NewsInbox: Should Padres trade Bell?
Beat reporter Corey Brock answers questions from fans
By Corey Brock / MLB.com
10/14/09 6:13 PM ET
What are the chances of selling high on Heath Bell early in the offseason? I feel like the Padres would be able to get a little bit more value out of him. If not, what is your take on the chances of Bell leaving the Padres at all this offseason? -- Adam P, San DiegoCongratulations Adam. This is what I'm calling the best question of the week. And your prize? You get your question answered first. The Bell conundrum is an interesting one as we move forward into 2010. Bell just turned 32 and is coming off a big season as closer, saving 42 games with six blown saves. It's fair to say his value has never been higher. He is due for a raise and probably a pretty good one, as he's arbitration eligible. Would it be wise for the new GM to sign Bell to, say, a two-year deal and avoid arbitration or trade him? Since it's unlikely the Padres will move Adrian Gonzalez in a deal, this might be the Padres' best chance to improve themselves, possibly adding younger and controllable pieces that can help now and down the road.
What could the team get in return for pitcher Chris Young and third baseman Chase Headley? Maybe a No. 2 starting pitcher or someone who is a veteran and can lead this young staff? -- Kyle H, Lakeside
Let me ask you this Kyle: Why can't Young be that veteran who can lead a young staff? Granted, Young has missed time with injuries the last three seasons, making a combined 32 starts in 2008 and 2009, though the minor shoulder surgery he had this summer was the only time he's had an arm-related issue. I think the Padres would like to add another starting pitcher and the only way they can do so is in a trade. But I'm not sure giving up one to get one is the answer. When healthy -- look at what Young did in the first half of 2007 -- Young is capable of being a solid No. 2 pitcher on a staff.
|
Have a question about the Padres?
 E-mail your query to MLB.com Padres beat reporter Corey Brock for possible inclusion in a future Inbox column. Letters may be edited for brevity, length and/or content.
|
||||||||
Mike Cameron is one of my favorite players and I would love for him to be on the Padres again. But do you think this is likely at all? Also what do you think the chances are that the team will move Kevin Kouzmanoff during the offseason? -- Michelle T, El Cajon
Interesting question, Michelle. I know for certain that outgoing general manager Kevin Towers has always had a warm place in his heart for Cameron and what he brings to a team -- offense, defense, leadership, etc. I honestly think Towers would have made a play to get Cameron, a free agent, back in San Diego. That's not to say it would have happened, but he was a player of interest. Remember, at the top of Towers' wish list was a right-handed-hitting center fielder. Will that hold true with the new GM? We'll see.
What is a reasonable comparable to the "big right-handed bat" that the Padres are looking for? If center field is the likely position the Padres are looking for, would B.J. Upton be a good comparable? Or would someone like Andruw Jones, who is older and more of a veteran for a leadership role? Can you give us an idea of what to expect? -- Justin M, Valley Center
Justin, I like the Upton comparison a lot. Young guy, can run, good athlete, coming off what was a disappointing season. Maybe you can steal a guy like Upton in a trade this winter, though I'm not sure the Rays are ready to give up on him just yet. The Padres would certainly have to part with some significant pieces to get him. I don't think Jones is the answer. Too old, defensive liability and really fell apart in the second half. Again, we'll have to see what the new GM wants to do here but the Padres need to add another right-handed bat to their lineup.
I know this sounds crazy, but what are the chances the Padres sign Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday? We need a corner outfielder and if we picked up Holliday, we could put either Headley or Kouzmanoff at third and trade the odd man out. Venable could be in center field and Blanks in right with Gwynn coming off the bench. And Holliday would be the perfect protection for Gonzalez. -- Patrick Z, Cypress
Patrick, you're right. That does sound crazy. I like the idea, I really do. But Holliday, who will be a free agent, could still return to the Cardinals, where he had a very good experience after being traded there from the A's. I think the Cardinals intend to resign him. If not, he's going to cost a bundle and the Padres aren't looking to spend that kind of money on any one player. It's just not going to happen. If the Padres are going to make upgrades to the roster, it will have to come through a trade.
Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
