Friar Sale Has Begun!

Step right up folks, the "rebuilding" has begun! July 5, 2009 marks the official start of the dismantleing of the San Diego Padres. That's right, the to far below .500 to count San Diego Padres moved one of their few good ball players to Oakland in exchange for three minor league pitchers.

Scott Hairston (.299, 10, 29), who started the year as a part-time outfielder and playing his way into the everyday lineup, was traded to the A's for RHP Ryan Webb (7-1, 4.34 ERA in AAA), and Craig Italiano (5-6, 5.63 ERA in A ball). Along with these two players will be a third "player to be named later". It is believed that the hard throwing Webb will join the Padres tomorrow in Arizona and Italiano will play in the Padres minor league system.

Personally, I have no real problem with this. The way I see it, you had Hairston when you lost 99 games last year and he has been their for the Padres 35-46 start this year. With that in mind, all players are expendible. As long as Kevin Towers, the Padres GM can judge talent well enough to get solid players in return, we can call this rebuilding, not a "FRIAR SALE".

So, what's next for Padres fans? Look for Kevin Kouzmanoff, who currently leads all major league third basemen in fielding percentage, and All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez to get shipped for prosects (or suspects). Gonzalez is considered the big ticket item for the Padres. He is young, talented and cheap right now. "Experts" have said that Gonzalez will be worth four or five players in return for his services. Unfortunately, his numbers are slipping as pitchers have no real reason to pitch to him. He is tied for the lead in walks with Pujols at the moment. The problem is that he has not recently capitalized on the opportunities he has had, as Pujols has proven himself able to do.

You may have noticed that I left ace Jake Peavy off of the trade list. That is because he is currently injured and may not return this season. Brian Giles and Chris Young are also injured players who may have gotten some bites on the trade block.

Now, who does that leave the struggling Padres that may be on the team over the next few years? Believe it or not, there are a few talented youngsters who look like the real deal.

RF/CF Tony Gwynn (not the Hall of Famer), has stepped in after his recent trade to San Diego and has done a very nice job at leadoff and plays a very good outfield. He is hitting .294 after 40 games in San Diego.

Twenty-three year old shortstop Everth Cabrera is bringing back memories of a young Ozzie Smith for Padres fans. The kid is playing a sparkling short and is currently hitting .299 after 22 games. He played single A all last season and has made the transition very well to the big leagues. He runs like the wind and has a Raphael Fucal type arm from short.

Heath Bell, NL All-Star closer is another probable to stay in San Diego for a while since he is still relatively cheap and very talented. He is a hard throwing righty with a closers chip on his shoulder.

Chase Headly has been the jewell of the farm system for several years. So far, it has not translated into great production for the big club. He will play everyday now and get his chance to impress. Look for Chase to head to his natural position once the Padres deal Kouzmanoff.

Only time will tell if yesterday's move and the obvious future moves will payoff for the Padres. With the current payroll at $45 million and the owner wanting it lower, it is a sure bet that there will be many changes. Padres fans just hope they will be for the better. Quite a way to celebrate 40 years in the majors, isn't it?