Ownership intrigue

Jeff Moorad's attempt to gain "control" ownership of the Padres hit a snag last week when Bud Selig and a cadre of club owners tabled a vote on whether Moorad could increase his group's 49-percent stake in the club. Selig said financial concerns had to be resolved, even though the money is in escrow.

Trade with Cubs

The Padres made a trade with the Cubs today. Anthony Rizzo heads to Chicago along with Single-A pitcher Zach Cates. To the Padres go pitcher Andrew Cashner, who joins the back end of San Diego's bullpen, and minor league outfielder Kyung-Min Na.

Evaluators from two other clubs told this blog what they thought of the deal.

Quentin

I'm pressed for time...so if you want my take on today's Padres-White Sox trade, go to my Twitter feed @tomkrasovic. Have yourself a happy, safe New Year's eve.

From my Twitter feed

American League scout: "Padres just killed the Reds in that deal." (@tomkrasovic)

So long, Latos

If you read this blog, you aren't surprised that the Padres today traded Mat Latos to the Reds for pitcher Edinson Volquez and three prospects. Other clubs sensed at the winter meetings that Latos, 24, was available and that the Padres weren't interested in locking up their young ace to a long-term deal. Although the Padres weren't shopping him -- inviting teams to make offers --  the Tattoed One was available, as I wrote here a week ago. Reds general manager Walt Jocketty and Josh Byrnes made a deal that looks like it should help both teams, with Cincinnati looking for prompt returns.

Winter buzz

Mat Latos isn't untouchable, Chase Headley is available and John Moores still has high-ranking admirers within major league baseball. Those are Padres tidbits told this blog by baseball people who were at the winter meetings.

Bell to Marlins

The next time this blog throws a log in the firepit, he'll also burn a notepad in honor of Heath Bell.

The Loveable Kook jazzed up the bland Padres. At times, he wore thin with Old School types and a few teammates, but beneath the goofiness was a guy who loves baseball, knows baseball and believes baseball should be entertaining. Above all, he was a heck of a pitcher for the Padres. His toughness during the pennant races of 2007 and 2010 was special. Bell didn't scare. That's what most impressed me about him.