The Padres have claimed lefty Brad Hand off waivers from the Marlins, as MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell reports on Twitter. Hand was designated for assignment on Sunday.
San Diego seemed to be looking for swingmen to stash with the acquisition and subsequent waiving of Dan Straily, who ended up being claimed by the Reds. It’s possible we’ll see the same attempted with Hand, though he could go right onto the active roster with southpaw reliever Matt Thornton hitting the DL. (He’s being replaced, for now, by Robbie Erlin.)
The 26-year-old Hand has split his major league appearances roughly evenly between starting and relief roles. He owns a 4.71 career ERA, with 5.9 K/9 vs. 3.7 BB/9, over 288 2/3 frames spread across five campaigns. Unsurprisingly, Hand has been much more effectively when facing left-handed hitters (.614 OPS-against) and when working out of the pen (.652 OPS-against).
The Padres are like the Sesame Street of baseball franchises. This team was brought to us by the letters “D” “F” “A” and the number (Rule) “5.” Over their history, they have been the most unstable franchise in baseball. Seriously, aside from Tony Gwynn, try and think of a fairly decent player that you think of almost exclusively as a Padres player.
Trevor Hoffman
I’ll give you Hoffman, but if a reliever (no matter how great he was) is your second best known guy then I think my point is proven.
It’s been a while, but Randy Jones, Nate Colbert and Cito Gaston were all-stars.
Jake Peavy
Phil Nevin!
Ken Caminiti, Steve Finley
It’s funny because last year at games, they would always play this dramatic video on the scoreboard that showed great Padres history/ moments over the course of time from when the team first came to be, to the present day. (I haven’t been to a game yet this year, so I don’t know if they’re still doing this).
I won’t deny your assessment though. If anything, the Padres are known more for the great players that got away from them, rather than the ones they had. This includes present day guys like Rizzo, Agon, Kluber, etc. and other guys from years back like Alomar and Gary Sheffield. Also, their bad drafts ( Matt Bush first overall anyone?)
Mr. Hand going to San Diego.
James Spicoli would be so proud.
Benito Samtiago, Dave Winfield, Gossage, hmmm
Benito Santiago, Dave Winfield, Gossage, hmmm
None of those guys played exclusively with San Diego. Santiago played with 8 other teams, Gossage was more known for his Yankee years. Winfield probably as much as a Yankee as a Padre.
I’ve been thinking about this, Mr. Hand. If I’m here and you’re here, doesn’t that make it our time?
up vote +1
Good to see the Pads finally getting some “Hand” cause lord knows, they need it!
Hey, they scored (and won) yesterday. Things can only get better after the first three games!
The Rizzo trade will haunt us for ever.
How does that have anything to do with this article?