Padres Rumors: Edinson Volquez wants extension

Edinson Volquez has the talent to be the San Diego Padres number two pitcher. Right now, Cory Luebke has the "ace" role locked up. However, Volquez cannot keep his pitches under control enough to rise to his true talent level. last season, he led the league in walks. And walks hurt. However, Volquez was successful enough to at least garner some extension consideration. For his part, Volquez wants an extension with the Padres rather than test the free agent market.

According to Bill Center of the San Diego Union Tribune, Volquez has expressed a desire to stay in San Diego. The team would like to see Volquez work on his control more before they enter into any extension talks, says Center. Volquez could be a very good pitcher if he didn't walk as many batters as he has throughout his career.

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The Padres received Volquez last offseason in a trade that sent then-ace Mat Latos to the Cincinnati Reds. Most analysts felt the Padres got the best of that deal in receiving Yonder Alonso, Yasmani Grandal, and Volquez in exchange for Latos. Alonso had an impressive year, Grandal showed signs of true talent (but he has since tested positive for banned substances), and Volquez has performed as expected.

If the Padres were to extend Volquez, they could get him for a reasonable amount. He made $2.2 million in 2012 and will make $5.725 million this season. The team could likely extend him a couple years for somewhere in the $6 million per year range.

Volquez is 29 years old and has been in the league for eight seasons. He has started 122 games and posted a 4.52 ERA in his career. Volquez's breakout season, the one that has everyone wondering what if, cam win 2008 when he made the All-Star team and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting. Volquez posted a 3.21 ERA that season.