Padres Link Dump – 12/22

David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Following the signing of Joaquin Benoit, Jesus Guzman was traded to the Astros for infielder Ryan Jackson. At first it seemed like this move was made in order to add Benoit to the 40-man roster, until you realize that Jackson has to be on the 40-man roster as well. The difference between Guzman and Jackson is that Jackson still has minor league options left. Another move will have to be made in the near future in order to clear space on the full 40-man for Benoit.

Lee Hamilton brings up a very exciting stat, since July of 2012 the Padres rank 7th in all of baseball in Runs Scored. Let’s hope that trend continues.

Mark Mulder has worked out for the Padres. No word on whether it was before or after the Josh Johnson signing. Maybe there’s a chance that Mulder would be willing to be a LOOGY. I doubt it, though.

Padres Minor Leaguer Maxx Tissenbaum has a pretty interesting blog. His most recent post is about the retirement of one of his favorite players, Roy Halladay. Here is an interview with Maxx about his blog and other things.

Fansided writer Bryan Rose thinks that Yasmani Grandal will not be ready for the start of the season. Only time will tell. There could be worse things than having Nick Hundley as your starting catcher. The question is, would he be willing to give the position up without a fight when Grandal comes back.

Bill Center wraps up our links for today very nicely with this article. Fans are pretty happy about the addition of Benoit and Center thinks that they could be happy with Seth Smith once the season starts. Happiness all around, just in time for the holiday season!