Friday, May 15, 2009

Roster Moves

Busy Friday.

Today we optioned RHP Edwin Moreno, released RHP Duaner Sanchez, placed SS Luis Rodriguez on the 15-Day DL, recalled LHP Joe Thatcher, purchased the contract of RHP Greg Burke, claimed SS Josh Wilson on waivers, and transferred RHP Cha Seung Baek to the 60-Day DL. Whew.

Joe Thatcher has pitched well this season in AAA Portland, going 14 innings with 12 hits, five walks, and 17 k's. What's particularly good is that Joe has held left-handed hitters to a .557 ops and right-handed hitters to a .661. His ground ball ratio has also been 4:1, so all that indicates that his cutter looks more like the 2007 version.

Greg Burke will be making his Major League debut, and it's a good story. A non-drafted free agent, Greg began his career in 2006 splitting time between the rotation and the bullpen with both of our A-Ball teams. Once again an A-ball swing man in 2007, Greg posted a 5.23 ERA. Then came 2008. Greg made the move to the AA pen, and everything clicked. He notched 23 saves for AA San Antonio on his way to a 2.24 ERA in 84 innings of work. He hasn't missed a beat in AAA this year with seven saves and a 2.25 ERA across 16 innings.

Josh Wilson is a 28-year SS who has over 1700 plate appearances in AAA and about 350 in the big leagues. Most recently with the Diamondbacks, Josh does everything pretty well - solid defense at SS, good runner, and has a little power. He gives us some needed veteran depth at the SS position with the injuries to both Everth Cabrera and Luis Rodriguez.

The move of Cha Seung Baek should not materially change his return, as the 60 days began at the beginning of the seaon, and we don't anticipate his return before the beginning of June.

11 comments:

Bryan Nelle said...

Paul,

Would you guys ever consider swapping top prospects for top prospects? I never really see it mentioned. But, I imagine that there must be some team out there that has a great talent at a position we covet. And, I imagine that there is probably a team that needs a top flight first baseman prospect. Is there anything that would hinder you guys or another team from making a move like this? Do GM's just generally want to see their own guys develop for their own squads?

Unknown said...

From no "Burke"s to two in a short time. My equilibrium is soooo thrown off now.

Sad to see Sanchez not work out. I know he is running out of career chances and has big life decision ahead sooner than any player wants.

Glad to see Thatcher back. Every little team tweak helps.

Unknown said...

It would be nice if the starters last more than 5 innings. How much do you attribute the bullpen's struggles to having over usage?

On the current bullpen not including Bell, who do think has more upside and better stuff?

field39 said...

Paul,

You have a center fielder down in AA, who has been hitting the ball a little bit. I know Luis doesn't have any power and he is just now starting to harness his speed, but a line of .371/.447/.400 has to count for something... If Luis hasn't earned himself a shot, who has?

Unknown said...

Hey P-Diddles!

It seems that Josh Wilson has turned himself into a good short-term shortstop who provides average-to-good defense and isn't completelÝ abysmal offensively.

Gavin said...

Paul,
Logan Forsythe is off to a nice start in LE. Does the team project him to stay at 3B or possible switch positions? I've read a couple "experts"(Keith Law, for one) who think he could make the transition to catcher. Have you guys ever discussed this possibility?

Sakei said...

Thus ends the Duaner Sanchez experience.

I was really pulling for him after the accident. And when he latched on with SD, I was happy for him but skeptical. It was pretty obvious to anyone watching the man was finished.

Resquiat in pace.

Anonymous said...

Do you see the Padres being major players in terms of international signings this year like they were last year?

Howard Lynch said...

Can you discuss the Latos and Inman promotions? They are exciting pitchers to be following in the farm system ...

Unknown said...

Paul,

I think it is a good time to comment on the success of the minor league system so far. Baseball America is so overrated!!!

Anonymous said...

Do you see the Padres being major players in terms of international signings this year like they were last year?