The Josh Byrnes Era Begins…..

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Like his predecessor (Hoyer), Byrnes has been actived in one month as the latest Padres’ General Manager. A few transactions have been completed and here they are:

  1. Released RHP Evan Scribner (acquired in trade with D’backs for 1B Tony Clark) and OF Cedric Hunter (3rd round pick in 2006).
  2. Released RHP Jeremy Hefner (5th round pick in 2007).
  3. Released RHP Wil Inman (acquired in trade with Brewers for RHP Scott Linebrink).
  4. Signed OF Mark Kotsay.
  5. Traded LHP Wade LeBlanc (2nd round pick in 2006) for C John Baker.

Once again, a few more pitchers have been disposed by the newest Padres GM. Even more ironic is that Hunter, LeBlanc, and Hefner were drafted under Alderson/Fuson regime. If you further investigate we can see the Scott Linebrink trade to the Brewers for LHP Joe Thatcher, LHP Steve Garrison and RHP Wil Inman by ex Padres GM Kevin Towers was dismal. Only Thatcher came through and the highly touted Garrison and Inman never reached the Padres roster. Though ironically these players were all released and picked up by other organizations which tells you something.

The Rule 5 draft is approaching on 8th December and I am very intrigued to see what Padres prospects will be selected. If I were a betting man, I would hedge some silver on the following players:

  1. 1b, Matt Clark drafted in 2008 a lefty with power. Most likely destination (Cubs or A’s)
  2. RHP, Matt Buschmann drafted in 2006, a favorite of ex-Padres Scouting Director Grady Fuson. Most likely destination A’s.
  3. LHP, Nick Schmidt drafted in 2007, former first round pick. Most likely destination (Cubs or Mets or Mariners).
  4. LHP Rob Musgrave drafted in 2008, teams are always looking for a southpaw for their pitching staffs. Most likely destination (Mets).

For now, let’s see what unfolds and I shall sit back to observe closely. Atleast in the Padres community it will not be a boring off-season. The Padres have a tradition to make more news during off-season then they do during the regular season. It’s time to wrap it up, here’s an up and coming rising 16 yr old blues star Andy Poxon with the song titled “Don’t Burn Down That Bridge”. Oh Boy ! I hope the possible loss of Clark and Schmidt does not come back to haunt us and that bridge is burnt down.