After executive chairman Ron Fowler ripped into the team a few days ago, and mentioned James Shields by name, Saturday’s news the veteran right-hander has been traded by the San Diego Padres to the Chicago White Sox was not a surprise. With a 22-34 record entering Saturday, good for last place and 12.5 games out in the NL West, the Padres should not be done dealing between now and July’s trade deadline.
With that in mind, here are five other Padres who could be dealt in the next six weeks or so.
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5. RP Matt Thornton
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Thornton's recent return from an Achilles' issue is well-timed, though he has an 11.57 ERA over three appearances (2.1 innings). But pitching is at a premium when the trade deadline nears, and Thornton has a solid track record as a lefty reliever.
Thornton's recent return from an Achilles' issue is well-timed, though he has an 11.57 ERA over three appearances (2.1 innings). But pitching is at a premium when the trade deadline nears, and Thornton has a solid track record as a lefty reliever.
4. C Derek Norris
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Norris hasn't bolstered his trade value so far this season (.198, five home runs and 12 RBI over 162 at-bats). But he is 5-for-11 with two RBI and three runs over the last three games, so Norris could go on a nicely timed hot streak.
Norris hasn't bolstered his trade value so far this season (.198, five home runs and 12 RBI over 162 at-bats). But he is 5-for-11 with two RBI and three runs over the last three games, so Norris could go on a nicely timed hot streak.
3. SP Andrew Cashner
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Cashner missed time in May with a hamstring issue, and he's had an unimpressive season otherwise thus far (4.79 ERA over 47 innings). If he starts to pitch better, starting Saturday night against Colorado, the Padres could easily find a trade market.
Cashner missed time in May with a hamstring issue, and he's had an unimpressive season otherwise thus far (4.79 ERA over 47 innings). If he starts to pitch better, starting Saturday night against Colorado, the Padres could easily find a trade market.
2. RP Carlos Villanueva
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Villanueva has a 4.09 ERA over 23 relief appearances this season, but he has five scoreless appearances in his last six (1.08 ERA). Add in experience as a starter (76 major league starts) and it's easy to see Villanueva appealing to other teams.
Villanueva has a 4.09 ERA over 23 relief appearances this season, but he has five scoreless appearances in his last six (1.08 ERA). Add in experience as a starter (76 major league starts) and it's easy to see Villanueva appealing to other teams.
1. OF Matt Kemp
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Kemp is a possible trade chip, and last month USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale reported he was being made available by the Padres. His contract is a thing ($64.5 million from 2017-19), but Kemp could be dealt if the Padres are willing to eat more money.
Kemp is a possible trade chip, and last month USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale reported he was being made available by the Padres. His contract is a thing ($64.5 million from 2017-19), but Kemp could be dealt if the Padres are willing to eat more money.