San Diego Padres Trade Rumors

After a quiet July, the San Diego Padres appear set to have a very bust deadline day.  It’s being reported that the club will be making two or three trades Sunday before the clock hits 4.  San Diego is likely to move relievers Heath Bell and Chad Qualls as well as outfielder Ryan Ludwick.  While Mike Adams and Aaron Harang are expected to remain with the Padres, each has been mentioned in trade rumors and as we all know, anything is possible this time of year.

Bell has been one of if not the most highly coveted reliever over the past few seasons and it appears the Padres are finally ready to deal their closer.  I took a look at his value back in June, as Bell is a free agent after this season and figured to draw plenty of interest this July on the trade market.

So far in 2011, Bell has maintained an ERA of 2.34 with a 1.16 WHIP.  The 33 year old has converted 30 of his 32 save opportunities this year while holding opposing hitters to a .219 batting average.  Over his 5 seasons with the Padres, the right hander has a 2.52 ERA and 121 saves.

Even after acquiring reliever Koji Uehara yesterday, the Rangers are still being considered the favorite to land Bell.  Reports have the Cardinals and Blue Jays strongly in the mix with the Phillies, Yankees and Angels also involved.

Bell has said all along that he would prefer to stay in San Diego and there’s been talk of the veteran taking a home town discount in order to remain with the Padres.  San Diego also has no problem holding onto Bell if they’re not satisfied with offers, as they would ultimately add two draft picks as compensation for the projected Type A free agent.

While Bell and setup man Adams have been talked about all summer, Qualls has also garnered interest this year.  After a dreadful 2010 with the Rays and Diamondbacks, the right hander has returned to the form fans had been more accustomed to this season.  Over his 51.1 innings pitched, the 32 year old has a 3.33 ERA with a WHIP of 1.23.

Before last season Qualls had been one of the league’s most consistent relievers, posting an ERA of 3.32 from 2004-09.  The Tigers and Angels have been linked to Qualls leading up to today’s deadline.

While San Diego is mostly in the market for pitchers this July, the one Padres bat that has drawn plenty of interest has been Ludwick. Though his line of .238/.301/.373 may not appear that impressive, you have to take into consideration that the 32 year old calls pitcher-friendly Petco Park his home.

Ludwick has hit 11 home runs and 62 RBI’s in 2011 and over the last 3 years has averaged more than 25 home runs, 93 RBI’s and 29 doubles per season.

A deal appeared close between the Indians and Padres yesterday that would have sent Ludwick to Cleveland, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

So look for plenty action from the Padres today, as San Diego will look to cash in their trade chips for top return.

For more on the Padres, be sure to check out Chicken Friars.