This point can't be made more clearly than I'm about to make it right now.
This is not a defense of the Padres actions (or lack thereof) of this winter.
Nor is this a complaint.
And it's not a complaint because it's December 8th. For reference sake, the Mat Latos trade, which caught many by surprise, happened on December 17th.
The sense amongst Padres fans (or at least the small section of fans in which I have seen, read or interacted with) is that this is just the same old Padres. Same penny-pinchers despite the fact that they now have $1.5 billion in television revenue to work with. The evidence they point to is multi-layered:
1) The Padres did not offer Kuroda $17 million as was reported by the NY Post. This, in and of itself, was a good thing and not many would argue that point. What was more concerning to some is the impression that the Padres COULDN'T offer that amount.
2) The Padres failed to land Dan Haren. Haren had been rumored as a player that may fit well with the Padres. But, as has been reported multiple places, including via Corey Brock, the Padres are steering clear of health risk. Between back issues and lingering hip issues, Dan Haren was far from a low risk option from a health perspective. At $13 million, that price was likely too high for San Diego considering those risk.
3) Reports came out that the Padres were looking at a payroll of $70 million for 2013. While this is an increase of nearly $15 million from last year, it fars short of what many expected with a new ownership group and new influx of television revenue. It also leaves little room for maneuvering after the extensions to Street and Quentin (among others) are accounted for.
4) Reports that Byrnes was caught off guard by the market value of pitchers like Haren, Blanton and, presumably now, McCarthy. I can't say I blame him too much. $13 million for Haren was higher than expected. Then again, the Nationals gave Jayson Werth a $126 million contract for 7 years.
As it stands now, the Padres primary target this off-season has been starting pitching. That need has been made clear by all involved and plugged in with the team. And considering the amount of injuries the pitching staff suffered in 2012 (11 pitchers hit the DL last season including relief pitching. This includes season-ending injuries to 3/5ths of the rotation followed by season ending injuries to 2 of the replacements for those 3/5ths) you can see why the Padres would want to stockpile pitching.
But it is worth bearing in mind that in 2013 the Padres expected to see the return of Cory Luebke, potentially as early as June 1. Per Bill James via Fangraphs, Luebke is predicted to make 24 starts Is that optimistic? Probably. One would assume the Padres will take a version of the Nationals plan in dealing with Luebke coming off Tommy John.
But he will return. As will Cashner. (We'll get to that injury on a later post. But...well, F). Not to mention Casey Kelly, Max Fried, Robbie Erlin, and Keyvius Sampson, the future of Padres pitching looks promising.
I'm not going to sit here and tell you that this winter thus far has been thrilling as a Padres fan. PED suspensions, hunting accidents and Jason Marquis does not fire up the fan base. Do I think the team is where it needs to be right now to compete? No. But I think they are closer than some who would scream for the Padres to make a deal would believe.
Let's wait until the off-season is over before we make broad declarations on how well the Padres did in the off-season and whether Byrnes is incompetent.
Make a deal that makes sense. Both for 2013 and beyond. But don't spend money just because you have money.
Showing posts with label NL West. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NL West. Show all posts
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
To Dream the Impossible Dream
If you are not one for optimism, or one for rooting for what appears to be the impossible, look away. If underdogs and made-for-Hollywood comebacks make you queasy, this post is not for you.
Because what I'm about to say defies logic, common sense, and will likely lead you to discredit any opinion forthwith as the ravings of a madman.
But I'm not so sure the Padres are out of the 2012 playoff picture.
Stay with me now. And let me make this crystal clear. I have no expectation that they can do it. Zero.
But...it could happen.
In 2011, the St. Louis Cardinals were 10.5 games back of the Wild Card on August 25th. They won the World Series.
In 2010, well, I think you know what the Giants did.
And let's not forget the multiple years of Rocktober we've witnessed. The precedent has been set.
What if the Padres could be one of those stories?
Again, this is madness. Craziness really. Or is it?
The Padres finished a July above .500 (15-11) for the first time since 2010. Meanwhile, the Dodgers played .500, the Diamondbacks at 14-13, and the Giants at .500. Should that happen again in August, the Padres would be 7.5 games back at the start of September.
In September, the Padres play the Diamondbacks, Giants and Dodgers 6 times each.
It's possible. That's all I'm saying. Not probable. Possible.
Cashner is throwing bullpen sessions. Grandal is tweeting about his return. Chase Headley has caught fire now that he doesn't have to check trade rumors every hour of every day, Quentin is healthy (ish) and providing protection, and the team is committing less errors.
If sports has taught me anything, is that the impossible is possible. It was impossible that Adam Scott would lose the British Open with a 4 shot lead with 4 holes to play. Yet he did. It was impossible that the Giants could beat the undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl. Except they did. George Mason in the Final Four? IMPOSSIBLE! Yet it happened.
Teams get hot. Other teams fade. Lightning in a bottle. Cliche. Cliche. Cliche.
But isn't it more fun to hope?
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." - if I have to tell you what this is from...watch more movies.
Because what I'm about to say defies logic, common sense, and will likely lead you to discredit any opinion forthwith as the ravings of a madman.
But I'm not so sure the Padres are out of the 2012 playoff picture.
Stay with me now. And let me make this crystal clear. I have no expectation that they can do it. Zero.
But...it could happen.
In 2011, the St. Louis Cardinals were 10.5 games back of the Wild Card on August 25th. They won the World Series.
In 2010, well, I think you know what the Giants did.
And let's not forget the multiple years of Rocktober we've witnessed. The precedent has been set.
What if the Padres could be one of those stories?
Again, this is madness. Craziness really. Or is it?
The Padres finished a July above .500 (15-11) for the first time since 2010. Meanwhile, the Dodgers played .500, the Diamondbacks at 14-13, and the Giants at .500. Should that happen again in August, the Padres would be 7.5 games back at the start of September.
In September, the Padres play the Diamondbacks, Giants and Dodgers 6 times each.
It's possible. That's all I'm saying. Not probable. Possible.
Cashner is throwing bullpen sessions. Grandal is tweeting about his return. Chase Headley has caught fire now that he doesn't have to check trade rumors every hour of every day, Quentin is healthy (ish) and providing protection, and the team is committing less errors.
If sports has taught me anything, is that the impossible is possible. It was impossible that Adam Scott would lose the British Open with a 4 shot lead with 4 holes to play. Yet he did. It was impossible that the Giants could beat the undefeated Patriots in the Super Bowl. Except they did. George Mason in the Final Four? IMPOSSIBLE! Yet it happened.
Teams get hot. Other teams fade. Lightning in a bottle. Cliche. Cliche. Cliche.
But isn't it more fun to hope?
"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." - if I have to tell you what this is from...watch more movies.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Competing in 2013
The Padres signed local boy Carlos Quentin to a 3 year, $27 million contract, ending all conversations about whether (and for what) he would be traded. He won't be. He is here to stay.
But this isn't a conversation about the merits of that deal. For the most part I like it, though the no-trade clause is always dangerous. But time will tell whether this was a smart move.
No, today I'm more interested in what this means about the organizations expectations for the immediate future. A signing like this would seem to indicate that the rebuilding process is in its final leg. That the team is planning to be competitive, perhaps as soon as 2013. So, let's look at that.
For one, 2012 has provided little in the way of a barometer regarding the Padres pitching staff. The current staff is a hodgepodge of players who happened to be available and answered their phone. For example, currently I'm watching Ross Ohlendorf pitch, a player who started 2012 in Pawtucket. Kip Wells, Jason Marquis. To paraphrase a sage mentor "these are not the starting pitchers you are looking for."
By now the Padres injury struggles are well documented. Needless to say, the post-Latos trade projected starting 5 of Volquez, Luebke, Stauffer, Richard and Moseley/Bass spent precious little time on the field.
Then there's the middle infield. I hate to do this to you and I'll make it fast but, we started this year with the Hudson/Barlett tandem. A distant memory now, it took awhile to rectify this situation because, you guessed it, injury. Forsythe and Cabrera were injured, Amarista was an Angel. The times were different.
But not anymore. Hudson is gone. Bartlett is going to be gone. Hundley's struggles (and now injury) are in Tucson. The lion share of the Latos trade is on the field in San Diego. The team is drastically different then it was to start the year. Hell, it's different from where this team was on Memorial Day.
Yes the team is playing better. Yes the competition has been weaker. But keep in mind, this is a team that got swept from the Cubs so beating even weak teams is progress.
Can they compete in 2013? Here's what their lineup by mid-June should look like. This obviously takes the optimistic view that they will not suffer as many injuries next year as this.
C Yasmani Grandal
1B Yonder Alonso
2B Forsythe/Amarista
SS Cabrera/Amarista
3B Headley or Gyorko
LF Quentin
CF Maybin
RF Venable/Denofia
SP Luebke
SP Stauffer
SP Cashner
SP Richard
SP Bass or whoever 2013's Volquez/Harang type person is
Closer: No idea
Now, let's look at the NL West. Currently the Giants lead the West with a 53-42 record despite being 11th in Runs Scored in the NL. (The Dodgers are 13th in that category BTW). It doesn't take a ton of firepower to win the West. It does take pitching.
So, can this team compete in 2013? I imagine that depends on how you define "competing?" I define it as playing important baseball games in September. Can the team above stay in the race in the West in 2013? I think they've shown in the past 3 weeks that they can. It's a young team, but, thanks to injuries in 2012, many of the young pieces are getting MLB experience ahead of schedule. That can only help moving forward.
It's for that reason that I like the Quentin signing. The team believes they are close. The product on the field is better. And the NL West is not top-heavy. You don't extend Quentin when you are rebuilding.
It appears that rebuilding process is now near its end.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
10 Reasons The 2nd Half Won't Suck As Much As The 1st Half
Hey there strangers. The blog posting has been sporadic to say the least around here. Hoping to change that. With any luck, the Padres will provide me with more material in the next 2 and a half months.
The 1st half of the season has not been, what's the word, "good." Currently, there are 12 players on the Padres DL. 12. Since the beginning of Spring Training, 22 different players have been injured. That's nearly an entire roster of players. Only the Boston Red Sox have more players currently on their DL than the Padres. At one point this year, half of the Padres payroll was either hurt, benched, or had been out right released.
This has contributed to a 34-53 record at the All-Star Break. Now, I don't think many harbored any delusions of division championships before the season began. But, I don't think this team is nearly as bad as that record suggest. 22 injuries will do that too you.
At 19 games under .500, you might be asking yourself "why keep watching?" Fair enough. Thus, I present to you 10 Reasons the 2nd Half of the Season Won't Suck as Much as the 1st Half:
10) Cameron Maybin's Toe Tap
I foolish predicted Maybin would be the Padres All-Star at the beginning of the year, banking on the fact that Maybin would continue improving on his mini-breakout year of 2011. About 100,000 strikeouts later, that prediction could not look more dumb. To help fix Maybin without sending him down to AAA, he is now trying a much shorter swing stride, or a "toe tap." Anecdotally it seems to be helping as only days after making that change he crushed a 485 ft HR in Phoenix. Here's to a better 2nd half, thanks to the toe tap!
9) Andrew Cashner's Return
Like most, I thought the worst when Cashner grabbed his elbow after air-mailing a warm-up pitch in Phoenix. I assumed yet another Tommy John surgery which meant not seeing Cashner until August/September of 2013. To say I was crestfallen would be an understatement. But it doesn't sound so serious now. Placed on the 15 Day DL with a strained right lat, it sounds like an injury that could have knocked Cashner out for more than a year will now only keep him out for about a month. Which means mid-August, the 100 MPH fastball returns.
8) The Trade Deadline
It's pretty clear the Padres will be active at the deadline this year. Quentin, Street, Headley, Denofia, all players who have been mentioned recently as being of interest to contending teams. The trade deadline will alter the current face of the Padres. What they get in return will be interesting.
7) The Forsythe/Amarista/Cabrera Middle Infield
Long gone are the Hudson/Bartlett days. They now reside in that part of my brain where I keep memories I don't want to think about. *shudder The quality of play up the middle has increased. And even if it doesn't translate into more runs, it's a hell of a lot more fun watching these guys then it ever was watching Hudson and Bartlett.
6) Avoiding 100 Losses
This has become my number one goal for the 2012 season. Avoid 100 losses. I'd be willing to put money down right now that they do. You know, if I were a gambling man. (Editor's Note: I'm a gambling man.) Heading into the All-Star Break the Padres were suddenly playing over .500, despite dropping 3 of 4 to the Reds. Partially due to a soft section of the schedule, its also due to the fact that the team is simply playing better.
5) Yasmani Grandal
Look, Nick, we had some fun times. Some laughs. They were great. But I'm not the same person I was back then. I've found someone else. He hits from both sides of the plate, with power, and has a mohawk. It's not you, it's Grandal.
4) New Owners
I don't pretend to have the business acumen to know whether the O'Malley Group is financially solvant enough to run a team or whether they are even the right choice for this team. I do know that having confusion at the top or worst, a lame duck, is bad for the on-field product. Having a relatively easy ownership transfer and getting the new owners in place before the season is out is a good thing, even if Moores walks with $200 million.
3) Playing Spoiler
From September 18th - September 30th, the Padres play: AZ, SF, LA, SF. Three teams that will likely be in the hunt for a playoff spot. If you can't make the playoffs, at least keep other teams from making the playoffs.
2) Minor League Prospects
If you head north on the 15 about an hour you can watch 2011 1st Round pick Cory Spangenberg. And the watch the Storm make another push for a California League Championship. The Missions are full of players on the relatively immediate radar of Padres fans (Decker, Liriano, Roach, Erlin). Max Fried (2012 1st Rd pick) is signed, sealed, delivered. The Minor Leagues are stock full of interesting stories and optimism. Get yourself out there to a minor league game before the season is up!
1) Big Eye IPA and Tacos
You could really do this during the 1st half of the season but, The Pier at Petco Park has become my favorite part at the park. Great views, great beer, delicious tacos. Who cares what the score is? I'm full.
The 1st half of the season has not been, what's the word, "good." Currently, there are 12 players on the Padres DL. 12. Since the beginning of Spring Training, 22 different players have been injured. That's nearly an entire roster of players. Only the Boston Red Sox have more players currently on their DL than the Padres. At one point this year, half of the Padres payroll was either hurt, benched, or had been out right released.
This has contributed to a 34-53 record at the All-Star Break. Now, I don't think many harbored any delusions of division championships before the season began. But, I don't think this team is nearly as bad as that record suggest. 22 injuries will do that too you.
At 19 games under .500, you might be asking yourself "why keep watching?" Fair enough. Thus, I present to you 10 Reasons the 2nd Half of the Season Won't Suck as Much as the 1st Half:
10) Cameron Maybin's Toe Tap
I foolish predicted Maybin would be the Padres All-Star at the beginning of the year, banking on the fact that Maybin would continue improving on his mini-breakout year of 2011. About 100,000 strikeouts later, that prediction could not look more dumb. To help fix Maybin without sending him down to AAA, he is now trying a much shorter swing stride, or a "toe tap." Anecdotally it seems to be helping as only days after making that change he crushed a 485 ft HR in Phoenix. Here's to a better 2nd half, thanks to the toe tap!
9) Andrew Cashner's Return
Like most, I thought the worst when Cashner grabbed his elbow after air-mailing a warm-up pitch in Phoenix. I assumed yet another Tommy John surgery which meant not seeing Cashner until August/September of 2013. To say I was crestfallen would be an understatement. But it doesn't sound so serious now. Placed on the 15 Day DL with a strained right lat, it sounds like an injury that could have knocked Cashner out for more than a year will now only keep him out for about a month. Which means mid-August, the 100 MPH fastball returns.
8) The Trade Deadline
It's pretty clear the Padres will be active at the deadline this year. Quentin, Street, Headley, Denofia, all players who have been mentioned recently as being of interest to contending teams. The trade deadline will alter the current face of the Padres. What they get in return will be interesting.
7) The Forsythe/Amarista/Cabrera Middle Infield
Long gone are the Hudson/Bartlett days. They now reside in that part of my brain where I keep memories I don't want to think about. *shudder The quality of play up the middle has increased. And even if it doesn't translate into more runs, it's a hell of a lot more fun watching these guys then it ever was watching Hudson and Bartlett.
6) Avoiding 100 Losses
This has become my number one goal for the 2012 season. Avoid 100 losses. I'd be willing to put money down right now that they do. You know, if I were a gambling man. (Editor's Note: I'm a gambling man.) Heading into the All-Star Break the Padres were suddenly playing over .500, despite dropping 3 of 4 to the Reds. Partially due to a soft section of the schedule, its also due to the fact that the team is simply playing better.
5) Yasmani Grandal
Look, Nick, we had some fun times. Some laughs. They were great. But I'm not the same person I was back then. I've found someone else. He hits from both sides of the plate, with power, and has a mohawk. It's not you, it's Grandal.
4) New Owners
I don't pretend to have the business acumen to know whether the O'Malley Group is financially solvant enough to run a team or whether they are even the right choice for this team. I do know that having confusion at the top or worst, a lame duck, is bad for the on-field product. Having a relatively easy ownership transfer and getting the new owners in place before the season is out is a good thing, even if Moores walks with $200 million.
3) Playing Spoiler
From September 18th - September 30th, the Padres play: AZ, SF, LA, SF. Three teams that will likely be in the hunt for a playoff spot. If you can't make the playoffs, at least keep other teams from making the playoffs.
2) Minor League Prospects
If you head north on the 15 about an hour you can watch 2011 1st Round pick Cory Spangenberg. And the watch the Storm make another push for a California League Championship. The Missions are full of players on the relatively immediate radar of Padres fans (Decker, Liriano, Roach, Erlin). Max Fried (2012 1st Rd pick) is signed, sealed, delivered. The Minor Leagues are stock full of interesting stories and optimism. Get yourself out there to a minor league game before the season is up!
1) Big Eye IPA and Tacos
You could really do this during the 1st half of the season but, The Pier at Petco Park has become my favorite part at the park. Great views, great beer, delicious tacos. Who cares what the score is? I'm full.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
In Which It Is Safe To Shop Again
My closet is littered with jerseys I no longer wear. Giveaways, gifts, or impulse buys that now simply mark the history of the Padres through the years (well, through the late 90's to today). Among them are:
Mid-90's Gwynn (a jersey I still wear, of course)
Trevor Hoffman (Retired from wear when he became a Brewer. Now free to be worn at will.)
Khalil Greene (free jersey giveaway day)
Mike Cameron (another giveaway)
Jake Peavy (during his Cy Young season)
Adrian Gonzalez (which will never see the light of day again)
Buying a jersey of your favorite team is tricky business. For one, they don't come cheaply (a 2012 Authentic Home jersey runs $258.99).
Secondly, if you are to invest the money it takes to have a jersey, there's really nothing worst than waking up to find out the player you've chosen to hitch your wagon to has been traded to Cincinnati.
And finally, more own personal rule of thumb regarding jerseys. If you are not on the team, I'm not wearing your jersey. Nothing makes me cringe more than walking around Petco and seeing Giles jersey's. If you are not currently on the team, I'm out. Obviously, the exception to this is a retired player (i.e. Gwynn and Hoffman). But while Hoffman was a Brewer, that jersey collects dust. Don't be the guy walking around in an Adrian Gonzalez jersey while he's hitting doubles off the Green Monster.
It is with all of this in mind that today's news regarding Cameron Maybin. Originally broken by Dan Hayes at the North County Times, the Padres today agreed to a 5 year/$25 million extension with an option for a 6 year. With this deal (similar to the deal Josh Brynes pulled off with Chris Young of Arizona), the Padres have secured one of the most important positions in baseball with a player taylor made for Petco Park both from a defensive and offensive standpoint.
Moreover, Cam is just fun. He's fun to watch. He seems like a fun guy in the clubhouse. He is a player that, as a fan, I'm proud to say is a Padres. Since coming here, Maybin has becoming instantly popular. With the departures of Gonzalez and Bell, I would argue he is likely the most popular Padre of the current roster. For good reason. (BTW, my personal second favorite: Chase Headley. Though that can be a controversial topic amongst fans and probably best left to another post...or shouting matches over Sculpin)
And most importantly, it is now safe to purchase a jersey. Dig into that penny bank, and as Donna and Tom Haverford would say...TREAT YO SELF!
Mid-90's Gwynn (a jersey I still wear, of course)
Trevor Hoffman (Retired from wear when he became a Brewer. Now free to be worn at will.)
Khalil Greene (free jersey giveaway day)
Mike Cameron (another giveaway)
Jake Peavy (during his Cy Young season)
Adrian Gonzalez (which will never see the light of day again)
Buying a jersey of your favorite team is tricky business. For one, they don't come cheaply (a 2012 Authentic Home jersey runs $258.99).
Secondly, if you are to invest the money it takes to have a jersey, there's really nothing worst than waking up to find out the player you've chosen to hitch your wagon to has been traded to Cincinnati.
And finally, more own personal rule of thumb regarding jerseys. If you are not on the team, I'm not wearing your jersey. Nothing makes me cringe more than walking around Petco and seeing Giles jersey's. If you are not currently on the team, I'm out. Obviously, the exception to this is a retired player (i.e. Gwynn and Hoffman). But while Hoffman was a Brewer, that jersey collects dust. Don't be the guy walking around in an Adrian Gonzalez jersey while he's hitting doubles off the Green Monster.
It is with all of this in mind that today's news regarding Cameron Maybin. Originally broken by Dan Hayes at the North County Times, the Padres today agreed to a 5 year/$25 million extension with an option for a 6 year. With this deal (similar to the deal Josh Brynes pulled off with Chris Young of Arizona), the Padres have secured one of the most important positions in baseball with a player taylor made for Petco Park both from a defensive and offensive standpoint.
Moreover, Cam is just fun. He's fun to watch. He seems like a fun guy in the clubhouse. He is a player that, as a fan, I'm proud to say is a Padres. Since coming here, Maybin has becoming instantly popular. With the departures of Gonzalez and Bell, I would argue he is likely the most popular Padre of the current roster. For good reason. (BTW, my personal second favorite: Chase Headley. Though that can be a controversial topic amongst fans and probably best left to another post...or shouting matches over Sculpin)
And most importantly, it is now safe to purchase a jersey. Dig into that penny bank, and as Donna and Tom Haverford would say...TREAT YO SELF!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The Fallacy of a Savior
It's official.
The San Diego Padres have played their last game in the Pre-Rizzo era. They lost 5-3 to Colorado. But the loss to the Rockies was quickly overshadowed by Jed Hoyer's official announcement of something everyone with an internet connection already knew. Anthony Rizzo is being called up from AAA Tucson and will start on Thursday vs Washington.
I am understandably excited. I think any Padres fan paying even the slightest of attention is excited. An offense that has been lackluster all year (though admittedly better recently) will get a shot in the arm from Rizzo who has made the Pacific Coast League his personal playground, all but forcing the hand of Jed Hoyer to call up their prized prospect earlier than expected.
Expectations are high. Of course they are. And to some degree they should be. Rizzo and Casey Kelly were the major pieces of the Adrian Gonzalez trade, a trade that will, for better or worse, define Hoyer's GM tenure.
But let me say this. Perhaps we temper expectations. Perhaps we take a breath, allow Rizzo to get accustomed to playing at the Major League Level and let him come into his own. If he goes 0 for 4 on Thursday, let's not freak out. If he struggles out of the gate, let's not toss around the word "bust" to quickly.
The promotion of Rizzo reminds me of the last time the Padres brought up their hot, young prospect. His name was Chase Headley, who was quickly nicknamed (somewhat tongue - in - cheek) "The Savior" despite Kevin Towers attempts to lower the expectations upon his arrival. So, with Rizzo on his way, I thought it would be an interesting exercise to look back at the promotion of the "Original Savior," Chase Headley (for this exercise, I'm using 2008 when Headley played 91 games. He played in 8 games in 2007).
Headley's first game in 2008 was on June 17th. At that time, the Padres were 31-41 and were 6.5 games back in the National League West.
The opponent? New York Yankees in New York (the final year of old Yankee Stadium). As it happens, I was in New York for this series and got to see Chase Headley's first game.
Chase Headley being announced at Yankee Stadium
Despite the Padres losing 8-0 in this game, Headley went 2 for 4.
Rizzo's first game will be on June 9th. The Padres are 28-35, 7.5 games back in the National League West.
Headley hit .245 in 13 games in June of 2008, hitting 3 HR (I know, I know, hard to imagine now) but striking out 17 times in 53 AB's.
But he also showed improvement, increasing his BA in each subsequent month in 2008 (July = .244 ok ok, that went down 1 pt; August = .280; September = .293)
He ended 2008 hitting .269 with 9 HR's and 38 RBI in 91 games. He also hit better Right Handed than Left Handed (.276 vs .265). This is of course notable for his struggles from the right side of the plate throughout his career.
The Padres...not so great, finishing 2008 63-99 and last in the National League (ironically, this team also had the highest payroll of the Petco Park era).
Now, I consider myself a Chase Headley apologist. I'm a fan, what can I say. Have been since he first got here. And I've often noticed a light undercurrent amongst the fans that Chase Headley has been a bust. Has underperformed based on his talent level.
I disagree. Has he played below the expectations? Yes. But considering the expectations were that he would be "The Savior" I would argue no player could have. But he is beyond a serviceable MLB player.
And keep in mind, Chase Headley was not only asked to be the savior of a franchise struggling but he had to do it while learning a new position (LF). Headley was and is a natural third basemen (has been since the University of Tennessee).
This time around, Hoyer is doing it right. Rizzo isn't being asked to play a position he's not comfortable with. He's being brought up to start in a home game vs the Nationals at a time the Padres are hitting, well, better at least.
Geoff Young of Ducksnorts said it best I think, "Try not to be too bummed out if he only has Adam LaRoche’s career."
Rizzomania has officially landed. Let's try to enjoy it for a bit before the cynicism sets in.
The San Diego Padres have played their last game in the Pre-Rizzo era. They lost 5-3 to Colorado. But the loss to the Rockies was quickly overshadowed by Jed Hoyer's official announcement of something everyone with an internet connection already knew. Anthony Rizzo is being called up from AAA Tucson and will start on Thursday vs Washington.
I am understandably excited. I think any Padres fan paying even the slightest of attention is excited. An offense that has been lackluster all year (though admittedly better recently) will get a shot in the arm from Rizzo who has made the Pacific Coast League his personal playground, all but forcing the hand of Jed Hoyer to call up their prized prospect earlier than expected.
Expectations are high. Of course they are. And to some degree they should be. Rizzo and Casey Kelly were the major pieces of the Adrian Gonzalez trade, a trade that will, for better or worse, define Hoyer's GM tenure.
But let me say this. Perhaps we temper expectations. Perhaps we take a breath, allow Rizzo to get accustomed to playing at the Major League Level and let him come into his own. If he goes 0 for 4 on Thursday, let's not freak out. If he struggles out of the gate, let's not toss around the word "bust" to quickly.
The promotion of Rizzo reminds me of the last time the Padres brought up their hot, young prospect. His name was Chase Headley, who was quickly nicknamed (somewhat tongue - in - cheek) "The Savior" despite Kevin Towers attempts to lower the expectations upon his arrival. So, with Rizzo on his way, I thought it would be an interesting exercise to look back at the promotion of the "Original Savior," Chase Headley (for this exercise, I'm using 2008 when Headley played 91 games. He played in 8 games in 2007).
Headley's first game in 2008 was on June 17th. At that time, the Padres were 31-41 and were 6.5 games back in the National League West.
The opponent? New York Yankees in New York (the final year of old Yankee Stadium). As it happens, I was in New York for this series and got to see Chase Headley's first game.
Chase Headley being announced at Yankee Stadium
Despite the Padres losing 8-0 in this game, Headley went 2 for 4.
Rizzo's first game will be on June 9th. The Padres are 28-35, 7.5 games back in the National League West.
Headley hit .245 in 13 games in June of 2008, hitting 3 HR (I know, I know, hard to imagine now) but striking out 17 times in 53 AB's.
But he also showed improvement, increasing his BA in each subsequent month in 2008 (July = .244 ok ok, that went down 1 pt; August = .280; September = .293)
He ended 2008 hitting .269 with 9 HR's and 38 RBI in 91 games. He also hit better Right Handed than Left Handed (.276 vs .265). This is of course notable for his struggles from the right side of the plate throughout his career.
The Padres...not so great, finishing 2008 63-99 and last in the National League (ironically, this team also had the highest payroll of the Petco Park era).
Now, I consider myself a Chase Headley apologist. I'm a fan, what can I say. Have been since he first got here. And I've often noticed a light undercurrent amongst the fans that Chase Headley has been a bust. Has underperformed based on his talent level.
I disagree. Has he played below the expectations? Yes. But considering the expectations were that he would be "The Savior" I would argue no player could have. But he is beyond a serviceable MLB player.
And keep in mind, Chase Headley was not only asked to be the savior of a franchise struggling but he had to do it while learning a new position (LF). Headley was and is a natural third basemen (has been since the University of Tennessee).
This time around, Hoyer is doing it right. Rizzo isn't being asked to play a position he's not comfortable with. He's being brought up to start in a home game vs the Nationals at a time the Padres are hitting, well, better at least.
Geoff Young of Ducksnorts said it best I think, "Try not to be too bummed out if he only has Adam LaRoche’s career."
Rizzomania has officially landed. Let's try to enjoy it for a bit before the cynicism sets in.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Say May Kids
Amongst baseball's many cliches is this one: You can't win the division in April.
This comes as welcome news to the San Diego Padres. Including the one game played in March, the Padres ended the first month of the regular season 10-17. It was the lowest win total for an opening month for the Padres since 2006. Although, on a slightly good omen, the Padres went on to win the NL West in 2006 with an 88-64 record. How, you may be asking, did the Padres start off so slow and go on to win 88 games?
The month of May.
Arcade Fire, help me out here?
Thanks.
The Padres won 19 games in May of 2006 moving from last place to 3rd place in the NL West in the process. The Padres increased their BA from April to May by 42 pts (from .226 to .268).
And all that was jump started by an April 30th win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Can the 2011 San Diego Padres pull off a similar feat as the 2006 Padres? This optimistic fan says yes. And here's why:
1) Schedule
What is overlooked by many regarding the Padres struggles to start the season has been their schedule. It's been brutal. They had 3 days off between their first 6 games and then played 11 straight games before being rained out in Chicago followed by 8 straight games after that. They've had to play sereis against St. Louis, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati.
Contrast that with their schedule in May that includes Pittsburgh, their first series against Arizona, Washington, Milwaukee, and of course, our hated rivals the Mariners.
2) Pitching
Through Saturday's game the Padres had a team ERA of 3.03, 3rd best in MLB. Which means one thing. The Padres are rarely blown out. Only 3 times this season have the Padres lost by 5 runs or more. One would think (hope) that eventually these close games will swing the Padres way. Keep in mind they were a diving catch by Anthony Gwynn Jr. from sweeping Los Angeles this weekend.
3) Offense
It can't get worst. But it can get better. And it doesn't need to be that much better for the Padres to start winning some of these 2-1 games instead of losing them.
The Say May Kids started off May as they have so many times. With a win. Made all the more sweeter that it completed a series win over Los Angeles, their first series win since the opening series vs St. Louis. Pittsburgh and Arizona come to town, the offense is showing signs of life and it's May. Despite everything, perhaps there is some reason for optimism.
This comes as welcome news to the San Diego Padres. Including the one game played in March, the Padres ended the first month of the regular season 10-17. It was the lowest win total for an opening month for the Padres since 2006. Although, on a slightly good omen, the Padres went on to win the NL West in 2006 with an 88-64 record. How, you may be asking, did the Padres start off so slow and go on to win 88 games?
The month of May.
Arcade Fire, help me out here?
Thanks.
The Padres won 19 games in May of 2006 moving from last place to 3rd place in the NL West in the process. The Padres increased their BA from April to May by 42 pts (from .226 to .268).
And all that was jump started by an April 30th win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Can the 2011 San Diego Padres pull off a similar feat as the 2006 Padres? This optimistic fan says yes. And here's why:
1) Schedule
What is overlooked by many regarding the Padres struggles to start the season has been their schedule. It's been brutal. They had 3 days off between their first 6 games and then played 11 straight games before being rained out in Chicago followed by 8 straight games after that. They've had to play sereis against St. Louis, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati.
Contrast that with their schedule in May that includes Pittsburgh, their first series against Arizona, Washington, Milwaukee, and of course, our hated rivals the Mariners.
2) Pitching
Through Saturday's game the Padres had a team ERA of 3.03, 3rd best in MLB. Which means one thing. The Padres are rarely blown out. Only 3 times this season have the Padres lost by 5 runs or more. One would think (hope) that eventually these close games will swing the Padres way. Keep in mind they were a diving catch by Anthony Gwynn Jr. from sweeping Los Angeles this weekend.
3) Offense
It can't get worst. But it can get better. And it doesn't need to be that much better for the Padres to start winning some of these 2-1 games instead of losing them.
The Say May Kids started off May as they have so many times. With a win. Made all the more sweeter that it completed a series win over Los Angeles, their first series win since the opening series vs St. Louis. Pittsburgh and Arizona come to town, the offense is showing signs of life and it's May. Despite everything, perhaps there is some reason for optimism.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
The Case for Bud Black
That was quite a 24 hour span for San Diego State athletics.
First, SDSU Men's Basketball team went up to Gonzaga and upset the #11 Bulldogs. Announcers at the game called it the biggest win in the Aztec programs history. I went to the University of Arizona so I am by no means an Aztec sports historian but I know beating a Top 15 team on their home floor is big no matter what. So nice work Aztecs!
Then, about 12 hours later San Diego State alum Bud Black won the Baseball Writers of America Association's National League Manager of the Year Award. Not only did he win the award, but he won it by one vote. One total vote between Dusty Baker of the Cincinnati Reds and our own Buddy Black.
I tweeted this morning that if Bud Black didin't win this award then they should just retire the award as it would be meaningless at that point. Perhaps that was a little rash as followers pointed out the deserving resumes of Dusty Baker and Bruce Bochy. But, I do stand by the fact that Bud Black deserved it and I'm thrilled that he won.
Some, though a minority, will say how the Padres played .500 ball from Aug. 1 on. Or how they lost a 7 game lead in the West. They will tell you that the Padres didn't make the playoffs and since they didn't Bud Black did not deserve this honor.
Fair enough...I guess.
But let's look at the case FOR Bud for one second:
$38 million payroll = 90 wins. Good for 29th out of 30 teams in team payroll. As a comparison, here are players that $38 million can get you:
1) Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher
2) JD Drew, David Ortiz, Adrian Beltre
3) Ryan Howard, Roy Halladay and some gum
4) Dog and a beer at a baseball game (Am I right people?!?!)
The San Diego Padres were predicted to come in dead last in the NL West. Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports predicted 68 wins for the Padres. I recall vividly watching the MLB Network 30 Teams in 30 Days where they said the Padres would be better BUT finish with less wins then 2009. Or this. The Padres increased their win total by 15 games despite having a new GM and having just traded away a Cy Young winner.
And this was all before 2010 started.
Remember when Kyle Blanks was going to play Left Field and protect AGon? Or how Everth Cabrera was going to continue developing and Chris Young was to be the ace of the pitching staff. I'll spare you the history lesson but none of those things really panned out.
Remember, those who would question Bud Black winning this award. It's Manager of the YEAR not Manager of September. And there is no playoff prerequisite.
So, a hearty and heartfelt congrats to Bud Black for taking duct tape and a reckless abandon on the base paths to within 2 games of the playoffs.
And, oh by the way, the team they ultimately lost out to? They won the World Series.
CONGRATS BUD!
First, SDSU Men's Basketball team went up to Gonzaga and upset the #11 Bulldogs. Announcers at the game called it the biggest win in the Aztec programs history. I went to the University of Arizona so I am by no means an Aztec sports historian but I know beating a Top 15 team on their home floor is big no matter what. So nice work Aztecs!
Then, about 12 hours later San Diego State alum Bud Black won the Baseball Writers of America Association's National League Manager of the Year Award. Not only did he win the award, but he won it by one vote. One total vote between Dusty Baker of the Cincinnati Reds and our own Buddy Black.
I tweeted this morning that if Bud Black didin't win this award then they should just retire the award as it would be meaningless at that point. Perhaps that was a little rash as followers pointed out the deserving resumes of Dusty Baker and Bruce Bochy. But, I do stand by the fact that Bud Black deserved it and I'm thrilled that he won.
Some, though a minority, will say how the Padres played .500 ball from Aug. 1 on. Or how they lost a 7 game lead in the West. They will tell you that the Padres didn't make the playoffs and since they didn't Bud Black did not deserve this honor.
Fair enough...I guess.
But let's look at the case FOR Bud for one second:
$38 million payroll = 90 wins. Good for 29th out of 30 teams in team payroll. As a comparison, here are players that $38 million can get you:
1) Alex Rodriguez and Nick Swisher
2) JD Drew, David Ortiz, Adrian Beltre
3) Ryan Howard, Roy Halladay and some gum
4) Dog and a beer at a baseball game (Am I right people?!?!)
The San Diego Padres were predicted to come in dead last in the NL West. Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports predicted 68 wins for the Padres. I recall vividly watching the MLB Network 30 Teams in 30 Days where they said the Padres would be better BUT finish with less wins then 2009. Or this. The Padres increased their win total by 15 games despite having a new GM and having just traded away a Cy Young winner.
And this was all before 2010 started.
Remember when Kyle Blanks was going to play Left Field and protect AGon? Or how Everth Cabrera was going to continue developing and Chris Young was to be the ace of the pitching staff. I'll spare you the history lesson but none of those things really panned out.
Remember, those who would question Bud Black winning this award. It's Manager of the YEAR not Manager of September. And there is no playoff prerequisite.
So, a hearty and heartfelt congrats to Bud Black for taking duct tape and a reckless abandon on the base paths to within 2 games of the playoffs.
And, oh by the way, the team they ultimately lost out to? They won the World Series.
CONGRATS BUD!
Friday, October 8, 2010
In Which Our Hero Roots for the Capulets
Yesterday I posted the following tweet on Twitter (@leftcoastbias) and received, basically, the reaction I expected.
"I know this is probably blasphemy to say so soon after Game 162 but, I think I'm rooting for the Giants."
The Giants?!?!?!?! I know, I know. How can you root for THAT team so soon after they crushed all our hopes in 2010. The scar is fresh from Game 162. I get it.
But, allow me a brief moment to explain why I'm rooting for the Giants in the 2010 playoffs.
1) The NL West Connection
As an alum of the University of Arizona, I spend all fall rooting against the Pac-10. Stanford playing Minnesota? Go Gophers. USC taking on Utah. Let's go Utes! But when it comes to bowl season, I throw all that out and become a Pac-10 homer. Because in the end, I want the conference to do well.
The same concept applies here. I spent all summer rooting for any team playing the Giants. This even forced me to root, begrudgingly, for the Dodgers at times in hopes that the Giants would not catch San Diego.
Of course, now we know, that was all for naught.
So the NL West representative is the Giants. As the name of this blog implies, I root for West Coast teams more often then not. I'm an NL West fan. Thus, for a month, I'm a Giants "fan." Because, just like I become an Oregon and USC fan in late December, I want the NL West to do well.
Except for the Dodgers. Because fuck 'em.
2) Players that are Fun to Watch
I'm a baseball fan before anything else. Because of this, I like good players that play a solid brand of baseball. For this reason, I like Ichiro and King Felix, Pujols, Josh Hamilton, Carl Crawford among others.
So, with this in mind, I find myself liking Buster Posey and The Freak. These are good young players that make the game better. Buster Posey could be a NL Joe Mauer, and The Freak just showed in Game 1 of the NLDS how dominant he can be.
So I like these players. And thus, its easier to root for them.
3) Entertaining TV
In many ways the Giants are a carbon copy of the Padres. They have excellent pitching and just enough offense. This usually leads to close games. And what are you looking for in a playoff when you have no strong rooting interest? Entertaining baseball. And a close game is always entertaining, whether it is 1-0 or 7-6. For this reason, I am more interested in the Giants games then any other series so far.
Also, the Giants have the best shot, in my mind, of beating Philadelphia. The Phillies are the run away favorite in the National League and for good reason. But they've been to the World Series in the last two years. We get it, we've seen it. Like if someone said they had a Paris Hilton sex tape. Yawn.
The Giants, with that pitching staff, probably has the best shot of beating them.
4) The Story
Every October, if San Diego isn't playing in the playoffs, then its time to jump on a teams bandwagon for a few weeks. When making this selection, I usually pick the team that has the best story. Two years ago, the Rays were my team as they came out of nowhere to win the AL. Last year, it was the Phillies to be the first NL team to win back-to-back World Series since the Big Red Machine of the 1970's (and they were playing the Yankees).
This year, some good options, story wise.
-The Twins, with their new stadium facing the team that has been their bugaboo for the last decade. Basically, the Yankees are to the Twins what the Cardinals are to the Padres.
-The Rays, who have built their team from the inside and play a brand of baseball that I like. Lot of speed and good pitching.
-The Braves, in Bobby Cox last season. But, I spent most the 90's rooting against the Braves. I have no rational reason to not like the Braves, yet I do.
-The Giants, who have not won a World Series since moving to San Francisco...in 1957. In 2002 they were 6 outs away, but Dusty Baker was their manager so you know how that went.
I choose the team that hasn't won the World Series in 50 years. That makes for an interesting story and really, at this point I'm grasping at straws.
But if they were to be eliminated prior to the World Series, I can always root for whoever is playing the Yankees.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Hindsight is 2010
I haven't posted since Opening Day 2009 and I have no idea how much I will continue to post. I stopped for a number of reasons. Studying for the bar, looking for work, moving when I found that work and, frankly, because there are Padres blogs that are better at this then I am. I have no access to any players or media, no partner to post when I forget. Really, just one dude who loves the Padres. And how interesting could that possibly be?
But I felt compelled today to write something. The 2010 season has come to an end. Baseball, perhaps more than any other sport, leaves a melancholy feel when it ends. I love football, but thats a once to twice a week event. Baseball is like school or a job. It is everyday, its a grind and, when a team is chasing down a playoff spot, it can be exhausting to keep up with. So today is weird. No Padres lineup being posted via Twitter today. No debate over who is in CF and who should start vs a LHP. Instead, we are left only with memories and thoughts of "what if?"
Which brings us to the retrospective of 2010. This has become an interesting debate today. How do we all feel about this season? It's a question 29 out of 30 teams have to deal with to varying degrees, but perhaps no team has a more complicated answer then the Padres.
On the one hand are those that seem to revel in negativity. This camp will point to the 10 game losing streak, and the 14-23 record over final 37 games. This is the camp that will constantly remind you how they had a 6.5 game lead on August 25th and that 2nd place in the NL West with no playoffs should not be considered an acceptable season. And this camp isn't wrong. No Padres fan can be honest with themselves without dealing with how the final month of the season went for the Padres. It was brutal and hard to watch at times. At times it felt like watching a runaway train with no way to stop it. And all fans could do is watch, and wonder "what happened?" The what ifs are plenty, and there is no way around that.
But then there is another camp. A camp that will tell you how the Padres were picked to finish last in the NL West. They will remind all of us of how Adrian Gonzalez was to be traded by the deadline and that September would be merely a showcase of Triple and Double A players as all eyes pointed toward 2011. And how this team of $38 million in payroll and one household named player stormed the National League and shocked every expert and most (ok, all) fans. And how, no matter what, they played 162 meaningful games and far exceeded expectations.
I align myself more with this second camp. Of course you can't ignore the disappointment of the last month. Its a tough pill to swallow to be up 6.5 on 8/25 and not be in the playoffs today. Its hard to think that if, instead of a 10-gm losing streak they had only gone 3-7 they would have won the NL West. But, I choose to not erase 6 months of enjoyable baseball simply because the end result wasn't what I wanted or believed it would be. The simple fact is that the 2010 season was the most enjoyable season I've had as a fan of this team since 1998. Sure, they had made the playoffs since then. But watching a team go 82-80 to win the division is hardly enjoyable. Or watching the manager blow out the knee of your starting outfielder because he is a loose cannon in the same game your starting CF gets hurt, not so fun. But this year was fun. And to me, its as simple as that.
What I take away from this season was watching a team that stole bases with reckless abandon, Latos coming into his own and looking like an ace, the bullpen turning 9 inning games into 6 inning games, the Yoda backpack, Miguel Tejada and the "Spotlight", and yes, stumbling on the stretch run. It was all part of the same journey and while I wish the end result was different, as they say, the journey is sometimes more important then the destination.
So, who's heading to Peoria in March 2011?
P.S. As for the future of this blog, we shall see....
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Rocky Mountain Highs
The Padres salvaged what has been a miserable June by exacting, if only for a day, some revenge on the Colorado Rockies.
Last night, the Padres recorded season highs in hits (22) and runs (15). The runs total last night was more than the Padres have had in the past week. And while 1 game does not erase an 8 game losing streak or a 3-15 interleague schedule, it underscores the odd situation the Padres and the rest of the NL West find themselves in. It will only take one team, getting hot for 10 days, to take over the NL West. As Adrian Gonzalez put it last night:
"I've got a good feeling," Adrian Gonzalez said. "Giles and I were talking about this tonight. Counting tonight, we have 12 games going into the All-Star break.
"We're here and at Arizona on this trip, then return home to play the Marlins and Braves.
"If we go 8-4 to the break and get to within six out on Arizona ... we're not too far out. It doesn't sound great, but it's been done before. I think everything rides on these next 12 games.
"Six-and-six, we're done. Seven-and-five, though. But 8-4. It's something to shoot for. We've created the start."
8-4 in this stretch. Possible, certainly considering the struggles that Colorado and Arizona have been going through. But one thing is certain. This week is THE week to get back in the race. If the Padres are double digit games back by the All-Star Break, let the selling begin. For now, a 7-run 9th inning seems to have given the Padres a small reprieve.
As you know, LCB is a fan of Edgar Gonzalez. Last night, big brother had a big night, hitting two homeruns and ending the night with 4 hits. It does raise the question: what do the Padres do when Iguchi gets back? More on that later. For now, let's enjoy a rare offensive outburst by the Padres.
Last night, the Padres recorded season highs in hits (22) and runs (15). The runs total last night was more than the Padres have had in the past week. And while 1 game does not erase an 8 game losing streak or a 3-15 interleague schedule, it underscores the odd situation the Padres and the rest of the NL West find themselves in. It will only take one team, getting hot for 10 days, to take over the NL West. As Adrian Gonzalez put it last night:
"I've got a good feeling," Adrian Gonzalez said. "Giles and I were talking about this tonight. Counting tonight, we have 12 games going into the All-Star break.
"We're here and at Arizona on this trip, then return home to play the Marlins and Braves.
"If we go 8-4 to the break and get to within six out on Arizona ... we're not too far out. It doesn't sound great, but it's been done before. I think everything rides on these next 12 games.
"Six-and-six, we're done. Seven-and-five, though. But 8-4. It's something to shoot for. We've created the start."
8-4 in this stretch. Possible, certainly considering the struggles that Colorado and Arizona have been going through. But one thing is certain. This week is THE week to get back in the race. If the Padres are double digit games back by the All-Star Break, let the selling begin. For now, a 7-run 9th inning seems to have given the Padres a small reprieve.
As you know, LCB is a fan of Edgar Gonzalez. Last night, big brother had a big night, hitting two homeruns and ending the night with 4 hits. It does raise the question: what do the Padres do when Iguchi gets back? More on that later. For now, let's enjoy a rare offensive outburst by the Padres.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Our God Has Forsaken Us!
Ok, that title might be a bit of a hyperbole but the point remains, times are dark. When you or someone you know is an addict, it is often said that that person cannot be helped until they hit rock bottom. As Padres fan, perhaps you held out hope that the Padres could make a run in the weak NL West. Certainly sweeping the Mets was a sign of good times ahead, yes?
Then rock bottom came. It didn't come in Cleveland, when the Padres lost 2 of 3. It didn't come at the hands of the Yankees who swept the Padres out of New York. It didn't come at home against Detroit or against a streaking Twins team.
Rock bottom came yesterday, when the Mariners, owners of the worst record in baseball and the Padres "hated rival" finished off a sweep of the Padres by winning 9-2 (10-2, 11-2, who knows what the final was, who stuck around?) and beating Jake Peavy. Swept. By the Mariners. At Home.
This is rock bottom.
And the reality of the season appears to be settling into the front office. Sandy Alderson told U-T's Tim Sullivan that the Padres are probably "sellers" at this point, leaving Giles, Maddux, Wolf and I would assume Greene and Iguchi as available commodities now.
This team is shockingly bad. Unlike some cities (Pittsburgh, Kansas City, etc.) where the losing is still painful I imagine, but expected, San Diego came into this season with high expectations. 4 straight winning seasons will do that to a city. And it's hard to say where the issues are. Certainly Iguchi/Edgar are improvements on Marcus Giles, last year Termel Sledge was the starting LF for half a season. Really the biggest lost was Mike Cameron. So what happened? Someone far smarter than myself may be able to answer that.
Comically, the Padres remain only 9.5 GB and would only need to reach .500 for the season to compete for a division title. Maybe this team isn't a 90 win team as predicted by Padre front office members at the beginning of the season, but I still believe this team can play .500.
Typical addict behavior.
Then rock bottom came. It didn't come in Cleveland, when the Padres lost 2 of 3. It didn't come at the hands of the Yankees who swept the Padres out of New York. It didn't come at home against Detroit or against a streaking Twins team.
Rock bottom came yesterday, when the Mariners, owners of the worst record in baseball and the Padres "hated rival" finished off a sweep of the Padres by winning 9-2 (10-2, 11-2, who knows what the final was, who stuck around?) and beating Jake Peavy. Swept. By the Mariners. At Home.
This is rock bottom.
And the reality of the season appears to be settling into the front office. Sandy Alderson told U-T's Tim Sullivan that the Padres are probably "sellers" at this point, leaving Giles, Maddux, Wolf and I would assume Greene and Iguchi as available commodities now.
This team is shockingly bad. Unlike some cities (Pittsburgh, Kansas City, etc.) where the losing is still painful I imagine, but expected, San Diego came into this season with high expectations. 4 straight winning seasons will do that to a city. And it's hard to say where the issues are. Certainly Iguchi/Edgar are improvements on Marcus Giles, last year Termel Sledge was the starting LF for half a season. Really the biggest lost was Mike Cameron. So what happened? Someone far smarter than myself may be able to answer that.
Comically, the Padres remain only 9.5 GB and would only need to reach .500 for the season to compete for a division title. Maybe this team isn't a 90 win team as predicted by Padre front office members at the beginning of the season, but I still believe this team can play .500.
Typical addict behavior.
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