Deal or No Deal

As trade deadline approaches, how far are the Friars willing to go?

July 10: This week marked the beginning. Of what exactly? Glad you asked. Why are you talking to the computer screen, by the way?
 
Of Major League Baseball’s annual flurry of transactions, time-zone changing and cap swapping known as the trade deadline. On Monday, reigning AL Cy Young winner CC Sabathia was dealt to the Senior Circuit to Milwaukee. The Brew Crew have their sights set on the NL Central crown, and added Sabathia to an already solid staff.
 
The next day, to counter what the Brewers pulled off, the Chicago Cubs sealed the deal for Oakland A’s pitcher Rich Harden. Though Harden has been injury prone in his career, when healthy he has the kind of filthy stuff that is bettered by only a couple of guys in the entire league.
 
The deadline for unrestricted trades is July 31, and over the next three weeks, there will be a whirlwind of activity. At this time of year, the teams can be divided into three categories: buyers, sellers, and those standing pat. With the moves for proven aces, the Brewers and Cubs made a loud statement that they are buyers, willing to part with prospects for a chance to win now.
 
So what of our beloved Padres? Well, if you don’t know the answer already, you shouldn’t be reading a sports blog.
 
It’s no secret that the Friars have a desire to get younger and let the future of the franchise take their lumps. But just how far are they willing to go to cut off the dead wood, dump some chunky salaries, and try to get some quality prospects in return? That remains to be seen, but the most likely candidates to be traded are as follows:
 
Greg Maddux – The future Hall of Fame pitcher has been solid, yet unspectacular in his two years in Diego. His $10 million per year salary could be tough for someone to swallow for a 42-year-old, but he still has the goods to be a lethal 3rd or 4th starter for a contending team. Possible destinations: Yankees, Rays, Angels, Cardinals
 
Brian Giles – He has no power anymore, but he still takes a ton of walks and gets on base. He is also an above-average defensive player, despite playing on balky knees. The Yankees, decimated by injuries in the outfield, could have interest in renting Giles for a year. They could easily absorb his $9.6 million salary. Possible destinations: Yankees, Rays, Diamondbacks
 
Heath Bell – The Padres probably want to try to hang onto Bell, one of the game’s best setup men. However, a contending team may want him to come in and solidify the back end of their bullpen. If the Padres, with less than half a million dollars invested in the reliever, get an enticing offer, the Bell could be tolling for Heath in San Diego (sorry). Possible destinations: Brewers, Red Sox, Rays, White Sox, Phillies, Yankees
 
The Padres may very well stand pat, as the above three guys aren’t highly coveted, but could still be a valuable piece of the puzzle for a contending club. Look for something to happen though. As a source in the front office recently told me, “I feel like blowing this thing up and starting over.”
 
I’ll buy the dynamite.

 

Eric Yates, much like the rest of the city, isn’t a native San Diegan. He’s been here for the past eight years and has adopted the Padres and Chargers as his own. Serving as a full-time and freelance sportswriter while in San Diego, he’s covered the beat for both the Padres and Chargers. A sports fanatic, his crowning achievement as a fan was appearing on the ESPN game show Stump the Schwab and coming within one question of toppling the big guy.

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