According to Corey Brock of MLB.com, the Padres are leaning toward exercising right fielder Brian Giles’ $9MM option as opposed to the $3MM buyout. It’s been odd to see the Padres waver on this decision. Giles hit .306/.398/.456 this year, his OBP ranking sixth in the league. His defense was also a major plus.
Given the impending non-tender for Josh Bard, the Padres can probably retain both Giles and Trevor Hoffman without going too far past a $50MM payroll. Still, it’ll be a shame if the Padres reduce payroll to that level.
