Williamson to Padres

[aramis4president]

Just heard it on CSN then it said check in for an update at 10:00

[The Big C]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2527276

Looks like we got a couple class A pitching prospects in return. A fine deal in my eyes.

[RBi]

Santo, 22, was named the 16th best prospect in the Padres' organization leading into this season by Baseball America. He was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Padres prior to the 2002 season. He owns a career record of 20-29 with a 4.92 ERA (207 ER/378.2 IP) in 87 minor league contests (72 games started) and has recorded 236 career strikeouts.

Jimenez, 20, was signed by the Padres as a non-drafted free agent in 2002. He was ranked by Baseball America as the Padres' 29th best prospect leading into this season. He is 14-29 in 72 minor league appearances (60 starts) with a 5.13 ERA (177 ER/310.2 IP).

Santo and Jimenez have spent the 2006 season with Ft. Wayne (A). Both players will be assigned to the Cubs-A affiliate Peoria.

[Bob Sacamento]

Going into the season, righty Joel Santo was rated by as the 16th best prospect in the Padres' system and lefty Fabian Jiminez was the 29th. But that's not saying too much as the Padres had the 3rd worst system according to Baseball America. Neither of these two guys would have cracked the Cubs Top 30 prospect list, they'd barely break the Top 50. Yet with Williamson pitching like crap, I guess this is what to expect out of him. I have to question whether the timing was right, as usually the closer you wait to the deadline, the more desperate teams get for pen help. I want to know what the Padres are doing through, as they have a solid pen already, so I'm wondering whether they're preparing to build a trade for a 3B or other bat.

As for the prospects, Joel Santo is a 22 year old righty, who has very smooth mechanics and an easy delivery, a natural arm that many scouts feel is projectable. His fastball usually sits between 91-93 mph, topping out at 95 this year. His secondary pitches are a slider and change but both are very raw and need some serious work. He's got a good upside but he likely won't stay a starter too long and could be best suited for the pen.

Fabian Jiminez is a very raw lefty talent but has the possibilty to turn out as he's only 19 years old (20 in a month). His fastball usually sits around 90-92 mph, topping out at 94 mph. But at times this season he's been in the upper 80's due to his ugly mechanics that need a lot of work. His secondary pitches aren't even as developed as Santo's. Currently he's throwing a slider and a changeup that he has very little control or command over. Hopefully with some mechanic overhauls this offseason, we'll be able to tap into the raw talents that Jiminez possesses.

[BelieveForever'03]

Doesn't seem like we got that much value from this trade. The biggest part of it may be that Williamson is gone ... finally!

[Bob Sacamento]

Doesn't seem like we got that much value from this trade. The biggest part of it may be that Williamson is gone ... finally!
And that Wuertz is back up!! FINALLY!!!!

[The Big C]

What other people are the Cubs likely to move Bob?

[Bob Sacamento]

What other people are the Cubs likely to move Bob?
Nevin, Walker, (SD still might want one of those two) and if they can find anyone to take Rusch (heard the Yanks had some interest). Jones and Pierre might have some interest out there but neither at high returns. The one name that isn't getting much press but the Cubs are taking feelers on is Matt Murton. Cubs' brass has become weary of Murton's power, leading only Pierre and Cedeno in SLG%, despite that he's fourth on the team in BB and OBP. If the Cubs can move him and get a solid veteran power bat or innings eater for the rotation, they'll trade Matt by the start of 2007 season. If not, I still don't expect to see Murton with a starting job with the Cubs going into the 2007 season.

[Whitesoxnut]

Nope, the Cubs are going to need a left fielder one way or another. I wanted this kid to succeed, and maybe they shouldn't be so quick to trade him unless its a no brainer. I believe he has more talent then hes showed and could be a solid 4th outfielder in 2007, "course there are other irons in the fire on that front". Walker probably has most trade value right now, a team making a run could use his bat. 2nd base is another hole they have to fill for 2007. But personally, instead of building another smoke and mirrors team in 2007?? I'd rather see them make concrete moves that support a 2 or 3 year plan.

I dont see nothing so desperate that they wont be able to deliver a competitive team next year and a playoff level team in '08 or '09. Its going to take money, an entire new coaching staff, a new mindset, and solid moves designed to develop future, not instant, results.

[Cubs Fan in TN]

Does anyone think that trading for Tejada is a bad idea?

I am not for sure what his salary is, but how nice would it be to have his bat in the lineup?

I would trade Cedeno, or Murton, or Hill (plus the extras that any one of these would require) to get him.

I read a report that said that the Cubs would like to have him, but probably could not come up with enough to trade for him. Is that really true, do we not have enough talent to trade for him?

[BelieveForever'03]

I heard recently that the Cubs were considering the idea of moving Ronnie to second.

[Bob Sacamento]

I heard recently that the Cubs were considering the idea of moving Ronnie to second.
Only if they could get a top flight SS, ie Tejada or Lugo this free agency. Cedeno is defensively flexible enough to play both SS/2B very well. If only his eye would improve at the plate...

[The Big C]

Only if they could get a top flight SS, ie Tejada or Lugo this free agency. Cedeno is defensively flexible enough to play both SS/2B very well. If only his eye would improve at the plate...
In your professional opinion, is there any credence at all to that A-Rod rumor? Would either team WANT to make such a deal?

[Bob Sacamento]

In your professional opinion, is there any credence at all to that A-Rod rumor? Would either team WANT to make such a deal?
Well first off I'm not a professional, I'm just a baseball guy who has a rich family history and friends in the game from players, to umps, to scouts, and to front office cats.

But in my opinion and from what I've heard, there is no validity between a ARod to Cubs deal. From the Cub standpoint I'm sure they'd love to have ARod if it only cost them Ramirez and some arms but that's not going to happen. Yes the Boss has been upset with ARod's play, and if they don't make the playoffs this year, ARod could very well be shopped around this offseason. But don't count on it!

[The Big C]

You're as close to a professional as we have around here Bob, don't sell yourself short.

[Cubs Fan in TN]

That's a fact!

I have not been posting here long, but I do appreciate the factual comments that Bob shares with us.

We all get a little crazy with our statements at times, but Bob keeps it real!

Go Bob!