Padres designate Spence, Tekotte for assignment

The Padres have designated pitcher Josh Spence and outfielder Blake Tekotte for assignment. The moves allow the Padres to add Cory Luebke, Joe Wieland, Nick Hundley, Kyle Blanks and James Darnell to the 40 man roster,  Those players were reinstated from the disabled list.

Spence spent most of the 2012 season in Triple-A, posting a 4.20 ERA in 31 appearances. Tekotte hit .243 with 9 home runs in Triple-A during the 2012 season.

Analysis: Some team might claim Spence and try to use him as a left handed specialist, considering that he is still young and has some upside. Tekotte has had some minor league experience, but I don't expect him to be claimed.

Moseley, Stauffer elect free agency

The Padres have announced that pitchers Dustin Moseley and Tim Stauffer have cleared waivers and will elect to become free agents. Both pitchers were eligible for arbitration, but were non-candidates due to their shaky injury histories.

Moseley had a good 2011 season, but missed the last month of the season following a dislocated shoulder. Moseley only made one start in 2012, and underwent surgery on his throwing shoulder early on in the season.

Stauffer was with the Padres for his entire career, ever since he was their first round draft selection in 2003. He had a good 2011 season, posting a 3.73 ERA in 31 starts. Like Moseley, Stauffer has had the injury bug hit him, and it limited him to one start in 2012. He eventually underwent elbow surgery in August, and reportedly like to return to San Diego on a minor league contract.

Analysis: Alright this is actually a lot to take in here. Moseley is a decent pitcher whose stats were probably made better from pitching in PETCO Park during the 2011 season. He is a decent reclamation-project type signing, and is a former first round pick so he does have upside, but his arm has been through a lot, so proceed with caution. I've never been a big fan of Stauffer, but I am actually quite excited to see how much interest he gets. He is an ideal reclamation project, because he has the upside and is a solid pitcher when healthy. The problem is the guy is never on the field. I wouldn't be surprised if he returns to San Diego on a minor league deal just to get his value back up and ready for next off-season.

Padres outright Weber to Triple-A

The Padres have outrighted pitcher Thad Weber to Triple-A.

Weber was claimed off of waivers from the Tigers in August, and only appeared in two games for Detroit in 2012. He spent most of the 2012 season in Triple-A, posting a 4.22 in 25 appearances, 24 of which that were starts.

Analysis: Weber's stats really don't indicate that he will be any more than a #5 starter in the big leagues. With that in mind I expect him to clear waivers, but if a team does claim him they'll basically just be getting rotation depth.

Padres designate Clement, Fryer for assignment

The Padres have designated catcher Eric Fryer and first baseman Jeff Clement (pictured) for assignment to create roster space for Ali Solis and Chad Beck, both of whom were claimed off of waivers today.

Fryer has hit a combined .204 in parts of two Triple-A seasons. Clement hit .276 in 112 Triple-A games in 2012.

Analysis: Fryer isn't really much of hitter so he'll certainly clear waivers. Clement is a former first round pick and has some pop to his bat, but I expect him to clear waivers as well because he is practically a Quadruple-A player.

Pirates claim Ali Solis

The Pirates have claimed catcher Ali Solis off of waivers from the Padres.

Solis spent most of the season in Double-A, hitting .283 in 87 games. He made his MLB debut in September, but it was very brief. He only had four plate appearances, and struck out twice.

Analysis: The Pirates must be really looking for catching depth because Solis doesn't look like anything special. He has age on his side (25 years old), so he might develop into something decent. I still think that the team will give Michael McKenry the everyday job, because he has definitely deserved it.

Padres release Micah Owings

The Padres have announced that they have released pitcher Micah Owings. Owings will officially become a free agent if/when he clears release waivers.

Owings would have been eligible for arbitration had San Diego not released him. However, he was most likely looking at a non-tender considering that he hasn't been healthy. He appeared in six games in 2012, and underwent season ending elbow surgery earlier in the year.

Analysis: Owings is a pitcher that hasn't been able to live up to his hype, or even pitch well at the pitcher friendly confines of PETCO Park. There was a rumor that he will convert himself to a full-time hitter when he returns in action next year, and I think that is the best move. He really can't pitch, and is a long man at best.

Could the Padres actually contend in 2013?

What uniform will Headley be wearing in 2013?

Now that the Padres have a new ownership and television contract in place, they will the opportunity to expand payroll within the next couple of off-seasons. San Diego has $30 million committed to the 2013 payroll, and that is very low in comparison to the other teams in the game.

It will be very interesting to see what the Padres due with third baseman Chase Headley, who had a breakout 2012 season and generated quite a bit of trade interest in July. It would be difficult to imagine that the team trades him, considering that the fans have already had two trades, both the Latos and Gonzalez trades, that have been tough to swallow. He will be arbitration eligible when the World Series ends, and is definitely an extension candidate. It will probably take a deal in the $50-60 million range to keep Headley, and hopefully for Padres fans, he has a desire to stay in San Diego.

The Padres will not spend a lot of money this winter, considering that they have already signed a few of their players to extensions. Carlos Quentin will be the team's left fielder for the foreseeable future, and Chris Denorfia received a nice mulit-year extension that will keep him as the fourth outfielder, and platoon partner for Will Venable, in San Diego. Cameron Maybin signed an extension with the team before the 2012 season began, and despite his struggles, will continue to play everyday as the center fielder in 2013.

I like what Yonder Alonso and Everth Cabrera bring to the table. Alonso is a work-in progress regarding his home runs, but is a natural hitter and will even put up good numbers despite hitting in PETCO Park 81 times a year. Cabrera quietly lead the National League in stolen bases in 2012 and should get regular playing time next season. 

I'm very excited to see what the Padres have in Yasmani Grandal, who was a key component of the Mat Latos trade of last winter. Grandal should have the everyday job next season, and is definitely a candidate to have a breakout season. Nick Hundley had a rough 2012 season, but should still be on the roster as the backup catcher assuming John Baker gets non-tendered. 

San Diego definitely needs to beef up its rotation this winter, as pitching will be what will keep them in those important games down the stretch. Clayton Richard and Edinson Volquez are locks to stay in the 2013 rotation, but the other three spots are still up in the air. Andrew Cashner and Casey Kelly are two young players to keep an eye on, and Cory Luebke and Joe Wieland will be recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, GM Josh Byrnes has stated like he would like to add a few starters from outside of the organization, either by trade or free agency, in order to add some depth.

I would imagine that several pitchers would be interested in joining San Diego because of PETCO Park's pitcher-friendly confines. Names like Jeremy Guthrie, Shaun Marcum and Carlos Villanueva come to mind, but the Padres could look to add a reclamation project-type player such as a Carl Pavano or Daisuke Matsuzaka. 

The Padres had a strong finish to the 2012 season, and it is only a matter of time when they start to emerge as a threat in the NL West. Josh Byrnes is going to need to acquire some pitching depth if he wants his team to stay relevant in 2013. San Diego is finally set on multiple positions, and , assuming they don't trade Chase Headley, it could be a force to be reckoned with if they all stay healthy and produce the way they should. 

Palmer elects free agency

The Padres have announced that pitcher Matt Palmer has elected free agency after clearing waivers this afternoon.

Palmer pitched three games for the Padres after being designated for assignment, and ultimately being outrighted to Triple-A in May. In Triple-A Palmer made 21 appearances, 20 of which were starts, posting a 5.66 ERA.

Analysis: Palmer hasn't really been able to put it all together throughout his career. I kind of look at him as a middle-relief option, but really isn't consistent enough to even deserve that role. He had a good year with the Angels in 2009, but has really struggled since then so a minor league deal is likely going to be coming his way if he's lucky.

Ohlendorf elects free agency

The Padres announced that pitcher Ross Ohlendorf has refused his outright assignment to the minor leagues and will become a free agent.

Ohlendorf posted a 7.77 ERA in nine starts and four relief appearances for San Diego in 2012.

Analysis: Ohlendorf isn't really anything special at this point in his career. He could really serve as pitching depth, but considering that he struggled while pitching at PETCO Park, I wouldn't want him on my squad.

Ohlendorf, Rodriguez outrighted to Triple-A

The Padres have announced that pitcher Ross Ohlendorf and catcher Eddy Rodriguez (pictured) have cleared waivers and have been outrighted to Triple-A.

The Padres designated both of them for assignment earlier in the week to create roster space for a couple September call-ups.

Analysis: Well this was expected. Both players don't really offer much at the big league level.

Padres, Denorfia agree on extension

The Padres and outfielder Chris Denorfia have agreed on a contract extension that will keep him in San Diego through the 2014 season. Denorfia will earn $2 million in 2013 and $2.25 million in 2014.

"We are excited to extend Chris to a two-year contract through 2014," said GM Josh Byrnes. "He has proven to be a valuable and versatile player for us over the last three seasons, and his style of play is infectious."

Denorfia was set to be a free agent after the 2013 season, and has hit .279 over three seasons with the Padres, mostly as a bench player. He has experience at all three outfield positions in his career.

Analysis: It seems like the Padres are really interested in retaining their veteran players. I'm surprised by this move, considering that Denorfia is pretty much a bench player at best. Denorfia is a good hitter, but will not be the starting outfielder, unless someone gets hurt. As for Denorfia, it's a good move for him because job security is key for him at this stage in his career.  

Padres DFA Ohlendorf and Rodriguez

The Padres have announced that pitcher Ross Ohlendorf and catcher Eddy Rodriguez have been designated for assignment. The moves allow the club to recall Brad Boxbeger and Andy Parrino from Triple-A.

San Diego signed Ohlendorf to a minor league deal in June after he was released by the Red Sox. He appeared in 13 games with the Padres, posting a 7.77 ERA in 48.2 innings. He was optioned to Triple-A on August 18.

Rodriguez has spent most of the season in Single-A, where he has hit .217 with 14 homers in 101 games.

Analysis: Look for both of them to clear waivers. Ohlendorf doesn't really provide anything, expect pitching depth. Rodriguez isn't much of a hitter in the low-levels on the minor leagues, and I doubt that a team would waste a roster spot on him.

Padres may keep Headley, look at some pitchers

Padres executives have told reporters that they may want to keep third baseman Chase Headley this off-season. GM Josh Byrnes says that he considered a few deals from opposing teams last month leading up to the non-waiver trading deadline, but he doesn't feel urgent to trade Headley.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports mentions that San Diego may want to pursue a few starting pitchers this off-season, such as Hiroki Kuroda.

Analysis: I'm not a huge Chase Headley fan, but considering that he plays in PETCO Park, his numbers are pretty darn good. I think that it is the right call to keep him, because they can build their lineup around him and Carlos Quentin. As for the pitching, I fully expect San Diego to pursue a starting pitcher in the off-season. Who knows? A pitcher may even want to go to San Diego to boost his free agent value for the following season.

Hermida clears waivers, elects free agency

The Padres announced that outfielder Jeremy Hermida has cleared waivers and will elect to become a free agent.

San Diego designated Hermida for assignment last week after he hit .250 in 27 plate appearances for them. Hermida has spent most of the 2012 season on the disabled list due to several injuries.

Analysis: Hermida will probably get picked up by another team because he can serve as a nice left handed power threat off the bench.

Padres designate Wagner for assignment

The Padres have designated pitcher Neil Wagner for assignment. The move creates roster space for Thad Weber, who was claimed off of waivers from Detroit this morning.

San Diego claimed Wagner off of waivers from Oakland at the end of May, but he hasn't seen any MLB action with them this year. He has posted a 5.28 ERA in 58 relief innings in Triple-A this year.

Analysis: Wagner is nothing special. He'll probably clear waivers.

Padres claim Weber off of waivers

The Padres have claimed pitcher Thad Weber off of waivers from the Tigers. Weber made his MLB debut this year, appearing in two games in April.

He has spent the majority of the 2012 season in Triple-A, posting a 4.30 ERA in 128 2/3 innings, mostly as a starting pitcher.

Analysis: Weber doesn't look like anything special, but rotation depth is nice to have I suppose.

Padres place Volquez on waivers

The Padres have placed pitcher Edinson Volquez on waivers this afternoon. Volquez drew a lot of trade interest leading up to the non-waiver trading deadline.

Volquez will earn $2.24 million this year, and is under team control through 2013 as an arbitration eligible player. He has posted a 4.18 ERA in 148 2/3 innings over the course of 26 starts this year.

Analysis: Someone will probably put a claim on Volquez but San Diego is probably doing this just to find out what they could get for him. If they get the right offer, I wouldn't be surprised if they trade him. I have a feeling that PETCO Park has helped him and if he leaves, his numbers will inflate again. Also, his B/9 ratio is very alarming.

Padres designate Hermida for assignment

The Padres have designated outfielder Jeremy Hermida for assignment. The move allows the club to recall pitcher Andrew Werner from Triple-A.

Hermida signed a one year, $800k deal with San Diego last off-season, and has spent a lot of time on the disabled list this year due to a strained hip flexor. He has appeared in 13 games for the Padres, but has spent the bulk of the 2012 season in Triple-A, where he has hit .252 in 170 plate appearances.

Analysis: Hermida will probably clear waivers. I don't think anyone will want to waste a roster spot on an injury-prone outfielder.

Padres release Jason Bartlett

The Padres have released infielder Jason Bartlett, the team announced via press release today.

San Diego originally acquired Bartlett two years ago in a trade with the Rays.Two-off-seasons ago, the team avoided arbitration with Bartlett and agreed to a two-year contract worth $11 million with a vesting option for 2013. Now that he has been released, he will earn a $1.5 million buyout of his vesting option.

Bartlett has struggled this season, hitting .133 in 98 plate appearances. He has been on the disabled list since May 17, and once the Padres traded Ernesto Frieri for Alexi Amarista, a lot of people figured that Bartlett no longer factored in the team's future plans.

Analysis: We all saw this move coming. The Padres have began a minor youth movement and allowing Alexi Amarista to play everyday is the right move. As for Bartlett, he has struggled so much for San Diego but I'm sure he'll sign with another team this year. Like I said earlier today, Oakland is looking for infield depth and they could take a long look at Bartlett.

Cubs claim Hinshaw off of waivers

The Cubs have claimed relief pitcher Alex Hinshaw off of waivers. The Padres designated him for assignment a few days ago.

Hinshaw posted a 4.50 ERA in 28 innings this season, and posted a nice ratio of 11.6 K/9. However, he walked several batters, putting up 6.4 BB/9. Hinshaw will join the Cubs tomorrow, and Chicago has  yet to announce a corresponding move.