Just recently, Padres’ GM Kevin Towers was quoted that he was feeling good about the starting rotation and was more concerned with the bullpen. Based on the performance of the 3rd through 5th slot in the rotation during spring training, I have to disagree with Kevin. Let me put this in simple terms with the following question. Who would think a pitcher that has been cut from the 2nd worst team in the league can become your 3rd starter on another team ? I am not a professional scout nor do I claim to be one. But, I did play baseball for a number of years (14 yrs) with some outstanding players and competition. Cha Seung Baek is not a starting pitcher on any other club besides the Padres. I was not impressed with Baek’s performance last year and honestly speaking it’s time the Padres move on forward. You can only fool the public for so long, eventually it will catch up with you. I know this organization is on a payroll cut, so let’s cut the deadwood now and let the kids bring it on. The Braves did so back in the late 1980’s with Glavine and Smoltz, as both players took their licks. Give the Ramos, Silva, and Ryu a shot at the 4th/5th slots, move Correia to the 3rd slot. It’s one thing to acquire players from successful organizations, and another thing to acquire players from unsuccessful organizations.

In another area that concerns me, is the Padres losing record in Spring Training. I know it’s just spring, but you want to get that mindset of winning some ballgames. For the last two years, this franchise has gotten off to a slow start during the regular season. They can not afford to get off to a slow start this season, the mentality to win from the onset must be there. The sense of urgency, that no one can take the games you won in April away must be instilled.

Are you telling me the rotation will be the same, here’s a tune by Justin Timberlake featuring Snoop Dog, titled ‘Signs’