The Padres may not know who their owner is going to be, but that's not stopping them from throwing a little bit of money around.
San Diego agreed to a 4-year contract with left-handed starter Cory Luebke on Friday. Luebke is guaranteed $12 million, but with incentives and team options for 2016 and 2017 the deal could be worth over $27 million.
Last year was Luebke's first full season in the Majors. He made the Opening Day roster as a relief pitcher, but by the end of the year had earned a spot in the starting rotation. Luebke finished with a 6-10 record, but his 3.29 ERA and 154 strikeouts (2nd-most ever for a San Diego rookie) are a better indicator of his potential.
The Padres have also given long-term deals to center fielder Cameron Maybin and catcher Nick Hundley this Spring.
Luebke is penciled in as the Padres' number two starter for 2012. This weekend could get even better for Cory. He went to Ohio State University, and the Buckeyes are in the NCAA Basketball Tournament Final 4.
