Padres trade Despaigne to Orioles to make room for Rodney

The Fernando Rodney signing was announced by everyone but the Padres nearly two weeks ago, but there's been radio silence from the organization.  This seemed odd, but apparently the delay was because the Padres needed to make a move to clear a roster spot for the veteran closer.  Today, a move was finally made.

The Padres traded Odrisamer Despaigne to the Orioles for RHP Jean Cosme.  Despaigne has been mostly effective for the Padres as a "swingman" working out of the bullpen as long relief as well as spot starts.  His repretoire of nasty breaking stuff from mutliple arm slots was dominant at times, notably a seven-inning, two-hit performance at the end of 2014.  He could be frustratingly inconsistent at times, which was highlighted over a tough stretch in June of 2015 as he made five starts and failed to register a Game Score greater than 30.  With a roster full of back-end starter / long-relief types, Despaigne's role on the 2016 club was dubious.

Jean Cosme is a 19-year old tall, lanky Puerto Rican.  The Orioles drafted him in the 14th round of the 2014 draft as a 17-year-old.  He spent 2015 as a starter in low-A ball.  While the numbers aren't impressive, he's a live arm on a good frame that has yet to develop.

A move had to be made to bring Fernando Rodney on board.  Odrisamer Despaigne was a minor disappointment last year, and his role was redundant for the 2016 campaign.  The Padres were forced to make a move, so to bring on a project arm in lieu of a DFA could turn out to be a move for the better down the road.