“Hope springs eternal.” - Alexander Pope
The Padres are pretty much done for this off-season. Spring Training is closing in; the payroll is projected to be in the $50 million range, where Jeff Moorad said it would be. One has to figure the Padres will now draw no more cards. With a new GM seated at the table, never a better time to review Josh Byrnes’ first time cooking at the Hot Stove for the Friars.
First off, Byrnes took over the post on Halloween. For the sake of clarity: those decisions occurring prior to his control of the team will be omitted. With that established, let’s look at the moves made so far and try to develop some idea of a common thread.
NOVEMBER 16 – Signed OF/1B Mark Kotsay to a 1-year contract.
Before dismissing this move as lacking importance, consider: Kotsay was given a guaranteed contract. They didn’t invite him to camp in late January and give him a minor league deal. They gave him the money. That means, at least to me, there was some demand ...
Original Story:
