Talks are heating up between right-hander Joaquin Benoit and the Padres, reports ESPN's Jerry Crasnick (on Twitter).
Reports last week indicated that the Padres and Indians were competing for Benoit's services on a two-year deal in the $14MM range. Since that time, Cleveland has inked John Axford, so it's unclear if they're still in on Benoit. The 36-year-old Benoit posted a 2.01 ERA with 9.8 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 with 24 saves in 67 innings for the Tigers in 2013. He's also drawn interest from the Rockies, but he was said to be too expensive for Colorado's tastes, as he's seeking $7-10MM annually.
Sounds like Benoit is waiting for teams to come to him….or raise their offers. I guess if I were him, at his age especially (could be his last MLB contract), I’d probably do the same aggravating thing.
I really would feel good with a Benoit/Street back end with Vincent, Campos, Quackenbush, Stauffer, and some lefties competing for the final spots.
This would be a really good move for SD.
It seems like all these RP’s signings (Benoit, Veras, Balfour) are a bit on the low side. Good deals for the teams I guess.
Yes, and likely close in 2015 when Street walks.
Street-Benoit-Vincent with Downs/Schuster/Quackenbush/Smith. Would be something.
Downs would be cool. Forgot about Burch. Then there’s Sampson. Does anyone see the Padres making Sampson a reliever? Maybe that depends on the rehab darlings Luebke, Weiland, and Kelly?
They could move him there, depending on spring training performance.
I think Sampson will be a reliever, if he makes the team (doubtful out of ST). We are chock full of starters right now.
We need this. Get it done. Our BP is our weakness right now.