Padres acquired RHP Craig Italiano, RHP Ryan Webb and a player to be named from the Athletics for outfielder Scott Hairston.
The player to be named better be someone pretty good, considering that Hairston was cheap and under control for two more years. Italiano has a nice arm, but he hasn't had a very good year and we don't think a whole lot of Webb. Italiano was 5-6 with a 5.63 ERA, 83 H and 75/40 K/BB in 76 2/3 IP for Single-A Stockton. He can reach the mid-90s with his fastball and his curve occasionally resembles a plus pitch,but he might need a move to the bullpen in order to maximize his potential. With Hairston out of the way, the Padres have freed up at-bats for Will Venable and Kyle Blanks, if that's how they want to play it. Chase Headley should also be feeling better about his role.
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