"Preller drives everyone nuts!" said an AL executive. "He basically kept multiple teams on the hook as he shopped De Vries. He was a buyer, but kind of operated like a seller in terms of auctioning off De Vries to the highest bidder."

The Padres started Thursday by adding to their biggest strength -- landing right-hander Mason Miller to fortify what was already the best bullpen in baseball. They ended the day by addressing all of their weaknesses,

By strip-mining San Diego's farm system, Preller made it clear that the Padres are aiming for the World Series again this season.