San Diego Padres AM Talk: Cory Spangenberg’s New Home And Notes

San Diego Padres AM Talk: Another former Friar has a new home and a big pitching change took place yesterday.

Good morning and happy Friday, San Diego Padres fans. The news cycle out of San Diego hasn’t been very active this offseason but with Christmas just days away, the organization made a last minute move before heading home for a holiday break. Ian Kinsler is officially a San Diegan, however, an interesting name was designated for assignment.

The move is slightly shocking, yet not shocking at all. Clayton Richard struggled tremendously for much of the 2018 season and whether it was from pitching through pain or not, there’s little reason to hang your hopes on a 35-year-old recovering from surgery on both of his knees to rebound and contribute in 2019.

With so many young arms ready to break into the majors and arms that still need to be evaluated at the major league level, designating Richard for assignment clears up more innings for this to take place.

His dedication to the team and development of young arms (including inviting rookies to his home for training last offseason) can’t be overlooked, along with what his family did for the city of San Diego during his time here. As for his play on the field, it was time to part ways, although there is still a chance he returns as a late-offseason signing, per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribue.

Preller left open the possibility Richard could rejoin the Padres in the spring.

Former San Diego Padres infielder inks a deal with a contender.

More from Friars on Base

• Padres fighting with hated rival to sign quality veteran relief pitcher
• Jurickson Profar free agency update likely rules out Padres reunion
• Fernando Tatis Jr. may not take to outfield move after Xander Bogaerts addition
• Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny Machado
• Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher

As first pointed out by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Cory Spangenberg inked a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers and is set to earn $1.2 million if he makes the major league roster. This comes not too long after the Padres designated Spangenberg for assignment and then released the five-year veteran. Originally a first-round draft pick of the Padres in 2011, Spangenberg hit .258 with 27 home runs in 387 games.

The 27-year-old hasn’t been able to improve upon or even repeat his rookie season numbers from 2015. He recorded a career-high 33% strikeout rate in 2018 and failed to reach an on-base percentage of .300 for the first time in his major league tenure.

Spangenberg will now look to catch on with the Brewers in a utility role.

Enjoy the weekend and happy holidays, Padres fans!