Cactus League countdown: San Diego Padres

Despite an impressive offseason shuffle, it looks like the San Diego Padres are still in rebuilding mode. That's the bad news for Padres fans. The good news? It should be over soon. New San Diego general manager Josh Byrnes kept himself very busy this offseason, shaking up a team that finished 20 games under .500 and last in the NL West last season, but the Padres don't appear to be contenders just yet. While baseball can be a very unpredictable game and the Padres could surprise everyone (as they did in 2010), it seems more likely the 2012 season will be about developing the foundation laid for the team that brings postseason baseball back to San Diego for the first time since 2006. It didnt take Byrnes long to start crafting his vision in San Diego, and he won't be the only new face arriving in Arizona later this month for the Cactus League. The former Diamondbacks GM made a splash quickly by filling a number of holes. Byrnes made his first big move in mid December by sending his No. 1 starting pitcher Mat Latos to the Reds for promising first base prospect Yonder Alonso. The 24-year-old, blocked in Cincinnati by Joey Votto, is the favorite to man first base this season and should provide some much-needed offense. Alonso is regarded as one of baseball's best first base prospects and could become a cornerstone of the franchise for many years. His progression as a full time major leaguer should correlate strongly to the Padres' progression back to contender status. The Padres also netted promising catcher prospect Yasmani Grandal and starting pitcher Edinson Volquez in the trade. Grandal will arrive in the majors in due time, but Volquez bolsters the rotation now. Byrnes was far from finished after that deal. On the last day of 2011, he dealt a pair of minor leaguers to the White Sox for left fielder Carlos Quentin, a player Byrnes dealt away for little in return during his tenure calling the shots for the Diamondbacks. The power-hitting Quentin, a 2011 All-Star, is yet another big boost for the San Diego offense that scored the third fewest runs in the majors last season while playing in cavernous Petco Park. With offensive upgrades checked off the list, Byrnes shifted to pitching and snagged closer Huston Street from the Rockies to replace Heath Bell, who bolted for Miami. Then, newly expendable first base prospect Anthony Rizzo was sent to the Cubs for Andrew Cashner, who figures to have a prominent role in the bullpen or rotation. Not every new face in Padres camp will be unfamiliar, as Mark Kotsay signed on for a second stint in San Diego. The veteran utility man spent three seasons with the Padres (2001-2003) and last year played a key reserve role for the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers. The Padres will look to him for key pinch hits and spot starts as much as they will clubhouse leadership. Byrnes and the rest of the Padres' front office were busy this offseason, and it will show when camp begins. But the greater question -- what will it all amount to? -- might not be answered for at least a season. Whos new: Carlos Quentin, OF (trade, White Sox); Huston Street, RP (trade, Colorado); Edinson Volquez, SP (trade Cincinnati); Yonder Alonso, 1B (trade, Cincinnati); John Baker, C (trade, Miami); Andrew Cashner, RP (trade, Cubs); Mark Kotsay, OF (free agent); Matt Palmer, SP (free agent). Whos gone: Heath Bell, RP (free agent, Miami); Alberto Gonzalez, 2B (free agent, Texas); Aaron Harang, SP (free agent, Dodgers); Brad Hawpe, 1B (free agent, Texas); Rob Johnson, C (free agent, Mets); Mat Latos, SP (trade, Cincinnati); Wade LeBlanc, SP (trade, Miami); Pat Neshek, RP (free agent); Eric Patterson, OF (free agent, Detroit); Chad Qualls, RP (free agent); Anthony Rizzo, 1B (trade, Cubs). Battle ground: Byrnes ended the most intriguing spring position battle before it started when he traded Anthony Rizzo to the Cubs. That essentially leaves it to newcomer Yonder Alsonso, who has just 69 games of major league experience. The Padres view him as a long-term fixture, but he won't be unchallenged. Jesus Guzman came out of nowhere to hit .312 with 44 RBI and a .369 on-base percentage in 76 games last season and won't give up his spot without a fight. It's hard for an offense-challenged team to leave that kind of production out of the lineup, so the Padres might try to find some games for Guzman in the outfield. Andrew Cashner made one start in 2011 before being sidelined with a rotator cuff injury. He returned in September as a reliever but could earn a spot in the rotation. Health watch: After shoulder surgery put starting pitcher Clayton Richard on the shelf for the second half of last season, the lefty enters the spring looking to rediscover the stuff that helped him win 14 games in 2010. His health and effectiveness will be important in a thin rotation. Same goes for Dustin Moseley, who pitched well last season but got little run support before missing much of the second half after surgery on his non-throwing shoulder. He should be ready to go for spring training. Sneak preview: Third base prospect Jedd Gyorko made the jump from Single A to Double A in his first full professional season last year, and he did nothing but crush the ball on both levels. The 23-year-old righty racked up 25 home runs and 114 RBI while posting a .400 on-base percentage. He's not likely to make the club out of camp, but might be in the big leagues by season's end. The organization's top pitching prospect, right-handed starter Casey Kelly, will be in big league camp but likely needs more seasoning. The 22-year-old plays prominently into the team's future and should fit well at pitcher-friendly PETCO Park. Spring training info: Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. First workouts: Feb. 20 (pitchers and catchers), Feb. 23 (full squad). First game: March 5. Tickets: Padres.com or (623) 773-8720.