The San Diego Padres had a rough 2011 finishing last in the NL West, 20 games below .500. Over the offseason, the Padres lost two of the most recognizable players on the team. Closer Heath Bell signed as a free agent with the Miami Marlins and the club traded ace Mat Latos to the Cincinnati Reds. Losing Bell helped save the team long-term salary obligations. The loss of both players leaves the star starved Padres with fewer well-known names than before. San Diego has a low payroll and few players likely to excite fans or help in the win column. Continue reading →