Today Josh Bard, Shawn Estes, Luke Carlin, and Sean Kazmar cleared waivers. Dirk Heyhurst did not. He got claimed by the Toronto Blue Jays. I am slightly disappointed about this because I was going to recommend a really good article he wrote about his major league callup. This guy has serious writing talent. I hope he enjoys it in Canada. Now, Luke and Sean got sent to Triple-A. But it is with great sadness as I tell you that Bardo and Estes are no longer with the Padres, and have instead chosen the course of free agency. I am very sad, but I will get over it. I loved Bardo. He was amazing in 2007. Then catching 22 innings and summarizing the game (“If you give up 1 earned run in 22 innings you should win the game”), he was a fighter. When he was healthy, he was good. Unfortunately, he had a really tough year. Estes also chose free agency over the minors. So, now the Padres need to find a veteran catcher. I think Nick Hundley will be back next year, but he needs an experienced mentor. Well, the rebuilding has started. We’re preparing to get better.