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Frank can just be used in low leverage, mop up situations.
I hate saying it, because they were so fucking hot for so long, but it has come time for my Padres to sell, and, because I like to read all of my great ideas, I'm going to state who they should trade, and what they absolutely need to look for in return.
Chase Headley has got to go. They likely missed a huge opportunity to move him in the off season, and waiting has lead to Headley's value likely being a lot less than it was a year ago. But I still think he has a ton of value since 3rd base is a black hole in the National League. And he's not going to hit in the 230s all year.
If/when they move Chase, they need to prioritize getting back a legitimate top of the rotation starter who's close to being MLB ready, if he isn't already. Part of the problem this year with the Padres, especially in the current slump, is that their starting pitching has been abysmal. Andrew Cashner has been solid until a recent slump, but he was never a starter until the Cubs toyed with the idea, and the Padres got serious about it last year. He's definitely got the upside to be a really good #2, but they need to add another arm that's close and further along the development timeline than Cash.
Kyle Blanks. I don't think they will trade him in season, namely due to all the position player injuries and because he's been the second best offensive player on the team while filling in. But, with Yonder Alonso back, Blanks has to move to the outfield to get consistent reps, and local manager Buddy Black enjoys benching Blanks in favor of out machines Will Venable, Jesus Guzman, Alexi Amarista, and Mark Kotsay. It's infuriating, because Blanks could legitimately hit for more power than anyone not named Quentin on the team, but his future looks bleak if there's no first base opening. I'd shop him to a team, likely AL, as a DH/1B bat with pop, and try to recoup a young arm.
Luke Gregerson. He's been worked a ton, maybe even a bit overworked, but still sports a 3.00 era, 4/1 k/bb ratio, 8k/9, 1.05 whip, with 3 saves, and 11 games finished total. I can see him being extremely attractive to a team like Detroit, who could use one more reliable late inning reliever with a good track record (Gregerson career 2.93 era, 9.1k/9, 3/1 k/bb ratio, 1.1 whip) and, considering they are legit contenders to win the World Series, will likely be not balk, depending on the player or players to be given up. I don't know their system, but, you could never have enough pitching.
Chris Denorfia. Love this guy. Absolutely love him. Does a little of everything. Can play all three outfield positions, runs the bases well, gets on base, hits for decent average. Really nice player for a team looking for an extra bat with some versatility and the ability to rake lefties and be well above average. He's 32, so there's no upside, but he's got great secondary skills.
I'm begging for the Padres to make a move. Whether that's a move to improve the rotation this year, even though I think they're well, well out of it, or a move to improve not just this year, but a handful of years in the long run, by all means, PLEASE, PADRES!
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