At first glance, the Padres' acquisition of closer Huston Street from the Rockies last offseason didn't make a whole lot of sense. After all, San Diego wasn't expected to contend in 2012, and Street didn't come cheaply — at a 2012 salary of $7.5MM — for a team that operates on a modest budget.
But new GM Josh Byrnes probably valued Street more as an asset in future trade talks than as someone who could contribute to a rebuilding team on the field, and considering the Friars merely gave up an underwhelming prospect to acquire the right-hander, it's a sound strategy.
Now, several projected contenders are already dealing with injuries at the back end of their respective bullpens, and it seems even more likely that trade suitors will be checking in with the Padres on Street.
The right-hander, 29 in August, has earned his keep as a high-strikeout control specialist with a knack for producing fly balls, a formula that has produced an excellent 2.91 career SIERA. Those skills should play especially well for Street in his new home ballpark in San Diego's Petco Park, where fly balls go to die. And if he's cruising along with stats that are inflated by his home digs in a couple months, it'll only serve to intensify interest among bullpen-needy contenders.
The catch here is Street's contract. He holds a $9MM player option for 2013, but that can be declined for a digestible $500K buyout — for which the Rockies are on the hook. In other words, Street can be had as a half-season rental, or he can contribute down the stretch and then come back the following year at a pricey, but not off-the-charts, salary.
Will some team bite? It's hard to say that now, with a couple months' games to play out before trade talks really heat up, but if Byrnes can flip Street for even a decent prospect, he'll have turned a profit considering how little he paid for the closer.
Photo courtesy of US Presswire
Sabean is probably already on the phone with Byrnes considering Wilson might be out for the season.
I was thinking the same exact thing
Who would close for the Padres? Gregerson?
Yeah, I’d guess Gregerson. Let’s hurry up and trade Street, this season’s over.
9 games…
Cashner will close.
Next year they’ll use Boxberger who they got in the Latos trade
Cashner
Street to the Giants for Belt and a pitching prospect. Giants get a better replacement for Wilson (overrated simply because he doesn’t shave) and the Pads can put Belt at 1B or an OF corner.
The only way the Padres get Belt and a pitching prospect for street is if it’s a leather belt.
Wheeler for Beltran. Anything can happen with Sabean at the helm.
Or the Giants can just call up their good young closer Heath Hembree from Triple A Fresno around midseason and keep Belt.
Seeing as how our best pitching prospect is a closer in AAA, something tells me we’ll pass on trading Belt. That, and we’d never deal a player with Belts potential to an in division rival.
I sincerely doubt that the Giants would trade Belt within the division, nevermind for a so-so closer. But, I’d definitely take it! When we trade or let Quentin walk, Belt could go to left field. Or if Alonso fizzles out, he can move to first.
It almost seems like SF has given up on Belt.
I hated when Street when he closed for the A’s, so be careful what you ask for. If I were a Giants fan, I’d save my money and prospects and use Romo. Street’s best year is barely better than Romo’s worst.
Giants aren’t going to trade for Street. They will use a combination or Casilla, Romo, Lopez. Probably bring up Hembree around the all star break. They’ll be fine.
you think they’ll wait that long? i wouldnt mind seeing him up sooner
So far Street has two more saves than Heath Bell.
So far? Not sure who has looked worse this year.. Bell, who has looked awful and not gotten results of any kind, or Zambran.. Who has been throwing high ***80’s*** with his FB, yet pitching himself into tightrope situations and somehow getting out of it.. Last night, he walked the bases loaded one time, 1R scored.. 6BB in 5IP think it was.. Then? He went up vs Houston.. Let’s see him go up against a REAL team and try that..
Z had NOTHING last night, yet somehow managed to allow 1R with nothing, FB, slider..NOTHING. This was that goonie new manager’s insistence acquisition you might remember as well.. You know, the one who already has upset the entire population of south Florida in his 1st week on the job?
K Street…
Pretty sure that “where fly balls go to die” was also stolen from Jon Miller.
Apparently Miller also stole it as well because I recall seeing that phrase used in one of the permanent exhibits at Cooperstown. It was used to describe an old-time outfielder (whose name I forget) who was renowned for his spectacular prowess with the glove. I was particularly surprised because before that day I had only heard it used in reference to Endy Chávez for that terrific catch he made during the 2006 NLDCS. However, as I learned, he was not the first to be given that title.
Speaking of Miller, I miss he and Joe Morgan on Monday Night Baseball. Morgan was always good for some levity – one of the most unprepared broadcasters ever.
Ugh!
I actually gave thanks when those two were finally replaced. Listening to Miller for more than five minutes made me want to shoot myself…and listening to Morgan made me want to shoot him! :p
I understand the hate for Morgan but I don’t get how you can hate Jon Miller. He’s like Vin Scully with enough Harry Caray to be funny but not obnoxious.
how you can hate Jon Miller
Easily. Between that annoying start-and-stop delivery of his, and all the yelling with no warning after discussing the game in a totally conversational tone, I found him extremely irritating.
Give me Vin Scully any day. What a classic! (and just in case, no, I am not a Dodgers fan).
To each is own, chico.