Possible Extention of Huston Street Points to the Future Direction of the Padres

As the Padres attempt to re-sign closer Huston Street, the new direction of the team is becoming clear. Instead of dealing some of the hottest trade candidates this July, the organization is attempting to keep the pieces they have in place.

Even though the Padres may not be contenders for a few more years, keeping Carlos Quentin and Street could prove vital when the franchise is making a run for the postseason.

Re-signing Huston Street won't be cheap, as the closer is making $7 million this season. And if the Padres end up being unable to keep the veteran pitcher, an offseason trade or an inexpensive buyout would follow.

Yet, the Padres intend to re-sign Street, a closer who has been very effective for them. Street's current contract has a $9 million option for 2013, a heavy price to pay, especially when San Diego has Brad Boxberger and Miles Mikolas in the minors.

Now, that the organization has established its intentions of keeping veteran players, the true direction of the team has also been established. A big increase in team payroll could be on the horizon. Currently, the Padres team payroll is the lowest in the majors, despite the team benefiting from the Fox Sports broadcasting deal. In fact, about a year ago, Jeff Moorad was eagerly speaking about a $70 million payroll. This was well before his failed attempt to buyout John Moores.

With a bigger payroll, San Diego could eventually have the chance to re-sign some of its best young stars, instead of dealing them before their prime. Also, with the farm system the Padres have, San Diego could be buyers at a deadline in the near future.

Payroll is essential to a team's success. With the O'Malley family set to (eventually) take over, a bright future is in store for the Padres.