(Posted Image) Padres Dealin' Early In The Off-Season (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 5:23 PM on December 18, 2009

San Diego (AP) -- In the past month the Padres have been very active in the off-season trading market, making four trades. The two biggest names involved were Joe Crede and Ben Sheets. Crede was dealt to Philadelphia for a pitching prospect and cash considerations, While Sheets arrived for the cost of reliever George Brooks, cash, and a 1st Round Pick in January's Amateur Draft. Sheets posted a 3.44 ERA with 200 strikeouts and 7 complete games last season. The other two deals were relatively small, in which the Padres shipped off veterans; outfielder Ryan Church (Mets) and reliever Scott Dohmann (Rockies). The Padres received cash in those deals, along with second baseman Jeff Keppinger in the Mets deal. Keppinger hit .265 and started 25 games in 2009. The Padres are looking to bring in another veteran to compete with Keppinger for the starting job at second base.

San Diego has also reportedly been in trade talks with Houston, Minnesota, Florida, and Texas. The Padres have been shopping around outfielder Joey Gathright and third baseman Dallas McPherson. The Padres have also announced that they have hired a new Manager. Matt Nikolaus stepped down as Manager last Friday to concentrate on his General Manager duties. Nikolaus then promoted Double-A (Mobile) Manager Greg Williams as the Padres Manager on Monday. Williams is a college friend of Nikolaus and played on Ohio University's baseball team from 2004 to 2007. He was an All-City selection in high school (Cincinnati). Williams was hired by Nikolaus in 2008 where he coached the team's High-A affiliate, Lake Elsinore.

Trade Recap

11/9/2009
(Posted Image) Receive:
RP Travis Bowyer
Cash Considerations

(Posted Image) Receive:
RP Scott Dohmann

11/18/2009
(Posted Image) Receive:
SP Ben Sheets

(Posted Image) Receive:
RP George Brooks
1st Round Pick (From ATL)
Cash Considerations

12/1/2009
(Posted Image) Receive:
2B Jeff Keppinger
Cash Considerations

(Posted Image) Receive:
LF Ryan Church

12/8/2009
(Posted Image) Receive:
SP Cesar Geraldes
Cash Considerations

(Posted Image) Receive:
3B Joe Crede

(Posted Image) Padres To Hold Amateur Workouts Today (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 9:08 AM on January 3, 2010

San Diego (AP) -- This afternoon the Padres will hold Day 1 of their Pro Day workouts. Under the new MLB regulations, each team is assigned a five day period in which they can hold amateur workouts. Teams can only invite 40 draftees and can have up to 10 players being scouted each day with the fifth day being used as an interview day. Since 2006, the draft has been moved to January and teams now hold only Triple-A, Double-A, High Single-A , and Low Single-A systems. Teams no longer have Short-Season or Rookie League affiliates anymore. Potential draftees are sent to a three month Short-Season league that is ran by the MLB (July, August, and September). The other big change is first or second year college players can now opt to have their name entered in the Amatuer Draft.

San Diego posses the #21 pick in each round. GM Matt Nikolaus says the teams goal for the draft is to cement pitching prospects. The Padres were held back from postseason play last year because of pitching. Although none of these players will be ready from the get-go, they should set the foundation for future seasons to come.

Padres Invitees

Pos. Name
3B.. Alex Mendoza
SP.. Alirio Lugo
SP.. Ben Langevin
SP.. Ben Ruth
IF.. Brandon Reilly
OF.. Brian Fink
SP.. Brian Morris
IF.. Brian Warner
SP.. Craig Allen
RP.. Craig Nash
SP.. Damien Beyatli
OF.. Dan Hageman
RP.. Dan Zillmer
SP.. Elliot Valdez
SP.. Eric Mork
OF.. Etienne Aquino
C... Ezra Villanueva
C... Fran Stevens
SP.. Hugh Walczak
OF.. James Inman
RP.. James Wayne
RF.. Jason Smith
CF.. Jason Tompkins
RP.. Jeff Gelz
SP.. Josh Dunlap
SP.. Josh Grosby
OF.. Juan Rodriguez
SP.. Julio Mendes
SP.. Keith Jenkins
2B.. Michael Andrew
SP.. Nick Harden
OF.. Noland Guest
SP.. Paul Woodhouse
OF.. Richard Kaplan
UT.. Ryan Avery
RP.. Shane Tikaran
SP .. Simon Munsky
SP.. Tod Reser
RP.. Todd Ebarle
SP.. Warren MacDonald

Players in Italics declined a tryout invitation from San Diego.

(Posted Image) Amateur Workout Reports (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 3:18 PM on January 10, 2010

San Diego (AP) -- With the draft only a week away, the Padres have released their "Scouting Scores" on each of the 37 players that attended their Pro Day Workouts. "We found some players who could be third round steals," stated GM Matt Nikolaus. "Greg Williams and I both thought highly of Infielders Brian Warner and Brandon Reilly." Below is listing of the scores that the Padres scouts and coaches gave each player.

Prospect Scores

Pos. Name (Score)
RP . Dan Zillmer 116.8
SP . Damien Beyatli 113.8
SP . Warren MacDonald 112.8
SP . Paul Woodhouse 110.0
SP . Alirio Lugo 109.5
2B . Michael Andrew 109.3
SP . Tod Reser 109.2
SP . Elliot Valdez 108.8
SP . Eric Mork 108.0
RF . Jason Smith 107.7
IF . Brian Warner 106.5
SP . Nick Harden 105.8
SP . Simon Munsky 105.5
SP . Ben Langevin 104.5
OF . Dan Hageman 103.8
SP . Julio Mendes 103.2
RP . Todd Ebarle 103.0
SP . Craig Allen 102.5
CF . Jason Tompkins 101.5
OF . Noland Guest 101.0
RP . Shane Tikaran 100.8
IF . Brandon Reilly 97.8
SP . Josh Grosby 97.3
3B . Alex Mendoza 97.0
OF . Richard Kaplan 96.8
CA . Fran Stevens 96.8
CA . Ezra Villanueva 95.8
SP . Ben Ruth 95.7
OF . Brian Fink 92.5
SP . Keith Jenkins 92.3
OF . Juan Rodriguez 91.8
UT . Ryan Avery 88.0
OF . James Inman 87.3
RP . James Wayne 84.2
SP . Hugh Walczak 82.5
SP . Brian Morris 80.5
OF . Etienne Aquino 79.0

(Posted Image) Runelvys Hernandez Shipped To Yankees (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 2:23 PM on April 22, 2010

San Diego (AP) -- General Manager Matt Nikolaus announced that starting pitcher Runelvys Hernandez had been traded to the Yankees late last night during his press conference this morning. Nikolaus said the Padres received cash considerations.

The trading of Hernandez was to free up some payroll. Padres ownership has given Nikolaus $62 Million to work with. Without Hernandez the Padres will have a $40.3 Million payroll. That still gives Nikolaus roughly $22 Million to work with, but He wants to stay under $48 Million.

Some speculate that the Padres are close to signing 2B Bill Hall. Hall played for San Diego in 2008 and most of 2009. He hit .311 with 27 HR and 103 RBI in 2008 and in 2009 hit .273 with 16 HR and 60 RBI in 97 games before being shipped off to Atlanta. The Braves were forced to cut payroll prior to the season and Hall was among the pricey players that had to go.

(Posted Image) Hall Back In San Diego (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 9:02 PM on April 22, 2010

San Diego (AP) -- Infielder Bill Hall is headed back to San Diego. Hall signed a two year deal reportedly worth just over $12 Million. Hall will start in AAA (Portland) for a couple weeks to get his game together. The Padres all extended Jake Peavy's contract five years, through 2014.

(Posted Image) Padres Acquire Halladay (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 8:25 PM on July 13, 2010

San Diego (AP) -- Yesterday, with a heavy heart, General Manager Matt Nikolaus announced that shortstop Khalil Greene had been traded to Tampa Bay for Roy Halladay. "Khalil has been a big part of our success the past two years and it's hard to see a player of his caliber go, but we think it's best for both sides." The Padres also shipped starter Kyle Davies and prospect Cesar Geraldes and also received prospect Sam Virola from Tampa Bay.

Today, the Padres added speed to their bench by adding outfielder Prentice Redman from the Mets in exchange for top bench man Gabe Gross and prospect catcher Eduardo Padilla.

Trade Recap

7/12/2010
(Posted Image) Receive:
SP Roy Halladay
SP Sam Virola

(Posted Image) Receive:
SS Khalil Greene
SP Kyle Davies
SP Cesar Geraldes

7/13/2010
(Posted Image) Receive:
CF Prentice Redman
Cash Considerations

(Posted Image) Receive:
C Eduardo Padilla
LF Gabe Gross

(Posted Image) Kata Acquired In Three Team Deal (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 6:06 PM on July, 31, 2010

San Diego (AP) -- A Padres team spokesman has just announced that San Diego has completed a three team deal with Texas and Milwaukee in the past hour. The trade is said to have sent SP prospect Ben Ruth and cash to Texas and the Padres 3rd round pick and Rangers' prospect Carlos Sanchis to Milwaukee. The Padres receive middle infielder Matt Kata.

Kata has a vaccum for a glove and is expected to start at shortstop. Bill Hall will move back to his normal position at 2nd base, while rookie Paul Wright will get more work at Portland (AAA).

"This is one of those trades that makes you smile and proud to be a General Manager," said Matt Nikolaus. "It's the type of trade that everyone of the teams get what they want and I know all three of us feel as if we got the better end of the deal." When asked about sending Wright to triple-A, Nikolaus said, "Paul has been improving each month at second base. We asked a hard job of him in spring training. He hadn't played the infield before and he was told he didn't have much of a future in San Diego as an outfielder and gladly moved. He's played great defensively for us. We're hoping a stint in the minors will help him fine tune his hitting approach."

Trade Recap

(Posted Image) Receive:
2B Carlos Sanchis (Rangers)
3rd Round Pick (Padres)

(Posted Image) Receive:
2B Matt Kata (Brewers)

(Posted Image) Receive:
SP Ben Ruth (Padres)
Cash Considerations (Padres)

(Posted Image) Halladay Shipped In Blockbuster Trade (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 2:57 PM on December 10, 2011

San Diego (AP) -- The Padres have just pulled a blockbuster deal with Cincinnati and Seattle. The involves six players, two draft picks, and cash. On the Padres end, they lose pitcher Roy Halladay (Seattle), and prospects; Matthew Bauckman, Alexander Parker, and Alex Mendoza (Cincinnati). In return San Diego gets prospect infielder Mitchell Bell and rights to the Reds' 1st and 3rd round pick in next month's draft.

"It hurts to lose those young prospects and a veteran like Roy Halladay," GM Matt Nikolaus said. "But we get the rights to the number one overall pick and a great prospect in Mitchell Bell. We aren't sure yet if we going to trade the number one pick for a package of other picks or keep it. This will be determined after our Amateur Workouts."

Halladay helped a playoff effort that fell just short by posting a 2.76 ERA and a .216 OBA in 15 starts with the Padres last year. With the move, San Diego looks to be wanting to have Jason Thompson as their number five man in the rotation this year. The Padres also completed smaller deals with Oakland and Milwaukee. Notable names in the deals include Edwin Jackson (Re-Acquired from Milwaukee) and Paul Wright (Traded to Oakland).

Trade Recap

11/9/2011

(Posted Image) Receive:
SP Wade Poland
RP Dan Meyer
OAK 2nd Round Pick
Cash Considerations

(Posted Image) Receive:
3B Dallas McPherson
CF Paul Wright

11/20/2011

(Posted Image) Receive:
RP Chuck James
RP JD Durbin

(Posted Image) Receive:
SP Edwin Jackson

12/9/2011

(Posted Image) Receive:
2B Mitchell Bell (Mariners)
CIN 1st Round Pick (Reds)
CIN 3rd Round Pick (Reds)

(Posted Image) Receive:
SP Roy Halladay (Padres)

(Posted Image) Receive:
C Matthew Bauckman (Padres)
3B Alex Mendoza (Padres)
SS Alexander Parker (Padres)
RP Gary Finnigan (Mariners)
Cash Considerations (Padres)

(Posted Image) Padres To Hold 2011 Amateur Workouts (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 8:57 AM on January 3, 2011

San Diego (AP) -- The draft is almost upon us once again, but it doesn't appear that the Padres are too excited about the draft. They only invited 20 draftees to their workout sessions, but Padres' management has other reasons for only inviting half as many draftees as are allowed; "With only 20 players we can not only get a better look at each player, but we can have two days to scout each player," stated Padres' Manager, Greg Williams.

The Padres traded for the rights to the number one pick in the draft with Cincinnati a couple weeks ago. They also hold the number 18 picks in each round in addition to Oakland's second round pick.

Padres Invitees

Pos. Name
SP.. Albert Ortega
RP.. Bob Graham
SP.. Brian Scott
1B.. Chad Downs
RP.. Daniel Ezra
RP.. Eric Otzel
IF.. Francisco Ramirez
SP.. Gabriel Salazar
OF.. Grant Cipolotti
SP.. James Burt
2B.. Jeff Benn
OF.. Jeff Leblond
3B.. Jim Byrne
OF.. Jose Enriquez
OF.. Santos Chaves
SP.. Spencer Baker
OF.. Tim White
RP.. Todd Ferguson
SP.. Trev Bent
IF.. Vladimir Rucina

(Posted Image) Amateur Workout Reports (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 3:33 PM on January 10, 2011

San Diego (AP) -- GM Matt Nikolaus had this statement released on the Pro Day Workouts, "We were able to get a very close look at all twenty of these players. Jose Enriquez would be our pick at number one, but we are still deciding on what to do. We feel there will be a lot of talent available in the third round, this is a draft where the middle rounds will be key." The Padres' "Scouting Scores" are listed below.

Prospect Scores

Pos. Name (Score)
OF.. Jose Enriquez 112.3
SP.. Spencer Baker 107.0
SP.. Albert Ortega 105.7
SP.. James Burt 105.0
IF.. Francisco Ramirez 102.0
RP.. Eric Otzel 101.3
RP.. Todd Ferguson 98.0
OF.. Santos Chaves 95.0
1B.. Chad Downs 92.7
2B.. Jeff Benn 92.7
RP.. Bob Graham 92.0
SP.. Gabriel Salazar 87.0
RP.. Daniel Ezra 86.0
SP.. Brian Scott 83.0
3B.. Jim Byrne 82.3
SP.. Trev Bent 82.3
OF.. Jeff Leblond 78.3
OF.. Grant Cipolotti 71.7
IF.. Vladimir Rucina 68.0
OF.. Tim White 67.3

(Posted Image) San Diego Packs It In For The Season (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 11:40 PM on July 31, 2011

San Diego (AP) -- With star veterans Chad Tracy (Tigers) and Ben Sheets (Cardinals) heading out of town, the Padres are showing that it's time to look towards next year. "It's a tough situation to deal with," says GM Matt Nikolaus of dealing away the star players. "We're currently one of the hottest teams in baseball, but a 6-22 June just put us too far back of the Dodgers or the Giants and Phillies in the Wildcard race." In return for Tracy and Sheets the Padres received a first round draft pick from each team. Veteran backup Jeff Keppinger was also dealt as the deadline approached. San Diego received prospects Bill Vanbeek and Chad Raines. Raines, who was at Double-A Norwich with San Francisco, will be jettisoned up to the majors to fill Keppinger's void.

The Padres were rumored to have Torii Hunter as a replacement for Chad Tracy, but that deal fell through. The Padres were able to acquire Freddy Guzman for a player to be named later. Guzman was traded to Minnesota during the 2006 deadline. He returns to San Diego and will get a shot at starting in right field for the remaining two months. It's uncertain if he has a shot to return with the team next season, but for now he gets his shot in the big leagues.

Trade Recap

7/30/2011

(Posted Image) Receive:
3B Chad Tracy

(Posted Image) Receive:
DET 1st Round Pick

----------

(Posted Image) Receive:
SP Ben Sheets
SP Alan Zulkarnian

(Posted Image) Receive:
STL 1st Round Pick

7/30/2011

(Posted Image) Receive:
CF Freddy Guzman

(Posted Image) Receive:
Player to be Named Later

----------

(Posted Image) Receive:
2B Chad Raines
3B Bill Vanbeek

(Posted Image) Receive:
2B Jeff Keppinger

(Posted Image) MLB Dream Comes True For Hometown Favorite (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 2:43 AM September 19, 2011

San Diego (AP) -- As of 4:40 PST on September 20, 2011 a 27 year old rookie will finally make his major league hopes and dreams come true. That man, Greg Williams (who has been activated for the Padres series versus the Rockies). Williams has spent five plus years in the minors. Williams was drafted by Pittsburgh in 2006 and traded to San Diego shortly after. The Padres traded Williams to Tampa Bay in 2008 (who returned him in 2010). He had a fine career at Oregon State hitting .339 with 8 long balls and 64 RBI as a junior and hit .402 as a sophomore. The Padres took advantage of the then first baseman's athletic ability and big arm and moved him to the outfield. This past season he hit .228 with 17 home runs with 73 RBI at Triple-A Portland while sharing time in centerfield with Brad Snyder. With Dan Gieryk out for the next two series, the local product, Williams should get some playing time.

(Posted Image) Big Names Arise In San Diego Trade Rumors (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 7:24 PM November 9, 2011

San Diego (AP) -- With the off-season kicking off at 10:15 pm EST tonight the Padres are gearing up for another winter of "wheelin' and dealin'". The Padres posses three first round picks (#8, #12, and #13) and the third pick in round two. Rumors surounding the organization suggest that the first round picks won't be around for long. Big names such as Cleveland's Grady Sizemore and orignial Padre, current Yankee Jose Enriquez have been rumored to be heading to San Diego very soon.

The Padres had a dissapointing 2011 season, primarily in June where they went 6-22. As a result the Padres traded away slugger Chad Tracy and ace Ben Sheets each for a 1st round pick in the January Amateur Draft. Other than a few trades, don't look for the Padres to be very active...and this time we mean it!

San Diego seems to be set for the 2012 season at almost every position. A season ago David Stoffel and Terry Douglass solidified what could be baseball's best bullpen this upcoming year. Aaron Perin looks like he will get a crack at being the every day second baseman. When acquried from Toronto he was regarded as a top prospects, but since then he hasn't done much to keep that billing. The only major position battle will be for the #5 spot in the rotation. With Edwin Jackson being shopped around Dan Meyer and Travis Chick look to battle for the last rotation spot during Spring Training, the loser will be sent to the bullpen in long relief. The 25th spot looks to either be Freddy Guzman or Matthew Tweedie. Tweedie made the opening day roster a year ago, but after a 0-19 start he was sent to Triple-A. In a September call-up Tweedie hit .268 with 2 home runs in 17 starts. Guzman will provide a lot speed for the Padres. In 36 starts he stole 8 bases.

(Posted Image) Johan A Padre? (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 9:46 PM July 30, 2012

San Diego (AP) -- You read it right, the rumor is that after this evening's game a team sorce has reported that the Twins and Padres have came to a preliminary agreement. The three-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana is having a very good season so far in 2012. Santana has picked up 13 wins with a 3.09 ERA and a .240 OBA. The Padres are said to be dealing Seth Tupper, Jim Byrne, and the rights to their 2013 1st Round Pick. Stay tuned to see how this breaking news pans out.

(Posted Image) Santana Trade Official (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 11:15 PM July 31, 2012

San Diego (AP) -- After more discussions and a third team the Padres have finally acquired Johan Santana. San Diego is hoping the 33 year old veteran will volt them into the playoffs for the first time since 1998. "We feel a pitcher like Santana is exactly what we needed." Stated GM Matt Nikolaus. "He's been very domanint througout his career. Our bullpen is coming around, this should be a great pitching staff come playoff time."

In the deal San Diego sends the rights of their 2013 1st Round Draft pick and prospect Ryan Bondura to Minnesota. The Texas Rangers are sending top prospect John Cassily to the Twins and are receiving short stop Jim Byrne and pitching prospect Albert Ortega (both from San Diego).

The Padres also acquired Nomar Garciaparra from the Orioles for Craig Dolan. Garciaparra appears to be headed to Triple-A for the month of August and could receive a roster spot in the playoffs if the Padres end up winning the Wildcard.

Trade Recap

7/31/12

(Posted Image) Receive:
SP Johan Santana (Twins)

(Posted Image) Receive:
SP John Cassily (Rangers)
SP Ryan Bondura (Padres)
SDP 1st Round Pick

(Posted Image) Receive:
SP Albert Ortega (Padres)
SS Jim Byrne (Padres)

(Posted Image) Padres Suprise With Riddell (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 3:30 AM January 18, 2013

San Diego (AP) -- In a suprise move last night the Padres traded star outfielder Grady Sizemore to Florida for the rights to the Marlins' top two picks. The second round pick was eventually traded for prospects. With the #3 pick San Diego was expected to take Joe Brown (who some scouts say is the best pitcher to come through the draft in years). However the Padres felt their was a greater need for a shortstop. "Great shortstops have been hard to come by in previous years." Said GM Matt Nikolaus. "We feel Riddell doesn't have to be rushed along and when he's ready he'll be the successor of (Dan) Lunsford." James Riddell was an All-American at North Carolina where he hit over .400 in both of his collegiate seasons.

As stated above the Padres traded their next pick for two prospects; Wayne DeBruler and Bob Graham. Graham was an original draft pick of San Diego in 2011. DeBruler is expected to work on his hitting in the minors for another year and then possibly challange Fran Stevens in 2014.

Later in the second round the Padres selected corner infielder Jorge Valdez. Valdez had a great sophomore season for Arkansas, batting .381 with 14 long balls. In wrapping up round two, the Padres continued their trend by selecting another sophomore with a power pitcher; Josh Wood from Miami. Wood averaged over 10 strikeouts per 9 innings for the Hurricanes in his two year career.

Rounding out the draft for the Padres is power reliever Maurice Humphrey (yet another sophomore), finese reliver Rico Diaz, and outfielder Sean Verity.

Overall it's a solid draft for the Padres. They were able to pick up players that they don't have to rush through the minors and surely Riddell will be a star someday and Josh Wood may erase any second thoughts of "Should we have chosen Brown at #3?"

(Posted Image) San Diego Announces New Coaching Staff (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 3:46 AM January 26, 2013

San Diego (AP) -- With the smell of Spring Training around the corner San Diego has scrapped their old coaching staff and have brought in familiar faces to the Padre organization. Manager Greg Williams is staying, but he and GM Matt Nikolaus have made some changes:

Hitting Coach - Tony Gwynn
Pitching Coach - Trevor Hoffman

Gwynn played his entire career in San Diego, amassing over 3,100 hits with a career .338 average and walking nearly twice as much as he struckout. Prior to excepting the Hitting Coach position Gwynn was the manager of the San Diego State Aztec's. The Hall of Famer hopes to teach the players discipline at the plate and help the young guys have more productive at-bats.

Hoffman, who played much of his career in San Diego returns in a similar situation. His main job is to help improve the bullpen after last year's woes. Although this season he won't be throwing the ball and rather teaching meachanics. Since Hoffman will be focusing on the bullpen, the lone hold over from Hoffman's days in a Padre uniform, Jake Peavy will look to guide the rotation. "It's nice to have a veteran like Jake," stated GM Nikolaus. "It's like having another coach out there. He's been here 11 years and it's relaxing to the coaches that guys like Brent Winchester or Seth Tupper can go to him for advice."

(Posted Image) Snyder Remains A Padre After Testing The Market (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 5:45 PM January 28, 2013

San Diego (AP) -- Back in November both sides couldn't come to an agreement on a new contract. After testing the Free Agent waters and receiving very little interest Chris Snyder lowered his asking price and the Padres came calling. "Chris is one of the top defensive catchers in the league. His presence in our clubhouse is terrific for the young guys." Stated GM Matt Nikolaus. "This gives up the opportunity to ease Fran Stevens into the starting role. Stevens now moves into the backup role where he can learn from Snyder and not have the pressure of playing everyday at a young age like he did in 2011." Synder signed a deal worth reportedly just over $2 Million for 2012. San Diego has an option to retain Snyder for the 2013 season.

In other news the Padres are rumored to be close to signing Vladimir Guerrero. The 37 year old veteran is only 29 home runs away from 600. Guerrero is also in talks with the Devil Rays, if he signs with San Diego Guerrero is expected to be moved to first base.

(Posted Image) 2013 Minor Leagues In Review (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 4:45 PM September 17, 2013

San Diego (AP) -- As the "future" draws near for San Diego many top prospects are in their final minor league days at Triple-A (Portland) and Double-A (Mobile). Top prospects Warren Ward and Nick Harden have already received September call-ups. "We got a good look at both players," said Manager Greg Williams. "Warren played a very solid left field for us and hit .280 with a .419 On-Base Percentage. Nick pitched extremely well for us in five relief appearances. In 8.2 innings he only allowed five hits (for a .161 average) and struck out eight."

It is likely that the Padres will shop most of their 2013 veteran additions come this off-season with players like; Ward, Harden, and Nate Weber proving that they are ready for the show. Even though Weber had an off year at Portland, his performance in his call-up last year still remains fresh in the Padres' minds.

2013 In Review

Triple-A (Portland)

SP Nick Harden - Even though he had pitched well in the minors in the past, some scouts had questioned his potential that he once had on draft day four years ago. He stepped up his game this season at Portland and a key stat in scout's minds is 14 home runs allowed in 21 starts.

SP Spencer Baker - Baker, who was acquired for Seth Tupper and a prospect from the Blue Jays, looks to have all but sured up a spot in the Padres' rotation come next spring. Baker accumulated a 3.53 ERA and a .226 OBA this season. Being a "finese" pitcher he still gives up a good amount of home runs, but the Padres feel with some major league experience that will change.

SP Nate Weber - It pretty much depends on how many veterans the Padres can deal on whether or not Weber makes the major league roster. The soon-to-be 27 year old prospect is running out of options and has been subject to some trade rumors during the season.

RP Dan Zillmer - Zillmer could be the successor to Brendan Birmingham in the future. He has impressed at each level in his pro career. He is expected to stay in Portland for at least another two months. Depending on when/if the Padres move Terry Douglass to the rotation full-time, Zillmer could be a Padre by mid-season in 2014.

Double-A (Mobile)

1B Chris Webster - Webster continues to impress with his power, but lacks the contact hitting. He should be in Triple-A next year and desperately needs to work on becoming more of a contact hitter if he wants to don the Padres' uniform. If he doesn't he'll probably be sent packing to an AL team and become a designated hitter.

LF Warren Ward - Petco Field was buzzing on September 6th, where Ward went 0 for 2 with a walk in his home debut. Ward started off his call-up slow, but rebounded nicely. It may be a long shot, but Ward has a slight chance to win the left field job come next spring.

RF Jason Smith - All indications are that Smith will eventually move to second base once he's called up to the big leagues. Like Harden, scouts are worried that he may have hit a cieling much lower than that projected on draft day. He needs to make the extra effort to become a leadoff hitter, right now he's nothing more than a speedy #2 batter.

RP Rob Streat - Basically everything said about Zillmer can be passed on down to Streat (except a year behind Zillmer's time frame). Both he and Zillmer will make a great one, two punch in the bullpen for years to come. He has all the tools to be a very dominant setup man/ closer in the majors.

Single-A (Lake Elsinore)

C Curtis Poe - So far Poe hasn't shown much signs of improving since he was acquired from Baltimore, but he still has many years to develop. Scouts believe he will be a solid hitter and adequate defensively.

Rookie Level (Eugene)

SS James Riddell - Riddell made it to Lake Elsinore this season, but had most of his playing time in Eugene. There is a lot of pressure of Riddell to be a superstar, luckily for him, he has a lot of time to improve with the like's of Smith (mentioned above) and Mitchell Bell (who is likely to move to short stop) in the middle infield for a good number of years.

SP Josh Wood - A top starting pitching prospect is just what the Padres' needed in the lower part of the system. Wood is the likely replacement for current Ace Jake Peavy (who will be 32 next season). With the Padres' hoping that Peavy will stick around for a few more years, Wood won't need to be rushed.

(Posted Image) 2013 San Diego In Review (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 8:11 PM November 6, 2013

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The Padres got a fairytale ending to the 2013 season, their first ever World Series title. In only their second playoff appearance since 1998 San Diego beat the Texas Rangers in six games. The star of game six was Cory Bowers, who was only a single shy of the cycle.

Along with a World Series ring, star centerfielder Dan Gieryk picked up a few other accolades on the season; 5th All-Star selection, 3rd Gold Glove, and World Series MVP (along with NLCS MVP). 2013 also saw the debut's of hot prospects, Jose Enriquez, Warren Ward, and Nick Harden. Enriquez started the season out slow, but rebounding nicely to win the Rookie of the Year. Ward impressed in his September call-up, but it's uncertain if he will make the 2014 opening day roster as the Padres would like him to get more playing time at Portland (Triple-A). Harden has a good shot at earning a spot in the rotation as rumors are that Matt Cain and Tom Gorzelanny are being shopped around.

The main talk of the season was the acquistion of Eduardo Queiro from Baltimore. Queiro came up big in the post-season, notched wins on four of his starts including two complete games. He wasn't bad in the regular season either; winning 17 of his 25 starts in San Diego with nine complete games and a .195 OBA.

Padres Player-By-Player Review

1B Ryan Harvey - Once again hit above .300 and scored more than 100 runs while also walking 109 times.

3B Steve Kelley - Found his way to the DL in September and further injured his shoulder prior to the playoffs. He'll likely sit out the entire 2014 season and will have a long road to comeback.

SS Dan Lunsford - Lunsford hit #3 for most of the season, but really found his knack hitting #2. He posted career highs in runs, RBI, and home runs.

CF Dan Gieryk - Just another solid year from this perenial All-Star and Gold Glover.

RF Austin Kearns - Kearns didn't play to well in the playoffs, but was an intricate part in getting the Padres there.

OF Jose Enriquez - He improved enough throughout the season to be garner Rookie of the Year honors. Eventually he'll mold into a great clean-up hitter, something Gieryk would love.

LF Gary Anderson - Injured right after the All-Star break, but was able to hit 20 long balls and drive in 67 before breaking his leg.

2B Mitchell Bell - Bell had a very fine season all-around and even showed some pop.

C Chris Snyder - Unexpectedly returned to the Padres and put up the best season of his career.

RF Dave Krynzel - A late season signing who proved to be a good bat off the bench.

1B Kevin Pearson - Had his ups-and-downs during the season, but hit two big home runs in the playoffs.

C Fran Stevens - Filled in nicely in the playoffs, but struggled to find consistency in the regular season.

3B Geoff Allen - Allen proved to be an adequate bench player once again in 2013. He even stepped up nicely against the Pirates in the NLDS.

2B Cory Bowers - The three-time Padre stepped it up in game six of the World Series, nearly obtaining the cycle.

SP Jake Peavy - The stats tell the story of this Ace.

SP Eduardo Queiro - Was the key acquistion in the title run. Queiro simply owned batters this past season.

SP Matt Cain - His production dropped off a lot after coming over from Pittsburgh. At least he was successful in the early going of his Padre career.

SP Brent Winchester - Winchester came on strong in 2013, rebounding from a poor 2012 season. He's proving why he'll eventually be the Ace of the Padres.

SP Tom Gorzelanny - Wasn't pretty about it, but notched wins down the stretch for San Diego[/b]

SP Jason Thompson - Had the season that was expected after coming off an over achieving sophomore season.

CL Brendan Birmingham - 30+ saves and another very fine season for Birmingham. After struggling in the NLDS, he shut down any hope for the Nationals or Rangers in the following series.

SU Pat Robertson - Some believe he could eventually be the closer, 2013 is why.

MR Terry Douglass - All indications are that he will eventually move to the rotation, but while he's here he provides quality innings in the bullpen.

MR David Stoffel - Pitched phenominal in the playoffs and should eventually get a crack at the setup role.

LR Rafael Soriano - Provided adequate relief after coming over from Pittsburgh.