Trading closer Huston Street at peak value made sense. Trading third baseman Chase Headley made sense, as will trading outfielder Chris Denorfia – both are free agents at the end of the season.
But trading right-hander Ian Kennedy and setup man Joaquin Benoit? Both are under club control for next season (as was Street). Shouldn’t the Padres’ next general manager determine their futures, as opposed to the three-man interim setup led by assistant GM A.J. Hinch?
Benoit might fall into the same category as Street – he turns 37 on Saturday, he’s owed $9.5 million after this season, and perhaps his value in a volatile role never will be higher.
Kennedy, though, would join fellow right-handers Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross to form the nucleus of a decent rotation for next season. The Padres don’t need to make a decision on Kennedy immediately; the new GM always could trade him in the offseason.
If the Padres keep dealing, they may create the perception that club president Mike Dee and ownership are more interested in making headlines than giving their new GM the best possible chance of success.
It would not be a good way to start.
