It's no secret the Padres will, first and foremost, according to general manager Kevin Towers, be looking for a bat during the offseason to upgrade an offense that was among the worst in baseball last season. That bat, likely an outfielder, could be any number of players. The team is interested in Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome, who can sign with any Major League team. Fukudome, a left-handed batter, is a doubles machine, which could play well at PETCO Park. He has been compared to Todd Helton for his approach to hitting. And he's a plus defender, though I'm not sure if he would be a fit in center field. Remember, the Padres don't need a bopper (although that wouldn't hurt) as much as they need a productive bat, someone with patience and the ability to drive in runs in critical situations. Geoff Jenkins, whose option was declined by the Brewers, could be a possibility. He's a left-handed hitter as well. Here's another name I like: Brian Anderson of the White Sox. He hasn't panned out in Chicago but he's a center fielder and a very good defensive player with a lot of offensive upside.

I noticed that the Padres made the list of teams Curt Schilling would consider playing for in 2008. What are the chances that the Padres land Schilling during the offseason?
-- Nick Y., San Diego

The Padres certainly weren't the only team that Schilling listed last week as teams that he would not mind playing for in 2008. Honestly, I don't see him pitching for the Padres next season if for no other reason than money. Schilling, who will turn 41 later this month, earned $13 million last season and will likely command that much in a one-year deal in 2008. He'll get it, too. Given the Padres will likely retain veteran Greg Maddux with a spendy one-year deal, I can't see where they pick up Schilling. If starting pitching was their biggest need, then maybe. But it's not. It's on the list, but offense is the first order of business.

What ever happened to Matt Bush? He was the first pick overall a view years ago?
-- Ken B., El Paso, Texas

Bush, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, made news this past season when the Padres opted to convert the shortstop into a pitcher. The early returns were very good, as Bush's velocity sat in the mid-90s. But after a promising start on the mound, Bush tore a ligament in his pitching elbow and won't return until the 2009 season. He's still young (21) so we'll see how he bounces back after surgery.

Is there a chance that Mike Cameron will be on the Padres roster next season?
-- Matt S., Mesa, Ariz.

Have a question about the Padres? E-mail your query to MLB.com Padres beat reporter Corey Brock for possible inclusion in a future Inbox column. Letters may be edited for brevity, length and/or content. First Name, Last Initial: Hometown: Email Address: Question:

Cameron is a free agent and is believed to be seeking a deal that covers at least three years. I don't know if the Padres are willing to bite, though they just might reconsider now. Here's why. Cameron likely lost some of his potential earning power because of the 25-game suspension that came about when he tested positive for banned stimulants. Of course, there's no telling what he will earn on the open market, but the Padres haven't closed any doors on Cameron. He'll be 35 in January and, obviously, is still a very productive player, offensively and defensively. We'll see how this all ends, though I wouldn't be completely surprised to see him back in San Diego next year, though it's still a long shot.

What is the situation of Oscar Robles next year?
-- Juan O., Tijuana, Mexico

My thinking is that Robles could well make the 25-man roster as a utilityman, especially if Geoff Blum lands with another team. Robles can play about anywhere in the infield, he's regarded as a good defensive player and handles the bat well. His odds could be further enhanced if the Padres don't pursue a veteran second baseman in the offseason, with the understanding that either Matt Antonelli or Luis Rodriguez will start at second base. Either way, I think Robles stands a good chance of making the Opening Day roster.