I return today after an 11 day hiatus to finish finals, begin an internship and entertain out-of-town guests. So, what have I missed?
- Jake Peavy was placed on the DL and the optimistic approach appears to be about 6 weeks on the shelf. This is devastating obviously but that devastation is tempered somewhat by being 12.5 games back. Essentially what I'm saying is, its not as if the Padres need him right now. And if this thing doesn't get turned around (and quickly) there is no reason to rush him back. I posted here a few weeks (months?) ago that Peavy's pitch counts I thought were abnormally high for this early in the season. Now he has a sore elbow. Maybe it's connected. Maybe whatever Prior has is contagious. Either way, Peavy is out.
- And now, so is Chris Young. If you watched or were at the game on Wednesday, the scene was something out of a horror movie. I saw the ball hit off CY, but wasn't sure where. His back was turned to the camera on Channel 4 and when he turned around a stream of blood was running down his face. Very Wes Craven. It appears he fractured his nose and will miss at least one or two starts.
- 10 minutes later, Josh Bard was knocked out with a high ankle sprain. The culprit in both incidents? Albert Pujols. I must say though, Pujols was pretty classy regarding the CY incident, saying in the paper that he "would have rather grounded into a double play then to have that happen."
- This obviously necessitated some moves by the front office which meant FINALLY Chase Headley would be brought...wait...what? Oh, no Chase is still in Portland. It's not about his salary though...no way...definitely not.
- The Padres find themselves 12.5 games back yet in the last two weeks have shown some semblance of competitiveness which I imagine is encouraging. What isn't is having the top two pitchers knocked out and having no catcher with big league experience.
- Trade rumors abound and the thought is that absent a major turn around, major trades will be made. Brian Giles contract ends at the end of this year so one would have to think he is on the block.
- Did I mention that Chase Headley is not up with the club yet?
- Ever the optimist, I can say that the NL as a whole is not exactly lighting the world on fire. Also, there is recent precedence for teams turning it around in the second half (Astros, Mariners, etc). It's possible. So I say, do not go gently into that good night...yet.
* Apologies to Dylan Thomas
Friday, May 23, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Windy City Ramblings
Don't look now but the Padres won their first series since the end of April yesterday. And they scored 6 runs! It was quite a day at Petco indeed.
Recent lineup changes appear to be paying dividends, however small at the moment. Jody Gerut has become the new lead-off man, and with a microscopic sample size, we won't discuss yet if it was worth it. I will say this, Gerut adds a ton of speed to this lineup and has made two fantastic outfield assists since taking over in center. That move moved Brian Giles to the 3 spot in the lineup and allows AGon bat clean-up, two moves that certainly appear to maximize the limited offense San Diego has.
Padres head to Chicago starting tonight and get the unlucky break of facing Zambrano. Zambrano was scheduled to pitch yesterday but due to a rain out, his start was pushed back to today...against San Diego.
The Cubs a legit, title contending team featuring offensive studs like Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and the almost-Padre, Fukudome. Temperatures should be in the 40's around first pitch...a far cry from San Diego May Gray or not.
Let's welcome Paul DePodesta to the blogging world. This provides a unique insight into the front-office of the San Diego Padres. 3 posts up so far and already it's been enlightening. Check it out here.
Last final is tomorrow and posts will be back to normal then.
Recent lineup changes appear to be paying dividends, however small at the moment. Jody Gerut has become the new lead-off man, and with a microscopic sample size, we won't discuss yet if it was worth it. I will say this, Gerut adds a ton of speed to this lineup and has made two fantastic outfield assists since taking over in center. That move moved Brian Giles to the 3 spot in the lineup and allows AGon bat clean-up, two moves that certainly appear to maximize the limited offense San Diego has.
Padres head to Chicago starting tonight and get the unlucky break of facing Zambrano. Zambrano was scheduled to pitch yesterday but due to a rain out, his start was pushed back to today...against San Diego.
The Cubs a legit, title contending team featuring offensive studs like Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and the almost-Padre, Fukudome. Temperatures should be in the 40's around first pitch...a far cry from San Diego May Gray or not.
Let's welcome Paul DePodesta to the blogging world. This provides a unique insight into the front-office of the San Diego Padres. 3 posts up so far and already it's been enlightening. Check it out here.
Last final is tomorrow and posts will be back to normal then.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Joy in Mudville
It may not be the sign that the Padres have turned the corner but for once there was happiness in Mudville.
Last night marked a historic evening at Petco Park, a park that in its relative infancy has seen its share of history (Barry Bonds hitting 755; Hoffman records record-breaking save on final home game of 2006 season; Hoffman records save number 500).
Greg Maddux became the 9th player in Major League Baseball history to record 350 wins, joining the likes of Cy Young, Warren Spahn, and perhaps most noteworthy, Roger Clemens. It will be interesting to see how history treats Greg Maddux in comparison to Roger Clemens in light of recent events. Greg Maddux was quietly dominant for over a decade. Will history view Maddux as the greatest pitcher of our era? Perhaps more importantly, is he the greatest pitcher of our era? Here's the argument that he is:
The next closest active pitcher to Maddux is former teammate Tom Glavine, who at 42 years old, has 303 wins. Behind him is Randy Johnson, who at 44, has 286 wins. From there it goes Mike Mussina at 255 and Jaime Moyer at 232. It is safe to say then, that beyond Randy Johnson, we may be watching the last pitchers to ever record 300 wins. In an era of long relievers, closers, pitch-counts, and 5-man rotations, the likelihood that any under 30 pitcher will reach 300 wins is remote. Barry Zito, at 30 exactly, has 113 and may not reach 120 at his pace. Mark Buehrle is 29 and has 108 wins. Johan Santana, arguably the best pitcher of our current era, is under 100 with 97 wins.
To reach 300 wins, a pitcher would have to average 20 wins for 15 years. Maddux has 350 wins. An unbelievable accomplishment that we are unlikely to see again. It was a special night indeed at Petco.
Padres take CY to the mound with a chance to win a series. I'll be there live! Go Pads!
Last night marked a historic evening at Petco Park, a park that in its relative infancy has seen its share of history (Barry Bonds hitting 755; Hoffman records record-breaking save on final home game of 2006 season; Hoffman records save number 500).
Greg Maddux became the 9th player in Major League Baseball history to record 350 wins, joining the likes of Cy Young, Warren Spahn, and perhaps most noteworthy, Roger Clemens. It will be interesting to see how history treats Greg Maddux in comparison to Roger Clemens in light of recent events. Greg Maddux was quietly dominant for over a decade. Will history view Maddux as the greatest pitcher of our era? Perhaps more importantly, is he the greatest pitcher of our era? Here's the argument that he is:
The next closest active pitcher to Maddux is former teammate Tom Glavine, who at 42 years old, has 303 wins. Behind him is Randy Johnson, who at 44, has 286 wins. From there it goes Mike Mussina at 255 and Jaime Moyer at 232. It is safe to say then, that beyond Randy Johnson, we may be watching the last pitchers to ever record 300 wins. In an era of long relievers, closers, pitch-counts, and 5-man rotations, the likelihood that any under 30 pitcher will reach 300 wins is remote. Barry Zito, at 30 exactly, has 113 and may not reach 120 at his pace. Mark Buehrle is 29 and has 108 wins. Johan Santana, arguably the best pitcher of our current era, is under 100 with 97 wins.
To reach 300 wins, a pitcher would have to average 20 wins for 15 years. Maddux has 350 wins. An unbelievable accomplishment that we are unlikely to see again. It was a special night indeed at Petco.
Padres take CY to the mound with a chance to win a series. I'll be there live! Go Pads!
Friday, May 9, 2008
**BREAKING NEWS** Jim Edmonds Released
This news is coming third party so I will try to do it justice but as I get details I will post them.
Essential, what I've heard via someone who was listening to Sports Radio 1090 in San Diego is that the Padres have released Jim Edmonds from the roster. As has often been written here, Jim Edmonds had been a colossal hole in the middle of the Padres lineup and had clearly lost a step in the outfield. Our fears were realized earlier this week when Kevin Towers went on the air to publicly say that it was clear Edmonds bat and legs had slowed down. Moves were promised upon their return, and moves have taken place. So...now what.
Jody Gerut and Nick Hundley did NOT play in Portland last night, perhaps indicative that they are coming to San Diego by this weekend.
Chase Headley remains their top prospect, and bringing him here will push a platoon into Center between (likely) Hairston, Gerut, Crabbe, and the Aussie.
It seems increasingly likely that the Padres will be in a position where they HAVE to sign Jacques Jones. He can't hit but the guy can play some D and brings much needed speed to a slow team. And he strikes out a lot, so he'll fit right in.
Other options: Reggie Willits, Felix Pie (who also can't hit, and who knows what the Cubs would want for him), and my yearly answer, Ken Griffey Jr. That's a pipe dream of course, as he wants to go to a contender (which the Padres are not currently) and he is likely far to expensive. Doesn't mean we can't wish for it though!
More info as I receive them!
Updates:
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports has the story here.
Essential, what I've heard via someone who was listening to Sports Radio 1090 in San Diego is that the Padres have released Jim Edmonds from the roster. As has often been written here, Jim Edmonds had been a colossal hole in the middle of the Padres lineup and had clearly lost a step in the outfield. Our fears were realized earlier this week when Kevin Towers went on the air to publicly say that it was clear Edmonds bat and legs had slowed down. Moves were promised upon their return, and moves have taken place. So...now what.
Jody Gerut and Nick Hundley did NOT play in Portland last night, perhaps indicative that they are coming to San Diego by this weekend.
Chase Headley remains their top prospect, and bringing him here will push a platoon into Center between (likely) Hairston, Gerut, Crabbe, and the Aussie.
It seems increasingly likely that the Padres will be in a position where they HAVE to sign Jacques Jones. He can't hit but the guy can play some D and brings much needed speed to a slow team. And he strikes out a lot, so he'll fit right in.
Other options: Reggie Willits, Felix Pie (who also can't hit, and who knows what the Cubs would want for him), and my yearly answer, Ken Griffey Jr. That's a pipe dream of course, as he wants to go to a contender (which the Padres are not currently) and he is likely far to expensive. Doesn't mean we can't wish for it though!
More info as I receive them!
Updates:
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports has the story here.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Fight the Apathy!!!!
The title to today's post is taken from Sullivan's article today in the U-T. In that article, Sullivan points out that the time to make changes on this team is now, while fans are angry but paying attention. As is often the case in San Diego, apathy can set in quickly and the fastest way to drive your fans off the cliff and into oblivion...a 12-22 record.
Fear not, change is on its way. So we've been told. Kevin Towers has said publicly that changes will be made once the team returns from there East Coast trip. What will those changes be? That's anyone's guess, but based on KT's public admonishment of Jim Edmonds skills yesterday on Sports Radio 1090XX one would have to assume it involves Edmonds. Probably not a great sign that Crabbe pinch hit for Edmonds last night in the 9th.
NOTE: As has often been said in this space, Edmonds should not be batting 5th. He's not today and the Padres just scored 2 in the first. Talk about small sample size but still...
Ledezema gets the start this morning in Atlanta, giving Peavy a day off. Headley is beginning to rake in Portland and Jacques Jones is still unemployed (and sadly, I think designed for a Towers pick-up...let's hope Towers learned his lesson about putting aging, offensively challenged in important positions in the field.
Finals continue so a short post. Mostly to tell you I'm still here and still following the team, although with studying, not as diligently as I was. If/when moves are made this week or next, I will let you know.
Fear not, change is on its way. So we've been told. Kevin Towers has said publicly that changes will be made once the team returns from there East Coast trip. What will those changes be? That's anyone's guess, but based on KT's public admonishment of Jim Edmonds skills yesterday on Sports Radio 1090XX one would have to assume it involves Edmonds. Probably not a great sign that Crabbe pinch hit for Edmonds last night in the 9th.
NOTE: As has often been said in this space, Edmonds should not be batting 5th. He's not today and the Padres just scored 2 in the first. Talk about small sample size but still...
Ledezema gets the start this morning in Atlanta, giving Peavy a day off. Headley is beginning to rake in Portland and Jacques Jones is still unemployed (and sadly, I think designed for a Towers pick-up...let's hope Towers learned his lesson about putting aging, offensively challenged in important positions in the field.
Finals continue so a short post. Mostly to tell you I'm still here and still following the team, although with studying, not as diligently as I was. If/when moves are made this week or next, I will let you know.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Oh Happy Day...
The faux-holiday that Padres fans around the world anxiously awaited for is finally here. May 1st! What does this day mean for Padres fans? Historically, it is the day they stop sucking and start winning. It also means an 11-17 April is now a distant and long-forgotten memory.
The Padres ended April like they began it (and quite differently then they played it in between). They won!!!! They got hits!!! Trevor got a save!!! The birds were singing, the sun was shining!
Look, I don't buy that much into the May thing, although I am just as happy as anyone to see April in the rear-view mirror now. I also think the way the Padres played yesterday (4 runs, everyone by CY and Edmonds getting a hit) is closer to the reality of this team then the near Mendoza line Batting Average the team has been hitting.
I can't get into the numbers now (however, Geoff Young at ducksnorts.com did a nice job of explaining this) but it's not that the Padres are this bad of an offensive team as much as it is they are, as a team, hitting at well below average levels. I don't know much about statistics but I'm told these things straighten out in the end. We shall see.
I do know this, the Padres can win a series today for the first time since, well, it's been a while is the point.
Beginning of May, 11-17 and 9 GB of Arizona. Let's saddle up boys, we ain't done yet!
P.S. To those who like to comment on how Trevor is "done" he recorded the save last night, making him 5 for 7 in save chances. He also has posted an ERA under 2.00 in his past 5 appearances. Talks of his demise have been greatly exaggerated.
The Padres ended April like they began it (and quite differently then they played it in between). They won!!!! They got hits!!! Trevor got a save!!! The birds were singing, the sun was shining!
Look, I don't buy that much into the May thing, although I am just as happy as anyone to see April in the rear-view mirror now. I also think the way the Padres played yesterday (4 runs, everyone by CY and Edmonds getting a hit) is closer to the reality of this team then the near Mendoza line Batting Average the team has been hitting.
I can't get into the numbers now (however, Geoff Young at ducksnorts.com did a nice job of explaining this) but it's not that the Padres are this bad of an offensive team as much as it is they are, as a team, hitting at well below average levels. I don't know much about statistics but I'm told these things straighten out in the end. We shall see.
I do know this, the Padres can win a series today for the first time since, well, it's been a while is the point.
Beginning of May, 11-17 and 9 GB of Arizona. Let's saddle up boys, we ain't done yet!
P.S. To those who like to comment on how Trevor is "done" he recorded the save last night, making him 5 for 7 in save chances. He also has posted an ERA under 2.00 in his past 5 appearances. Talks of his demise have been greatly exaggerated.
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