Padres have no choice but to deal Peavy
The organization's downfall in 2008 is leading to a major rebuilding process
Denis Poroy / ASSOCIATED PRESSPadres pitcher Jake Peavy is one of the offseason's top targets by many teams as San Diego begins to rebuild.
Q: Now that the Mariners finally have figured out their management issues, what are they going to do this offseason? Any surprises?
— Brandy, Seattle
A: The Mariners are the very definition of a team in transition. New manager Don Wakamatsu is in the process of picking his coaching staff, and we already know that Mel Stottlemyre and Lee Elia are out, and most likely, Ty Van Burkleo will be hired as hitting instructor.
In fact, you can expect almost an entirely new coaching staff, and with GM Jack Zduriencik, plus a few of his new lieutenants in place, it’s hard to know what to expect in terms of player moves.
But considering the Mariners finished next-to-last in the AL in runs and slugging percentage, and likely will lose Raul Ibanez, who is a popular free-agent option, offense has to be at the top of the wish list.
How can that get done? Trading closer J.J. Putz is a possibility; so could be dealing Eric Bedard, Brandon Morrow, Carlos Silva, Jarrod Washburn or Miguel Batista (although the latter three will be very hard to move).
They also could consider a major rebuilding by dealing either Ichiro Suzuki or Adrian Beltre. The Twins have at least some interest in the latter.
This is not going to be a quick-fix proposition for the new management group, so everything has to be on the table in the wake of the mess left by former GM Bill Bavasi and Co.
Q: Do you see the Atlanta Braves doing anything in the offseason, or will they go to the farm and bring up some talent?
— Keith, Hueytown, Ala.
A: They absolutely have to add starting pitching, so something will happen there, one way or the other. The Braves have backed away from Jake Peavy trade talks for the time being. But those could be revived at any time, depending on how the starting pitcher market begins to settle in the next few weeks.
The Braves also have inquired in the recent past about Matt Cain and Aaron Harang, but neither is available. Bronson Arroyo could be another trade possibility.
On the free-agent front, they have interest in A.J. Burnett, but don’t be surprised if they end up with a Randy Wolf-type. Burnett is seeking $15 million per season for up to five years — a bit steep for the Braves, and financial heavy-hitters including the Yankees and Red Sox (along with the Phillies, Blue Jays and Orioles) also are in the bidding.
Another situation to watch is with the White Sox, who are shopping Javier Vazquez and Jermaine Dye — who would fill another need for a power outfield bat. There could be a trade match there.
Q: I was wondering if CC Sabathia will sign with the Yankees. He likes to hit, and I don’t think he will want to go to an American League team.
— Renwick Martin, St. Louis
A: I’m not at all convinced that Sabathia wants to go to New York. If he did, why would he be waiting to take the Yankees’ reported $140 million offer? He can’t possibly think he’s going to get more money from somebody else.
It’s logical to assume he is waiting for other teams (besides the Brewers, who offered a reported $100 million) to get in the bidding, and may have found one in the Angels. The Dodgers should be another, given their rotation problems.
If either of those teams — or the Giants — comes close to the Yankees’ offer, I think Sabathia will go there rather than New York. It’s no secret he wouldn’t mind playing in his native California.
And you’re right, being able to hit is a factor here, but I don’t think it is going to be the deciding factor.
Q: Why is it that a baseball player would not accept a demotion to Triple-A? If I were an older ballplayer, I would go ahead and play in Triple-A, and show them I can still play at the big-league level.
— Ernesto Soto, McAllen, Texas
A: When you get a situation where an older player — one with big-league experience — is sent back to Triple-A, he often will opt for free agency instead.
That’s because his current team doesn’t need him at the big-league level, but another organization might. By taking his free agency, he can sign elsewhere, and may get back to the major leagues quicker with another team that has a more-immediate need.
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