December 12, 2025 • 24 mins
San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez signed a three-year, $45 million contact with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday. Kyle Glaser and Heath Bell break down the news, including why Suarez's departure was expected, how his Padres tenure should be remembered, and what to watch for as he moves to Atlanta.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
Welcome into another edition of Friar Territory. Here on the
Foul Territory Network, I'm Kyle Glazer alongside the Great Heath
Bell Heath. It's been a little over two weeks since
we had you on a we missed you, b A
lot has happened.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Well. I spent a couple of weeks in Florida and
Met's fantasy camp, Thanksgiving happened, and the holiday season, Bud.
You know it just it's a crazy time, it really is.
Speaker 1 (00:35):
And you are nice and festive, of course with your
Santa hat. Those who are only listening can't see it,
but it's We've still got fourteen days till Christmas, but
I can see you are already in the spirit.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Oh yeah, we got three Christmas trees, We've got different
Santa hats, we get We're making gingerbread houses. It's a
big festive year for the Bell.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Family, certainly a big festive year for the Bell family.
A less festive year for the Padres appears to be
coming in twenty twenty six. How do you like that segue?
By the way, that was smooth. The latest news, of course,
Robert Swarez, the Padres All Star Closer, led the National
League in saves. Last year signed a three year, forty
five million dollar contract with the Atlanta Braves. He is
(01:14):
officially gone, joining Dylan Cease who received, of course, a
seven year, two hundred and ten million dollar contract. We've
talked about that contract a lot on this show. We
haven't had a chance to talk to you about it yet. Understandably,
given the Padres payroll situation, given the strengths of their team,
Robert Swarz was not going to be a high priority
(01:34):
in terms of guys to bring back just because they
have a lot of bullpen depth, they have a lot
of needs elsewhere. That said, let's be clear, he is
still a big loss. This was one of the best
closers in baseball the last two seasons and one of
the best relievers in baseball period the last four seasons
with the Padres. Just what are your overall thoughts on
his departure and his contract with the Braves.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Well, I, you know, I want to congratulate Robert and
Dallen seas to get their contracts well deserved. The Braves
and the Blue Jays are gonna have a great time
with them. For the Padres, hey man, it sucks you know,
you got Robert Suarez. It's it's sad that the team
(02:14):
is just kind of in the situation that they're in.
Who knows what the real story is. Maybe they you know,
Peter Siler spent too much money and then the back
end now you're feeling it, or yes.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
So we do know that given their debt situation, that
that is what happened.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Yes, so, or it's just kind of like, you know,
him passing and then the ex wife wants the team
or whatnot. Because usually when a major league team there's
a divorce or something, tenants. You know, people are gonna
sell and this and that, so you know, it's just
it's sad for the Padres. But you know what, the
(02:53):
Padres have a good bullpen. So I think Robert Suarez
it'll be missed, but it's not going to be hugely missed.
And then Dylan Cees, Hey, he looked you know, two
years ago, he was an ace. This year sometimes he
looked good, sometimes not. He was the most consistent pitcher
out there. You're in and you're out, so that's going
to be missing. But it's it's it's just one of
(03:18):
those things that you kind of we've had good pictures
in the past and they leave for free agency, and
you know, AJ finds another one. So hopefully AJ this
softseason can make a trade or find somebody or sign
a non roster guy that turns up, like you know, Sheets,
like Gavin Sheets. You never know, so you just kind
(03:39):
of I'm not too sad, I'm not too high or low.
It's just happy for the guys. But I just want
to see where the padres. You know, how many players
they get for spring training. I know they're not going
to go out and get free agents, big name guys,
but you know, there could be a little bit here,
a little bit there. Nobody thought Gavin Cheats was going
to be anything turned out to be really good for us.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
In terms of Robert Swarez, I think it's really really
important to just appreciate his journey because it is so
unique and it is emblematic of just an incredible amount
of perseverance. Robert Swarez was working security at a grocery
store in Venezuela. He did not play his first professional
season in any league until he was twenty four years old,
(04:26):
and that was in the Mexican League. Because he was
playing in adult leagues and a buddy of his, you know,
basically hooked him up. He then goes to Japan and
has a few rocky seasons, but by the end really
figures it out as dominant for the Hanshin Tigers. Let's
not forget when the Potters brought Robert Suarez over. When
they first signed Robert Swarrez, he was thirty one years
(04:47):
old and they signed him for one year six million dollars.
There was an option for a second year. This was
not a situation where it was, Oh, this guy was
clearly going to be a star. This guy was clearly
going to emerge as one of the best relieves baseball.
Robert swore has worked for everything he had and had
to prove himself again and again and again, and he did.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
I know.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
There were times last year where Padreys fans were frustrated
with him. Let's be clear. Last year he had a
two nine to seventy ra led the nationally with forty saves,
and that forty saves came in forty five save opportunities.
It's not like he was blowing saves left and right.
Over the course of his career, he was elite as
a setup man for Josh Hader. He moved into the
closer role. Again from the Podres' perspective, fantastic scouting job.
(05:30):
Bring him over, getting him for one year and six
million dollars initially, and then of course they paid him
a much larger contract. And also, just Robert swore is
what he's been able to do, just props all the
way around. So he was a great Padre for four seasons.
I think it's important everyone remembers that. Again, it was clear,
given the strengths of this team, the weaknesses of this team,
where the payroll was, he was not going to return.
(05:51):
But again, I think it's important that everyone just looks
back and admires what he accomplished and appreciates what he
gave the Padres for four seasons.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Robberswarez is just you know, it's awesome for his story
and you know, I was always rooting for him and
the guys work hard. It wasn't like he just was
blessed with a you know, gifted arm, and everybody knew
he went to college and minor leagues.
Speaker 1 (06:14):
You know, he was.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Working and just falling around and playing and had a
really good arm. And then somebody took a chance on
him in the Mexican League, and you know, he just
kind of blossom from there, got a little bit better
here and there, and you know, we wouldn't be a
ninety wins season for two years in a row if
we didn't have Rubbers Toret. So it's he's he's gonna
(06:37):
be missed, but I'm happy for the guy to you know,
get paid and you know, go somewhere that I mean,
I know the Padres wanted him, but to go somewhere
to you know that they really want them and they're
gonna they can pay them, and you know, he can
blossom over there with the Braves and unless they're playing
the Padres, so maybe we we will uh only swing
(07:00):
at his fastball and not swinging his other pitches. But
you know, but I'm happy for that. I'm happy for Robert.
You know, he's well deserved. And it's it's a bitter
sweet it's a bittersweet feeling for the Padres. You know,
you kind of knew he was gonna go, so it
was like, okay, you know, but you're just glad he
didn't go, like to the Dodgers or you know, the Diamonds.
(07:23):
I think that's so I'm kind of happy it's a
bitter sweet.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
I thought the Dodgers were where he was going to
end up. That's what of course, they signed Edwin Diaz
and that change things up. But one of the interesting
things about the Brave signing Robert Sworz has they already
had one of baseball's best closers in rights to Iglacias.
They signed Swarz to be a setup man and the
backup closer, so he's not going into a situation where
he's automatically gonna be the closer. Normally, when you have
(07:49):
a forty safe season, lead the NL and saves, you're
the closer wherever you go. But he was so dominant
as a setup man for Josh Hater those first two
seasons with the Padres. He's someone who can do both
and that it's incredibly valuable. And you can speak to
this having been an All star closer yourself, an exceptional
closer yourself. What's your read on that dynamic of Because
(08:09):
we see a lot of guys go from setup men
to closer, we typically don't see them go from closer
to set up men unless they're being demoted. In the
case of Robert Swarz, he's not being demoted in the least.
How do you view this dynamic and what do you
think the Braves should expect from him? And what should
Padres fans be watching for, because look, he's still going
to be in the NL. They're still going to have
to deal with him.
Speaker 2 (08:30):
Well, hopefully they just have to watch him when he
struggles he's against the Padres and then rude him on
when he's playing all the other teams, especially when they're
playing the Dodgers. But I think he just I think
the Braves, you know, traditionally the good pitching staff, they
probably went to him and said, look, we need you
as a setup guy. You've been dominant. I know you
were a closer for two years. We're going to pay
(08:52):
you as a closer, but we need this and we
want to put a really good bullpen together, and you
make us, you know, a chance to have the dominant
back end of the bullpen. So he just probably probably
likes where he's going. He probably knows some of the
guys in the bullpen, because that's usually a big key
when you go to free agency and you know guys
(09:13):
over there. It always helps when you when you don't
know anybody over there, you know, it's kind of but
like Profar went over there a few years ago, so
it was one of those things that maybe he's good
friends with them, told me it was great over here
in Atlanta. And players love playing in Atlanta. That's one
of those things. The Braves are an organization.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
I know they had a bad year last year, but
you talk to players around the league. They love that city,
They love the atmosphere, they love that organization. That is
one of the more desirable organizations for guys to go to.
A George is a very very low cost state taxes
are low. That's important, but also it's a very young city.
There's a lot going on. Players love their time in Atlanta.
(09:54):
They are absolutely a destination for a lot of guys.
Speaker 2 (09:57):
So that's that's it's a big key of like the
destination where you go. Some guys are about taxes, some
guys about the clubhouse, feel about a knowing guys. Some
guys are about the city. Heck, when my time in Atlanta,
We've always had a good time in Atlanta and the
stadium they have now, you know, and the Braves are
always been a first class organization, so you know, top
(10:17):
to bottom from the nineties that I remember them to
you know, twenty twenties. I guess you could say, but
you know, I think he's in a good spot. It's
like I said, it's a bittersweet. I hate that he's gone,
but I'm happy for him for the situation he's have
and hopefully he's just you know, those five blown setup
or saves or against the Padres. That's I mean, that's
(10:39):
the best thing I can say.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
So absolutely again, just tip your cap to Robert Swarz.
I think it's important he's remembered in a positive light
for everything he did for the Padres. He's switching gears.
We spent hours and hours and hours discussing Dylan sees
this past season. What was your reaction when you heard
(11:01):
he got seven years and two hundred and ten million
dollars in the Blue Days And I know some of
our listeners have already heard this. It's old news. This
happened while you were gone, So I want to know
when you saw the number, what was your reaction was?
Speaker 2 (11:15):
Wow? Wow? I want to come out of retirement because
I mean doing you know, usually you have a good year,
your free agency year, and if you have a down year,
you don't get a contract like that. But it was
literally like, Wow, they're basically treating him like a top,
you know, number one starter in for like seven years.
(11:37):
I could see a high amount for like two or
three years, but for seven years, and I was just
I was just wow. And I was like, wow, Toronto,
they probably want a kind of a veteran pitcher. And
then I was thinking putting my thinking cap on and saying,
you know what, he's probably gonna do really well with
there because they have a really good offense and he's
not going to have to worry about he could give
(11:58):
up two or three run and probably still be in
the game and it's not a big deal because they're
gonna score some runs. So it might be a really
good fit for him. But seven years, I literally thought
two hundred mil. I was like, dude, I'll come out
of retirement for like, you know, thirty million for Are you.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Gonna pull a Philip Rivers and come out of retirement
in your forties.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
Yeah, Philip Rivers just came out and I was like, oh, well,
he's a grandpa and a grandpa yet. But I'm like, geez,
I wonder if I should get out there and start throwing.
But you know. The thing is I'll probably do really
good and then the next day and not be able
to walk or pick up my arm or anything like that,
So I can't the recovery Like, well, I'm gonna watch
Philip Rivers this weekend and I'm thinking, man, the first
(12:41):
time he gets hit, he's gonna be like, I want
to go home.
Speaker 1 (12:45):
So yeah, something gonna be interesting to watch it, I
think with Dylan Ceas and again, I've talked about this
a lot, so I don't want to work at myself
too much. But look, give him a lot of credit.
He was very, very open and honest about his struggles
last year, and he'd be the first person to tell
you that he did not have a good year last year. Again,
E was up around five for most of the season.
He had a few good starts at the end to
bring it down with still over four and a half.
(13:06):
Allowed the most home runs in the season in his career.
We saw the fastball command was was truly terrible at times.
And here's the thing that really just drove it home
for me. Right, when you talk about paying a pitcher
that amount of money, you are expecting someone who consistently
takes you deep into games and is going to give you,
at the very least a competitive start game in a
(13:29):
game out. So think about a quality start for a
second six innings and three runs. That's a very very
low bar to clear, very low, especially if you're a
frontline pitcher. Dylan Cees gave the Padres seven quality starts
in thirty two outings last year.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
But I mean time, it's tough. Times have changed. And
he's the only pitcher that literally pitches every fifth day, right,
and he doesn't pitch two hundred innings, but he's the
co closest guy to pitching two hundred innings you know,
out there, I mean, guys are I mean I think
guys are throwing like one hundred innings and they're like,
(14:11):
this is my best starter. You know. I pitched in
fifteen starts this year, you know, and I'm like that.
You know. Usually used to be like you got to
pitch every fifth day and go five or six. It
was six or seven innings was your best starter. Now
it's like if you go four or five, you're amazing.
If you pitch every day, you know, pitch every fifth day.
(14:32):
So times have changed, you know, But hey, power to him,
don't cease. Great job. You know, if you want to
throw some money away, you can throw it this way.
My kids will love it. But uh, you know, I'm
happy for him, and I'm I'm basically on the outside.
Besides joking. It was like Toronto is going to make
a run. And I feel like Toronto this upcoming twenty
(14:54):
six or twenty seven has a chance to win the
World Series with.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
All the people after how close they got there certainly
being aggressive and you're right, times have changed. But and
again I talked to all the negatives. Look the positives.
Dylan Cees has great stuff. Like you said, he consistently
turns in thirty two thirty three, starts here every season,
which is something very rare today's game, and he still
misses a lot of bats.
Speaker 2 (15:16):
Right.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
He led the majors in kprin IM last year. So
I got supris.
Speaker 2 (15:19):
So you know what, sometimes teams have to overpay to
get you there, Yes, and that's I think Toronto was
one of the situations where like dude, we got to
overpay to get somebody here, no question. Not a lot
of people want to play in Canada, you know, just changing,
and there's different rules up there than down in America
and stuff.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
And although the Blue Jays again have become a destination,
they have done a great job really becoming a first
class organization. I think that has changed a little bit.
And here's what I'll say.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
The city is great. I'll tell you the first time.
I mean, Toronto's that's one of the best cities around.
You know. In the game, Montreal I think was number one.
So it's just there's just a different thing, you know.
But I you know, if the organization has changed and
stuff over the years, I mean, great, that's awesome. I
Mean it used to be not a place where people
you know, would end up going there and then they
(16:10):
just happen to have a good team and so but
it was exciting. You know. I expect them to win
the World Series in the next, like, you know, year
or two somewhere.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
We'll see what they do with Boba Schet. There's no
question they're going to be a force to be reckoned with.
The last thing I'll say about Dylan Cees, he obviously
has the every other year thing going on where and
even numbered years he's a top five sign Award finisher
in odd years. He has an ERA over four and
a half and really really struggles. He's kind of the
(16:39):
pitcher version of Darren Nursdad. Remember, of course, Darren Nurstad
with the Angels, it was unbelievable his even years to
his ninety eight two thousand o two for like, you know,
one of the best players in baseball, Like, just unbelievable
two thousand season. He was, I mean before each row,
you know, stepped up, like Darren Ursdad was the guy
who approached George Sisler's single season hit record, and in
(17:02):
odd years it was terrible. It was every other year
with Darren Urstad. And I feel like Dylan Ces is
that guy as a pitcher. So he's due for a
great dollar. Yeah, and look the Blue Jays are betting
they can fix him, right. I talked about great stuff,
makes his starts missus bets, But there's really poor control.
(17:23):
There's durability in the sense of he makes his starts
and his innings totals are good at the end of
the year. On a start to start basis, it's a
lot of ninety pitches to get through four innings, you know,
capping out at five and five and the third, which
is not what you typically want from your frontline guy.
Even in today's day and age. So the Blue Jays
are making a bet they can fix him, and they
might be right. It's just two hundred and ten million
(17:45):
dollars is a lot of money to make that bet.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
Hey, but you know what if they fix them, you know, awesome. Yeah,
you know, I just I like seeing pictures struggle. Find
somebody else talks to him, because I always say, there's
a one hundred different ways talk to people. And maybe
he just you know, Ruben's a great guy. But maybe
Dylan and Rubin, you know, had a great relationship but
just didn't see eye to eye. And somebody will come
(18:09):
in and just go, hey, why don't you try this?
And then all of a sudden, boom light clicks.
Speaker 1 (18:14):
So I don't know, and I will say we talked
about Robert Sworez being viewed in a positive light. As
much as Dylancy struggled, he should be viewed in a
positive life. For his Potter's tenure or two. Again, he
was great for the team in twenty twenty four and
even in twenty twenty five. Look it was not always pretty,
but again he took the ball every day, did deliver
some quality outings in there. His tenure with the Potter
(18:35):
should be remembered positively for sure.
Speaker 2 (18:37):
Well, both guys are a great pictures. It's sad to
see him both go. We kind of knew they were
going to go, so it wasn't like a shock, you know,
it is what it is. I mean, I'm not going
to say anything bad because they you know, they weren't
bad guys. They you know, they did their best out
and I think they're going to go down in a
couple of years. You're gonna be like, man, I wish
(18:58):
we had Dylan ces Ar Roberts is still again, but
you know that's that's how the cookie comple sometimes.
Speaker 1 (19:05):
No question about it. All right, as we wrap up here,
Padres just wrapped up the winter meetings. Not a lot
of action on their end. Again, they're not alone in that.
While there were certainly some teams who were very, very busy.
You look at team like the Orioles, you look at
a team like the Mets, who were kind of busy
for all the wrong reasons in terms of losing guys.
But for the most part, again, twenty four to twenty
(19:28):
five of the thirty teams didn't do a whole lot.
So the Padres are in good company there. Again, most
of the moves are still to come.
Speaker 2 (19:34):
I think they were. I think there was a lot
of talks about possible trades that I think there's that
a lot of rumors, and the rumors are always about
like people just having weird conversations this and that. I
don't see the Padres doing anything real crazy trades or
anything or rumors. I just see this year kind of
low key, maybe doing one trade, nothing big signing some
(19:57):
you know, see who's looking for a job come January
February before spring training. So you know, you have to
wait and see. It's not gonna be a whole lot.
But like I said, last year, you know, Gavin Sheets,
nobody knew and then Boom turned out to be a
really good player. So I think we have a really
good scouting department. Everybody's paying attention, and you know, we'll
(20:18):
get some guys that nobody really thought they were gonna
do and they'll probably do really well for us.
Speaker 1 (20:23):
Yeah. I mentioned this on a previous show. If you're
looking for reasons to be optimistic again, the Potter's track
record of you know, big dollar free agent signings is
pretty much disastrous. Their track record of trades at the
deadline is again it's fifty to fifty wins and losses.
There's been some big hits, some big misses. Again, you'd
prefer it to be more wins and losses. It's more even.
(20:46):
But they're off season trades. That record's pretty spectacular, and
we've seen them also really hit the jackpot with some
low dollar signings in recent years. You talk about Gavin
Sheets coming in on a MI only deal, Jerks and
Profar one year, one million, you know, even Seth Logo
and Michael Waka one year deals not you know, a
ton of money. They both were excellent. So in some
(21:10):
ways we have seen the best from the Podres in
the off season when they don't have a lot of
money to play with. It has forced them to be
more disciplined, which I think is a good thing because
they can't go off the rails as much. So I'll
be curious to see what they do. I think we're
gonna have to wait. It's gonna have to be a
lot of other free agents go off the board, and
(21:30):
the Potters are gonna have to look through, Okay, who's
left over and willing to take maybe a lower amount
that they hoped for. Or a creative deal very similar
to Nick Pivetta last year, who again was one of
the last big starting was was the last major starting
pitcher signed and signed for a deal that was heavily
backloaded where he only made one million dollars last year.
So I think that we're gonna have to wait. But
(21:52):
I will say that if you are looking for reasons
to be optimistic, this is the situation in which the
Potters front office and their scouts have actually been the
most successful when you look at a lot of different
scenarios over the years.
Speaker 2 (22:05):
Yep, I agree with you. I mean, they've done really
good that way. So you know, there's always it's always
the exciting and you're kind of bummed out because the
owners said they possibly could sell this and that, and
there's a lot of that. But Padre fans, keep your
heads up. You know, this is it happens all the time.
And we just got spoiled a couple of years ago
when we made you know, Manny Machado and all these
(22:27):
big splashes. So just you know, enjoy Christmas, enjoy the holidays,
and then something will happen the end of January and
you're gonna go huh and then you'll see come March. Oh,
that turned out to be pretty good because, like you said,
they have a really good track record of doing that,
and why would you think it's gonna happen any differently.
Speaker 1 (22:49):
We will see what happens. Once again, it's the holiday season.
I know there's a lot of frustration out there, there's
a lot of negativity. You're out there, but drinks then people,
it could be worse, could be the Mets, or you
could be Michigan football. Like again, perspective is important here.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
So again there is a rock and I'm sorry to
say that, but yeah.
Speaker 1 (23:08):
Sorry, what'd you say?
Speaker 2 (23:10):
You could be the Rockies? Yes, so we got out.
Speaker 1 (23:15):
And I'm going to repeat this. Perspective is important. There
are things that need to be improved upon. This is
not a five alarm fire disaster team or organization. They
have some issues to work out. But again, perspective is important.
So okay, yeah, any final thoughts, heth no, Just enjoy Christmas,
(23:38):
eat some drink some meganog, get some gingerbread and make
some cookies.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
Enjoy your family and see us see us soon.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
Absolutely all right, Well, this has been another edition of
Friar Territory here on the Foul Territory Network. Go ahead
and give us review, Apple, Spotify, YouTube, whatever platform you're
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We've got some great holiday deals again. New gears, rolling out,
(24:09):
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There's lots of good stuff and it's a holiday season.
It's a great time to give someone some sweet, sweet
Friar Territory swag for Heath Bell. I'm Kyle Glazer. Thank
you for watching and listening. We'll be back next week.
Speaker 2 (24:30):
See you
Welcome into another edition of Friar Territory. Here on the
Foul Territory Network, I'm Kyle Glazer alongside the Great Heath
Bell Heath. It's been a little over two weeks since
we had you on a we missed you, b A
lot has happened.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Well. I spent a couple of weeks in Florida and
Met's fantasy camp, Thanksgiving happened, and the holiday season, Bud.
You know it just it's a crazy time, it really is.
Speaker 1 (00:35):
And you are nice and festive, of course with your
Santa hat. Those who are only listening can't see it,
but it's We've still got fourteen days till Christmas, but
I can see you are already in the spirit.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Oh yeah, we got three Christmas trees, We've got different
Santa hats, we get We're making gingerbread houses. It's a
big festive year for the Bell.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Family, certainly a big festive year for the Bell family.
A less festive year for the Padres appears to be
coming in twenty twenty six. How do you like that segue?
By the way, that was smooth. The latest news, of course,
Robert Swarez, the Padres All Star Closer, led the National
League in saves. Last year signed a three year, forty
five million dollar contract with the Atlanta Braves. He is
(01:14):
officially gone, joining Dylan Cease who received, of course, a
seven year, two hundred and ten million dollar contract. We've
talked about that contract a lot on this show. We
haven't had a chance to talk to you about it yet. Understandably,
given the Padres payroll situation, given the strengths of their team,
Robert Swarz was not going to be a high priority
(01:34):
in terms of guys to bring back just because they
have a lot of bullpen depth, they have a lot
of needs elsewhere. That said, let's be clear, he is
still a big loss. This was one of the best
closers in baseball the last two seasons and one of
the best relievers in baseball period the last four seasons
with the Padres. Just what are your overall thoughts on
his departure and his contract with the Braves.
Speaker 2 (01:54):
Well, I, you know, I want to congratulate Robert and
Dallen seas to get their contracts well deserved. The Braves
and the Blue Jays are gonna have a great time
with them. For the Padres, hey man, it sucks you know,
you got Robert Suarez. It's it's sad that the team
(02:14):
is just kind of in the situation that they're in.
Who knows what the real story is. Maybe they you know,
Peter Siler spent too much money and then the back
end now you're feeling it, or yes.
Speaker 1 (02:28):
So we do know that given their debt situation, that
that is what happened.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Yes, so, or it's just kind of like, you know,
him passing and then the ex wife wants the team
or whatnot. Because usually when a major league team there's
a divorce or something, tenants. You know, people are gonna
sell and this and that, so you know, it's just
it's sad for the Padres. But you know what, the
(02:53):
Padres have a good bullpen. So I think Robert Suarez
it'll be missed, but it's not going to be hugely missed.
And then Dylan Cees, Hey, he looked you know, two
years ago, he was an ace. This year sometimes he
looked good, sometimes not. He was the most consistent pitcher
out there. You're in and you're out, so that's going
to be missing. But it's it's it's just one of
(03:18):
those things that you kind of we've had good pictures
in the past and they leave for free agency, and
you know, AJ finds another one. So hopefully AJ this
softseason can make a trade or find somebody or sign
a non roster guy that turns up, like you know, Sheets,
like Gavin Sheets. You never know, so you just kind
(03:39):
of I'm not too sad, I'm not too high or low.
It's just happy for the guys. But I just want
to see where the padres. You know, how many players
they get for spring training. I know they're not going
to go out and get free agents, big name guys,
but you know, there could be a little bit here,
a little bit there. Nobody thought Gavin Cheats was going
to be anything turned out to be really good for us.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
In terms of Robert Swarez, I think it's really really
important to just appreciate his journey because it is so
unique and it is emblematic of just an incredible amount
of perseverance. Robert Swarez was working security at a grocery
store in Venezuela. He did not play his first professional
season in any league until he was twenty four years old,
(04:26):
and that was in the Mexican League. Because he was
playing in adult leagues and a buddy of his, you know,
basically hooked him up. He then goes to Japan and
has a few rocky seasons, but by the end really
figures it out as dominant for the Hanshin Tigers. Let's
not forget when the Potters brought Robert Suarez over. When
they first signed Robert Swarrez, he was thirty one years
(04:47):
old and they signed him for one year six million dollars.
There was an option for a second year. This was
not a situation where it was, Oh, this guy was
clearly going to be a star. This guy was clearly
going to emerge as one of the best relieves baseball.
Robert swore has worked for everything he had and had
to prove himself again and again and again, and he did.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
I know.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
There were times last year where Padreys fans were frustrated
with him. Let's be clear. Last year he had a
two nine to seventy ra led the nationally with forty saves,
and that forty saves came in forty five save opportunities.
It's not like he was blowing saves left and right.
Over the course of his career, he was elite as
a setup man for Josh Hader. He moved into the
closer role. Again from the Podres' perspective, fantastic scouting job.
(05:30):
Bring him over, getting him for one year and six
million dollars initially, and then of course they paid him
a much larger contract. And also, just Robert swore is
what he's been able to do, just props all the
way around. So he was a great Padre for four seasons.
I think it's important everyone remembers that. Again, it was clear,
given the strengths of this team, the weaknesses of this team,
where the payroll was, he was not going to return.
(05:51):
But again, I think it's important that everyone just looks
back and admires what he accomplished and appreciates what he
gave the Padres for four seasons.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Robberswarez is just you know, it's awesome for his story
and you know, I was always rooting for him and
the guys work hard. It wasn't like he just was
blessed with a you know, gifted arm, and everybody knew
he went to college and minor leagues.
Speaker 1 (06:14):
You know, he was.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
Working and just falling around and playing and had a
really good arm. And then somebody took a chance on
him in the Mexican League, and you know, he just
kind of blossom from there, got a little bit better
here and there, and you know, we wouldn't be a
ninety wins season for two years in a row if
we didn't have Rubbers Toret. So it's he's he's gonna
(06:37):
be missed, but I'm happy for the guy to you know,
get paid and you know, go somewhere that I mean,
I know the Padres wanted him, but to go somewhere
to you know that they really want them and they're
gonna they can pay them, and you know, he can
blossom over there with the Braves and unless they're playing
the Padres, so maybe we we will uh only swing
(07:00):
at his fastball and not swinging his other pitches. But
you know, but I'm happy for that. I'm happy for Robert.
You know, he's well deserved. And it's it's a bitter
sweet it's a bittersweet feeling for the Padres. You know,
you kind of knew he was gonna go, so it
was like, okay, you know, but you're just glad he
didn't go, like to the Dodgers or you know, the Diamonds.
(07:23):
I think that's so I'm kind of happy it's a
bitter sweet.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
I thought the Dodgers were where he was going to
end up. That's what of course, they signed Edwin Diaz
and that change things up. But one of the interesting
things about the Brave signing Robert Sworz has they already
had one of baseball's best closers in rights to Iglacias.
They signed Swarz to be a setup man and the
backup closer, so he's not going into a situation where
he's automatically gonna be the closer. Normally, when you have
(07:49):
a forty safe season, lead the NL and saves, you're
the closer wherever you go. But he was so dominant
as a setup man for Josh Hater those first two
seasons with the Padres. He's someone who can do both
and that it's incredibly valuable. And you can speak to
this having been an All star closer yourself, an exceptional
closer yourself. What's your read on that dynamic of Because
(08:09):
we see a lot of guys go from setup men
to closer, we typically don't see them go from closer
to set up men unless they're being demoted. In the
case of Robert Swarz, he's not being demoted in the least.
How do you view this dynamic and what do you
think the Braves should expect from him? And what should
Padres fans be watching for, because look, he's still going
to be in the NL. They're still going to have
to deal with him.
Speaker 2 (08:30):
Well, hopefully they just have to watch him when he
struggles he's against the Padres and then rude him on
when he's playing all the other teams, especially when they're
playing the Dodgers. But I think he just I think
the Braves, you know, traditionally the good pitching staff, they
probably went to him and said, look, we need you
as a setup guy. You've been dominant. I know you
were a closer for two years. We're going to pay
(08:52):
you as a closer, but we need this and we
want to put a really good bullpen together, and you
make us, you know, a chance to have the dominant
back end of the bullpen. So he just probably probably
likes where he's going. He probably knows some of the
guys in the bullpen, because that's usually a big key
when you go to free agency and you know guys
(09:13):
over there. It always helps when you when you don't
know anybody over there, you know, it's kind of but
like Profar went over there a few years ago, so
it was one of those things that maybe he's good
friends with them, told me it was great over here
in Atlanta. And players love playing in Atlanta. That's one
of those things. The Braves are an organization.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
I know they had a bad year last year, but
you talk to players around the league. They love that city,
They love the atmosphere, they love that organization. That is
one of the more desirable organizations for guys to go to.
A George is a very very low cost state taxes
are low. That's important, but also it's a very young city.
There's a lot going on. Players love their time in Atlanta.
(09:54):
They are absolutely a destination for a lot of guys.
Speaker 2 (09:57):
So that's that's it's a big key of like the
destination where you go. Some guys are about taxes, some
guys about the clubhouse, feel about a knowing guys. Some
guys are about the city. Heck, when my time in Atlanta,
We've always had a good time in Atlanta and the
stadium they have now, you know, and the Braves are
always been a first class organization, so you know, top
(10:17):
to bottom from the nineties that I remember them to
you know, twenty twenties. I guess you could say, but
you know, I think he's in a good spot. It's
like I said, it's a bittersweet. I hate that he's gone,
but I'm happy for him for the situation he's have
and hopefully he's just you know, those five blown setup
or saves or against the Padres. That's I mean, that's
(10:39):
the best thing I can say.
Speaker 1 (10:41):
So absolutely again, just tip your cap to Robert Swarz.
I think it's important he's remembered in a positive light
for everything he did for the Padres. He's switching gears.
We spent hours and hours and hours discussing Dylan sees
this past season. What was your reaction when you heard
(11:01):
he got seven years and two hundred and ten million
dollars in the Blue Days And I know some of
our listeners have already heard this. It's old news. This
happened while you were gone, So I want to know
when you saw the number, what was your reaction was?
Speaker 2 (11:15):
Wow? Wow? I want to come out of retirement because
I mean doing you know, usually you have a good year,
your free agency year, and if you have a down year,
you don't get a contract like that. But it was
literally like, Wow, they're basically treating him like a top,
you know, number one starter in for like seven years.
(11:37):
I could see a high amount for like two or
three years, but for seven years, and I was just
I was just wow. And I was like, wow, Toronto,
they probably want a kind of a veteran pitcher. And
then I was thinking putting my thinking cap on and saying,
you know what, he's probably gonna do really well with
there because they have a really good offense and he's
not going to have to worry about he could give
(11:58):
up two or three run and probably still be in
the game and it's not a big deal because they're
gonna score some runs. So it might be a really
good fit for him. But seven years, I literally thought
two hundred mil. I was like, dude, I'll come out
of retirement for like, you know, thirty million for Are you.
Speaker 1 (12:16):
Gonna pull a Philip Rivers and come out of retirement
in your forties.
Speaker 2 (12:19):
Yeah, Philip Rivers just came out and I was like, oh, well,
he's a grandpa and a grandpa yet. But I'm like, geez,
I wonder if I should get out there and start throwing.
But you know. The thing is I'll probably do really
good and then the next day and not be able
to walk or pick up my arm or anything like that,
So I can't the recovery Like, well, I'm gonna watch
Philip Rivers this weekend and I'm thinking, man, the first
(12:41):
time he gets hit, he's gonna be like, I want
to go home.
Speaker 1 (12:45):
So yeah, something gonna be interesting to watch it, I
think with Dylan Ceas and again, I've talked about this
a lot, so I don't want to work at myself
too much. But look, give him a lot of credit.
He was very, very open and honest about his struggles
last year, and he'd be the first person to tell
you that he did not have a good year last year. Again,
E was up around five for most of the season.
He had a few good starts at the end to
bring it down with still over four and a half.
(13:06):
Allowed the most home runs in the season in his career.
We saw the fastball command was was truly terrible at times.
And here's the thing that really just drove it home
for me. Right, when you talk about paying a pitcher
that amount of money, you are expecting someone who consistently
takes you deep into games and is going to give you,
at the very least a competitive start game in a
(13:29):
game out. So think about a quality start for a
second six innings and three runs. That's a very very
low bar to clear, very low, especially if you're a
frontline pitcher. Dylan Cees gave the Padres seven quality starts
in thirty two outings last year.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
But I mean time, it's tough. Times have changed. And
he's the only pitcher that literally pitches every fifth day, right,
and he doesn't pitch two hundred innings, but he's the
co closest guy to pitching two hundred innings you know,
out there, I mean, guys are I mean I think
guys are throwing like one hundred innings and they're like,
(14:11):
this is my best starter. You know. I pitched in
fifteen starts this year, you know, and I'm like that.
You know. Usually used to be like you got to
pitch every fifth day and go five or six. It
was six or seven innings was your best starter. Now
it's like if you go four or five, you're amazing.
If you pitch every day, you know, pitch every fifth day.
(14:32):
So times have changed, you know, But hey, power to him,
don't cease. Great job. You know, if you want to
throw some money away, you can throw it this way.
My kids will love it. But uh, you know, I'm
happy for him, and I'm I'm basically on the outside.
Besides joking. It was like Toronto is going to make
a run. And I feel like Toronto this upcoming twenty
(14:54):
six or twenty seven has a chance to win the
World Series with.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
All the people after how close they got there certainly
being aggressive and you're right, times have changed. But and
again I talked to all the negatives. Look the positives.
Dylan Cees has great stuff. Like you said, he consistently
turns in thirty two thirty three, starts here every season,
which is something very rare today's game, and he still
misses a lot of bats.
Speaker 2 (15:16):
Right.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
He led the majors in kprin IM last year. So
I got supris.
Speaker 2 (15:19):
So you know what, sometimes teams have to overpay to
get you there, Yes, and that's I think Toronto was
one of the situations where like dude, we got to
overpay to get somebody here, no question. Not a lot
of people want to play in Canada, you know, just changing,
and there's different rules up there than down in America
and stuff.
Speaker 1 (15:39):
And although the Blue Jays again have become a destination,
they have done a great job really becoming a first
class organization. I think that has changed a little bit.
And here's what I'll say.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
The city is great. I'll tell you the first time.
I mean, Toronto's that's one of the best cities around.
You know. In the game, Montreal I think was number one.
So it's just there's just a different thing, you know.
But I you know, if the organization has changed and
stuff over the years, I mean, great, that's awesome. I
Mean it used to be not a place where people
you know, would end up going there and then they
(16:10):
just happen to have a good team and so but
it was exciting. You know. I expect them to win
the World Series in the next, like, you know, year
or two somewhere.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
We'll see what they do with Boba Schet. There's no
question they're going to be a force to be reckoned with.
The last thing I'll say about Dylan Cees, he obviously
has the every other year thing going on where and
even numbered years he's a top five sign Award finisher
in odd years. He has an ERA over four and
a half and really really struggles. He's kind of the
(16:39):
pitcher version of Darren Nursdad. Remember, of course, Darren Nurstad
with the Angels, it was unbelievable his even years to
his ninety eight two thousand o two for like, you know,
one of the best players in baseball, Like, just unbelievable
two thousand season. He was, I mean before each row,
you know, stepped up, like Darren Ursdad was the guy
who approached George Sisler's single season hit record, and in
(17:02):
odd years it was terrible. It was every other year
with Darren Urstad. And I feel like Dylan Ces is
that guy as a pitcher. So he's due for a
great dollar. Yeah, and look the Blue Jays are betting
they can fix him, right. I talked about great stuff,
makes his starts missus bets, But there's really poor control.
(17:23):
There's durability in the sense of he makes his starts
and his innings totals are good at the end of
the year. On a start to start basis, it's a
lot of ninety pitches to get through four innings, you know,
capping out at five and five and the third, which
is not what you typically want from your frontline guy.
Even in today's day and age. So the Blue Jays
are making a bet they can fix him, and they
might be right. It's just two hundred and ten million
(17:45):
dollars is a lot of money to make that bet.
Speaker 2 (17:49):
Hey, but you know what if they fix them, you know, awesome. Yeah,
you know, I just I like seeing pictures struggle. Find
somebody else talks to him, because I always say, there's
a one hundred different ways talk to people. And maybe
he just you know, Ruben's a great guy. But maybe
Dylan and Rubin, you know, had a great relationship but
just didn't see eye to eye. And somebody will come
(18:09):
in and just go, hey, why don't you try this?
And then all of a sudden, boom light clicks.
Speaker 1 (18:14):
So I don't know, and I will say we talked
about Robert Sworez being viewed in a positive light. As
much as Dylancy struggled, he should be viewed in a
positive life. For his Potter's tenure or two. Again, he
was great for the team in twenty twenty four and
even in twenty twenty five. Look it was not always pretty,
but again he took the ball every day, did deliver
some quality outings in there. His tenure with the Potter
(18:35):
should be remembered positively for sure.
Speaker 2 (18:37):
Well, both guys are a great pictures. It's sad to
see him both go. We kind of knew they were
going to go, so it wasn't like a shock, you know,
it is what it is. I mean, I'm not going
to say anything bad because they you know, they weren't
bad guys. They you know, they did their best out
and I think they're going to go down in a
couple of years. You're gonna be like, man, I wish
(18:58):
we had Dylan ces Ar Roberts is still again, but
you know that's that's how the cookie comple sometimes.
Speaker 1 (19:05):
No question about it. All right, as we wrap up here,
Padres just wrapped up the winter meetings. Not a lot
of action on their end. Again, they're not alone in that.
While there were certainly some teams who were very, very busy.
You look at team like the Orioles, you look at
a team like the Mets, who were kind of busy
for all the wrong reasons in terms of losing guys.
But for the most part, again, twenty four to twenty
(19:28):
five of the thirty teams didn't do a whole lot.
So the Padres are in good company there. Again, most
of the moves are still to come.
Speaker 2 (19:34):
I think they were. I think there was a lot
of talks about possible trades that I think there's that
a lot of rumors, and the rumors are always about
like people just having weird conversations this and that. I
don't see the Padres doing anything real crazy trades or
anything or rumors. I just see this year kind of
low key, maybe doing one trade, nothing big signing some
(19:57):
you know, see who's looking for a job come January
February before spring training. So you know, you have to
wait and see. It's not gonna be a whole lot.
But like I said, last year, you know, Gavin Sheets,
nobody knew and then Boom turned out to be a
really good player. So I think we have a really
good scouting department. Everybody's paying attention, and you know, we'll
(20:18):
get some guys that nobody really thought they were gonna
do and they'll probably do really well for us.
Speaker 1 (20:23):
Yeah. I mentioned this on a previous show. If you're
looking for reasons to be optimistic again, the Potter's track
record of you know, big dollar free agent signings is
pretty much disastrous. Their track record of trades at the
deadline is again it's fifty to fifty wins and losses.
There's been some big hits, some big misses. Again, you'd
prefer it to be more wins and losses. It's more even.
(20:46):
But they're off season trades. That record's pretty spectacular, and
we've seen them also really hit the jackpot with some
low dollar signings in recent years. You talk about Gavin
Sheets coming in on a MI only deal, Jerks and
Profar one year, one million, you know, even Seth Logo
and Michael Waka one year deals not you know, a
ton of money. They both were excellent. So in some
(21:10):
ways we have seen the best from the Podres in
the off season when they don't have a lot of
money to play with. It has forced them to be
more disciplined, which I think is a good thing because
they can't go off the rails as much. So I'll
be curious to see what they do. I think we're
gonna have to wait. It's gonna have to be a
lot of other free agents go off the board, and
(21:30):
the Potters are gonna have to look through, Okay, who's
left over and willing to take maybe a lower amount
that they hoped for. Or a creative deal very similar
to Nick Pivetta last year, who again was one of
the last big starting was was the last major starting
pitcher signed and signed for a deal that was heavily
backloaded where he only made one million dollars last year.
So I think that we're gonna have to wait. But
(21:52):
I will say that if you are looking for reasons
to be optimistic, this is the situation in which the
Potters front office and their scouts have actually been the
most successful when you look at a lot of different
scenarios over the years.
Speaker 2 (22:05):
Yep, I agree with you. I mean, they've done really
good that way. So you know, there's always it's always
the exciting and you're kind of bummed out because the
owners said they possibly could sell this and that, and
there's a lot of that. But Padre fans, keep your
heads up. You know, this is it happens all the time.
And we just got spoiled a couple of years ago
when we made you know, Manny Machado and all these
(22:27):
big splashes. So just you know, enjoy Christmas, enjoy the holidays,
and then something will happen the end of January and
you're gonna go huh and then you'll see come March. Oh,
that turned out to be pretty good because, like you said,
they have a really good track record of doing that,
and why would you think it's gonna happen any differently.
Speaker 1 (22:49):
We will see what happens. Once again, it's the holiday season.
I know there's a lot of frustration out there, there's
a lot of negativity. You're out there, but drinks then people,
it could be worse, could be the Mets, or you
could be Michigan football. Like again, perspective is important here.
Speaker 2 (23:04):
So again there is a rock and I'm sorry to
say that, but yeah.
Speaker 1 (23:08):
Sorry, what'd you say?
Speaker 2 (23:10):
You could be the Rockies? Yes, so we got out.
Speaker 1 (23:15):
And I'm going to repeat this. Perspective is important. There
are things that need to be improved upon. This is
not a five alarm fire disaster team or organization. They
have some issues to work out. But again, perspective is important.
So okay, yeah, any final thoughts, heth no, Just enjoy Christmas,
(23:38):
eat some drink some meganog, get some gingerbread and make
some cookies.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
Enjoy your family and see us see us soon.
Speaker 1 (23:46):
Absolutely all right, Well, this has been another edition of
Friar Territory here on the Foul Territory Network. Go ahead
and give us review, Apple, Spotify, YouTube, whatever platform you're
watching and listening on, we would love to hear from you,
and make sure to go to Friar Territory Shop right
now Friar Territory Shop dot com backslash promo, backslash Holiday.
We've got some great holiday deals again. New gears, rolling out,
(24:09):
T shirts, hoodies, quarter zips, duffel bags, folders, cops, you
name it, we got it. Definitely go check it out.
There's lots of good stuff and it's a holiday season.
It's a great time to give someone some sweet, sweet
Friar Territory swag for Heath Bell. I'm Kyle Glazer. Thank
you for watching and listening. We'll be back next week.
Speaker 2 (24:30):
See you
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