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In what has already been a franchise-changing offseason for the San Diego Padres in which Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Wil Myers and James Shields were brought into town, the Padres just made another “we are not messing around” move. San Diego has now acquired closer Craig Kimbrel and Melvin (B.J.) Upton from the Atlanta Braves.
padres get kimbrel in blockbuster
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) April 5, 2015
In return, San Diego has sent top pitching prospect Matt Wisler, along with outfielders Cameron Maybin and Carlos Quentin, to Atlanta. As we begin to digest what San Diego’s brass has pulled off this offseason, the first thing that comes to mind is that the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are already being incredibly overrated, cannot be thrilled their regional neighbors have improved this much. In an NL West where many expect the San Francisco Giants to have another World Series hangover, plenty of voices in MLB circles had Los Angeles as clear favorites.
There goes that idea.
This move makes a ton of sense from a strictly on the field vantage point for both teams involved. I have been saying it for a while now, but the Braves are undergoing a complete rebuild as they await the opening of their new stadium in 2017. For San Diego, going into the season with Joaquin Benoit at the back end of the bullpen clearly was not resting well for a team that feels it’s very close to making the postseason again. Now, instead of a worry at the end of games, the Padres will be showcasing perhaps the best closer in all of MLB with Kimbrel.
Acquiring Melvin Upton was likely more of a condition than a want from the Padres perspective, as he now reunites with Justin again. If the Padres can get anything consistent out of Melvin Upton it is simply a bonus, as they’ve already secured what they really wanted and needed.
Timothy Downs is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. You can ‘like him’ on Facebook add him on Google or follow him on Twitter @Tidow1212.
