San Diego general manager Josh Byrnes remains very much open to the possibility of looking outside of the organization to round out the Padres’ rotation, MLB.com’s Corey Brock reports. Byrnes suggested that San Diego could still be in the market for another starter:
"There is a chance we can solve [the rotation] with our own guys. The thing about the offseason [is] … we haven't pursued guys just to add bodies. But if we feel there's an upgrade, someone with upside or a long-term guy, then OK. But we're comfortable with seeing how our guys look. There might be a need [to add a pitcher] but there might not be."
As Brock further explains in his article, the Padres already have a substantial number of starting options competing for spots at the back end of the rotation. With Clayton Richard, Edinson Volquez, and the re-signed Jason Marquis seemingly good bets to begin the season in starting roles, the Padres figure to look at internal options like Anthony Bass, Tyson Ross, and Eric Stults, along with non-roster invitees Freddy Garcia, Robbie Erlin, and Tim Stauffer.
Byrnes' statement suggests that, should the Padres look to acquire another starter, it would be someone with “upside” or “long-term” potential. Turning to MLBTR’s Free Agent Tracker, it appears that few pitchers who meet that description remain available. Kyle Lohse, of course, stands out atop the remaining starting pitching options. While the Padres were apparently willing to make a substantial, multi-year commitment to Edwin Jackson this offseason, Lohse’s asking price may be too high for San Diego. Alternatively, the Padres could consider Roy Oswalt or one of several other available veterans, including Dallas Braden and Chris Young.
