San Diego Padres: Top 5 Offseason Team Needs

Cabrera was suspended for using PEDs and gave a heartfelt apology. Then he was arrested for driving under the influence while nursing a hamstring injury this season. His arraignment is in December, but the Padres should cut ties with him now. Remember that he was also a part of a domestic violence investigation -- it is time to rid the team of the cancer that is Cabrera.

After they cut Cabrera, the ownership group needs to figure out the target payroll for next season. There is a chance that the Padres will have a major overhaul and be active in the trade market. They opened 2014 with a $90.6 million payroll, and it could drop to $41 million before any moves happen. Reports say the Padres are ready to go over $100 million, but that remains to be seen.

The Padres need to improve their offense, and one of the best ways to do that is to deal a starting pitcher for a bat. Ian Kennedy is a sell high candidate, so the return could help. Tyson Ross and Andrew Cashner would bring better returns, but trading them may bring more anger from Padres fans. Kennedy is the best trade candidate and he is a Scott Boras client. Some teams like getting rid of those players.

Jedd Gyorko will be a starter next year, and there are rumblings that he could move to third base. The Padres need to hit the trade market to fill some holes or find a gem in the free agency market. Alexi Amarista is a serviceable option, and Yangervis Solarte is worthy of a bench spot. The Padres need to reload and add some pieces around the horn.

There are some interesting youngsters in the Padres' ranks. They need to put the resources toward helping and evaluating them. Some of them, like Rymer Liriano, were pushed to the big leagues too quickly. Investing may mean giving the prospects more playing time in Triple-A or providing them with the team's expectations now.