It's a rare rainy day in San Diego today. We're experiencing the wet weather that San Francisco had to deal with during the game yesterday. When all was said and done the Giants won and we now have a Super Bowl rematch from 2008. I personally could care less for either team, so it essentially makes me look forward even more to baseball season to start. I dug up some good articles for you all. Here are today's links:

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Reshaped Padres could sneak up on NL West - Jeff Passan at Yahoo Sports

"The pieces are there, or at least near. The Padres are a team to watch, yes. They just need to summon up some of that 2010 magic without any of the bitter aftertaste."

A closer look at Vince Belnome - Friar Forecast

"Now, he does hit left-handed, and he will be playing his games in Petco National Park, but I think you’ll see Belnome manning second base sooner than any other minor league infielder gets the call up."

Cory Spangenberg, 2B of the future? - Chicken Friars

"While Spangenberg won’t be up to the majors by 2014, the news that he is progressing faster than expected puts a smile on my face, and gives me hope that him, Jedd Gyorko, and Yonder Alonso can form the nucleus of a stellar Infield for years to come in San Diego."

An Austin Hedges Thought - Avenging Jack Murphy

"I prefer Hedges becoming Varitek. Maybe the captain of a World Series winner? In any case, I think we'll see Austin Hedges in San Diego if his glove is as advertised, for no other reason than Jeff Mathis' employment."

$22 Million locks up 9 players - Padsblog

"General manager Josh Byrnes said the team expects to learn when it will go to arbitration with the two pitchers next week. The Padres can sign those players to contracts before arbitration cases begin Feb. 1."

Padres and Pints: Episode 2 Preview - RJs Fro

"We travel to the El Cajon Brewing Co. where we just so happen to run into Mr. Portland, Mr. Craft Beer, Mr. Indie Rock, oh, and also writer for Padres.com, Corey Brock!"

Guess the year: Aeriel view of Jack Murphy - Gaslamp Ball

"Most importantly, Father Junipero Serra, tired from building a string of missions in California, had taken up America's pastime and formed the San Diego Padres Baseball Club with his Friar brethren, one of which was the recently ordained Father Ted Williams."