The Padres have reportedly acquired Huston Street, according to multiple sources. The Padres new closer came via trade instead of free agency from the Colorado Rockies, for what looks like a minor league player, possibly a PTBNL. It seems as though the Padres will pay most of Street’s guaranteed $8 million salary. So, it appears as a virtual salary dump for the Rockies. Street is guaranteed $7.5 million in 2012 and $9 million in 2013, but with a $500,000 buy out. Street, 28, posted a 3.86 ERA in 58.1 innings pitched, with 29 saves, a .267 BAA, four blown saves. He posted a 1-4 record, struck out 55 (8.5K/9) and walked only nine (1.4BB/9) while allowing 10 home runs in a hitters paradise. Street’s HR/FB (homerun to fly ball) ratio was its highest of his career in 2011 at 14.5 percent. Suffice to say, PETCO Park will play into Street’s favor. His GB/FB (ground ball to fly ball) ratio was 34.9 percent, while his FB (fly ball) ratio was 40.8 percent.
Now, it remains to be seen if the Padres will give up a substantial prospect. Whenever you hear PTBNL (player to be named later), it usually implies the contrary. Having said that, this appears to be a big win for the Padres. They bring in an established closer who will fair better in PETCO Park, an opposite extreme compared to Coors Field, while not committing as much money as they would have to Heath Bell. Now, they can distribute more of their finances elsewhere. Street has also dominated in PETCO Park, as MLB.com’s Corey Brock points out: Street hasn’t allowed an earned run in 11 appearances at PETCO, posting 11.1 innings, 17 strikeouts and eight saves.
The Padres would still like to acquire a free-agent relief pitcher. They are reportedly going to scout Joel Zumaya Friday to compete for a possible eighth inning set-up role.
