Diary of an offseason

November 2, 2017

            Last night the Houston Astros won the 2017 World Series.  First time in their 55-year history.  Probably the first team to have played in more than one World Series and represented both the National and American Leagues. 

            A few former Padres played in the series Logan Forysthe, Luke Gregerson and Brandon Morrow. Astro pitching coach Brent Strom played for the Padres in the late 70’s and LA Manager Dave Roberts (the third Padres Dave Roberts) played for the Padres.  Even the son of a former Padre was involved Lance McCullers, Jr, whose Dad played for the Padres from 1985-1988.

            Today the Padres made several minor league transactions releasing two guys I have never heard of and assigning nineteen players to the various winter leagues. 

            In the past week the Padres have named a new hitting coach, Matt Stairs, who played with the Padres in 2010.  They also named a new first base coach, Skip Schumacher, who never played with the Padres but has been in the front office for the last two years.

            The big questions between now and April 2018 are will Brad Hand still be the closer, will Yangy still be a Padre and who will be playing shortstop?  What will A.J. Preller do this offseason.