GROUP THERAPY: Spring Training Kickoff

Note: this podcast was recorded LIVE for the patrons of Padres Hot Tub literally minutes after the announcement of the signing of Michael King, on the PHT Discord. You can be part of the fun (which included a hint on the platform hours in advance that a move was coming) and future live broadcasts by supporting our independent production at patreon.com/padreshottubON THE SHOW: Craig Elsten and Chris Reed are joined by a jubilant and suddenly-gathered group of PHT patrons to discuss the announcement that staff ace Michael King is coming back to the club on a new free agent deal! The contract includes a 12M signing bonus, 5M salary for 2026, and player options at 28M and 30M for 2027 and 2028, with a 5M buyout if King opts out the first season. Needless to say, this sparks discussion about the (erroneous?) reporting that the Padres didn't have money to spend, the idea of a King-Pivetta-Musgrove top of the rotation, and the idea that AJ Preller may now have strategic flexibility to make a trade if he has to. Recorded live just after 8pm PST on 12/18/25 live for our patrons on our PHT Discord Group Therapy stage!

Craig Elsten, Chris Reed, and Raphie Cantor gather after a quiet winter meetings for the Padres. But does no news mean good news? Rumors are swirling about the East Coast-based baseball media empire that seem to indicate a trade is brewing. They take a look at the other news stories (Yu Darvish's future) before finishing with another edition of Who's Your Padre.Want to get this show and tons of others early and ad-free? Plus access to our vaunted PHT Discord server and more? Become a patron at patreon.com/padreshottub

Craig Elsten, Chris Reed, and Raphie Cantor gather on Monday morning JUST BEFORE the Padres announced the signing of Daison Acosta, a real person who plays baseball. Thus, they instead discuss the rumors of Nick Pivetta and Jake Cronenworth trades, Preller's continued lack of an extension, the ownership situation, and Jeff Kent to the HOF.Want to get this show and tons of others early and ad-free? Plus access to our vaunted PHT Discord server and more? Become a patron at patreon.com/padreshottub

Craig, Chris, and Raphie catch up on the news of the offseason so far before following through on the offensive side of their equation – seeing how close the Padres are to hitting the magical 180 HR mark.Want to get this show and tons of others early and ad-free? Plus access to our vaunted PHT Discord server and more? Become a patron at patreon.com/padreshottub

Craig Elsten, Chris Reed, and Raphie Cantor catch up on the non-tender and qualifying offer news of the week before trying to solve the lack of starting pitcher innings on next year's team.Want to get this show and tons of others early and ad-free? Plus access to our vaunted PHT Discord server and more? Become a patron at patreon.com/padreshottub

Craig Elsten, Chris Reed, and Raphie Cantor gather on the Sunday after the Padres announced they were up for sale by the Seidler family. CCR discuss more of the fallout, how it could affect this offseason, and then end the episode with a game of "Name That Padre".Be sure to come to the PHT Holiday Trivia Party at Stone Tap Room on Kettner in Little Italy, Sunday 12/7 at 6pm!Want to get this show and tons of others early and ad-free? Plus access to our vaunted PHT Discord server and more? Become a patron at patreon.com/padreshottub

Craig, Chris, and Raphie gather with patrons on the evening after a stunning announcement from John Seidler that his family is exploring a sale of the Padres.Want to get this show and tons of others early and ad-free? Plus access to our vaunted PHT Discord server and more? Become a patron at patreon.com/padreshottub

Craig Elsten, Chris Reed, and Raphie Cantor gather on the evening after Craig Stammen was formally introduced as Padres manager. They marinate more on its meaning, Preller's consolidation of power, implications of qualifying offers, then end on good ol' fashioned Padres trivia.Want to get this show and tons of others early and ad-free? Plus access to our vaunted PHT Discord server and more? Become a patron at patreon.com/padreshottub

Stunner. Craig, Chris, and Raphie gather with dozens of patrons to immediately react to the news of Craig Stammen's appointment as Padres manager on a 3-year deal.Want to get this show and tons of others early and ad-free? Plus access to our vaunted PHT Discord server and more? Become a patron at patreon.com/padreshottub

Craig, Chris, and Raphie come to you on the Monday after the World Series, as player option decisions and free agency announcements come across the wire.Want to get this show and tons of others early and ad-free? Plus access to our vaunted PHT Discord server and more? Become a patron at patreon.com/padreshottub