Interview: Steve Poltz, Part 1
Thu, Nov 8, 2007
by Geoff Young
Troubadour Steve Poltz (poltz.com) has been a mainstay of the San Diego music scene for the better part of two decades, starting with the Rugburns (”Hitchhiker Joe,” “Me and Eddie Vedder”), later collaborations with Jewel (including her monster hit, “You Were Meant for Me”), and a successful solo career. He also is a fellow USD alum, diehard Padres fan, and faithful reader of Ducksnorts.
Poltz currently is working on two CDs and touring like a madman. He recently took time out of his busy schedule to meet with me at his Starlite club (Poltz is co-owner with Tim Mays of Casbah and Turf Supper Club fame), where we discussed music, baseball, and life over pork chops and steak.
Ducksnorts: You’re originally from Nova Scotia, Canada. When did you first come to California?
Steve Poltz: We came out to Pasadena when I was a toddler. My dad woke up one morning and we were snowed in, and he seriously said, I’m out of here. He was sick of it. All our relatives are Canadians. My grandparents came from Hungary to Canada. My mom’s mom came from Italy, and her dad came from Ireland. They moved to Halifax, which is really Celtic. I was born in Halifax, and one day my dad just drove all the way across the country with us.
In fact, I have a song coming out on my new CD that’s called “A Brief History of My Life.” It starts off with us moving to Pasadena from Halifax and taking an oath that we wouldn’t join the Communist party. That’s the first thing I remember — standing next to my dad, and him becoming an American citizen.
Then later in the song, the chorus goes:
We talked Hollywood and baseball in the car
The voice of Vin Scully will travel real far
The next chorus says, “The voice of Jack Buck”; the third one says, “The voice of Ernie Harwell”; and the last one says, “The voice of Jerry Coleman still travels really far.”
DS: You still have family back in Nova Scotia?
SP: Yeah, I was just playing there a few weeks ago, and all my relatives were there. We were the only ones that moved out. When I go back it’s kind of funny because all my relatives are scattered across Canada and I’m this weird experiment who knows nothing about hockey. For some reason, I never took to the game, so when I go back — it’s like religion back there — they look at me with shame and disgust. I can talk baseball with them, but when it comes to hockey, I look like a blank slate. I don’t even know what they’re talking about.
DS: I’m a fan of Ashley MacIsaac. Are you familiar with him?
SP: Yes, he’s a fiddler from Cape Breton. In fact, I was just up there, playing with all these Cape Breton musicians, doing a showcase for Music Nova Scotia — they still claim me as one of their own.
DS: How long have you been performing?
SP: I started playing guitar when I was six. My uncle Louie is a classically trained piano player and he plays in bars up in Pasadena still — he’s 60 something years old now. He took me to the Hollywood Bowl to see a classical guitarist named Julian Bream when I was about six, and I said, “I want to do that.” That was what I loved, that was all I’d listen to; then I discovered the Monkees, and that kind of changed everything.
As for performing, after I graduated from USD, I took a job in sales. I left USD in ‘85 and took a job selling pipe nipples. I was a nipple salesman. It was such a weird time in my life. I was out of money after USD — I was there on a scholarship — and I really needed a job. I worked there for seven years, and it was fun; however, it wasn’t my call, so in ‘92, I walked away from the job — my illustrious career as sales manager for pipe nipples — and I decided to pursue music full time.
DS: You were playing before then. You used to come and play at the Crossroads, on the USD campus, and I used to see you there.
SP: Yeah, we played there a lot. You know, you’ve got to play a thousand gigs to learn who you are, to find your voice — and that was the beginning. Even though I’d always played guitar, I would be so nervous. I knew a zillion cover songs and only had probably written three songs. I used to want to vomit before a show; I’d be so scared, I couldn’t sleep the week prior to it, and now I do it for a living. Now I only get nervous if I do the national anthem at the ballpark. When I do that, I don’t sleep the night before. But now to play a gig, I get up for that.
When I was a kid, my uncle had me play the part of Oliver. He would do recitals, and I’d do songs from Fiddler on the Roof. I was raised on musicals, and it’s no coincidence that my uncle is gay [laughs]. To this day, I love going to his gigs because all his Broadway show tune people come out. I still love to go to this place — the Stoney Point in Pasadena. I’ll stay there for hours watching him do show tunes because I was raised on those.
DS: Speaking of cover songs, what were some of your favorites to play?
SP: We were so lame. I look back on what I liked, and I’m still a geek; I always will be. What I liked was never cool — I know what cool is, and I know what I’m supposed to like, and I do like “cool,” don’t get me wrong, but I can tell you something right now — today I was learning three cover songs, and here it is, the year 2007. The three songs I’m learning are “The Way We Were,” by Barbra Streisand (which Marvin Hamlisch wrote); “Close to You,” by the Carpenters…
DS: “Close to You” — Burt Bacharach…
SP: The other one I’m learning is, “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” because I’m a big Jimmy Webb fan. I do “Wichita Lineman” already. We used to do a Beatles medley — not one Beatles song, but a Beatles medley that we put together, which is sort of prescient now if you think about it, with Across the Universe and all these Broadway shows that have come out. I was really into Jesus Christ, Superstar and Godspell. I would act out the parts of Jesus and Judas. I was raised very Catholic, so all that stuff really affected me. [We also played] Earth, Wind, and Fire. I have a good falsetto even though my voice is low.
DS: You do the Philip Bailey?
SP: Yeah, I do the Philip Bailey. I would like to sit here and tell you I do Tom Waits, who I love, and Randy Newman, who I love — I know that stuff; I do love all that and I have an ear for it — but I still love Barbra Streisand.
***
In Part 2, we’ll talk about Celine Dion’s over-the-top sincerity, Steve’s favorite places to play music, and the impact James Taylor had on his love life back in ninth grade…
Picking up where last year's version left off, the Ducksnorts 2008 Baseball Annual provides in-depth analysis of and commentary on the San Diego Padres. Get your copy today.
November 8, 2007 at 8:02 am
GY, this is awesome. I will readily confess that when I was in my teenage years, I pined after Jewel like nobody’s business and that’s how I came to discover Poltz. I always like hearing about him and I think it’s pretty cool to think about the niche career he has carved out for himself.
OT, but did anyone else hear about the Lidge trade last nite? I wonder if the Phillies will make a hard run at Rowand now…http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/11/phillies-acquir.html
November 8, 2007 at 8:05 am
Wow! I didn’t know Steve was a USD alum, too. Great interview Geoff! Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Steve your story of meeting David Cassidy, which you told on Dave, Shelley and Chainsaw and is on their “Best of” CD from a couple of years back, is awesome! If this music thing doesn’t workout for you, you should try stand-up.
November 8, 2007 at 8:46 am
Saw the Rugburns severals times at the Blarney Stone on El Cajon and 70th, kinda of a SDSU hangout. Dude used to really hammer, beers and guitars. Saw Jewel once, pre-stardom at a coffee house in La Mesa in the Village. Had no idea who she was, just her and an accostic, no beers, but a nice vioce. Friend worked with Eddy Vedder at a gas station on Mercy Rd and I-15 long before Scripts Pwy Pkwy. He still tells that story when he’s had too many beers.
November 8, 2007 at 8:52 am
from ESPN rumor section:
“Nov 7 - The Yankees and Padres engaged in conversations at the GM meetings (Jake Peavy was one of the names kicked around), but it doesn’t appear as if there’s any kind of fit, ESPN The Magazine’s Buster Olney reports.”
Interesting, if the Yankees had a good CF on thier farm it may work.
November 8, 2007 at 8:52 am
Also good interview G.Y!
November 8, 2007 at 8:54 am
Steve…Olney said this:
““the Padres and Yankees talked briefly about a possible deal that almost certainly won’t happen (Jake Peavy for Phil Hughes and Melky Cabrera)…”
November 8, 2007 at 8:57 am
Looking forward to seeing the other parts of the interview…funny how you remember things…seeing Steve Poltz name reminded me that he AND Jewell played for my AP Econ class back at USDHS…I was sitting in the front (maily because I talked to much and the teacher wanted to keep an eye on me), so it was an acustic, front row, private concert for 25 of us. That was fun.
Thanks GY and thanks Mr. Poltz!!!
November 8, 2007 at 8:57 am
“I would like to sit here and tell you I do Tom Waits, who I love…”
Wow Tom… You got an admirerer…
November 8, 2007 at 9:05 am
Re: 6 thats my point if the yankees had an Ellsbury type guy in thier system I could see them foing a deal for them/Hughes.
November 8, 2007 at 9:11 am
How about another name for the CF conversation? Check out this link from THT:
http://www.hardballtimes.com/m.....s-of-2007/
Scroll down to the Most Improved Wal Rates and look for Drew Macias. Turns out he’s a 24 year old CF with some organization called the San Diego Padres. Now I know he has no power, but that is something we’re probably willing to sacrifice. Anyone know if he can play D at all?
November 8, 2007 at 9:15 am
Macias is not that great with the bat, although he did well in AAA last year .282/.397/.409 but that was only in 110 AB’s. He is a career .266/.345/.380 hitter in the minors.
November 8, 2007 at 9:28 am
Yeah, I know he’s not. Point being he improved his walk rate, BB/K and his OBP significantly last year, and not just at AAA but at AA as well (at least the walk rate and BB/K). I’m suggesting he should/could be in the discussion if he can play the D required in Petco’s CF. No, he’s not going to set the world on fire with the bat, but if he can get on base at a reasonable rate, he could be a possibility as a short term/stop gap guy until and if Hunter develops in a year or two.
November 8, 2007 at 9:31 am
Re: 12 if Hunter develops into a CF. Most reports are saying that he will develop more into a corner OF as he grows older/gets bigger.
I think if the Padres settle on Macias in CF for the next two years they are in trouble. That’s kind of like reverting back to the 99-03 years.
November 8, 2007 at 9:33 am
Re 8: now now Peter!
November 8, 2007 at 9:40 am
I don’t know Poltz … and I know I’m not music “cool” … so I guess that makes me a lame geek too … because “The Way We Were,” “Close to You,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix,” and “Wichita Lineman” are all deep in what little musical fabric I have … so … given that … do you have a suggestion for where I should start to check out Poltz’ music?
November 8, 2007 at 9:47 am
Looks like Towers ig going ot try to fill 2B from within.
To quote from the UT:
“We think we can fill our second base hole internally,” Towers said. That means rookie Matt Antonelli and Luis Rodriguez will be the frontrunners heading into Spring Training, though Oscar Robles and Craig Stansberry are in the mix, as well.”
http://padres.mlb.com/news/art.....mp;c_id=sd
November 8, 2007 at 9:50 am
13: Ah, gotcha. Thanks Steve for the insight.
15: LM, poltz.com (as listed in the first sentence of the interview)?
November 8, 2007 at 9:52 am
Re: 16 smoke screen, im sure they will sign a Vet just incase Anotnelli is not ready.
November 8, 2007 at 10:06 am
16:
Alderson was on the radio last night, and confirmed that they are looking to fill second base from within.
November 8, 2007 at 10:10 am
18: That’s what I was going to say. I like the way Stansberry looks in the box, though. He looks like a hitter, whatever that means.
November 8, 2007 at 10:13 am
19: I loved it when Alderson told Billy that he’d rather have Drew Brees at SS than Mark Loretta. Maybe a bit strong but a reaction to Werndl’s embarrassing Loretta mancrush. I was cringing just listening to it.
November 8, 2007 at 10:13 am
Stansberry would be interesting if he works out because that would give them the flexibility to try Antonelli in CF.
November 8, 2007 at 10:14 am
Re: 21 I didn’t hear that but thats awesome!
November 8, 2007 at 10:14 am
Just because I have been racking my brain, trying to find a replacement for KG at SS if we were to trade him…I say we trade KG and sign Pedro Feliz. His glove will play at SS and he has 20 hr pop, the same OBP as KG, and should be cheaper…plus, we should get some good talent in return for KG.
There, problem solved. Now trade the guy already, get us a CF and/or starting pitcher so everyone here won’t hate me anymore.
November 8, 2007 at 10:18 am
Stark did a good job of explaining why the Yankees cut ties with A-rod.
http://insider.espn.go.com/esp.....ark_jayson
November 8, 2007 at 10:20 am
21:
I do not believe you can be subtle, with a guy like Werndel. About the only thing he understands is a slap upside the head, and that is what he got.
22: Alderson said they will not be moving Antonelli to CF, any time soon.
November 8, 2007 at 10:24 am
Re: 24 Mike I like you, even though we have very different options on most of the Padre players, but how can you say that Josh Barfield is a poor defender at 2B, and Khlail is overrated defensively at SS, then say that Pedro Feliz who has only played 21 games at SS in the pros (with a fielding percentage of .932) and 1 game at SS in the minors would make a serviceable SS?
November 8, 2007 at 10:29 am
If the Pads traded KG and signed Loretta to replace him, at least it’d give Derek Jeter some competition in bringing up the rear in Dewan’s +(-) system.
November 8, 2007 at 10:32 am
Over at THT, Chris Constancio has Drew Macias as one of the most improved hitters in MiLB.
http://www.hardballtimes.com/m.....s-of-2007/
November 8, 2007 at 10:34 am
Re 29: Oh yeah, chase Headley is in there as well.
November 8, 2007 at 10:37 am
FWIW, I think Feliz may actually be one third basemen who could play short somewhat well. He is excellent at third. I don’t think he’d be near Khalil’s level, though.
Cool interview. I love Jewel : ) Just the music, of course.
November 8, 2007 at 10:57 am
Steve…most scouts have agreed that he would play well over at SS…actually some would even go so far as to say he was a + defender manning that position.
While I am not certain that would play out, I feel like it would an interesting avenue to explore. His bat is very similar to KG’s and, while we may get a downgrade with the glove, what we could gain by usuing KG’s perceived market value to fill other holes…it may very well be worth it.
November 8, 2007 at 10:58 am
If the Padres are looking to fill the 2B from with in that scares me a little, none of the guys they have are proven ML players, If Antonelli is not ready in April there could be a big hole at 2B again.
November 8, 2007 at 11:05 am
33: That’s what we were saying last year with Kouz. After a month or so it turned out all right.
November 8, 2007 at 11:05 am
I just don’t like putting someone SS for a season who has only played 22 professional games there, I could see that with 1B, LF, or RF but not SS.
November 8, 2007 at 11:09 am
And the great Khalil debate begins again.
CM, what would it take for you to be happy with Khalil? Realistically. Improve his OBP by 30 points? Show more emotion? Hit for a higher average?
It’s getting to the point anymore that there doesn’t seem to be a point in having a disucssion about Khalil. People seem to be pretty much entrenched in their positions on him, and refuse to budge. As far as I understand things, here are the summations of the arguments for and against Khalil:
For Khalil:
- Best SS the team has ever had
- Above average to fantastic defense at a premium defensive position
- 2nd most important offensive piece on the team. Most HRs ever at Petco, one of the most dangerous threats on the road.
- Fan favorite and a great team mate. Potential face of the franchise (especially if you believe that Jake is on his way out in the next year or two)
- Incredibly difficult to replace. No credible internal options and few available external options (which are of dubious talent and value)
Against Khalil:
- Abysmal plate discipline
- Over-rated defensively
- Doesn’t seem to care
- Only 2 years left on contract, might leave for greener pastures
- Attractive trading chip
- Injury-prone
So, is there really any point in continuing to debate these points. There are people like me who believe that Khalil is a huge asset defensively whose power and defense at a premium position make up for his **** OBP.
Those on the other side of the fence think he’s incredibly over-rated and can’t understand why he gets as much love as he does. Would love to deal him for something else, even if it leaves a hole in the team.
Bottom line (IMO): There still is no credible reason to trade him. He’s not hurting the team by being here, and there is no readily available replacement for him. There is no guarantee that he would avoid a long-term deal (he doesn’t seem to be a money-oriented person) and he seems to be comfortable playing for the Padres.
November 8, 2007 at 11:13 am
Really interesting and fun to read comments over @ http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/.....l#comments
I really like hearning what everyone else has to say about Peavy and a potential yankees trade. I think KT needs to start taking offers.
November 8, 2007 at 11:15 am
Re: 36 NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!! what have I done!
November 8, 2007 at 11:16 am
36: I don’t think it’s about being happy with khalil or not. you don’t have to dislike a player to be in favor of trading him. It’s about perceived value vs. actual value. The moneyball thing.
November 8, 2007 at 11:24 am
39: But does the moneyball thing advocate trading a player with high perceived value without having a replacement in mind? If people could make a credible argument for a workable replacement, then I wouldn’t be so opposed to this idea. But I don’t recall Beane (at least in the book) ever actively trading one of his “over-valued” players wihout having a solution to replace him. It’s not like Khalil is a corner IF or OF, which are easier to replace. SS is a tough position to fill.
November 8, 2007 at 11:38 am
In the Minneapolis Star-Tribune there’s an article talking about the Twins are trying to trade their pitching surplus for hitters and one of their targets is Chase Headley.
http://www.startribune.com/twi.....36123.html
If they figure that either Kouz or Headley can’t play LF, trading either for Matt Garza or someone like that wouldn’t be bad. Although I’d rather try to package Headley for Miguel Cabrera but I doubt that will happen.
November 8, 2007 at 11:46 am
Re: 41 im a little suprised that the twins have alot of intrest in headly when they have Brian Buscher who has put up good numbers in both AA and AAA.
http://www.thebaseballcube.com.....cher.shtml
November 8, 2007 at 11:47 am
It’s the daily Khalil Greene argument!
I think what disappoints people so much about Khalil is that he hasn’t improved a bit since his rookie season. Ideally we’d like some combination of 2004 and last season — the patience and average from 2004, the power (especially those XBH!) from last season. We can also hope that he solves his home/road splits — there’s no good reason that his OPS is 658 at home and 850 on the road for his career. Here’s some links to his career numbers:
http://www.baseball-reference......kh01.shtml
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/dt/greenkh01.php
http://www.hardballtimes.com/m.....ame=Greene
November 8, 2007 at 11:49 am
Phantom…Obviously everyone knows I am not a KG fan…I have given him props for the improved defense this season and posting an OPS+ of 100 for the first time since 2004…I have never had an issue with his attitude, on-field or off-field demenor, or anything other than his terrible OBP and AVE, and what, I believe, is an overvaluation of him in the marketplace. Really the entire conversation started today because I was trying to come up with a credible replacement if we were able to trade him.
You and a few others had me stumped as to what to do to fill that hole if he were sent out. Obviously, getting a SS in a trade would be great, but so far I have not been able to come up with a realistic option. Pedro Feliz seemed like it might be something we could explore. Dude has a good glove, puts up similar numbers to KG, and might be had at a cheaper price.
Simply trying to provide an answer to the question I have been, thus far, unable to answer. So I ask you, do you think that is a viable alternative?
November 8, 2007 at 11:53 am
Re: Headley vs. Buscher.
The difference is that when Headley was 23 he was hitting 330/437/580 at AA and made a cameo in the majors while Buscher was hitting 292/359/408 at Single A San Jose (in the Cal League where everyone hits). Plus the fact that the Twins had a 3B that “hit” 210/291/271 this season and Buscher could only get 82 AB’s. That’s a pretty clear indication that he’s not in their plans.
November 8, 2007 at 11:54 am
I think, as some others have pointed out, that putting Feliz at SS when he doesn’t have a whole lot of experience there could be a little difficult. With Kouz (who doesn’t appear to be as bad as his numbers suggest) at third, we probably don’t want a question mark at short. I’m not saying it completely wouldn’t work, but I think the odds are that it wouldn’t. Also, what would it take to sign Feliz? Would he be more expensive than Khalil?
November 8, 2007 at 11:58 am
I am betting that as KG comes to Arbitration that Feliz would be a cheaper option…don’t know that for sure. Is there a place that puts estimates or market value for player’s contracts?
November 8, 2007 at 12:24 pm
39: I was just looking in Money Ball for the perceived value of $6Billion in revenue.(per MLB, so it’s on the low side) (20% increase from 2006)That is $200M average per team and the Padres are right on average according to Forbes.
November 8, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Chan Ho goes back to LA:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/.....nds-4.html
November 8, 2007 at 12:37 pm
48 - what does “looking in Money Ball” mean?
November 8, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Tom Verducci of SI in his rumors report from the GM meetings said this about Schilling and the Padres:
“Anyone who criticizes ballplayers for seeking out the last dollar should apppreciate Curt Schilling’s decision to stay in Boston. The Padres were prepared to offer Schilling $14 million for one year, even after getting Greg Maddux re-signed at $10 million a year. “The Red Sox got the best bargain of the year so far,” said one NL GM after Schilling took $8 million guaranteed from Boston.”
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....index.html
So the Padres have been connected to Schilling and a possible trade for Matt Garza. I think the front office gets that we could use pitching help.
November 8, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Just a reminder that the financial situation of baseball has changed radically from way back then. Another double digit increase in revenue is projected for 2009. Has anyone seen what the Padres player payroll is budgeted for 2008? At Cotes I see 4 pitchers BG,and AD booked for $36.5M. Say the SS and C positions come in at $5-6M, and you have 12 guys at $5, that totals $47M. My question is how do we perceive as available for LF(or 3B),2B,CF and 2 SP?
November 8, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Re: 52 I dont think they will go over $70 mil
November 8, 2007 at 1:20 pm
I don’t know about DeWan’s +/-, but Pinto’s PMR has Loretta identical to KG for 2007; both of them are pretty well down the list, however, and Loretta’s not likely to be very productive with the bat.
Those crazy new defensive metrics just can’t seem to agree.
CM: very interesting idea on Feliz. I think it’s tough to project a good glove at 3B over to SS due to the hugely higher demands on range and the requirement to turn the DP at SS, but it’s interesting, outside the box thinking. I think you’re going to take a bigger hit on O than you might be thinking though when you take age into account. Still an intriguing idea, but let’s hope the Pads can do better.
November 8, 2007 at 1:26 pm
51 … good news, BenB … thanks for that link … I agree with your bottom line.
53 … why not?
November 8, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Re: 55 I think I have heard SA say that a few time in interviews, but I have no real solid source.
November 8, 2007 at 1:31 pm
I am a big fan of Greene and his play.
But I’m not sure the organization is. Wouldn’t the Padres have locked him up for a number of years, like Peavy, Young and Gonzalez when they were at similar ages?
Like most of these things, it doesn’t matter what we think. If the organization isn’t high on Greene, then he probably won’t be with the team when he hits 30.
November 8, 2007 at 1:32 pm
53. You’re probably right. I would rather see $80M-$85M, which would be about 40-42% of SD revenue.From various sources, in 2006 MLB salaries were 2.4B, 49% of about 5B revenue. In 2007 they were 2.5B(41%) of 6B revenue. Owners hadnt realized the huge increase. But if the SD budget is $70M, then $23M must be allocated to those 5 positions.
November 8, 2007 at 1:32 pm
I saw the rumor between the Padres and Yankees for Peavy, which I don’t think can happen because we don’t match up well. But a three way trade could work.. How about this for a fun trade:
Padres get:
Grady Sizemore (CLE)
Phil Hughes (NYY)
Ross Ohlendorf (NYY)
Yankees:
Jake Peavy (SD)
Victor Martinez (CLE)
Cleveland:
Joba Chamberlain (NYY)
Brian Giles (SD)
Melky Cabrera (NYY)
This takes into accout management styles, and it fills holes and seems pretty fair for all. Yankees get their stars, Cleveland gets a rotation of Sabathia, Carmona, and Joba, plus help in that poor outfield with Giles.
I’m not saying that I want Peavy to go at all, I’d much rather re-sign him. But since that will probably not happen, I’d like to get Phil Hughes and an all-star CF that is a good defender, inexpensive, and can fill the position for a long time. Plus, we ditch Giles contract, and can sign somebody like Fukudome to play RF, as corner OF’s are easier to find. What should the Padres target in a trade if they do trade him?
November 8, 2007 at 1:33 pm
$70MM is still $14MM more than last years opening day payroll.
November 8, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Peavy proved he is not about the money when he fired Boras a few years ago. Is re-signing him really that unrealistic?
November 8, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Re: 59 works for NY and SD but CLE would NEVER do that.
November 8, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Also im not sure if NY would give up 2 out of thier 3 young star ptichers.
November 8, 2007 at 1:45 pm
I would really love to see something work with the Yankees for Peavy. If we could come out of it with possibly any 3 of Hughes, Chaimberlin, Tabata, Cabrera, or Kennedy we could really set up our future nicely. Also I wonder if Tampa Bay would be interested in Peavy. As much as I would hate to see Jake go we could fill a lot of holes with long term replacements. Jake has always worried me in terms of durability as well. Looking at his delivery I fully expect him to have arm issues in the future.
November 8, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Yeah I realize this would never happen, but I was just thinking more along the lines of what could we get for Peavy if we did put him on the market this year when the best available pitcher in Free Agency is Silva from the twins. I’d look for a real good CF, a hot prospect pitcher, and a third throw in, either a RP or back of rotation guy.
What do you think we should go after, if Peavy was indeed on the market?
November 8, 2007 at 1:48 pm
I think the best trade would be to send Peavey to boston for Buchholz and Ellsburry.
November 8, 2007 at 1:49 pm
As a Padre fan living in the Bay Area, allow me to say that if you were driven crazy watching Khalil Greene hit, that’s nothing compared to watching Pedro Feliz hit. And, while I think Feliz could be a decent short-term fill-in at SS, to expect to pencil him in for 150 games at SS and not suffer even greater offensive woes is nutso.
November 8, 2007 at 2:11 pm
66.
I would want Hughes and Tabata over Ellsbury and Bucholtz but either one I think more would have to be involved. Personally I think New York would really want something like Peavy & Headley/Kouz for whatever they would send over here. There are a number of teams that I think would be interested though. Seattle, Tampa Bay, Boston all might want to deal and could offer us really good prospects.
November 8, 2007 at 2:18 pm
57: I think the FO has been waiting to see if Khalil could be healthy for a full season, and if so, how he would respond. I’d say that he put up a pretty damn good season in 2007, especially for a short-stop. 27 HR, 74 xBH, and 97 RBI isn’t exactly something to take for granted, ESPECIALLY from a short-stop.
I’ve talked about this at length with Peter, and we were both under the impression that if Khalil could make it through 07 healthy, that we would expect some kind of extension. I’d love to see the Padres offer him something like 3 years/$12 million (he made $2.4 M this year). Maybe even make it 3 years/$10 million as a base, with incentives for plate appearances built in (His 07 contract had escalators at 550, 575, and 600 PAs).
November 8, 2007 at 2:19 pm
What about Peavy for Young/Kazmir from Tampa? Is that an equal-value trade?
November 8, 2007 at 2:22 pm
69.
I have serious doubts that the FO wants KG around any longer than they need him. Also if I was KG, I want the hell out of Petco. I wouldn’t be counting on that extension.
November 8, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Re: 70 I dont think the Rays would do that, I think they are trying to trade Kamir for more pitiching ie two porpects instead of one.
Seattle would be intresting but what pitches would we get in return to fill Peavy’s spot in the rotation?
November 8, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Re: 71 KG is here for another 3 years might as well sign a guaranteed deal for it.
November 8, 2007 at 2:30 pm
re 69:
Why would KG take 10M guaranteed when he is going to make at least 5M this season in arbitration and then at least 8M the year after that?
Oh and he gets the benefit of giving up 1 year of FA for free when he could be making 12M+ in this market.
It looks like the Padres could buy out a year or 2 of FA in exchange for the guaranteed money, but KG is starting to get expensive.
November 8, 2007 at 2:35 pm
71, 73, 74: What do you think would be a fair deal for Khalil? Even though he’s got a lot of service time, I really can’t see him trying to get a ton of money out of the team. I could be completely wrong, but I really don’t see Khalil as the kind of person to be concerned about money.
November 8, 2007 at 2:38 pm
70.
I don’t think the Rays would part with Kazmir for Peavy. I can Young or Upton and maybe 2 of Jeff Neiman, Wade Townsend, Reid Bignac. Seattle has Adam Jones, Wladimir Balentin, Jeff Clement and Brandon Morrow. Boston obviously has Bucholtz and Ellsbury. I think Atlanta might be interested and they have Lillibrige and a kid named Schaffer that apparently is going to be a total stud.
Who knows what will happen but there are most likely going to be plenty of teams.
November 8, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Not sure if anyone has seen this link, it doesn’t really offer much that hasn’t been said elsewhere. I do think it’s interesting that Towers has said the OF is the biggest priority this off-season. I’m not saying I disagree with such a philosophy, but I know that pitching is also incredibly important (of course, I don’t think KT should advertise that he wants pitchers. Other GMs have got to seriously cringe whenever KT wants a pitcher or is willing to trade one).
http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com.....mp;c_id=sd
November 8, 2007 at 3:34 pm
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/
Has a comment saying Jason Jennings is leaning towards signing here.
November 8, 2007 at 4:12 pm
78: I’m down with that.
November 8, 2007 at 4:31 pm
If we could get the Yankees to give up Cano and one of Hughes/Chamberlain for Peavy, I think that would be a good deal for us. For the Rays, BJ Upton and a pitching prospect (Wade Davis or Jake McGee, probably) would be a good fit for us, too, but the Rays likely aren’t interested in a pitcher they could only control for two years.
November 8, 2007 at 5:20 pm
60. $70M equals 2006 SD payroll. There has to be $35-40M more in revenue 2008v2006. But let’s just say that goes to profit and $70M is payroll, is this about what were looking at– 2b-$2M for min wage and backup like Blum, $11M for #4 SP and min wage #5, $.5M for min wage LF, remainder $9.5M for CF? ($57M accounted for above)
November 8, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Re 59: CLE gets screwed in that deal…
80: If the Yankees offered Hughes, Cano, and Tabata/Cabrera, I think that the Padres would listen on Peavy. They’ve got to give up more than a prospect and a CF who’s just a tad above avg for 2 years of an ace pitcher.
It’s tough to talk about trading the best player that your franchise has developed in quite some time…I wish that we were talking about signing him to a 4 or 5 year extension.
Ellsbury, Bucholtz, and a minor prospect would likely get things done as well, but there’s no way that either of those two is leaving Boston.
I agree with 80 that the Rays aren’t interested in renting Peavy for two years.
78: I’d also love to see Jennings in SD on a 1-year deal. It works out great for him if he performs here (got to think he’d have great numbers if healthy) and then he moves on to the big payday that he expected to get this offseason.
November 8, 2007 at 5:50 pm
I don’t want Chamberlain in any NY deals…Hughes definitely.
November 8, 2007 at 5:50 pm
I saw that Garza was mentioned earlier in the thread. I’d be pretty open to a Headley/Garza trade, even if we had to add a bit to even things. Garza solves the 4th starter (or 5th if we get Jennings as well) at a really inexpensive price and allows us to pay big bucks (the $11 M we weer dedicating to a 4) to a real CF or LF.
November 8, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Maybe it’s just me, but wouldn’t a Garza (or Slowey) for Headley deal be great for the Padres?
November 8, 2007 at 5:57 pm
85: We’re obviously thinking along the same lines
I’d much prefer Garza to Slowey. I don’t think that Slowey is probably worth Headley, but Garza is probably worth a bit more than Chase is.
November 8, 2007 at 7:30 pm
82, 80 & the other Peavy stuff: I think it all depends on what direction they want to take. If they’re going to blow it up and rebuild then trade Jake now, this is his peak value. If they will add to the club and tryto contend, then you must old on to him. He is too valuable in this rotation. I wrote a little more on this over on 322 Feet; check it out if you wish.
November 8, 2007 at 7:57 pm
85 - definitely sounds good to me!
November 8, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Having played at the Casbah and waiting for months for the Turf Club to open (1997?) and run up a large tab watching the Bulls vs. Jazz, I respect the quality Steve Poltz bring to whatever he does. The Turf Club is a fine eating establishment and the Casbah……well it’s THE best place to play in all SD. Of course my sorry *** band played on Mondays and once on a Tuesday. Always treated us with respect with the best sound system and board operator. The good old days of 3 Mile Pilot and now Black Heart…….Anyway, looking forward to part 2.
November 8, 2007 at 11:18 pm
I had no idea the turf club was that popular. I used to live right across the street and I moved just a block down from it a couple of months ago. That was my wife and I’s favorite hang out (pre having a baby). Now every day I drive home from work and smell the grill it freaking kills me. I remember sitting at the bar all night when Chris Young almost threw that no hitter against the Pirates. Everyone in the bar was going out of their mind until Joe F-ing Randa hit a homer. I have never seen so many people simultaneously stand up walk out side and light up cigarettes in my life.
November 9, 2007 at 3:51 am
Sweeet!! Looking forward to the rest of this series. Hey Lynchmob — I would suggest Chinese Vacation and Taking the World by Donkey as the two must haves to get started with.
November 9, 2007 at 7:20 am
RE: 89 Man I cant agree more, I love playing the Casbah, everyone there is awesome and its just an all around great venue to both play and go to shows at.
November 9, 2007 at 8:47 am
91 … Thanks, Dana, I’ll give it a look-see!
GY … ask him if he’s got a long-version of the song he did for the Jeep commercial?
November 11, 2007 at 3:45 pm
[...] that I’m running an interview with San Diego singer/songwriter Steve Poltz over yonder. The first of five parts has been posted. [...]
December 28, 2007 at 11:07 pm
[...] that he just did with Geoff Young for the Ducksnorts (San Diego Padres baseball club) page: Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part [...]