The Padres are expected to acquire a lefty hitter and/or lefty reliever within the next two weeks, Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports. "By the time the Winter Meetings end, we will have done something," says GM Josh Byrnes. "We’re lined up on a few trade ideas over the next couple weeks." The Winter Meetings will take place from December 9-12.
The Padres currently have Josh Johnson, Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross and Ian Kennedy penciled into the first four spots of their rotation. Center suggests that, while the Padres aren't likely to trade a prospect like Max Fried or Matt Wisler, they could deal Burch Smith, Robbie Erlin or Eric Stults to acquire a left-handed hitter. Center notes, however, that the Padres are very much aware of the recent spate of injuries to their starting pitchers.
