Does the run production warrant that? And Venable has been a major first-half disappointment. Headley will likely value out at more than $3 million next season in his second year of arbitration. The future will include making tough contractual decisions on some of the franchise’s homegrown players, notably third baseman Chase Headley and right fielder Will Venable. The Padres will probably take a late-season look at starting pitchers Anthony Bass and Casey Kelly as well as a more concentrated look at second baseman Logan Forsythe. Expect to see Kyle Blanks back in left field by the end of the year, sooner if Ludwick is traded. In addition to looking outside the organization, the Padres will likely be looking inside. He can go more than an inning or take on a tough hitter in a situation. Qualls (4-3, 2.43 ERA): The versatile and durable right-hander has rebuilt his career as a Padre. Like Bell, Ludwick is still owed around $4 million. The Phillies have a lot of young prospects, including outfielder Domonic Brown. Ludwick (.256, nine homers, 45 RBI): Want intrigue? What about a package deal of Ludwick and Bell to the Phillies, who, because of the uncertainty of Brad Lidge and the hole left around Ryan Howard by the departure of Jayson Werth, are seeking a closer and a run-producing, right-handed hitting outfielder. He would bring at least two top prospects. At the moment, Bell is still owed around $4 million this season. Besides, Mike Adams deserves an opportunity. But the last thing a rebuilding team needs is a closer. He would probably accept under $27 million for a three-year deal. A look at the three:īell (2-3, 19 saves, 2.70 ERA): Now 33, Bell would love to remain a Padre. The best guess is that all will be gone by July 31. Which brings us back to Bell, Ludwick and Qualls. Dustin Moseley’s non-pitching shoulder raises similar issues. Sad thing is, beyond Bell, Ludwick and Qualls, the Padres don’t have much to sell.Ĭlubs that might have been interested in Aaron Harang have to be turned off by his broken foot. And given the upper level of their farm system, they probably won’t move shortstop Jason Bartlett or second baseman Orlando Hudson - both of whom are contracted through 2012 - unless a top middle infield prospect is coming in return.īut the Padres are on the brink of becoming sellers. The Padres probably won’t move the younger players they control. Set-up relievers are always in demand down the stretch. Louis and Philadelphia and the Angels are in need of a closer.Ĭincinnati and Philadelphia have specifically mentioned Ludwick in their hopes of adding a run-producing, right-handed outfield bat. If the Padres decide the future takes precedent over the now, they have three players they don’t control past this season who interest other teams - closer Heath Bell, left fielder Ryan Ludwick and reliever Chad Qualls.Īnd each are attractive to legitimate playoff contenders. Likely sooner than July 31, the non-waiver trade deadline. “Given the division, if we were to get real hot over the next two weeks, a final decision might be delayed a week or two,” a Padres executive said recently.
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