Let me start of to say I had made a huge mis-calculation in my numbers on the previous post and I apologize for that in regards to the savings based on per diem. Now, I got that off my chest as I hate to mislead people or publish misleading information, it’s time for focus on the latest happenings on the Padres. Before I do, I want to take time to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all those loyal readers out there.

The Hoyer Re-structuring Project has formally begun ! The project began immediately with the Maybin trade and continued to roll on forward with the massive unpopular trade of franchise icon Adrian Gonzalez. I will admit, I wasn’t impressed with the trade based on the fact the Padres did not receive one major league player in return and a shortstop prospect. But, that’s why I am a blogger and not a General Manager of a professional franchise. Though, I never doubted Padres Jed Hoyer and there had to be a plan of attack. In truth, Hoyer never showed his hand NOR talk about it which is one great quality of a successful general manager. With each subsequential move Hoyer made, I could see where the plan is heading towards. Here is my analysis:

• The Cameron Maybin trade gave the Padres a top-flight first rate defensive CF with a potential potent bat and enormous  speed. I equate this transaction like selecting a JR. Uranium mining company with resources in the ground and purchasing during the spot prices of uranium getting hammered down on. This is a high risk, high reward transaction, and the Padres will be well rewarded in this transaction.
• The Adrian Gonzalez trade restocked the Padres farm system with players that are 1/2 to a 1 year away from knocking on the door and challenging for major league roster spot. The key personnel in this trade is P Casey Kelly and 1b Anthony Rizzo. Both of these players have potential to have an impact on the franchise and I forsee Rizzo pushing Kyle Blanks for 1b. Though, more thoughts on this later.
• The Free-Agent and Rule 5 Draft acquisitions of P Aaron Harang, P Dustin Moseley, and P George Kontos, depicted that Hoyer is restocking the fire-arms in the major league pitching staff and that more moves are in order. Each one of these pitchers have an enormous upside potential for the Padres and will definitely benefit from  pitching in Petco Park. Given the fact that the Black & Balsley tandem can provide a well of information in regards to pitching strategies to pitchers on the staff gives the Padres an enormous advantage to any free-agent pitcher who wants to succeed.
• The Jason Barlett trade might have seem the Hoyer might have given up much, though looking more deeply at the trade to me it appears to be a good fair trade. The Padres in Barlett have a legit starting shortstop since Khalil Greene, the player that made the Padres trade Barlett away a few years ago.
• The Free-Agent acquisition of 2b Orlando “O-Dawg” Hudson, is a great signing. Not only does “O-Dawg” brings some mental toughness, but can steal bases, field very well and swing the wood just as good. You can now see Hoyer’s trademark on the Padres, speed, athletic, and agile. About time, someone in the front office has grasp the concept of playing in Petco Park. OMG ! You thought 2010 was a surprised for many in the baseball world, wait til 2011 Padres Fans !
• The C Rob Johnson trade with the Mariners, proves Hoyer is going after young players who had a down year and has an enormous upside potential. If you take a look at the video’s on Johnson, this guy has a canon arm and can rake the ball too. Do not be surprised if Johnson pushes Nick Hundley even more than former Padres C Yorvit Torreabla. Once again, strength up the middle with a canon arm to diffuse oppositions opportunities.

Now, where does this lead in terms of 1b opening spot on the roster ? Well, there are still many good players out there such as Troy Glauss, Derek Lee, Adam LaRoche, Russell Branyan, Jorge Cantu, and Nick Johnson. Out of this gang, Glauss, Lee, and Cantu make sense for the Padres due to the fact they all can reach the bleachers in left field in Petco Park. I have witnessed Glauss and Lee make Petco Park look very small. Cantu is no slouch either by any means. Though, I firmly believe there is a dark-horse in the running.  How come ? Because given the very noticeable fact that 1b is a one-year term, the Padres might want to add some versatility to their options. Here are my thoughts, why would I want to sign a 1b who will only be here for 1 yr and is not versatile ? The only option I would have come July trading deadline is to move that player if Blanks or Rizzo are ready. Now, if I sign a player who is versatile and can play other positions, now we have leverage. Ahhh, a concept that is used in trading commodities in the market. The perception is how can the Padres gain the upper hand and have extreme leverage for July’s trading deadline ? Well, go out and sign OF Brad Hawpe to play 1b for half a year, then move Hawpe to LF, put Blanks or Rizzo at 1b and trade LF Ryan Ludwick. Do you see where I am going ? Enough said, I see GM Jed Hoyer’s plan in execution. Right On Jed !

Before I close out this post I have a short thought on D-backs GM Towers. Have you noticed the transactions that Towers has made ? A prototypical gunslinger mentality that Towers had here. Signee’s of Geoff Blum, Xavier Nady and Sean Burroughs. Yes !! That Sean Burroughs !! Oh man ! I am awaiting the day when Trevor Hoffman signs with D-backs. Some things do never change and thank god we have Hoyer on our side.

One last thought as I see all of this funny money (fiat) dollars being thrown around to the players like we have a booming economy. All I can think of perhaps, these owners have no intention of fulfilling those contracts and it does not matter what kind of fiat (dollars) they throw out to the players. If you stand back and notice who has been showing financial strength and not spending money are the Angels (Moreno) and Mets (Wilpon). Let’s face it Moreno isn’t a fool and you know who’s running the show in NY with the Mets. Our favorite Sandy Alderson, who I know has learned how to run a small market team with the A’s and Padres. I feel good that Moorad is keeping a tight belt around the fiat sacks. If you don’t believe me that hard times are coming down the line soon in 2011 in your local neighborhood, then read this article.

As the Hoyer’s Re-Structuring Project continues, Padres Fans do not fret over the lost of 1b Adrian Gonzalez, there is a huge rainbow over Petco Park and a new beginning is occurring right before your own eyes. The problem is you can not see it yet, but trust me 2011 will be just as a good as 2010 was. With that being said, here’s a hot up and coming female blues artist named Laurie Morvan. Her band The Laurie Morvan Band plays “Kicking Down Doors”, do enjoy and Happy New Year !!