MLB Winter Meetings: Five Bold Predictions

Sep 28, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Diego Padres manager Bud Black (20) right talks with first base umpire Eric Cooper about the use of instant replay that over turned an out call in the seventh inning on San Francisco Giants second baseman Joe Panik at first base at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports. Giants won 9-3.

5- The San Diego Padres Will Do SOMETHING

After missing out on both Yasmany Tomas and Pablo Sandoval – which they made decent offers to both – look for the San Diego Padres to make some sort of splash at the Winter Meetings being held in their backyard.

They are in a similar boat that the Mariners have been in recently. They have good pitching (2nd-best ERA in the NL in 2014) but the hitting just isn’t there (lowest avg and runs scored in NL) despite a crop of young talent.

Not sure how big of a splash they are willing to make. But they have the pieces to do something. Perhaps a trade with Colorado for Charlie Blackmon – as the Mariners were whispered to be looking at.

Perhaps a trade with the Phillies involving Marlon Byrd. That kind of veteran presence on this young club could do wonders.

Maybe they will shock the world and sign Cabrera out from Seattle or sign someone like Alex Rios.

Regardless, they will do something with the entire baseball world gathered at their door.