I understand the Pads philosophy about builiding through the draft...but it's a mixed message when you're telling your fans after 4 winning seasons in a new ballpark that you probably won't have a contending team until these new prospects come around.  So let's break down what they've actually done this season...

The Pads spent roughly 10 million in this past year's amateur baseball draft.  Then they just spent 4 million on four 16 year-old kids.  And based on the top MLB prospects of recent years, they'll spend at least the next 5+ years in the Pad's system.  So, roughly 14 million spent on talent that at best would provide a major league player by 2011.  And that's hoping the 16 year-olds continue to get better and any of the players crack the major leagues.  Of course you have to spend on the draft, but don't build it up like we're doing something other MLB teams aren't doing.

Then you look at them giving arbitration of 3.5 million to Barrett, to secure a compensation pick.  Iguchi got 4 million.  Edmunds got 5.7 million.  That's 13.2 million right there...you could have made a run at Tori Hunter with that scratch.  Or have signed Milton Bradley $5M (10th in MLB with 51 RBI), Jason Kendall $4.5M (1st in MLB w/ 49% runners thrown out & .352 OBP), Kaz Matsui $5M (leadoff hitter & 15 SB).  Let's allocate our money correctly.  For two years, the Pads have known they were going to be hurting for up the middle players.  CF, 2B, C have all been slotted with patchwork players.  Having two rule 5 players and only 10 players that make 1 million on your starting day roster doesn't raise expectations. 

I'm not saying I have all the answers, but they need to get their formula corrected.  If you're going to go through the draft, then draft high ceiling players...I love Dykstra being from SD, but he's limited in his potential.  Let's make sure the plan moving forward is clear and presented to the loyal fans that have been through this before.

I think you need to pay some bonafide young stars that have all star potential early...through trade or free agency.  It's easier said, then done.  However, when you continue to see San Diego being the recycling center open for business...you can't help but scramble for answers.  Just venting...will always love the Pads.  Late

I understand the Pads phiosophy about builiding through through the draft...but la mixed message when you're telling your fans after 4 winning seasons in a new ballpark that really we won't be a real contending team until these new prospects come around.  So let's break down what they've actually done this season...

The Pads spent roughly 10 million in this past year's amateur baseball draft.  Then they just spent 4 million on four 16 year-old kids.  Based on the top MLB prospects of recent years, they'll spend at least the next 5+ years in the Pad's system.  So, roughly 14 million spent on talent that at best would provide a major league player by 2011.  What could have the Pads got for $14 million this past season?

Milton Bradley 1 year, $5 million.  Tied for 10th in MLB in 51 RBI. 

Wow...that was some fun golf!  I mean really, is there anyone you know that's not tallking about that being one of the greatest US Opens in history.  If there is, that person isn't from San Diego or they hate golf.  Screw them!  It was awesome.  And I, like most listeners and fans, rooted my tail off for Tiger.  I'm completely guilty of liking the favorite, the frontrunner, the best, the odds on favorite.

Tiger is someone that I want my son to watch and aspire to be like.  He's that good and that professional.  All this BS about his antics...this guy is a competitor and that's not echoed enough to the youth today.  There's too much "everybody wins" crap...I want to teach the value of hard work and wanting to be number one. 

Either way, Tiger is a a player and we're currently watching history every time he tees off.  Damn that was a good golf tourney.  Late