Daily Padres Roundup: July 2, 2013

Cashner has pitched well for the Padres this season. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Here is the “Daily Roundup,” Friars fans:

Now that the month of July is upon us, Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors listed some of the most notable “early-July extensions” from the last five years. San Diego’s closer Huston Street was one of the players Adams referenced, and the Padres’ brass locked up their closer last July to an extension worth $14 million over two years. In addition to Street, Adams highlighted how the Friars extended Carlos Quentin last summer too. Quentin was signed to a three-year extension worth $27 million.

Matt Snyder of CBS Sports shared his “two cents” on the hotly contested National League West. Snyder discussed how the race is historically close and should be “up-for-grabs” this summer. All five teams are within four games of each other, and the Padres are still in the race despite the fact that they own a sub-.500 record.

Due to the fact that the trade deadline is less than one month away, Jay Jaffe of SportsIllustrated.com’s “The Strike Zone” listed the top trade targets at each position. Jaffe believes that the Padres are the best team-fit for pitchers Matt Garza of the Cubs and Jesse Crain of the White Sox. I for one would welcome both moves, especially when I consider how thin San Diego’s rotation and bullpen are at the moment.

Late last week, Chris Jenkins of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the Padres are trying to limit Andrew Cashner’s innings. I cannot blame the Friars’ coaching staff for their concern, especially since Cashner is one of their best young players. Yet if the team is still in the National League West race at the end of August, I will be shocked if they limit the number two starter in their rotation.

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