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SCOURING THE WAIVER WIRE by Jason Martinez sdpadrefan.com posted 5/10/08 As the team with the worst record in baseball, the Padres have first dibs on any players that have been designated for assignment by their respective team. Once a player is DFA'd, their team has 10 days to either trade, release, or send the player to the minors if they are unclaimed by another team. Such was the case with newest Padre Sean Henn, claimed off waivers from the Yankees. Not as exciting as a big trade for a top center field prospect but this just happens to be the most realistic option to try and improve this team at the moment. Claim a player off waivers and hope they end up having the same impact as a Scott Linebrink, who was claimed off waivers from the Houston Astros in May 2003. Here are two recent DFA’s that could be of interest to the Padres: Nathan Haynes, 28, outfielder: Anaheim didn’t have room for him in their crowded outfield, now Tampa’s outfield is too crowded with the recent activation of Cliff Floyd from the DL. Those two team’s have among the deepest outfield depth in baseball so Haynes really didn't have a chance to break in with either of those teams. He might just need a chance to play regularly. While he batted just .227 in 44 at bats with the Rays, he did steal four bases. Last season in AAA, he hit .386 with 14 SB’s and 6 triples in 44 games. Obviously, he’s very fast. Probably not the long-term answer and wouldn’t hit more than Gerut but he’d bring a little excitement to this offense. They sure do need it. Raul Casanova, 35, catcher: This former Padre minor leaguer was DFA’d by the Mets when they activated Ramon Castro off the DL. He probably isn’t much different than Luke Carlin. While limited offensively, Casanova is a solid defender who has played in 379 games as a major leaguer. The switch-hitter was hitting .280 in 46 at bats this season. His best season came in ‘01 when he hit .260 with 11 HR’s for Milwaukee. Does anyone really think Bud Black is going to give significant playing time to the rookie Carlin. He'd be much more comfortable with Casanova. These moves would be minimal and not geared toward the future, but any change right now could help to spark the team. Our team has turned into one pitiful mess, hasn't it? |