Friar Fever

"With the loss of Gonzalez, few will pick the Padres to win the NL West in 2011. For Hoyer's revamped team to contend, pitching will again be key. The Padres have a young, interesting rotation led by 23-year-old Mat Latos and still boast one of the league's top bullpens. And as questionable as a Padres lineup without Gonzalez sounds, the offense could still top its 2010 output."

Akerfelds has been undergoing treatment since he was diagnosed in December. According to the Padres website, he will be in Arizona for the start of Spring Training with the rest of the staff next week. That's certainly a good sign for him.

The San Diego City Council unanimously approved a plan Tuesday to have the Centre City Development Corp. pay off the rest of the debt service on Petco Park.

According to Follow the Padres, "Oscar Salazar has cleared waivers and has accepted his Minor League assignment. He will be in big league camp next week." And you all thought he was gone...Hah! He'll still be a Padre next season...but most likely just a Tucson one.

"After being designated for assignment by the Rockies earlier this week, Samuel Deduno has been claimed on waivers by the Padres. Heading into 2010, Baseball America ranked the 27-year-old as Colorado's 11th-best prospect. Although he has struggled with his control throughout his minor league career (5.1 BB/9), Deduno has averaged 10.0 K/9 as a starter in 120 outings."

Cesar Carrillo was arrested on Saturday for trespassing in Tampa after he was asked to leave the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Carrillo, a 2005 Padres 1st round pick, had a 1-2 record and a 13.06 ERA with the Padres in 2009.

It looks that the Padres won't be keeping either of the Hairston brothers. Jerry is going to sign with the Nationals while Scott is likely to sign a minor league deal with the Mets

Yet another pitcher is set to become a former Padre. The Mets have made one year deal with Young pending a physical.

Okay, so it's not David Eckstein but his brother Rick, the Nationals hitting coach. Regardless, Rick donated his kidney to his other brother Ken in order to save his life. The Ecksteins have always been good people and now, they're lifesavers.

Denorfia signed a one year deal for 800k.

The Giants agreed to sign Miguel Tejada to a one-year deal worth $6.5MM, according to Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes (on Twitter). The infielder obtains a $500K bonus from the Giants, according to Rojas.

San Diego Padres signed third baseman/outfielder Jesus Guzman to a minor league contract. Guzman hit .321/.376/.510 with 18 home runs in 492 Triple-A plate appearances last year.

Interesting that he mentions that Gwynn could remain a Padre as a guy they could plug in at any outfield position.

Alderson!!!! You may have won this battle, Sandy. But, there will be revenge....on the baseball field!!! (Cue ominous music and lightning striking the horizon)