XX Sports Radio: Jed Hoyer Interview with Darren Smith (MP3)
- The Padres always seem to play well in AT&T Park. Hoyer stayed behind in San Diego to work on plans for 2012.
- Hoyer cannot comment on Heath Bell being on waivers. MLB is very strict on waiver rules. All GM's receive a waiver bulletin and it is quickly forwarded to the press but the teams are not allowed to comment so it creates an awkward situation.
- "We'd be crazy not to put players on waivers." 80-90% of players go through waivers in August. There's no reason not to put all your players on waivers to see which teams have interest.
- Generally when teams claim a player it is to block other teams. Occasionally there is real interest, but without the leverage of more than one team it's hard to make a trade happen. Sometimes a team will just send a quick email saying "I was blocking" to end trade discussions.
- The Padres have played well after the trade deadline, like they did in 2009.
- Hoyer says that they can bring back the entire roster of position players next year because they don't have any free agents. Bud Black let's the young players know that they are auditioning for next year's team and keeps them focused.
- Hoyer thought the Giants were the strongest team but they need to get healthy if they are going to beat Arizona.
- Making trades within the decisions is hard, but it's ridiculous to eliminate 4 teams that are possible trade candidates. "I would certainly make a deal in division if it made perfect sense."
- Hoyer says Jesus Guzman has struggled with his defense his entire career. Last night's error was the first costly mistake he's made, but his offense has more than made up for it. Hoyer isn't sure which position he'll play in the future.
- There are a few contract negotiations going on, but Hoyer won't comment.
- The Cubs have not asked permission to talk to Padres employee Josh Byrnes as a GM candidate. Hoyer is happy in San Diego. "I am certainly not a candidate for that job."
- Friday morning at 10am we'll know whether or not Heath Bell will be traded.