No Such Thing as the Offseason

The "offseason" for the players may have begun, but I don't think GMs ever rest. GM A.J. Preller certainly doesn't rest as he has executed three trades in this past week alone. They aren't like the blockbuster deals of last winter, but they are still signs of the team moving in the right direction. First off, Preller traded minor league pitcher Ronald Herrera to the Yankees for utility infielder Jose Pirela. I like this trade because we need some competition for the middle-infield positions this coming spring. Another trade in which the Padres were involved was Joaquin Benoit being sent off to Seattle for two prospects: 19-year-old starting pitcher Enyel De Los Santos (the big piece in the deal) and 23-year-old middle-infielder Nelson Ward. The third trade in consecutive days is definitely the BIG blockbuster! Closer Craig Kimbrel has been traded to the Red Sox for four excellent prospects. I am so satisfied with this trade! I know you may be thinking, "why are you happy that your favorite team traded away the game's best closer?" But let's look at the numbers. Kimbrel was owed $11.25 million next year and another $13 million the next year. That means that in the past two days, Preller has managed to shed $18 million. Talk about impressive! I like the prospects we got in return too. However, Padres prospects in the past have been mostly busts even if they have been highly touted. The good part is that we have either trade chips or more money to spend on free agency this winter. There were also rumors that Andrelton Simmons would be going to the Padres, but in the end, Simmons was sent to Anaheim for Eric Aybar and two prospects. I'm glad we didn't get him because that would have meant that we would have to send our entire farm system to Atlanta for somebody who is right-handed and does not hit very well despite being one of the best defenders in the game.

Now let's talk about the big shake-up in the college football playoff rankings. After LSU fell to Alabama in Tuscaloosa (Boo!), the rankings have rambled things up. With these rankings, they really don't mean much other than to gauge where these teams are throughout the year and what they must do to get to the promised land. Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State and Notre Dame round out the top four with Iowa and Baylor on the outside looking in. Undefeated Oklahoma State is also looking to crack the top four as they face the meat of their schedule. If somebody escapes the Big 12 undefeated, then hopefully the voters will favor them in the end after a rough year-ending last year. Here are your games this week:
- #2 Alabama at #17 Mississippi State, 3:30 ET, CBS
- #21 Memphis at #24 Houston, 7 ET, ESPN2
- #12 Oklahoma at #6 Baylor, 8 ET, ABC
- #10 Utah at Arizona, 10 ET, FOX Sports 1

College basketball is now upon us as well! Duke looks to defend their title in a year that looks to be as interesting as it was last year. Upsets have already shocked the college world as Western Illinois defeated #17 and runner-up from last year Wisconsin in Madison. Talk about upset. Another headline comes from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Normally when you talk about LSU, you learn about their football, baseball or softball teams who seem to contend year after year. This time around it is men's basketball and the nation's top recruit in the form of Ben Simmons. Many are comparing him to LeBron James with his large frame and strong body. Hopefully he stays more than a year like most freshman tend not to do. With him on the team, LSU is ranked #17. Hopefully they can make some noise this season.

That is all I have for you this week! Thank you for reading!