Getting Pumped for 2014

Dec 11, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; San Diego Padres manager Bud Black (left) and general manager Josh Byrnes are interviewed during the MLB Winter Meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Photo Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports.

Adam Berry of MLB.com is reporting the bullpen is San Diego’s main concern moving forward. Check out his wrap-up of the Padres’ Winter Meetings.

Buster Olney of ESPN is reporting the Padres are the front runner for signing Joaquin Benoit. He may cost us a pretty penny, but I’m pleased the Padres are making a push to get a proven setup man/closer.

General thoughts:

I agree with many of Josh Byrnes’ comments about the team, and what he has come through on so far.  He got us a starting pitcher (Josh Johnson), and he got us a lefty bat (Seth Smith). Now, it is time to get the bullpen in order, and get healthy.  Getting healthy is my main concern, and it is great to hear many of the injured players are doing well.

Josh Byrnes took over the @Padres Twitter account on December 6th, and said Yasmani Grandal, Cory Luebke, and Joe Wieland are “all progressing well.”  In an interview at the Winter Meetings, Bud Black said that Cameron Maybin is on track to be ready for Spring Training.

I believe these guys will come back with a competitive edge that may fire up the rest of the team.  It can’t be easy watching your teammates compete from the dugout, and I hope the injured players re-enforeced their love for the game while recuperating.

In sum, if our players come back healthy, I believe we have a successful team in the making. We may have a dominate starting rotation, and some decent pop in the lineup.

I can see the Padres competing for a playoff spot in the NL West, and I’m getting pumped for 2014, are you?

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