The San Diego Padres had a busy week and they ended it with a flurry of signings to bolster the roster. Spring Training opened with pitchers and catchers reporting, the rest of the big-league players reported to camp early or on time and the Padres signed Nick Castellanos, Griffin Canning and German Marquez providing the Friar Faithful with gifts on Valentine’s Day. It would appear the roster is set, but Cheri Bell of Gaslamp Ball wrote that decisions will have to be made regarding a couple players to make
room on the 40-man roster to accommodate the new additions in her weekly recap. It is unknown at this time what those moves will be, but it appears the evaluation that takes place during Spring Training will be employed sooner than later. Of course, some players could be moved to the injured list, which would create room on the roster. Whatever manager Craig Stammen and general manager A.J. Preller decide, it seems the excitement that had been missing throughout the offseason is in full effect after one week of baseball activities.
Padres News:
- Barring a trade from Preller, it appears the roster moves are seemingly complete. If that is the case, perhaps the focus will now shift to extending the architect of the roster and the most successful stretch of baseball in Padres history. Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune makes the case that it would be prudent for San Diego to stick with Preller now and in the future.
Baseball News:
- The Los Angeles Dodgers added the best free agent closer available this offseason with a three-year, $69 million contract to make Edwin Diaz their closer. It was surprising that Diaz left the New York Mets considering reports that their offer was three years and $66 million. Diaz explained his reason for leaving stating the Dodgers did a good job of recruiting him.
- When the Boston Red Sox traded for Willson Contreras to play first base it seemed to be a move that spelled the end for first baseman Triston Casas. Boston has held on to Casas throughout the offseason even though it appears there is no place for him on the roster. Casas thinks he can be a fit on any team and maybe that is what the Red Sox are thinking as well.
- The Arizona Diamondbacks and their manager Torey Lovullo have seen enough after one week of Spring Training to name Merrill Kelly as the Opening Day starter against the Dodgers. It will be the first Opening Day start of Kelly’s career.
