The Padres ended their 2008 season with a thud. John Moores and the Padres consistently plead poverty to the Dodgers and Yankees juggernauts. The constant whining is louder than the winning and has become more than a little annoying to fans. Season ticket sales have plummeted since their 99 game losing season. Not to mention closing the door to contract negotiations with Future Hall Of Fame reliever Trevor Hoffman. Hoffman should probably retire now on a high note, but rather than talk to him the club let the fan favorite walk away.
Unlike the other professional sports team (San Diego Chargers) who underachieved in their 2008 season, the Padres need not worry about not meeting expectations. San Diego has not significantly improved their National League West squad enough to warrant anything other than another last place finish.
So what are the bright spots to look forward to?
Well, Jake Peavy, as of this writing, is still the Ace starting pitcher. The farm system is slowly improving, with the exception of former first round draft pick Matt Bush. The Padres designated Bush for assignment recently, just as a posse was looking for him, to investigate a drunken assault involving lacrosse players on the Granite Hills High School campus. It was the third srike for Bush since he was selected No. 1 overall in the 2004 amateur draft.
Oh yeah, and a group headed by Jeff Moorad, who resigned in January as CEO of The Arizona Diamondbacks, formed a group that will purchase the Padres, pending approval by the other major league owners.
According to Forbes.com John Moores purchased the club for $94 million in 1994 and the team is currently valued at $385 Million. Moores and his wife Becky currently own 90% of the team, but were recently divorced. The Moorad deal would give him one-third interest in the franchise, until a controlling interest is purchased, Moores will retain control of the franchise and represent the club at owners’ meetings and committees. The window for sale of the remaining interest has been reported as 3-5 years.
Following the announcement of the pending sale, Moorad said he is committed to fielding a team that wins consistently “with an absolute goal of winning a World Series championship”. Well, talk is cheap, and until then expect at least a nice experience at Petco Park. Don’t expect any championships.
Who’s Gone:
SS Khalil Greene (traded to Cardinals), C Michael Barrett (free agent, signed minor league deal with Blue Jays), C Josh Bard (free agent, signed with Red Sox), RHP Clay Hensley (non-tendered, signed minor league deal with Astros), RHP Trevor Hoffman (free agent, signed with Brewers), LHP Shawn Estes (free agent, signed minor league deal with Dodgers).
Who’s New:
RHP Mark Worrell (trade with Cardinals), SS Everth Cabrera (Rule 5 selection from Rockies), RHP Ivan Nova (Rule 5 selection from Yankees), INF David Eckstein (free agent from Diamondbacks), INF/OF Chris Burke (minor league free agent from Diamondbacks), RHP Jae Kuk Ryu (waiver claim from Rays), Cliff Floyd (free agent from Tampa).
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Man oh man, the Padres look awful. Again. At least this was a good report though.
I’m just glad I got to use Déjà-Vu.
It’s a fun phrase.
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