Recent Non-Tenders Could Help Padres Fill Holes

Oct 3, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Kris Medlen (54) throws against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fourth inning of game one of the National League divisional series playoff baseball game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

5. Right-hander Kris Medlen. The former Braves pitcher put up solid number in Atlanta last year, going 15-12 with 3.11 ERA. In his five years with the Braves, Medlen. 29, went 34-20 with 2.95 ERA, started 61 games and in pitched 512.2 innings. He also struck out 434, while walking 121. Assuming (baring a trade) three of the spots in the rotation are spoken for by Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner and Ian Kennedy.That leaves Odrisamer Despaigne, Jesse Hahn, Casey Kelley (and possibly Josh Johnson and Cory Luebke) all fighting for a spot.

Padres Outlook: In a game that believes you can never have too many quality pictures, especially after last year’s rash of reconstructive surgeries, signing Medlen could some depth to an already deep staff, and a little completion never hurt anyone. If can’t sign big-name offensive free agents, you might as well stock up on pitching. And again, having a surplus of pitching, could work well for the Padres in the long run.