Chicken Friars » Andrew Bailey

Huston Street Could Be Attracting Attention Soon

Justin Hunter — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:00:07 +0000

The Padres have played 23 games. They are not necessarily out of it, but they are playing like a team who is. They are playing like a team that doesn’t think they have a shot. They’re treading water. If the losses continue and the Padres can’t find a way to sweep a few teams and get some series victories, the make-up of the entire team could change very quickly. I talked about the Carlos Quentin possibilities on Thursday, but even more probable would be a trade involving Huston Street.

Street has had just three save opportunities in the first 23 games. He’s converted all three, but has not been able to help the team win because – well – they simply haven’t been winning. Across the league, there are plenty of teams who we expected to be in contention and those we did not who have lost their closers. The Reds lost Ryan Madson for the season. The Nationals lost Drew Storen for the year, and now Brad Lidge is on the 15-day DL. The Royals (probably not in contention) lost Joakim Soria for the year. The Red Sox lost Andrew Bailey. Tampa Bay’s Kyle Farnsworth is on the shelf too. Within the division even, we can find teams in need of a closer. The Giants lost Brian Wilson for the year to Tommy John surgery.

(more…)

Andrew Bailey Vs. Huston Street, Did the Padres Make the Right Choice?

Justin Hunter — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

It was not all that long ago the Padres were linked to Andrew Bailey (then of the Oakland Athletics). The rumors eventually died down, and the Padres ultimately traded for Huston Street. We discussed the trade in detail when it happened, but it seemed fitting to revisit the move now that the Red Sox have acquired Andrew Bailey.

In the Huston Street trade, the Padres gave up a player to be named later (who eventually became Nick Schmidt) and assumed the remaining year on Street’s contract. The Rockies even kicked in enough cash to pay Street’s buy out after the 2012 season. So what did the Red Sox give up to get Bailey? They gave up Josh Reddick and two prospects, infield prospect Miles Head and pitching prospect Raul Alcantara. The A’s also sent Ryan Sweeney to the Red Sox in the deal. In hindsight, the Padres, if given the choice between Street and Bailey and knowing exactly what they would have to give up to get each respective player, made the right move.

(more…)

Padres Hanging Back During Winter Meetings

Justin Hunter — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:41:20 +0000

With about $20 million burning a hole in his pocket, Josh Byrnes has chosen the path of restraint. Bill Center of the San Diego Union Tribune reports that the team should have about $20 million to spend on trades and free agency if Jeff Moorad’s payroll promise for 2012 rings true. Yet as of right now, that money is just sitting. Byrnes has indicated that many of the deals he was looking at during the meetings are done. It’s safe to assume the reasons are because players want too much money or another team snatched the player away before Byrnes could pull the trigger.

The Padres seem intent on finding their closer from outside the organization. They are still interested in the A’s Andrew Bailey and the Rockies’ Huston Street. Both would require a trade as both are under contract with their respective teams. MLB Trade Rumors reported this morning that the club is also interested in Francisco Rodriguez as a potential replacement for Heath Bell. Daniel Murphy is the only position player to pop up on the radar for the Padres. The Carlos Quentin rumors have died down drastically. So as we head to the mid-point of the Winter Meetings, it is looking more like the Padres will make their moves some other time during the winter. Don’t be surprised if they make no moves during the meetings.

(more…)