The Padres have claimed outfielder Jeremy Hermida on outright waivers from Cincinnati and designated catcher Kyle Phillips for assignment, according to MLB.com's Corey Brock.

Hermida had three fairly productive years in Florida as he broke into the National League, his best season being in 2007 when he batted (.296 .369 .501) with 32 doubles, one triple and 18 HRs with 63 RBIs. He followed his first relatively full year in 2008 with a rather disappointing season, batting (.249 .323 .406) with 22 doubles, three triples and 17 HRs with 61 RBIs. However, Hermida rebounded in some aspects in 2009, raising his average while batting (.259 .348 .392) with 14 doubles, 2 triples and 13 HRs with 47 RBIs in 429 ABs. He has not received a full-time opportunity since.

Jeremy Hermida, 27 years old, is five years removed from being listed as the 4th best prospect in baseball according to Baseball America. In Cincinnati's AAA affiliate this year, Hermida batted (.319 .400 .524) with 23 doubles, one triple and 17 HRs with 55 RBIs in 395 ABs.

I like this move. Hermida could provide insurance for the Padres younger players going into next year; however, it should be noted that he will be arbitration eligible after this year. He's still only 27 with “potential.” I would look at him more as a left-handed bat off the bench (something the Padres really lacked this year) and to spell for the younger players more than anything. This may remind Padres fans somewhat of another "Venable project,” with the difference being that Hermida was one of the best prospects in all of baseball in 2006—4th overall according to Baseball America, and younger than Venable. Having said that, this type of move around this time of year, is very common.

If the Padres move on from the “Venable experiment,” they could use a 4^th or 5^th outfielder that can come in off the bench, if they are uncertain that their internal options will be productive in a bench role. If the Padres have Kyle Blanks and James Darnell next year in the outfield (which is possible baring any significant trade), that would be very right-handed heavy outfield accompanied with Cameron Maybin in center field.

The Padres didn't give Darnell a legit shot anywhere, even when Chase Headley went down with his broken finger. It's possible they want Darnell to get more work in the outfield on a lower level before throwing him into the fire—I mean, he's had very limited action on a professional level in the outfield. The Padres could part ways with either Chris Denorfia or Will Venable, or both, considering the financial limitations for bench players with a limited payroll. My guess is that they will hold onto Venable because they have many right-handed bats that play the outfield, and he still has that "it" factor the Padres love.

The Padres are not going to give all their youngsters a starting shot next year just because the veterans didn't do well this year, that's unrealistic. Cameron Maybin will be in center, Blanks will be in left field baring a trade and Blake Tekotte could also get a shot in right field. Jesus Guzman could also get ABs in a corner outfield spot, along with one of the younger players such as the aforementioned Tekotte or Darnell. The Padres would still need a left-handed bat off the bench. It's also very possible the Padres could trade players that they feel do not fit the mold of the Padres’ philosophy. Don't bank on every player currently on the 40-man roster next year.

Again, this is a very common move this time of year. While I would rather see James Darnell back up, or Blake Tekotte play everyday, that was not happening regardless, even without the signing of Hermida. With Denorfia coming back from the DL, Venable playing better, Blanks getting another look and Guzman needing to get Abs, plus with the likelihood of Anthony Rizzo being recalled, there are going to be a number of players vying for spots in the lineup.