Christmas Miracle!

Merry Christmas, everyone!


Yep...I'm writing on Christmas evening. I've found a few precious minutes as the children are nestled, screaming in their beds for more time with toys.


Thanks to MLBTR, I came across this article from Dan Hayes at North County Times. I have to say that I was thrilled to hear San Diego is re-setting their contract talks with Cameron Maybin. Sugar plums are dancing in my heads...okay, enough of that allusion.


Over the last few weeks, new GM Josh Byrnes has come across as pretty much sticking to the company line established by Jed Hoyer and Co.: strengthen the farm system, grow our own talent, and sign those young stars to manageable contracts. Even in an interview this past Thursday on XTRA Sports 1360, Brynes was asked whether he agreed with the model of the Tampa Bay Rays. Matt Moore was mentioned as an example that epitomizes this philosophy. Byrnes seemed to be in agreement. He even went on to suggest that this strategy would be more beneficial if these types of contracts were spread out among multiple players to avoid the "all eggs in one basket" problem.


However, his actions of late have made me question whether this is actually his approach. The trading of Mat Latos was an obvious example. Rather than sign a young, talented player to a team-friendly deal, Latos was sent packing. Granted, lots of prospects were added to our system. In reality, though, they were valued much higher in the Cincinnati organization. A top ten player in the Reds' system is lucky to stay in the top 25 in San Diego's. And the whole Alonso versus Rizzo thing continues to disrupt my digestive system. Byrnes mentioned liking Alonso's major league success. Remember, though, that he's got two years on Rizzo. Give Rizzo the same opportunity and see how he's hitting major league pitching in two years. But that's fodder for a blog of another day, though.


In addition, Byrnes made several decisions in his time at Arizona where he moved key minor league prospects and seemed to prefer more veteran players. The trade of Carlos Quentin and the signing of Eric Byrnes at age 31 are two types of moves that would cripple our club with its fragile, small-market economic condition. Now, my goal is not to break down Brynes as a GM. That's already been done by Geoff Young, someone who's forgotten more about sports writing than I'll ever know.


I guess I need to bring this back to the discussion at hand, then. Engaging (or re-engaging) in talks with Maybin couldn't be a clearer message to the fans at a time when they need it most. I think the direction of the club is being questioned by many, so getting a deal done soon with Maybin would be an important signal to the fanbase that the team is committed to its young talent.


The remainder of the offseason moves will also start to produce a clearer picture of team philosophy. If the season started today, it would look like the goal of the organization is to stockpile bullpen arms. Not exactly a championship-caliber philosophy.


Fortunately, there's still plenty of more shopping days left before Spring Training. It'll be interesting to see where Brynes' starts sending his checks.


Well...gotta run. I think it's time to spike the Egg Nog. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a great week!