The Padres desperately need starting pitching. Their staff has been decimated by injuries. Picking up the Diamondbacks one time ace and opening day starter is nice anyway you slice it. Let's be honest no one is going to miss Joe Thatcher. Even if people haven't tempered their expectations and end up hating Kennedy, it's still better than forgetting that Joe Thatcher ever existed. Sure there's a little risk, but Kennedy has far more upside for the Padres organization than Thatcher ever did. I like this trade, at least until things go south, then I'll deny this blog post ever happened.
But enough about me, let's see what bloggers and media types are saying around the internet and put the rating up on the Tomatometer.
* if you see more reviews, put them in the comments and I'll add them, this was just my initial sweep of the news.
Apologies to RottenTomatoes.com
Diamondbacks Swap Ian Kennedy Dollar for Bullpen Quarters | FanGraphs Baseball
But most simply, it looks like Arizona sold low and San Diego bought low, and there are worse ideas than buying low on a 28-year-old starting pitcher not far removed from being good. Maybe Kennedy won’t rebound, but the Padres have to be thrilled to have the opportunity to find out for themselves.
Breaking down deadline winners (Red Sox, Tigers, Dodgers) and losers (hint: cheese) - CBSSports.com
They got just what they wanted, a starting pitcher they can control for the next few years, and essentially didn't give up much more than a LOOGY to get him. Ian Kennedy (Diamondbacks) is controllable through 2015. Lefty Joe Thatcher has faced more than four batters in a game only four times this season, and has faced one batter in five of 12 appearances this month. One more thing: With both Kennedy and Carlos Quentin, it will be a miracle if they don't brawl with the Dodgers every single time they play each other the rest of the summer.
Ian Kennedy trade: Padres try to improve rotation through reclamation - SBNation.com
Kennedy might not be a cure all, and he might never be the pitcher he was back in 2011 again, but he doesn't have to be for this to work out for San Diego.
Twitter / Steve_Adler:
Kennedy will anchor the Padres young staff in 2014. Byrnes didn't give up much (if anything) in the deal. Calculated risk, with upside.
Twitter / JonHeymanCBS:
ok, who saw padres as possibly the big winner on trade deadline day? well, as of 2:55 they are leader in clubhouse.
Diamondbacks SP Ian Kennedy Officially Traded to Padres | Bleacher Report
Overall, this is a last-minute swap that provides promise for both sides, but the big storyline will be how Kennedy recovers from his recent difficulties.
Twitter / UTKevinAcee:
Really like this Ian Kennedy trade. Padres had relievers to give and need starting pitching for the future.
Twitter / sdutPosner:
Seems like decent gamble 4 Padres to get Kennedy. Been terrible this year but then again, otherwise wouldn't be available.
Twitter / BenHigginsSD:
Even if Kennedy never pitches better than a #3 or #4 starter, this is still a good value trade for the Padres.
Twitter / annieheilbrunn:
Joe Thatcher was great, but starting pitchers are at a premium. Anytime u can get legitimate starter for a specialist, you do it.
Twitter / mickeykoke:
Darren Balsely and Bud Black along with Petco park working for Ian Kennedy, nice job. Rebuilding value and adding pieces, not subtracting.
Twitter / UTkrasovic:
I'll say it again: whenever the #Padres trade a reliever, they're dealing from a good spot. Success not guaranteed. Such moves make sense.
Twitter / RJsFro:
Good deal.
Padres Trade Relievers & Draft Pick to Diamondbacks For Ian Kennedy - Chicken Friars
While I am not particularly “ga-ga” over the move, it is nevertheless a sensible one on San Diego’s part.
Twitter / PadresJagoff:
So basically we are swapping Volquez's spot/salary in 2014 for Kennedy. Even if we get 2013 Ian Kennedy in the out-years, that's a win.