COVERITLIVE.COM

11:00

Bill Center - Open to any and all questions -- with a few exceptions

11:02

[Comment From VegasPadLover]
If Moorad has said that he will increase payroll for 2010, what type if free agents might be on the list?

11:03

Bill Center -

Even though he says he will increase payroll over the years, Moorad asaid he is not inclined to go the free agent route to fill the Padres needs. I still don't think they will be in ther market for the Class A type free agent

11:03

[Comment From ARiversRunsThroughIt]
If Sproles leaves but LT stays, what's the Chargers' plan for a backup RB? Free agent or draft someone in the 4th or 5th round?

11:05

Bill Center - Given the RB situation, I think they have to draft a running back. Even if both stay, LT's future is in question and Sproles can't be in there every down. So draft a guy now who would be ready to be the guy in 2010

11:05

[Comment From Mike]
Moorad is know for signing high priced prospects. Will he have control over the 09 draft becuase I am tired of these signability pick like Schmidt and Dykstra?

11:06

Bill Center - Moorad will have control of day-to-day operations as soon as the deal is closed, which both sides agree is likely before Opening Day. That would put him in control of the June draft.

11:06

[Comment From VegasPadLover]
Does anyone in the organization really think Mark Prior has a shot at pitching for the Padres this year?

11:08

Bill Center - Yes. Prior and the Padres staff are cautiously optimistic. He is far ahead of where he was a year ago. His velocity is already in the mid-80s. But it could also end on one throw if something else goes in the shoulder. But he is throwing 'free and easy' from a more natural slot than last spring

11:08

[Comment From VegasPadLover]
Does Kyle Blanks have enough athletic ability to play the outfield?

11:09

Bill Center - Kyle is a first baseman. No one speaks of him in terms of playing the outfield. I've never seen him even try to pl;ay the outfield, but from all I've heard . . . he is not an outfielder

11:09

[Comment From Jerry]
Reading and talking to people about our farm system. They all say the same thing depth and a lack of high impact talent?

11:11

Bill Center - There is depth. There is not much impact talent at AA and above aside from possibly Blanks. I do like some of the lower prospects, but you just don't know yet on those guys. The depth at top suffers somewhat because Headley, Hundley, Venable and Geer all were promoted last year. So they are no long on the minor league roles when it comes evaluatiion time

11:11

[Comment From VegasPadLover]
It seems logical that either Kooz or Headley would get dealt this year, which do you think will go?

11:13

Bill Center - My guess is that the Padres won't trade Headley given they have put so much into making him the poster child of the team's minor league production. Kouz has shortcomings, like his inability to take a walk. But I like his power and I like the way he plays third. Hate to give up on him.

11:13

[Comment From Bill]
We have to wait another two years to have a decent pitcher?(please do not say Schmidt and Carrillo) Fuson track record in drafting pitchers is bad even when he ws with Texas?

11:15

Bill Center - This is going to sound crazy, but the minor league pitcher I've liked the most is Josh Geer. His stuff isn't overwhelming. But he pitches, has confidence and seems to know what he is doing. I think the guys with plus stuff, Latos and Pelzer, are at least a year away.

11:15

[Comment From Steve]
I understand the monetary reason the Padres have for wanting to trade Jake Peavy, (not that I like it at all) but do they have a viable option for someone to fill his spot in the rotation if they did indeed trade him? Or are they counting on that spot being filled by whoever they acquire in the trade?

11:17

Bill Center - I think they would want another starting pitcher in any trade. Right noiw, they have only three-fifths of the rotation lined up, counting Cha Seung Baek. So they would have a huge void if they traded Peavy and didn't get a starting pitcher in return.

11:17

[Comment From Rick]
Over and Under that Giles and Peavy get traded before the trade deadline?

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