30 Teams in 30 Days: San Diego Padres (Day 18)

30 Teams in 30 Days continues with the San Diego Padres. I would like this 30/30 to be kind of a recap of what happened to the Padres, what they did in the off season, and how that can change their 2011 season, rather than the normal format (but that is very similar to what it already is, this I know). San Diego finished second in the NL West after losing the last game of the season and were also unable to make the playoffs. This situation was very similar to the Mets end of the season in 2007. Kind of stinks doesn't it? The Padres signed Jason Bartlett to an $11 million, 2-year deal, with an optional $1.5 million buy out in 2013. Unknown to most, Jason Bartlett was originally drafted in the 13th round by the Padres back in 2001, so this will be a nice homecoming for Bartlett. Orlando Hudson, or "O-Dog" as I refer to him, also signed with the Padres. O-Dog is a personal favorite of mine, don't ask me why, but he truly is great. The Padres suffered a devastating end of the season, missing the playoffs and allowing the Giants to coast into a World Series victory. Fans everywhere are saying, "Thanks a lot San Diego...." With Chase Headley stepping up this season, and the Padres acquiring Ryan Ludwick in the 2010 season, the Padres were looking to be a top-notch team. Heath Bell is also another name being tossed around within the Padres front office, because he will be a free agent at the end of this year. He was quoted saying that he would take a pay cut to play with the Padres further on in his career. Bell had 47 saves in the 2010 season, and is one of the best closers in the game, and only making $4 million. The Padres have suffered an offensive blow this offseason but hopefully they do not retain the bad taste of last year's season in their mouth at the beginning of this one. Almost a completely new infield will start for the Padres this year, and a new first baseman will start for San Diego, since the Fryers signed Brad Hawpe in early January. I wish the Padres luck in the 2011 season, and they will need it without their All-Star first baseman.