Padres Link Dump – 12/16

Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Bill Center held his weekly chat last Friday. A poll was conducted in reference to the fans’ feelings toward the Padres’ off season. You can view the poll on the U-T San Diego site. The overwhelming winner in the poll was “Incomplete” meaning that the majority of fans are still waiting to see if there is more to come. The second place finisher was a grade of “F”.

Here is a quick wrap-up of the answers that Center gave:

He views Cashner as the Opening Day starter and Luebke as the fifth starter.

Right field this season looks to be a Venable-Denorfia platoon again. The future in RF will be either Rymer Liriano or Hunter Renfroe.

Center thinks that the Padres are not done and that it is likely that they add two more relief pitchers.

He believes that the Padres are going to bring in a lefty reliever and that the left-handed specialist spot does not necessarily belong to Patrick Schuster.

Center thinks that Grandal and Kelly are the only two players who will not be ready for the start of the season. Although, Grandal believes that he will be ready.

Alex Dickerson will probably be the Chihuhuas’ starting left fielder, even though his best position is first base.

If the Padres sign Joaquin Benoit, Center thinks that Yeison Asencio, Reymond Fuentes, Adys Portillo or Keyvius Sampson could be dropped from the 40-man in order to make room.

Josh Byrnes likes to talk with players about contracts at Spring Training so, he could be talking to Chase a little more seriously then.

Center thinks that Alberto Gonzalez could end up as the utility infielder on the roster. This leaves Amarista and Forsythe potentially off of the 25-man roster. Amarista is out of options.

Center wraps up the chat himself here and acknowledges the fact that signing Benoit could totally turn around the Padres off season grade.

With the Indians signing of John Axford as their closer, there is hope that they have backed out of the Benoit race. Now, if we can avoid the dreaded Yankee swoop and steal, we may end up with an excellent set-up man and a pretty good off season, all things considered.

The Padres have shown interest in utilityman Jamey Carroll according to Chris Cotillo. Last season Carroll saw time at 2B, 3B, SS and even P for the Twins and Royals. The 39-year old produced a slash of .211/.267/.251 with 0 HR and 2 SB. Let’s hope they stick with a competition between Gonzalez, Amarista and Forsythe like Bill Center said.

How do you think the off season has gone so far? Will it be considered a success with the signing of Benoit? Will it be considered more of a failure with the signing of Carroll to anything other than a Minor League Contract? Feel free to post in the comments. See you there!