Padres@Reds 8/10/07-8/12/07

[FmrFresnan]

Here's the problem I see with Dye, even if the Padres had made that deal, I just don't see them re-signing him. You're not going to go out and make a deal for a guy, a la Adam Dunn and Jermaine Dye, that you know you're not going to re-sign.

Second problem, Matt Antonelli won't sniff the big leagues until mid-2008 if not the beginning of 2009. Unless he impresses during Spring Training next year and Grady Fuson thinks he can at least be a decent backup at 2nd base. Though, I have a feeling they're not going to pick up Marcus Giles' option for next season, so who is your starting 2nd baseman next season?

[padrefanforever]

Loretta

[mooreofthesame]

Loretta is old news and has no range. I thought the Padres were going for a youth movement? I mean, yeah, Dye isnt a spring chicken, but he can probably still give you another 2-3 years of 25 HRs and 90 RBIs, good enough as a stop gap while the young guys come up. Loretta, are you serious?

[FmrFresnan]

Originally Posted by mooreofthesame Loretta is old news and has no range. I thought the Padres were going for a youth movement? I mean, yeah, Dye isnt a spring chicken, but he can probably still give you another 2-3 years of 25 HRs and 90 RBIs, good enough as a stop gap while the young guys come up. Loretta, are you serious?

I'm game on Loretta and the Padres were going hard after him and Mike Lamb from Houston before the deal went cold before the deadline.

Yes, the Padres like their prospects, but I think Antonelli could be the Padres first real "top prospect" to break through, but I don't think it's going to be until the middle of next season.

As far as Dye goes, I wasn't sold on him to be honest because he was a DL candidate prior to the deadline. Plus, he was going to be a free agent at the end of this year and was going to be priced out of the Padres range. So, knowing that you probably can't re-sign him, why trade for him if he's just going to be a rental and you just lost one of your core players?

[mooreofthesame]

Great post! I think you changed my mind on Dye, but if we traded for him, it would have been contingent on a new contract, I agree why trade for him for two months and lose good prospects. Good point!

[FmrFresnan]

Same story with Adam Dunn, though I was one of those guys that wanted Dunn regardless of his suspect defense. He creates the same problem though, if he's traded, he has language in his contract that make him a free agent if he were to be traded this season. Which means, had the Padres traded for him, he would have commanded $14-$15m/year in free agency, which would have been out of the Padres price range.

[padrefanforever]

Loretta is simple........high BA, high OBP, one year (or less) stopgap measure until Antonelli is ready.......which he is on the verge of being......remember Antonelli is converting to 2nd base this year, so the position is still new to him from that aspect.......we don't need to rush him, so why do it.....? Loretta's range isn't great, but his positioning typically makes up for it. He will also be reasonable as far as money goes......which like it or not is a factor......The biggest question with Loretta is whether or not Houston will sign him first.......

I would think that Loretta could end his career here and go right into the FO in some capacity......he's a very intelligent guy, and IMO has a career with a team after he's done playing.......not to mention he's a great clubhouse guy to have around, and would be an outstanding mentor for Antonelli

[FmrFresnan]

Loretta replaced Wally Joyner in 2009 as the Padres Hitting Coach....lol. I agree with you PFF, Loretta would be a guy that the Padres need to bring in next season, especially if they're not going to pick up Marcus Giles' option.