(Posted Image) Padres' Ownership Changes Hands (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 4:29 PM January 18, 2014

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Shortly after the Amateur Draft Padres' former Chairman John Moores announced that GM Matt Nikolaus had purchased the majority of the team's stock and is now the team's primary shareholder. Nikolaus now is 75% majority owner. Moores (an avid baseball fan) will stay on for the next five years as an advisor to Nikolaus, where he will relinquish 5% of the team to Nikolaus each year. "I was thrilled that Matt had interest in buying the team," stated Moores. "I've came to the time where I just want to be a casual fan."

Shortly after Nikolaus was signed as GM, he started his own metal bat company entitled "NMT". The bats targeted high school and little league and have been a big success. How big? Big enough that Louisville Slugger offered to buyout the company and "NMT" naming rights. "All the pieces fell into place," said Nikolaus. "I wasn't going to sell the company until I knew I would get the Padres. Louisville Slugger makes a great line of bats and I'm proud to have my name associated with them." Nikolaus went on to say, "I greatly appreciate everything John Moores has done for me. He gave me my first break as a GM in the league and now I have him as a mentor for me to learn the ropes as an owner."

(Posted Image) Thompson Requests To Be Traded (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 4:47 PM January 18, 2014

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Following the Amateur Draft pitcher Jason Thompson has asked GM Matt Nikolaus to trade him. With prospects Spencer Baker and Nick Harden appearing to be ready for the majors all indications are that the one time gem prospect, Thompson, is headed to the bullpen. "Maybe I didn't reach people's expectations, but over the last two seasons I have proven to be a capable starter. I just want the chance to start somewhere," said Thompson, commenting about his trade request.

(Posted Image) 2014 San Diego Padres Preview (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 3:15 PM on Februrary 26, 2014

Following a magical season that led to a World Series victory, the Padres look to pick up where they left off. The big suprise of the off-season was trading Eduardo Queiro to the Brewers. Queiro was a major reason why the Padres won the World Series and has some fans disgruntled with the decision to call-up two prospects for the final two rotation spots. To combat the move, GM Matt Nikolaus decided to retain veteran Austin Kearns. Kearns, who was subject to trade talks before Queiro was dealt, hit .313 with 14 home runs and 49 RBI in 56 games as a Padre last year.

Here's a look at the projected opening day roster.

The Lineup
#1. 1B Ryan Harvey - Harvey hit over .300 for the fourth straight season in 2013 and played nicely, converting to first base.

#2. SS Dan Lunsford - Near the end of the season Lunsford found his calling in the two hole. He combines great contact hitting with good power and a superb eye.

#3. CF Dan Gieryk - With the Padres' final feeling that they have found a true clean-up hitter (Jose Enriquez), Gieryk can move into his natural spot in the lineup. In his six years in the majors he has yet to drive in less than 100 runs in a season.

#4. LF Jose Enriquez - Enriquez projects to be the future right fielder, but while Austin Kearns is in town, he'll slide over to left field. Enriquez expects to have a breakout season after winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2013.

#5. RF Austin Kearns - Kearns is a reliable veteran that will look to give Enriquez support in the lineup. He is very consistent and has only dipped below 30 homers once since 2005.

#6. 3B Kevin Pearson - It's do or die for the career .231 hitter. He shows good pop (hitting 8 home runs of the bench in 2013) and adequate defense. He needs to show consistency at the plate to avoid an early season release.

#7. 2B Mitchell Bell - Bell had a phenominal rookie campaign, hitting .282 with 19 longballs. Bell is a primetime player who is very clutch (just look at his playoff numbers).

#8. C Chris Snyder - Snyder was a pleasant suprise last year. He wasn't even expected to return to the Padres. Snyder returned to his 2009-10 form, hitting .260+, 12+ home runs and 70+ RBI.

The Bench
RF Dave Krynzel - Krynzel, a mid-season signing, proved to be a good bench addition last season. The career .265 hitter will be looked upon to be a key role player with Austin Kearn's diminishing health.

1B Jeff Veksler - The Padres have been excited about Veksler since signing him in 2010. He reminds the Padres of Jon Knott, who was a valuable backup first baseman a few years back.

C Fran Stevens - He would be the starting catcher if he could find consistency at the plate. However, he finds himself on the bench and most likely will be nothing more than a hold over until Curtis Poe is ready.

LF Matthew Tweedie - Tweedie is a solid backup who shouldn't be counted on to hit any higher than .235.

3B Geoff Allen - Allen is a solid backup who can play anywhere in the infield. Allen played a huge role in the Padres' win over Pittsburgh in the NLDS last season.

2B Cory Bowers - The three-time Padre has found a knack as a infielder. He was the man of the hour in game six versus Texas in the World Series.

The Rotation
#1. Jake Peavy - Peavy pitched a Cy Young worthy season in 2013 and for the second time in as many years came one win shy of twenty. Without Eduardo Queiro around he'll have to carry the load with an iffy bottom half of the rotation.

#2. Brent Winchester - The Padres are hoping Winchester can do the one thing he has yet to do... Show he can be successful in back-to-back seasons.

#3. Terry Douglass - Douglass will now make the conversion from reliever. He has five starts in the past and on two of those occasions has been very dominant.

#4. Spencer Baker - Baker, a top prospect acquired from Toronto, will eventually make a great one, two punch with Winchester. After coming over from Toronto, he was sent to Triple-A to work on keeping opponents from getting big hits.

#5. Nick Harden - Harden has disapointed in his minor league career, as he has never been the type of player the Padres thought they were getting. He did have a nice September call-up and should look back on that success to propel him to a solid big league starter.

The Bullpen
Closer: Brendan Birmingham - For the fourth straight year Birmingham notched 30 or more saves with a sub-3.00 ERA.

Setup: Pat Robertson - Robertson got back to his 2011 form a year ago. He is a consistent setup man, who could be a closer on many other teams.

Middle Relievers: David Stoffel and Rafael Soriano - Stoffel is a reliable reliever who has pinpoint control and baffling movement. Soriano is the versatile, veteran arm in the bullpen. He can come in and shut down a rally or provide three innings of quality relief.

Long Relievers: Jason Thompson and Nate Weber - Both long relievers are has been great prospects. Thompson has publicly stated that he wants traded, but for now he'll remain in the Padres' 'pen. Weber is a solid pitcher, but would probably need an injury in the rotation to be able to truely show what he can do.

Minor League Coming Attractions Coming Soon...

San Diego Padres Minor League Attractions

Key Additions
CF Jeremy Lozano (Seattle)
RP Mitch Campos (Detroit)

Key Losses
RF Jason Smith (Houston)
SP Josh Wood (Houston)

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On the positional side the Padres' minor leagues look pretty much the same. Warren Ward received a September call-up, but is expected to play the entire year in Portland. The pitching, however is a very different story. The only big time holdover prospects from last year are reliever Dan Zillmer and Rob Streat (both in Triple-A). The Padres did acquire two good pitching prospects this off-season; Ernie Sakins (via draft) and Mitch Campos (via trade with Detroit). Sakins was a star at Baylor where he baffles hitters his senior year only allowing batters to hit a measly .197 off of him. Campos, a reliever from Florida, is expected to make the transition to starter. Padres' management feel he can, "come in and pitch to just one batter, get a whole innings worth, or even go in long relief and mop up five innings if needed", as a result they feel he will be best groomed as a future starter.

Triple-A Portland: 1B Chris Webster, LF Warren Ward, RP Dan Zillmer, and RP Rob Streat
Dan Zillmer is making his second tour of duty in Portland. Since being picked #25 four years ago, Zillmer has yet to finish a season with an ERA of over 4.00 and is as close to a sure bet of making the majors next year as a player can be. Rob Streat also has a good shot at making the major league club depending on off-season moves. To the Padres Streat is known as "Mr. Zillmer in disquise" as his game patterns Zillmer's. Warren Ward stopped in Portlant last August before moving on to the big show. Much like Zillmer, Ward is expected to play the entire year at Triple-A and has a good shot at making the Padres next spring. San Diego has watched Chris Webster grow from a 19 year old kid to a now Triple-A baseball player. Webster has yet to develop into the contact hitter the Padres figured he would be, but he continues to put up home runs no matter which level he's at.

Double-A Mobile: No Names
Padres fans will have to wait until a Single-A prospect is called up before they'll see a key prospect in Mobile. For now Maurice Humphrey steals the spotlight. The reliever had a fine season a year ago, but his major league projection is in question as his pitch list consists of; fastball, sinker, and 2-seam fastball.

Single-A Lake Elsinore: C Curtis Poe, SS James Riddell, RF Manny Rubio, SP Ernie Sakins, and SP Mitch Campos
For now Single-A is loaded with good prospects, but Curtis Poe, Manny Rubio, and future utility man Grant Paris aren't expected to stay long. That leaves James Riddell and pitchers Ernie Sakins and Mitch Campos to be here all season long. Riddell played in 25 games a year ago in Lake Elsinore and hit .278, scoring 18 runs. Newcomers Sakins and Campos look to get their feet wet in pro baseball as the one, two punch in the Storm's rotation.

Rookie Level Eugene: C Tommy Burns and CF Jeremy Lozano
Much like Mobile, there's not a lot here either. Brickwall backstop Tommy Burns received a lot of buzz during Spring Training about his defense ability already being major league quality. He just needs to put the hitting together. Lozano is a raw propects with tons of speed and a rocket arm. He'll take a lot of work, but eventually he could wind up in San Diego.

(Posted Image) Steve Kelley Rehab Update (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 3:15 PM on May 13, 2014

(Posted Image)
Steve Kelley hits a RBI double against the Cubs in August of last season.

San Diego (AP) -- At the end of the 2013 season third baseman Steve Kelley broke his collar bone and sat out the month of September. Just a day before the playoffs were to start Kelley found out from team doctor's that further damage was done, that damage; a torn rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder. The injury would have him shelved 8-12 months.

Last week Kelley was cleared to resume hitting drills and should be able to start light throwing in two months. "We're delighted about his progress," stated GM Matt Nikolaus. "He was a big part of our championship run last season and it was a shame to not see him in the lineup in post-season play." The Padres are keeping Kelley's workouts to a minimal stage right now, only letting him take about 25 swings a day. "I've been able to talk a lot with Stoffs (David Stoffel) and how he managed the same injury at the end of the 2009 season and onto the 2010 season. That has helped a lot. I've learned to take the good out of this situation. Now during games I can really analyze pitchers and hopefully came back stronger than I was before the injury." Stated Kelley.

Kelley is expected to return to competition in early to mid August. At that time the current plan is to have him spend a week in Double-A Mobile and then finish out August in Triple-A Portland before being activated during September's 40 Man Rosters.

(Posted Image) Three Vets Dealt In 24 Hours (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 7:32 PM on January 16, 2016

San Diego (AP) -- With the draft less than a day away San Diego has unloaded three veteran players; Austin Kearns (Washington), Brendan Birmingham (Los Angeles - AL), and Mark Prior (Kansas City).

Prior was a pickup last July from the Cubs for a playoff push. While wasn't his usual form, he was still reliable enough to notch a winning record. Prior became available with the emergence of Brent Winchester as a reliable pitcher. Kearns was slowed late in the season due to a broken wrist. He was a 2013 deadline pickup. Kearns hit 40 HR and drove in 161 runs in his 190 games as a Padre. With Warren Ward knocking on the door, the Padres just wanted to get what ever they could for Kearns. For the past five years Brendan Birmingham has been one of the best closers in the game. All but one of his 213 saves comes in San Diego, accumulating an 89.9% Save Success. The three time All-Star will surely be missed. However, baseball's a business of having the best young talent at the cheapest price and top relief prospects Dan Zillmer and Rob Streat appear to be ready.

Kearns, the first one dealt, was traded for 3rd and 4th round picks in the 2015 draft to Washington.

Birmingham was traded to the Angels for 2B Troy Higgins and the #14 pick in tomorrow's draft.

Prior was traded to Kansas City for their 2016 1st round pick. The trade includes a clause for San Diego to also pick up the Royal's 2nd round pick (2016), while giving up their 4th round pick (2016). And another which would leave the Padres with only the 1st round, but also sending their 2016 3rd round pick.

Trade Recap

1/15/2010

(Posted Image) Receive:
RF Austin Kearns

(Posted Image) Receive:
WAS 3rd Round Pick
WAS 4th Round Pick

1/16/2010

(Posted Image) Receive:
2B Troy Higgins
LAA 1st Round Pick

(Posted Image) Receive:
RP Brendan Birmingham

1/16/2010

(Posted Image) Receive:
KCR 2016 1st Round Pick
KCR 2016 2nd Round Pick - Conditionally

(Posted Image) Receive:
SP Mark Prior
SDP 3rd Round Pick - Conditionally
SDP 4th Round Pick - Conditionally

(Posted Image) Padres Go Local Early In Draft (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 2:53 PM on January 18, 2016

San Diego (AP) -- The Padres had a very good draft at addressing their needs; future third baseman (check), pitching depth (check), and outfield depth (check). Three out of their first four picks came out of southern California (whether by high school or college). “With the results of last season I think it’s time to shake something up,” said Padres GM Matt Nikolaus. “In my tenure here in San Diego we haven’t hit California very hard in the draft. There’s good amateur baseball played and it’s time to truly take advantage of it. I grew up a Braves fan and before recent years they did a great job of digging up talent from Georgia. And we all saw how many straight division titles they won, 13 to be exact. It worked for them and we’ll try to incorporate that into our game plan from here on out.” Overall the Padres had seven picks; three 1st round picks, one 2nd round pick, two third round picks, and one fourth round pick. San Diego selected four pitchers, a first baseman, third baseman, and an outfielder.

Draft Recap

1st Round: Pick #14 -- 3B Shaun Mueller
Age: 18 Hometown: Coalinga, CA Bats: Switch
- After Mueller’s junior year he was projected to be a top five pick, but a drop off in production during his senior year dropped him to the middle of round one. He comes from a small town of 12, 000 located in between Fresno and Bakersfield. It’s almost fitting that he too is small in size (5-7, 165). He may be small, but he brings a large amount of talent to the table. He reminds scouts of the potential Marcus Giles once had as a young prospect. Mueller has the potential to hit .300+ and 30 or more long balls from the hot corner. He is also great defensively (making only 3 errors in 95 chances his senior year).

What the scouts say: He has power from both sides of the plate. He has a nice fluid swing and has the coachability to become great contact hitter. High school players generally have a rough time at third base. He never made more than four errors in a season, he’ll become great defensively.

1st Round: Pick #22 -- P David Merit
Age: 20 Hometown: Honolulu, HI (Cal State Fullerton) Throws: Right
- San Diego got a gift when he fell into their laps at #22. Most thought he’d be gone by no later than #12 to Seattle, if not going in the top ten. Merit highly took advantage of the new amateur eligibility rules set a few years back. After having GMs salivating after a phenomenal junior year in high school, injury problems nagged him during his senior. He decided to withdraw his name from the 2014 draft and cross the Pacific to go to Fullerton. There he proved his once thought value. Though he didn’t show it in college (due to coaches’ discretion on his arm injuries) he has great stamina and could routinely pitch seven or eight innings strong. Even with having a big frame (6-6, 220) he’s not a power pitcher, but does have good control.

What the scouts say: During Cal State Fullerton’s run to the College World Series he was turned loose. His previous health problems are no longer a concern. Did well by going to college for a year. Has a plus curve to go along with a low 90s fastball. With his big hands he should have no problem learning a circle changeup.

1st Round: Pick #24 -- P Vlad Palacios
Age: 17 Hometown: Vega Baja, P.R. Throws: Right
- The tall, thin Puerto Rican, Palacios, is a high energy character. He’s fearless on the mound when closing games out. At times may be a bit too aggressive. He says his idol is Mariano Rivera and why not? He has the same repertoire as Rivera had (Fastball, Fastball, Cutter, Fastball). He can light up the radar guns with his heater topping out around 98 MPH.

What the scouts say: A high energy player is what you look for in those “crunch time” relievers. Throws three pitches (all fastballs). Could be on the fast track to the majors. He’s a gamer!

2nd Round: Pick #46 -- P Alan Sents
Age: 18 Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Throws: Right
- Don’t be fooled by Sents’ high school ERA, he’s a quality player. He was the star on a sub par team (defensively). He is truly only a one pitch pitcher as his curve is just to keep hitters off balance from his mid 90s fastball. He should be given ample time in the minors to develop an off-speed pitch.

What the scouts say: He’s better than his ERA indicates. He has the drive to become a quality pitcher. Needs to develop another pitch.

3rd Round: Pick #81 -- P Nelson Masoliver
Age: 20 Hometown: Yauco, P.R. (Clemson) Throws: Right
- Masoliver dominated in Puerto Rico before spending a year at Clemson. He has starting experience, but look for him to be molded into a middle reliever. He’ll take some time in getting used to the American version of the game, but his P.R. stats are indications that he should develop good to great control and movement.

What the scouts say: Lowered performance at Clemson due to a fastball that only tops out around 88 MPH. He won’t ever be a flashy reliever, but once he flourishes into the player he can be, he should stick around for a long time to come.

3rd Round: Pick #83 -- OF Randall Wood
Age: 22 Hometown: Upper Darby [Philadelphia], PA (Ole Miss) Bats: Right
- Out of the suburbs of Philly to the Deep South is the journey Wood chose. Was a walk-on for the Rebels and made a name for himself as a sophomore, hitting .404 (ranking in the top 10 in the SEC). He’s a very good athlete. He has extensive playing time at all three outfield positions, but still needs to get better defensively.

What the scouts say: Needs to be more consistent at the plate. Has a good eye and it should help him develop into a good contact hitter. Absolutely no power. Needs to clean up his act and be more serious if he wants to reach his full potential.

4th Round: Pick #111 -- 1B Michael Brooks
Age: 22 Hometown: Marion [Indianapolis], IN (Oregon State) Bats: Right
- Being in the PAC-10 San Diego had no problem getting notes on Brooks. Brooks appears to be on track to become an all-around solid hitter. He’s very consistent as he never hit below .350, 10 HRs, or 55 RBI during his four years with the Beavers.

What the scouts say: Consistent hitter. Can also play third base, but I wouldn’t recommend putting him there.

nice job, good thing you didn't have like 20 players like me, lol

(Posted Image) Trio Of Veterans On Their Way Out? (Posted Image)
Story Posted at 5:57 AM on May 16, 2015

San Diego (AP) -- The most likely scenario heading into the 2015 season for San Diego was to go after a veteran for a playoff push, not be looking to trade three away as we only approach June. Young starters Spencer Baker and Nick Harden has imploded after showing stretches of quality pitching a year ago. The young guns in the 'pen (Rob Streat and Dan Zillmer) have been a science experiment gone wrong. Oh, did I mention the pitching is the good news for San Diego? The offense is downright horrid! There's more consistency in who the Cleveland Browns starting QB is than there is in the Padres lineup. Ironical enough rookie Warren Ward has an OBP (.408) twice as good as his average (.198).

With these events San Diego is reportedly taking trade talks for 3B David Tosti, SS Dan Lunsford, and P Terry Douglass. Tosti started off 2015 pretty solid, but has tapered off (although he's still projected to hit 40 home runs). Lunsford hasn't been able to hit himself out of a wet paper bag this season, but his past numbers show he should eventually break out this funk. Douglass is pitching "ok" as a starter, but to a potential buyer he may be more tempting as a reliever where he posted a 2.81 ERA and .216 OBA in 2013.

When asked to comment on the team's performance Owner / General Manager Matt Nikolaus could only laugh, "You have to laugh, that's the only thing you can do in a situation like this. We know we have a talented team and guys are giving it their all. In the slump department this year, if it rains, it pours. Right now we are evaluating the best possible moves (if any) for our team."