Padres Eyeing Mike Sweeney
The Padres "have expressed mild interest" in Mike Sweeney, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. The problem would be finding a fit for Sweeney. First base or left field would be the logical choices but between the presence of Adrian Gonzalez and Sweeney's fragility, both seem a long shot. And there's no fit at catcher either, if you really want to stretch your imagination.
Crasnick notes that Padres GM Kevin Towers has found the talks for Xavier Nady or Matt Murton to be "slow going," so maybe he's trying to get creative.
Sweeney, 35, has been a Royal his entire career. He hasn't topped 100 games or an .800 OPS since '05. It was said in mid-December that Sweeney's agent had been in touch with the Royals and two other teams.
Mike Sweeney, lol. I think if I were the Padres I'd employ some patience and wait for the Bedard/Roberts situation to resolve then I'm sure they could hammer out a Greene/Murton deal.
Posted by: Game555 | January 29, 2008 at 09:20 AM
I agree. As long as murton doesn't end up with the os, im sure the pads could snag him. Even if the cubs just get a good prospect or two, id be happy with that.
Posted by: Aduncaroo | January 29, 2008 at 09:41 AM
I agree. As long as murton doesn't end up with the os, im sure the pads could snag him. Even if the cubs just get a good prospect or two, id be happy with that.
Posted by: Aduncaroo | January 29, 2008 at 09:42 AM
So what two deals does Hendry 'Have on the Table'? A Murton/Greene deal would be great. Greene and DeRo sounds better than Riot and Roberts.
Posted by: SouthernFriedCub | January 29, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Please don't expect Greene for Murton. The Pads love him and his flowing hair. Although there has been some talk of Khalil going back east when his contract is up. I'd really expect to see a couple minor leaguers for Murton. There's no other SS on the SD roster right now and I really don't think a Cedeno/Murton package gets Towers hot and bothered.
Posted by: screaminzab | January 29, 2008 at 10:04 AM
In addition, I'd pay good money to see Mike Sweeney attempt to play the outfield at Petco. Over/under until he hits the DL? 4 games in the OF.
Posted by: screaminzab | January 29, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Look at Mike Sweeney in 2000...That is just an incredible season...
.333 BA
29 HR
144 RBI
.407 OBP, .523 SLG (.930 OPS)
71 BB vs. 67 K's
206 Hits, 105 Runs
That is just an unbelievable season
Posted by: metzfan22 | January 29, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Greene is worth way more than Murton, and it has nothing to do with his crappy hair.
Petco is ruining a good player in Greene.
In his major league career, Greene has a .658 OPS at home, and .850 OPS on the road.
Posted by: JerseyMetFan | January 29, 2008 at 10:32 AM
This is certainly creative, and you could use Sweeney as your top pinch hitter and to give Adrian Gonzalez a more frequent day off.
Posted by: AnteaterPadre | January 29, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Sweeney would be a good fit in the NL as the #1 pinch hitter and OCCASIONAL starter at 1B.
Posted by: firesticks | January 29, 2008 at 11:16 AM
I thought sweeney would be nice in florida. He could hit lefties for jacobs and put up some wes helms numbers. Kansas city should just give him a one year.
Posted by: joemorgan=#1 | January 29, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Sweeney is a really nice guy. He had a lot of potential. Injuries ruined all that.
He took 5 years and $50 million from a franchise that absolutely couldn't afford it. Having him on the payroll prevented other signings.
The sad thing is that even if he offered to play for the Royals for $1 this year I wouldn't take him. I can't think of anyone on the 40 man roster I'd give up.
Posted by: Otis26 | January 29, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Sweeney wouldn't be more than a bench player and occasional fill-in against tough lefties for Adrian Gonzalez. However, if they could sign him for $1 million or less, it wouldn't be a bad deal for a career .299 batter, especially with the lack of production the Pads had off the bench last season.
Posted by: sdpadrefan.com | January 29, 2008 at 07:26 PM
So Hendry hasn't spoken to the Orioles in a week, and the Padres say the talks with the Cubs are slow going. How so? Maybe the Padres inquired about Murton, the Cubs asked for Greene, and the talks cooled. Or maybe the Cubs are talking to a third team besides the Padres and Orioles? I can guarantee you that Hendry is not sitting on his ass (metaphorically) and I doubt he's talking to Texas first. Thoughts?
Posted by: jrfukudome | January 30, 2008 at 04:04 PM
Are the Cubs talking to a team beside the Orioles, Rangers, and Padres? Or are these just lies, terrible lies...
Posted by: jrfukudome | January 30, 2008 at 04:06 PM