looking up to him. It will be devestating for them, myself and the fans when the two-time Gold Glove winner and All-Star departures. 

The third missing piece is the starting pitching staff. The starting rotation looks already full but something doesn’t seem right. Chris Young, Kevin Correia, Clayton Richard, Mat Latos, and Wade LeBlanc are the top 5, not in order. Chirs Young spent almost the whole season (again) in the disabled list and yet he’s still getting paid the most. 2007 All-Star remains a mystery for me. He can still pitch well but if he doesn’t stay healthy for a long time, I wouldn’t be surprised when he gets traded. Kevin Correia looked solid for a guy who signed a minor league deal. Clayton, Mat and Wade are my three young starting pitchers who I can be comfortable to watch. They still have time to progress and I can’t wait to see what they can do in spring training and regular season.

The bullpen in the other hand looks pretty strong. Heath Bell as a closer is obviously the ninth inning guy. Mike Adams is a very solid relief pitcher and I rely on him the most when it comes to using guys at bullpen during games. I do believe Mike Adams can set up mostly in the eight inning. Rookie Luke Gregerson impressed me as well and looks strong as a seventh inning pitcher, if necessary.

I hope things will go smoothly for the Padres when the long offseasn continues. Hopefully it won’t make me sick again. In the other hand, I have a great news thanks to the guys at Gaslamp Ball: 2010 Fan Fest date is announced and it is going to be on my birthday, February 13th. Yay! Man, this is going to be a great, great birthday present. I can’t wait to see Kaybee again! I miss Petco Park so much and I need to hang out with her at the fan day and have a blast. I must say hello to my dear David Eckstein again and introduce her to Eck.