Sorry for the delay in post. Got ill a bit and wasn't able to post. I'm back now and to the look of things just in time. Last we left the Padres had just come off a sweep of the Dodgers and couldn't be looking better. The jubilation of that was quickly erased by the Mariners who came into Petco and swept the Padres. Most concerning about the sweep though was the amount of games the Padres lead and then gave up in the late innings. The bullpen was due for a hiccup and if today's game in Chicago was any indication, it would appear they are back on track. The most concerning is Cla Meredith.
Now, Cla Meredith last year was nearly unhittable, setting the franchise record for scoreless innings streak. This year, not the same pitcher, who in his last 10 outings has given up at least 1 run 5 times. As mentioned in this space before, Heath Bell is, and deserves, to be getting the 7th inning. Look, the Padres offensive woes are well documented, which means a lot of close games. Right now, Cla Meredith cannot be trusted with a 1 or 2 run lead. Do I think it will be like this all year? No. But for now, Cla needs some outings with little pressure do get his rhythm back. When you only pitch one inning every few days, you need a rhythm. Right now, Cla can't find his. For now, Bud Black should go Bell, Linebrink, and Hoffman.
As for today's game in Chicago, by no doubt you have seen the highlight (or lowlight) of today's game. A lot has been said about Soriano on Friday showing up David Wells and no doubt he did. That said, it seems unlikely that Young threw at Lee on purpose. For one, it was a 1-2 count. Why waste 3 pitches if your going to plunk a guy? Why do it when your ahead of the count in a scoreless game? And why Lee? Now, I don't know what Young said to Lee and Lee is certainly not known for being a hot headed player, but what Lee did today was inexcusable. Certainly a suspension is in order for Lee. As for Young, it wouldn't surprise me but in reality he shouldn't be.
As for the baseball game, it was another 2 hit win for the Padres and one has to wonder how long the Padres can dance with fire and win. Eventually one would think the National League's lowest Batting Average will catch up with them. The answer is less clear. The Padres farm system is not great with a limited amount of prospects to trade. With the Reds falling out of it, I like the idea of bringing Griffey Jr. here. Kevin Towers has tried in the past to bring Griffey to San Diego, most notably in a blocked trade for Adam Dunn. And to just throw it out there, perhaps Clay Hensely can be a trading piece. Wtih Justin Germano seeming to supplant his place in the rotation, he may be expendable. Griffey can play right field as well and with Giles injury and the unknown length that he will be out, Griffey could make a lot of sense. One thing is for sure, Adrian Gonzalez is going to see less and less to hit and Padres fans will see more BB's next to his name unless the Padres get him some protection...or players start producing.
Short post today, we'll be back on Monday to review the finale of the Cubs series and get ready for the first visit of the Orioles into Petco.
2 comments:
This is the only time I can think of where Padres were involved in a fight... and of course it happened in Chicago! Where else?? Gosh darn hot-headed Chicagoans!
This is the only time I can think of where Padres were involved in a fight... and of course it happened in Chicago! Where else?? Gosh darn hot-headed Chicagoans!
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