Now that Eulogio De La Cruz is gone, Padres fans can take an interest in Rule V available players. MLB Trade Rumors did this little list a while back (when I wasn't interested) and it has a couple links to interesting articles. Some notables might include Kei Igawa (who I believe was linked to and liked by the Padres before he signed with the Yankees, something like $10 mil?) and Donald Veal (who was included in Jake Peavy discussions between the Padres/Cubs last offseason)... What do you think?

Fangraphs seems to think Ben Davis is worth a shot on a minor league contract... I love the last line, too! You could carry 1 catcher!

"Ben Davis, RHP

You may remember Davis as a busted catching prospect. These days, he's working on a late career comeback as a knuckleball-throwing pitcher. While he's new to the craft, his first impression on the mound was a strong one. He pitched well enough in independent ball in 2008 to catch on with the Reds last year, and he pitched well in nine games for Sarasota out of the bullpen. He even racked up 14 strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings, which is not something you usually see from knucklers.

Knuckleball pitchers are lottery tickets - for every Tim Wakefield, there are a bunch of Charlie Zinks. But there's always a chance that Davis' knuckler is better than the guys who wash out in the minors throwing the pitch, and if it is, he could be a pretty decent innings eater for a major league club. Plus, he could always serve as an emergency catcher."

After a boring day without any legitimate Adrian Gonzalez rumors, MLBTR discusses the other Padres...

"Hoyer ought to have $10MM+ to work with this winter despite a payroll in the low $40 millions. If the plan is to contend in 2010, it's not out of the question." I'm in.

Fangraphs takes a look at the Padres two biggest strengths. Imagine 2010 without Heath and Adrian, and maybe the best farm system in the majors...

Padres increased their playoff percentage (whatever that means) by 1.1% DIFF (whatever that means)... this was back when they were 4-2... imagine what their chances are now!

at least Moores made off with these and this (which apparently sits in his warehouse)...

Reported by ESPN's Gammons (though the link is to the mlbtraderumors.com site - because i'm not an insider)

Strasburg could demand big money from the Nats... or else (Japan, M's and Padres...)