Padres Are Done In Free Agency

If you’re still waiting for that big free-agent acquisition, you must wait no more.

In an article by Corey Brock on Padres.com, Padres general manager Josh Byrnes said the Padres are basically done shopping this off-season.

Aug 5, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Jason Marquis (38) pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Byrnes has spent much of the Padres off-season adding depth to the starting rotation with the acquisitions of youngster Tyson Ross, San Diego native Sean O’ Sullivan, and the re-signing of veteran Jason Marquis.

Any move would now be solely based on upgrading the starting rotation, as opposed to adding more pitching depth.

"“It would be more of (getting) an upgrade than just adding depth,” Byrnes said in the article.“We feel we have seven or eight guys who could start a game in April. I think we’re covered.”"

However, Byrnes still hasn’t ruled out the idea of acquiring a player through trade.

“There are ideas we’ve worked on in a slow and steady way,” Byrnes said. “But nothing is imminent.”

Corey Brock writes that there has been some interest in corner infielders, not named Chase Headley, and some of the team’s relievers.

Clayton Richard and Edinson Volquez seem to be the only locks in the starting rotation. The rest of the rotation is up for grabs with Anthony Bass, Eric Stults, Casey Kelley, Robbie Erlin, Marquis, Ross and O’Sullivan all candidates to fill the remaining rotation spots.

This off-season, the Padres have missed out on some premium free-agents like Dan Haren, Edwin Jackson and Brandon McCarthy.

The only remaining notable free-agent pitchers are Kyle Lohse, Shaun Marcum and Joe Saunders.

But those guys don’t matter because the Padres are done shopping.

As of late, the only name linked to the Padres has been Rick Porcello of the Detroit Tigers. It has been reported that both teams have had trade talks involving the right-hander.

Frankly I’m a little frustrated how this off-season has panned out for the Padres. I know the Pads believe in the players they have, as do I. But the National League West has gotten better over the winter and the Padres have stayed pat.

I sure hope Josh Byrnes knows what he is doing.