Recap Of Latest Padres Chat With Bill Center

I enjoy reading through the information that the U-T’s Bill Center provides each week in a weekly chat with Padres fans. It is interesting to get a pulse of what exactly the fanbase is feeling. There were some interesting tidbits from this week’s chat. Let’s take a gander into the brains of the Padres beat writer:

The Andrew Cashner situation was covered ad nauseum by Center. It has been well documented that Cashner declined the Padres request to play winter ball. It would have been a wise move for the fireballer to separate himself from the other candidates for the starting rotation. Personally, I think Cashner is a an immature dope who has a lot of maturing to do.

April 10, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Andrew Cashner (34) against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports]

The starting pitching question was also a popular topic. Center confirmed that the Padres have discussed Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez with the Cleveland Indians. According to Center, the trade talks are on “life support.” He also said the Padres do like free agent pitcher Shawn Marcum as well.

While the Padres do have interest in one more legitimate starting pitcher, Center also pointed out that the Padres could pursue some familiar names on minor league deals. A few of the names that Center listed: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Stauffer, Dustin Moseley and Chris Young.

It is clear that the Padres will need a few more arms, while the Padres were not active at the Winter Meetings, there is still no need to panic.