Brian Lawrence signed an $8.1M four-year contract that includes a $550,000 buyout on a $5.7M option for 2007, creating another millionaire bachelor in Texas on Friday. Lawrence would not have been arbitration-eligible until after the 2004 season, so this contract sets his price for the first two years of arbitration and possibly his third. He'll reportedly receive a $500,000 signing bonus, in addition to salaries of $500,000 in 2003, $800,000 in 2004, $2.25M in 2005, and $3.5M in 2006. San Diego won't have to worry about his price rising rapidly as he continues to pitch effectively, and Lawrence receives some security against anything reducing his earning power in the next few years.

As Lawrence seems likely to remain healthy and productive throughout the deal, San Diego has probably secured a tidy bargain. The 26-year-old commands and controls the ball well rather than dominating batters. Lawrence also does a fine job of keeping the ball in the park. He isn't a long-term ace, however when one of the Padres younger, more dominant pitchers assumes the role of ace, he will provide them with a solid middle of the rotation starter.

San Diego drafted Lawrence out of Northwestern State University with their 17th round pick of the 1998 draft. After signing, the Colorado native made a couple starts in the Rookie-level Pioneer League before advancing to A Clinton in the Midwest League, preparing him to start 1999 at A+ Rancho Cucamonga in the California League. Lawrence split 2000 between AA Mobile in the Southern League and AAA Las Vegas in the Pacific Coast League. He opened the 2001 back at AAA but was called up to the majors for the first time on April 11th. Lawrence made his major league debut against the Dodgers on April 15th, pitching 1.2 innings in his first big league outing. He can now celebrate that anniversary by paying taxes on the money he's earned as a result of his success since then. In 2001, he did not remain in the majors for the entire season; 2002 was his first full year in the majors.

Unfortunately, Phil Nevin is once again seriously injured. Nevin dislocated his shoulder during a defensive play in Friday's Spring Training game. The dislocation is considered severe and if he requires surgery this week, as is expected, he will not be able to rejoin the team until spring of 2004. Nevin's two stints to the disabled list last season were also the result of defensive dives, and the fact that this is not his first shoulder dislocation contributes to the likelihood he'll require surgery this time. Of course, Sean Burroughs is again set to start the season at third base, so San Diego will be seeking a replacement left fielder.

Unless they acquire someone to fill the position, Brian Buchanan will likely take over as the starting left fielder, which will likely lead to either Roberto Kelly or Brady Anderson breaking camp as a reserve outfielder. Buchanan's a solid bench player, but he doesn't provide production worthy of a starting job. The Padres should expect only marginal power, plate discipline that needs improvement, and a bit of speed.

Kenny Lofton remains on the free agent market and would provide them with a quality replacement, but I'm not sure San Diego should bother spending money on this problem. Rickey Henderson would love a chance to continue Rickey's major league career, so Rickey would likely sign for a highly reasonable price. Rickey also has played for San Diego in the past, which could make the idea more appealing to both sides. While the 44-year old Rickey is no longer in Rickey's prime, Rickey demonstrated last season Rickey still has the skills to help a team.

San Diego could also acquire replacements for both Trevor Hoffman and Nevin in a trade with Colorado. They've previously expressed interest in Todd Jones, and the Rockies have a surplus of outfield talent.

The Padres were already grumbling that they might not keep Rule 5 pick Shane Victorino because while he can help the defensive he's not prepared offensively. Such comments cast doubt on the sense of San Diego's front office, as they should have been well aware of the fact that while the 22-year-old shows promise offensively, he needs additional development time.

Victorino possesses no AAA experience, but he's displayed solid plate discipline, a hint of developing power, and considerable speed skills through AA, while essentially skipping A+. However, Rule 5 picks shouldn't be expected to provide much support to the team in their first year after selection. A rebuilding team like the Padres accepts limited production from their roster spot in exchange for their future potential. Following a season of serving as a defensive replacement and pinch-runner in the majors, Victorino can be sent to AAA for a year, after which the Padres should have at least a strong reserve outfielder, if not a 24-year-old centerfielder and leadoff man. Nevin's injury should not be allowed to interfere with that course of action. If the Padres waive him, there is a good chance that another team will claim him and LA will almost certainly pay the $25,000 to have him returned, leaving San Diego out up to $50,000 and a promising young outfielder. The Dodgers drafted Victorino out of a Hawaiian high school with their sixth round pick of the 1999 draft.