Hinch leaves for Spring Training for 45 days on February 11th.
The 7 player trade with the Rays was in the works for the last few months. The two teams had significant dialogue.
The team wanted to fix some weak spots on the team. Once the Padres traded Joe Thatcher in the Ian Kennedy trade last year the team didn't have a reliable left handed reliever. The Padres had been watching Alex Torres hoping he could fill that spot.
Brad Boxberger dominated AAA but wasn't the same strike thrower at the Major League level.
Jesse Hahn was going to be a first round pick until his Tommy John surgery. He'll be ready for AA. He has really high end stuff. He throws really hard and has a really good breaking ball.
The teams have to balance the here and now with what's possible in the future. They feel good about Torres being part of the bullpen and the upside of Hahn.
Hinch doesn't want to concede anything. He wants the Padres to compete for the post-season. The Padres have a good team, but they need guys to stay healthy and perform.
Yasmani Grandal was in San Diego getting a check up. "He's not full steam right now, but he's rehabbing well." They are going to use the 45 days of Spring Training to ramp up work. There's a real chance that Grandal could be with the team on Opening Day, but there's lots of physical tests he has to pass along the way.
Carlos Quentin has been working out at Petco Park. He's been great and his spirits are high. It's important that leaves Spring Training healthy.
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