“Padres Wish List–Need List”

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The Padres off season shopping spree seems complete.

They entered the off season resolute to add another bat, and by virtue of other decisions, wound up needing a st baseman, a Designated hitter, bench help, and pitching.

A look at their off season deals and decisions:

XANDER BOGAERTS….All Star player and clubhouse leader with a rock solid resume (.298) average with power credentials too.  What is there not to like about the ex Red Sox star, even if it is a 12-year contract at age 28?

NELSON CRUZ…the longtime American League DH is coming across the street from the American League.  At 41, he likely becomes the fulltime DH and possibly a part time first baseman.  His numbers have tailed the last two years, but there is such history…(.274) career batting average…(439) career home runs.  And surrounded by this batting order, will get better pitches to hit than he did last year when he did not (.234) in Washington.

MATT CARPENTER…A life long solid player with the Cardinals…done in by injuries, bounced back with a strong (.305-15HR) season with the Yankees.  Can play a ton of different fill in positions, and becomes the lead pinch hitter.

SETH LUGO…Ex-Mets starter-reliever, cut from same cloth as Nick Martinez.  Innings eater in rotation or out of bullpen.  Bounced back from shoulder issues and was really solid before and after injuries.  A very good insurance policy pitcher.

DAVID DAHL…Once upon a time, played well for Colorado Rockies as corner outfielder and even a lst baseman.  Will see if he can recapture his health and be a bench guy.

ROBERT SUAREZ….Such a strong season and may be the closer of the future starting in 2024….Coming off super year in Japan, and no one recognized this talent except AJ Prelleer?

NICK MARTINEZ…The second find in Japan, and brought reliable value whenever they gave him the ball.  He will battle Lugo for a spot in the rotation.

BRENT HONEYWELL…Once upon a time had really good credentials moving up the Tampa Bay Rays system, then injuries after injuries.  Likely to go to El Paso to see if he can recapture his magic.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

WILMER FONT…Coming off strong summer pitching in Korea.  Got electric fastball but has never been able to stick with 4-different teams in the past.  Will see his live fastball in Cactus League.  Insurance policy arm.  Maybe they harness what other teams could not.

FERNANDO TATIS…It’s like getting a free agent isn’t it, adding him back to a 93-win tem from a  yer ago?  Of course we have to see if his swing in the same, does he physically hold up coming off two surgeries in 2022, and how quickly he gts acclimated to where they want him in the outfield.

WIL MYERS…Just second guessing.  He took a paycut from 20M to sign a 6.5M deal with the Reds, with performance bonuses.  For 6.5M-plus incentives, shouldn’t the Padres have brought him back?

LUKE VOIT…Still out there but role gone with Cruz signing.

JURICKSON PROFAR…Looks like he priced himself out of a job here and lots of places.  Guess no one wanted to pay (7.8M), what he would have made had he stayed in San Diego.  And surely no one is willing to pay asking price (15M). Strange way to conduct business.

The Padres won the off season in the National League West.
Now we see if they can win the Division in the regular season.
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