San Diego Padres @ Bare Baseball - Baseball MLB Blog

Notes: Pads react to Castilla's release

2006-07-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

07/19/2006
SAN DIEGO -- News of veteran third baseman Vinny Castilla getting released by the Padres hit teammates hard on Wednesday as they were getting ready to face the Phillies at PETCO Park.
"He's an absolute class guy, the ultimate pro," closer Trevor Hoffman said. "Those are the guys you don't like to lose -- substance guys. He's just a good dude. It's the part of the game that's not fun."
Castilla, whose spot on the roster was taken by Wednesday's starter, Mike Thompson, gave the Padres solid defense at third and a positive, supportive clubhouse presence. But his bat, which had produced 315 homers and 1,078 RBIs along with a .278 average before his arrival, never came alive. Castilla is batting .232 with four homers and 23 RBIs in 72 games, with 254 at-bats.
"It was hard, after the career he's had, seeing him go through it," Hoffman said of his former rival, whose prime seasons were spent with the Rockies. "He was pressing, wanting to do anything he could for the club. Whether he was in a pinch-hitting role, playing defense, whatever you needed, he kept a great attitude. He's a team player."
Castilla was close with first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who is enjoying a breakout season (.287, 18 homers, 49 RBIs through Tuesday) in part because of the steady, uplifting counsel and advice from the other half of what manager Bruce Bochy liked to call his "Mexican connection."
"The strength he had for him ... he was like a grandfather figure for Adrian, a calming influence for him," Bochy said of Castilla, who turned 39 on July 4. "I talked to Adrian; he understands."
Castilla also was understanding of the Padres' decision, Bochy said, as difficult as it was to accept. The club will go with Mark Bellhorn and Geoff Blum at third -- each had 14 starts there through Tuesday -- as speculation continues to swirl that a deal involving a third baseman will be made by the July 31 trade deadline.
"Vinny enjoyed his time here," Bochy said. "Vinny could see something [was] happening through the media, the talk about trying to get more production out of third base. He's been through it before at Tampa [in 2001]. He came out of that and put together a few good years."
Bochy broke the news to Castilla after Tuesday night's game. Castilla is expected to clear waivers on Friday, at which time he becomes a complete free agent.
"It doesn't get more difficult than that [breaking the news], the respect you have for Vinny, who he has, the career he's had," Bochy said. "It's been a pleasure and an honor to manage him."
Johnson "close": The player who could feel the impact of Castilla's departure most in the immediate future -- outfielder Ben Johnson -- spoke with the veteran third baseman early on Wednesday.
Johnson, who strained his left shoulder on July 4, is eligible to come off the disabled list and could take Castilla's spot with Thompson or another pitcher going to Triple-A Portland.
Johnson, saying he was "close" to 100 percent, had expected to begin his rehab in the Minor Leagues on Wednesday, but he was told he'd be with the club in San Francisco for the start of an 11-game road trip on Thursday.
"Sad day," Johnson said, shaking his head. "Vinny's as good a figure on a club as you could ever want. He's so down to earth, for someone who's accomplished what he has. He's really close to Adrian, but he took an active interest in all of us.
"Guys like that, you hate to lose. Vinny said his goodbyes this morning, and he seemed fine. He's really strong -- just a good dude, in every way. I hope something happens for him."
One hit away: Mike Piazza, who wasn't in the starting lineup on Wednesday with Josh Bard behind the plate, is one hit from 2,000 and becoming the seventh active player to reach 2,000 hits and 400 homers. He'll join Barry Bonds, Gary Sheffield, Ken Griffey Jr., Jeff Bagwell, Frank Thomas and Manny Ramirez.
Piazza, batting .335 with 11 homers and 36 RBIs since May 12, covering 49 games, is two runs away from 1,000.
Blazing hot: The right side of the Padres' infield has been torrid. Coming into Wednesday's homestand finale, second baseman Josh Barfield trailed only Chipper Jones in the Major Leagues with his .538 average for July. Jones was batting .551. Lifting his average to .304, Barfield has had nine multi-hit games in the month.
Entering Wednesday's game, Gonzalez was tied with Chipper Jones for the NL lead with seven homers in July and was second in RBIs to Chipper's Atlanta teammate, Andruw Jones in RBIs. Gonzalez has 21, one fewer than the Braves' center fielder.
Revved for Merv: Merv Rettenmund calls it a "coincidence," but the Padres clearly have caught fire since he replaced Dave Magadan as hitting coach on June 16.
In 27 games since his arrival, San Diego's .295 batting average is fourth highest in the Major Leagues. Since July 4, covering 11 games, the Friars' .333 average is surpassed only by Atlanta.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Hoffman, Pads unable to finish sweep

2006-07-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

07/19/2006
SAN DIEGO -- It was a homestand that began and ended on the same stunning, off-key note: Trevor Hoffman blowing saves in the ninth inning.
After letting a lead get away on Friday night against the Braves, who went on to sweep three games with as much thunder as AC/DC ever generated, Hoffman faced the music again on Wednesday.
Entrusted with a 4-3 lead in the ninth, the game's No. 2 all-time saves machine was quickly out of sync. Hoffman hit leadoff man Shane Victorino with his first delivery, walked Chase Utley on five pitches and then served up a 1-2 fastball that Bobby Abreu yanked to right center for two runs and a 5-4 Phillies victory in front of 32,101 at PETCO Park.
"You get the ball, you've got to do your job," said Hoffman (0-2). "I don't like coming out on the short end of the deal."
The Padres, pursuing a sweep of the Phils, benefited from a three-run first-inning homer by sizzling Josh Bard and six solid innings from Mike Thompson in an emergency start by way of Triple-A Portland. The Friars had taken the 4-3 lead in the seventh when Brian Giles' two-out double delivered Rob Bowen, who'd singled batting for Thompson against starter Jon Lieber.
Scott Linebrink worked out of a bases-loaded disturbance in the eighth inning to get the ball to Hoffman, who had converted 25 of 27 save chances.
The Phillies' Tom Gordon, who would produce his 22nd save in support of winning pitcher Geoff Geary (6-0), had called Hoffman "automatic" at the All-Star Game. That was before Hoffman yielded the game-winning triple to Michael Young, letting a 2-1 National League lead turn into a 3-2 American League win.
That was followed by Hoffman's inability to preserve a 10-9 lead against Atlanta on Friday night, meaning his save on Monday night against the Phils was his only successful venture in his past four.
"The arm feels good," Hoffman said. "You can't hit a guy to lead off an inning. I haven't done that in a while."
Bowen felt that the pitch "was pretty close [to a strike] -- it might have caught the black. [Victorino] was on top of the plate. He did a good job. Not a lot of guys are going to stay in there and take one like that."
Hoffman also excused Victorino, saying he got the pitch too high, in a place where the hitter was able "to take one for his team" with his arm.
After walking All-Star Utley, Hoffman had Abreu down 0-2 in the count, missed on a checked swing and watched the right fielder foul off a "a real good changeup" before lacing an 88 mph fastball to the gap.
With 11 games in 11 days coming up on the road against National League West rivals San Francisco, Los Angeles and Colorado, manager Bruce Bochy replaced Hoffman with Jon Adkins, who finished the ninth with no further damage.
"Trevor will be fine," Bochy said. "We've seen him so long and we're so accustomed to Trevor closing out games. It just so happens he [gave up] a couple there.
"This was a tough loss. Any time you come this close to sweeping a team, sure, it's frustrating."
Thompson, filling in for Chris Young (foot ailment), fought his command but limited the Phils to three runs on nine hits -- including catcher Chris Coste's first career homer in the fourth.
"Being behind in the count so much, I can't go to my strength," said Thompson, who was 3-2 with a 4.30 ERA in nine starts while Woody Williams was sidelined. "For what I had, stuff-wise, I'll take it. Not my best, not my worst."
Abreu's two-out RBI single in the first had the Phils in front, and Coste tied it with an RBI double in the sixth after Bard's three-run bomb, his sixth, had given San Diego a 3-1 lead against Lieber in the first.
The Padres had Mike Cameron erased at home in the third trying to score on a pitch that got away from Coste, and Lieber worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth.
Hoffman blew only three leads all last season while delivering 43 saves, and three more faulty finishes in 2006 are too many to suit the man who has made "Hells Bells" the most popular tune by the border for 13 seasons.
"Everybody's shocked -- because it so rarely happens," said Padres general manager Kevin Towers, whose long day included the release of popular third baseman Vinny Castilla. "Law of averages, I guess.
"The good thing about Hoffy is he's able to put it behind him. I don't think there's anyone you'd rather have as your closer."
Only Lee Smith, with 478, ever saved more games than Hoffman, who stands at 461 and counting.
"This homestand could have been very good," Hoffman said. "Two blown saves ... You saw the way the guys battled, and I didn't finish it off."

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Notes: Piazza edges toward milestone

2006-07-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

07/20/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- Mike Piazza never likes to talk about his hitting when he's on a roll, not wishing to test the baseball gods. So he's been a little quiet lately in the clubhouse.
Showing that he still has snap, crackle and pop in his first season with the Padres, Piazza was in a reflective mood as he got ready to face the Giants on Thursday night at AT&T Park, recalling his first Major League hit against Mike Harkey -- "a double that could have been a triple to right-center at Wrigley Field."
His next hit would be No. 2,000 in his career, making him the seventh active player to combine 2,000 hits with 400 home runs.
"I feel comfortable at the plate," Piazza said. "I'm letting the ball travel, trusting my hands. [Padres manager Bruce Bochy] is really looking out for me. My left leg's a little sore, but that's to be expected. We're staying on top of that. Boch tells me, 'If you need a couple days, shut it down.' And that makes me want to play even more."
More than a few people in baseball figured it was over for the great catcher after he fell to .251 last season with the Mets, 60 points below his career average, with 19 homers and 62 RBIs in 113 games.
The Mets signed Paul Lo Duca, and Piazza went on the market. Surprisingly, the best opportunity arose in San Diego, and the Padres wanted him to catch. He signed a two-year contract with an option for next season, and here he is entering the last week of July with a more Piazza-like .295 average, with 14 homers and 43 RBIs in 237 at-bats, sharing the job with the younger duo of Josh Bard and Rob Bowen.
General manager Kevin Towers said on Thursday night that the club would like to have Piazza back in 2007 if money matters can be worked out. The mutual option is for $8 million, which might be too steep for San Diego's budget.
But it's a long way from October, and Piazza's concerns are with the moment.
"It's like anything," he said. "As long as it's not dead, you can bring it back with watering, positive stuff. At this point in my career, this is what I really needed. It's a good vibe here. The attitude's good. We have good young guys, a nice blend. The energy's good. The little positives are adding up.
"I feel under the radar a little, but I like that. It's the first time in my career I've had that. In New York, I was expected to do a lot -- which I enjoyed. But I had some injuries the last few years, and that gets frustrating.
"My wife last week said, 'Your attitude's good.' And she's right. Some good things have happened here."
Adios, amigo: Adrian Gonzalez spoke with Vinny Castilla on Wednesday after his buddy was released by the Padres. Castilla indicated that he probably wouldn't play again this season, but he wasn't ruling out coming back next year if something enticing comes along.
"He's a great person, respected throughout baseball," Gonzalez said. "Vinny's a guy we all adore, love greatly. He's a great ballplayer. What I'll remember is his personality, the way he came to the clubhouse with a smile on his face every day, no matter how he played the day before.
"It teaches you a lot when you're around someone like Vinny. 'This is the big show,' he'd always say. 'There's no reason to be sad or mad because you had a bad day before. Today's a new day.'
"He really helped me when things were going bad early in the season. I don't know if I'd have gotten out of that hole without him. I won't see his smile every day, but I'm still going to keep in touch with him."
Bard, Muser out: Bard will be unavailable on Friday night as he serves his one-game suspension for disputing balls and strikes calls on June 25.
Bench coach Tony Muser also is sitting out Friday night's game, serving his one-game suspension for leaving the dugout in an argument last Sunday at PETCO Park.
Road bashers: The Padres opened this 11-game road trip against three National League West pursuers leading the league in road batting average at .287. They'd produced 10 or more hits in 10 of their previous 14 road games.
Dave Roberts was given the start against Giants southpaw Noah Lowry in the series opener even though Eric Young, his occasional platoon partner, was 4-for-5 against Lowry. Roberts came into the game batting .353 against lefties, compared to .280 against right-handers.
Johnson rehab: Outfielder Ben Johnson, sidelined since July 5 with a strained left shoulder, is due to begin his rehab with Triple-A Portland at Las Vegas on Friday.
"I'm really looking forward to getting back out there and playing," Johnson said. "I hate sitting around watching."

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Friars falter against lurking Giants

2006-07-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

07/21/2006
SAN FRANCISCO -- Chan Ho Park shrugged. There wasn't a whole lot to say about this one, in any language.
"It wasn't a good day for us," Park, the pride of Korea, said. "It was a good day for them."
The Giants were living right on Thursday night. Barry Bonds cracked his 722nd career homer, triggering three eighth-inning, seat-finding lasers in succession, and southpaw Noah Lowry shut down the Padres on Thursday night in a 9-3 romp before 42,047 at AT&T Park.
Bonds powered a two-run homer against reliever Brian Sweeney after catcher Mike Piazza dropped Bonds' towering popup in foul territory for an error, Piazza's elbow making contact with the ground and forcing the ball out of his glove.
Bonds' 14th homer of the season was followed by Ray Durham's 16th, to right, and Pedro Feliz's 16th, to left-center. All three blows came against Sweeney, a stalwart in middle relief all season for the Padres.
"He got some balls up," Bochy said. "He's been throwing a lot. It was tough for Sweeney, but he's been doing a good job for us."
The Padres, who were 2-4 on their first homestand following the All-Star break, had their National League West lead shaved to 1 1/2 games over the second-place Giants, who tagged Park with five runs in six innings.
The Padres threatened for four consecutive innings, from the third through the sixth, but left runners in scoring position each time, as Lowry pitched out of trouble to go to 5-6.
Park, falling to 6-6, was stung by the long ball. First baseman Chad Santos, from Hawaii, made his fifth Major League at-bat memorable when he smashed his first career homer. It exited the park in dead center in the second inning following Todd Greene's two-out single.
"It was a fastball, a two-seamer, exactly where I wanted to throw it -- on the corner," Park said of Santos' blast, which happened in front of his parents, visiting from Hawaii. "I never faced him before.
"I just threw it, trying to make a strike. He has pop. The ball carried pretty good. They hit some good pitches. Maybe the selection wasn't good. If I pitched against them, I wouldn't change anything -- except expect the squeeze and not walk the leadoff guy."
Those bothersome things happened when the Giants pushed across three runs in the fifth, Randy Winn's RBI double and a squeeze bunt by Omar Vizquel the key plays.
Park, who charged the Vizquel bunt but couldn't get it to Piazza in time, got in trouble by walking Santos leading off.
"That walk hurt me big time," said Park, who is 1-3 at the Giants' new home with a 6.98 ERA. "And the bunt surprised me. If I kept the score to two or three runs, we've got a chance to win. Our team always scores late in the game."
The Padres did, indeed, make the Giants squirm a bit in the ninth. Adrian Gonzalez's second single, already having extended his hitting streak to 11 games, was followed by a walk by Mark Bellhorn and an RBI single by Josh Barfield that ended Lowry's night.
Dave Roberts' two-run single against Kevin Correia following a walk to Josh Bard made it 9-3, and Jeremy Accardo was summoned from the bullpen. Mike Cameron slapped a single to load the bases, and when Brian Giles laced a shot seemingly ticketed for center field, there was life in the Padres' dugout.
Alas, second baseman Durham intercepted the bullet with a backhanded stab, and it was over when Piazza skied to right, ending a frustrating night for the man who has been afire of late.
"It would have been very interesting if that ball gets through," Bochy said of Giles' shot, adding that Gonzalez lined into a double play in the second inning and Cameron lined to center to leave two runners stranded in the fourth.
"The ball's got to bounce your way sometimes. They got hits when they needed them."
Bochy felt Park "had good stuff but just made a couple mistakes. He had great innings and two rough ones where he made mistakes."
Lowry, who moved to 3-1 in nine career appearances against the Padres, was more fortunate. His miscalculations didn't hurt him -- at least not until the ninth when the Padres finally rallied with too little too late.
"He's a good young talent," Bochy said of the Giants southpaw. "He's been tough on us before. He has a good changeup. When he's on, he's tough.
"We hit some balls well at times but couldn't find a hole. That's how it goes sometimes."

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Notes: Blum looking for hot spring

2006-03-20T09:55:00.000-08:00

03/01/2006
PEORIA, Ariz. -- For a guy who isn't getting consistent sleep, the Padres' Geoff Blum is wide awake at the plate.
"It's like Navy SEAL training at my home," said Blum, father of four daughters 27 months and younger in a lively Spring Training abode. "I'm going to see how many straight days I can stay up."
Picking up where he left off with a big swing that decided Game 3 of the 2005 World Series for the Chicago White Sox in Houston, the switch-hitting Blum has doubled and homered in two intrasquad games.
The homer came from the left side Wednesday against right-hander Seth Etherton, attempting to make the Padres staff as a Rule 5 Draft acquisition. The double came from the right side Tuesday against Erick Burke, a lefty hoping to make his mark among a bevy of candidates.
Blum, never the shy, retiring type, doesn't mind mentioning it's important to come out smoking -- in contrast to his dismal 2005 spring showing when, as he put it, "rumor had it I was a question mark to make the team."
"We can't sit back and wait," he said. "We've got to make it happen."
The "we" refers to the five athletes -- rookie Josh Barfield and veterans Blum, Mark Bellhorn, Eric Young and Bobby Hill -- in the mix at second base in the absence of Mark Loretta, dealt to Boston for catcher Doug Mirabelli.
"It's a pretty unique situation," said Blum, who has erred just three times in 139 career games (480 chances) for a .994 fielding percentage at second base. "On the one hand, it stinks to lose a guy in the clubhouse like Mark, a good guy to play with and be around. At the same time, it's an opportunity.
"I want to contribute any way I can. It was a blast last [April/May] when we had that 24-6 run. That was a beautiful thing, everybody pitching in."
In Houston in 2002, Morgan Ensberg, the heir apparent at third base, scuffled early in the season and manager Jimy Williams summoned Blum, who batted .283 with a .440 slugging mark in 130 games. Blum was the Opening Day third baseman the following season, playing 123 games (.batting .262) before getting shipped to Tampa Bay.
"You never know in this game what's going to happen," Blum said. "You just have to be ready."
He was ready in the 14th inning of World Series Game 3 when White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen pointed his way, Blum launching a home run that beat the Astros and paved the way for Chicago's Series sweep.
Now, if the triplets -- Ava, Ashley and Kayla -- and big sister Mia will cooperate, maybe Geoff and wife Kory can get some sleep.
Big Ben delivers: Also driving the ball with authority is outfielder Ben Johnson, his confidence soaring after a solid contribution to the Padres' stretch run, 12 of his 16 hits for extra bases. He has doubled and homered in the intrasquad contests.
Johnson, who homered in three consecutive games late in the season and got a playoff start against Cardinals lefty Mark Mulder, crushed a Kenny Baugh fastball out of the yard Wednesday.
"It was a pitch he was supposed to hit out, a sinker that didn't sink -- and he got it," said Baugh, who had more movement on his pitches than he wanted.
"Ben looks good," manager Bruce Bochy said, noting how Johnson is going the other way effectively. "He's swinging well."
Johnson, who figures to back up in all three outfield spots, could emerge as a platoon partner in left with Dave Roberts.
"I feel pretty good up there," Johnson said. "I'm just looking to have a good spring and see what happens."
Classic departures: The clubhouse will be missing a few prominent faces for a spell after Thursday's charity game with Seattle at the Peoria Sports Complex.
Catcher Mike Piazza boards a flight before the game for Florida, where he'll join his Italy teammates for the World Baseball Classic. Third baseman Vinny Castilla and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez are leaving to be with Team Mexico, which faces Team USA and Jake Peavy in the Tuesday opener at Chase Field in Phoenix.
Peavy is scheduled to pitch two innings against the Mariners, giving him a taste of competition before competing in the Classic.
"Hopefully, that'll help," said Peavy, who will be part of the host country's first workout Friday.
Pete Laforest, who will catch for Team Canada in a pool with the U.S., Mexico and South Africa, said he's looking forward to taking his hacks against Dontrelle Willis of the U.S. and Mexico's Esteban Loaiza but isn't familiar with the arms of South Africa, the Tuesday opposition.
"I'm getting my body under me," said Laforest, who caught six pitchers in the two intrasquad games. "I'm ready to go. Watch out for Canada."
Hit-and-run: Shortstop Khalil Greene agreed to a one-year deal, putting all 40 players on the roster under contract. ... Shawn Estes and Cesar Carrillo are due to follow Peavy to the mound against the Mariners on Thursday. Right-hander Chris Young gets the nod in the first official Cactus League contest Friday at Tempe against the Angels. ... Bochy said southpaw Sean Thompson has been held back with tightness in his shoulder. ... Clay Hensley was back on the mound Thursday, showing no ill effects from a sprained ankle. ... Gonzalez made the defensive gem of the second intrasquad game, a sprawling stab that grabbed Bochy's attention. "You can tell he's comfortable over there," Bochy said. "He handles the glove very well."

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Sledge grateful to former manager

2006-03-20T09:54:00.000-08:00

03/01/2006
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Terrmel Sledge feels he owes it all, his Major League stature and future, to Frank Robinson.
Sledge, 28, is not sure he'd be here, optimistically preparing for the 2006 season with the Padres, if not for Robinson's belief in his talents at a time when Sledge felt like the zero next to his name in the hits column of the box score.
"He saw something in me," said Sledge, a compact 6-footer who bats and throws left-handed. "I don't know what it was; I just played my game. I owe him my career."
As a rookie with the Montreal Expos in their final season of 2004, Sledge, the team's left fielder on Opening Day, got off to the kind of start that has been known to bury a player in an avalanche of self-doubt.
Day after day he came up empty, wondering if he'd ever be able to solve Major League pitching.
That's where Robinson, a Hall of Famer with perspective and patience when young Sledge needed it most, exerted his profound influence.
"He stuck with me," said Sledge, who is moving freely again after hamstring surgery last May ended his 2005 season prematurely. "Not a lot of managers would have done that.
"I started the season 0-for-22, got my first base hit -- single up the middle against the Mets' Braden Looper in New York [on April 19] -- and then was 1-for-34 [through 14 games]. But he never quit on me. He kept encouraging me.
"I heard stories about Willie Mays starting his career like that. It started coming around, and I ended up having a pretty good year. I give him all the credit."
Sledge hammered to the tune of .291 after his 1-for-34 start to finish at .269, ranking among the rookie leaders in almost every offensive category while making the Topps All-Rookie team.
Robinson's Nationals traded Sledge to Texas as part of the Alfonso Soriano Winter Meetings swap. The Rangers then flipped Sledge in the six-players deal that also made Padres of Chris Young and Adrian Gonzalez, with Adam Eaton, Akinori Otsuka and Billy Killian going to Texas.
"Sledge is on his way to becoming a very good Major League ballplayer," Robinson said at the Nationals' camp. "This kid is a very good hitter. He is going to hit for average. He is going to hit for power. He is going to play good defense. I would look at him as a left fielder. He is a pretty decent baserunner.
"He's a super kid -- quiet, unassuming, ready to play when you want him to. If he's not playing, he's ready when he's on the bench. Offensively, he's going to be good for a number of years.
"Certain hitters like him, their abilities stand out before they put it together. You just look at the mechanics of hitting -- the speed of the bat, the way a hitter takes a pitch and go the opposite way. He's tough to pitch to. They stand out -- head and shoulders above the crowd."
Having grown up in the San Fernando Valley and attended Kennedy High School in Granada Hills, John Elway's home turf, Sledge said he's delighted to be back in Southern California after summers in Montreal and Washington.
He has impressed Padres manager Bruce Bochy in camp with his all-around talents and his ability to hit the ball with authority to all fields.
"He's got good plate coverage, short to the ball -- that helps your discipline," Bochy said. "He's got some pop. You look at Terrmel, there's not one thing that stands out -- power, speed, arm. He just does everything well. He's solid in all facets of the game."
Sledge has blended in nicely with his new Padres troupe.
"I love it, being on a team that knows how to win, in a great atmosphere," said Sledge, who played at Cal State Northridge and Long Beach State and signed with Seattle as an eighth-round draft pick in 1999. "Plus, I'm home."
Sledge's '05 season was a painful disappointment. Chasing a fly ball on May 3 at Dodger Stadium, he slipped and tore a hamstring and was lost to the Nationals for the season after surgery. He batted .243 with a homer and eight RBIs in 20 games.
What he doesn't owe to his former manager goes to the medical community, Sledge said. The surgery was such a success, he is running without pain. The only physical issue has been a nasty blister on his right hand from getting his stroke down.
"It feels like I never had surgery," Sledge said. "The technology now is amazing. Ten years ago, it would have been a lot different.
"I try to play the game the old-school way. I'll do whatever they need me to do. I just want to be part of a winning team."
If that means pinch-hitting and playing spot duty behind Dave Roberts, Mike Cameron and Brian Giles, Sledge said he will do so enthusiastically.
He has shown he can handle the pressure of late-game situations. With a 12-for-21 late-season eruption in '04, he led his Expos with a .337 average with runners in scoring position.
Sledge's 0-for-22 drought was the longest to begin a career in the Major Leagues since Pittsburgh's Aramis Ramirez went 0-for-24 in 1998.
Rebounding with a vengeance, Sledge produced a season-high 10-game hitting streak starting April 23, batting .533. He hit his first career home run during the streak, a two-run May 4 blast against Colorado's Turk Wendell, and was named National League Rookie of the Month for May for hitting a team-high .316 with four homers and 12 RBIs.
Playing all three outfield positions and six games at first, his season highlight was a game-winning grand slam against Josias Manzanillo in 8-5 win on July 31 at Florida. He homered in back-to-back September wins at Wrigley Field.
Sledge made the final out in the Expos' last game in Montreal, Sept. 29, 2004, against Florida.
"That was a strange year, playing games in Montreal with not many fans there, and going to Puerto Rico to play," he said. "It was an interesting start to my career. I love where I am now."

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Notes: Peavy happy with tuneup

2006-03-20T09:53:00.000-08:00

03/02/2006
PEORIA, Ariz. -- His Team USA jersey having arrived in the mail, the familiar No. 44 on its back, Jake Peavy declared himself ready for his opening World Baseball Classic assignment Tuesday after going two innings in a charity exhibition against Seattle at Peoria Stadium.
"I had a real live arm," Peavy said after giving up four hits and two runs, striking out two. "Marcel Lachemann [Team USA's pitching coach] told me my velocity was 90 to 94 -- all two-seamers [sinkers], no four-seamers. The location was better than I thought it would be.
"It was a very productive day, and I'm encouraged going into this [Classic]. I'm going to get my work in there. I'm looking forward to it, to say the least."
Hearing the national anthem for the first time since last October, when he faced St. Louis in Game 1 of the National League Division Series, Peavy got a sense of what it will be like when Mexico and Team USA line the field Tuesday at Chase Field in Phoenix.
"When I heard the national anthem, that was one of my first thoughts -- it's going to be a neat feeling knowing I have a hand in the game," Peavy said.
Peavy has put on five to 10 pounds during the offseason, gaining more upper-body definition. He's up to 198 pounds -- compared to the 170 he weighed when he arrived in San Diego in 2002.
He said the fractured rib, sustained during that playoff game against the Cardinals, didn't bother him as he delivered 39 pitches -- right where he wanted to be with a 60-pitch limit for his first Classic start.
"I thought Jake looked good," Bochy said. "He had a good fastball, curveball, changeup and good command."
Baseball's ERA champion in 2004 and the National League strikeout leader in '05, Peavy would love to stay healthy enough to challenge for the lead in wins in '06.
"Physically, head to toe, I'm as good as I've been feeling in a long time," Peavy said. "Most of the time in Spring Training you have nagging injuries. It's almost scary to feel this good in Spring Training."
Team USA manager Buck Martinez said he was impressed with Peavy's competitive manner in an early spring game.
"Every time you step out there, you can't go through the motions," Peavy said. "You're competing. I've got to get better. You push yourself. I just go hard."
Peavy would be meeting with USA teammates in Phoenix later Thursday night, their first workout Friday morning. Peavy figures to be away until March 21, the Classic ending with a March 20 title game at PETCO Park.
"That's weird," the Padres' ace said. "I'll be seeing the boys on the 21st."
Estes sharp: Shawn Estes couldn't have been much happier with his Padres debut, throwing two perfect innings, striking out a pair of Mariners. He seemed happiest with getting over to first to cover as second baseman Josh Barfield ranged wide to take a hit from Raul Ibanez.
"It was nice to get back on the mound and get that shot of adrenaline," said Estes, a free agent whose 2005 season with Arizona was cut short by an injury to his left foot. "In Spring Training, especially early, I like to focus on my fastball and changeup. I only threw one curveball [for a strikeout].
"Basically, it's about arm strength now, and you do that with the fastball. You get on the mound and it's more about instincts, focusing on getting the hitter out. It allows you not to consciously think about the foot. I just reacted -- and it feels good now. So it's a good sign."
Big Walter delivers: Walter Young, 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds of muscle, slashed a two-run homer in his first Spring Training at-bat against veteran right-hander Kevin Appier.
A free agent signed after Baltimore dropped him from its 40-man roster, Young has been overpowering the ball since he arrived. The man from Mississippi had a full scholarship offer from LSU to play defensive end but opted for baseball.
"That ball got out in a hurry," Bochy said. "He's a very likeable guy. Teammates like him. He's very professional in how he goes about his business.
"He's here trying to make the club. Sure, he has a chance. With Ryan [Klesko] and [Adrian] Gonzalez, he's going to have to beat some guys out. When you have that kind of power, it's not something you teach. Anybody who hits the ball out of the park like that, it intrigues you. In our system, that's something we've been lacking."
Carrillo shines: Also continuing to impress with his confident manner -- and sizzling stuff -- was right-hander Cesar Carrillo, the 2005 first-round pick in the First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Miami.
Carrillo set down all three Mariners he faced Thursday, going to a two-ball count only once while throwing only one curveball along with his fastball.
"I had good life on my fastball," Carrillo said. "I was moving it in and out. I try to throw everything off my fastball.
"It felt a lot different being in a Major League game for the first time. But after you throw that first pitch, the jitters are gone."
Carrillo, Bochy said, "looked very poised. He was throwing 90, 91 [mph], then jumped to 94 when he needed it."

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Young goes deep in opener

2006-03-20T09:52:00.000-08:00

03/02/2006
Padres at the plate: Walter Young crushed a two-run homer against Kevin Appier, a line drive over the wall in right center in his first at-bat. Third baseman Justin Leone had three singles, and shortstop Geoff Blum singled twice and lined out.
Mariners at the plate: Yuniesky Betancourt stroked a two-run single against Padres ace Jake Peavy. Matt Lawton doubled and scored, and catcher Corky Miller delivered a triple against Scott Linebrink.
Padres on the mound: Peavy prepared for his World Baseball Classic start against Mexico with two innings, giving up two runs and four hits while striking out two. Top 2005 draft pick Cesar Carrillo pitched a 1-2-3 inning, Shawn Estes pitched two perfect innings, and Trevor Hoffman struck out two in one inning.
Mariners on the mound: Felix Hernandez struck out the side to open the game, getting Brian Giles looking. Appier was roughed up with two runs and three hits in two innings.
Cactus League records: Padres 0-0; Mariners 0-0.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Brocail set to make 2006 memorable

2006-03-20T09:50:00.000-08:00

03/02/2006
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Doug Brocail has pitched in 36 Major League ballparks across 11 seasons. He can't wait to make PETCO Park No. 37 when the Padres open their season against San Francisco.
"When I went out there [to San Diego] and stepped on the field and looked out," Brocail said, having signed a one-year, $1 million free agent deal on Dec. 14, "it was, 'Man -- that's Yosemite.'
"It was good to see how enormous it was in the outfield."
Durable and dependable, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound Brocail, 38, spent the past two seasons in a smaller yard squarely in the Texas heat, reviving a career that he thought was dead when the Rangers expressed interest before the 2004 season.
He'd spent the previous two seasons idle, recovering from a pair of Tommy John surgeries. His medical history is such that he refers to his many arthroscopic procedures over the years as "cleanouts," comparing them to oil changes.
After 104 appearances in those two seasons in Texas, with nine wins in 13 decisions and 104 strikeouts in 144 innings, Brocail chose to return to his original organization. The Padres signed him in 1986 as a first-round pick, 12th overall, in the First-Year Player Draft.
"I didn't recognize the downtown area -- it's beautiful, what they've done around the ballpark," Brocail said.
He recalls those cool summer evenings by the Pacific, framed in stark contrast with "100-degree day games when it was 140 on the field" in Texas.
After pitching in parts of three seasons with the Padres, Brocail departed San Diego following the 1994 season in a blockbuster swap with Houston that featured Ken Caminiti and Steve Finley coming west.
As his personal fate would have it, the Padres began winning division titles (1996, '98) and reached a World Series ('98) after he left -- just as Houston would begin making playoff appearances after dealing Brocail to Detroit following the '96 season.
He had four productive seasons in Motown but remained idle in October, watching old friends play for the high stakes.
"I want to be a piece of the puzzle," Brocail said, explaining that his respect for manager Bruce Bochy and general manager Kevin Towers figured heavily into his decision to sign with the Padres.
Bochy was a coach and Towers was scouting director during Brocail's first tour in San Diego.
"There are other teams out there I could have signed with," Brocail said, "but I know K.T., and I know Boch. K.T.'s a straight shooter. I was roommates with enough guys in the game who played for Boch. I know how they are. I'm really excited about playing for them."
Echoing the words and thoughts of other veteran newcomers such as Mike Piazza, Vinny Castilla and Mike Cameron, Brocail sees no reason why this remodeled team can't successfully defend its National League West title -- and take it a step or two beyond the National League Division Series.
At this stage of his career, it's thoughts of an eventful October that move Brocail, who will miss his wife, Lisa, and their five daughters back home in the Houston area as he encamps in San Diego.
"The game drives me," he said. "These guys weren't that far off [in 2005]. Once you get there, anything can happen in the playoffs. It's a driving factor for me."
Bochy plans to make use of Brocail and a fastball he uses about 85 percent of the time in his familiar middle relief role.
"He's what you're looking for -- tough and strong, a guy who loves to be out there," Bochy said.
Brocail has appeared in 442 Major League games with a 37-40 record and 4.06 ERA. He had career highs of 70 appearances and 82 innings with the 1999 Tigers.
He has been a reliever since 1994 following elbow surgery at the outset of the season. He'd started 24 games for the Padres in '93, going 4-13 with a 4.56 ERA.
As down-to-earth as ballplayers get, Brocail is openly covetous of sparkling jewelry flaunted by some of his new teammates.
"We have five or six guys here with [World Series] rings," Brocail said. "That ring they wear is what we're playing for. Those guys know what it's like to raise their arm and say, 'We're the best,' to get those goose bumps and go, 'Oh my God, we did it.'"
One of his clubhouse neighbors at the Peoria Sports Complex is Cameron, a center fielder with few peers. Brocail sees the pieces fitting together nicely.
"All we want as pitchers is good defense -- and we've got it," Brocail said.
He's encouraged by the presence in the bullpen of a quality lefty, Alan Embree, one of four Red Sox champions in 2004 with the Padres. Embree joins an array of strong right arms. Scott Linebrink and the great Trevor Hoffman are late-game anchors with few equals.
Brocail came back to San Diego to pitch in, do his part to make 2006 memorable. He burns to play meaningful games in October, to add a few finishing touches to a solid career.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Park plans on early action in Classic

2006-03-20T09:49:00.000-08:00

03/02/2006
TOKYO -- Chan Ho Park may have stolen his manager's thunder after Korea's final team workout Thursday at Tokyo Dome.
Heading into Korea's World Baseball Classic game against Chinese Taipei, manager In-Sik Kim has ardently refused to offer any hints about his starting pitchers, not only for the opener but for any of Korea's three Pool A weekend dates.
"I would like to go out there for five innings, but it is a bit early," Park said. "I can pitch in two of the games, but not in all three."
Park also said that he had been up late the night before studying film of Chinese Taipei, hinting that regardless of what Kim may say, Park is planning to see some action Friday.
"They have some Major League and Minor League talent that has been preparing hard," Park said. "When I saw the video, I could feel the motivation. It may be tough."
Park offered nothing further, and Kim, who used Park as the first of his 10 pitchers in an exhibition game earlier this week, stuck with his previous stance.
"We're going to play at least three pitchers, and all of them have been practicing," Kim said. "I'm sure all the media from Korea can predict our starters, but the more pitchers we have to use, the less important the starter becomes."
Kim also preached discipline for his hitters against Taipei: "We should take a good look at the ball," he said. "We must only swing at strikes."
Asked what he expected to see from Chinese Taipei's starters, third baseman Dong-Joo Kim said, "I've been in international games against them, and they throw a lot of junk."
Kim was one of the Korean players whose Olympic qualifying season ended in Sapporo, Japan, at the hands of the Koreans in 2003, leading up to the Sydney Olympics.
"In 2003, we did not prepare enough, we did not have enough teamwork," he said. "Unless we make a crucial mistake, things will be different this time."

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Notes: This year, Young able to relax

2006-03-20T09:48:00.001-08:00

03/03/2006
TEMPE, Ariz. -- It wasn't like this last spring in the Texas Rangers training camp. Chris Young threw everything he owned with everything he had in a pre-exhibition intrasquad game, straining to show manager Buck Showalter and the staff he had the right stuff.
What a difference a year -- and one successful rookie season -- can make in a man's attitude and approach.
"This is only my second big-league Spring Training," Young said, having thrown two innings (one run, one hit, one strikeout) in his Cactus League debut for the Padres against the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium. "Last year, I was obviously not as proven -- not that I am now. Last year there were more question marks about me.
"Instead of coming out of the gate throwing all three pitches at 100 percent effort level, I can work on some things, some variations on pitches."
Young threw no curveballs against the Angels, moving his fastball around with an effective circle changeup he uses to keep hitters off balance.
He walked leadoff man Chone Figgins, who came around to score with a stolen base and two infield outs. Tim Salmon's leadoff single in the second was followed by a double-play grounder by Casey Kotchman and a strikeout of catcher Jeff Mathis.
"It's a start," Young said. "Obviously, I'm not where I want to be. I did some good things, and there are some things I want to work on. It's nice to have the first one under my belt."
Health, he said, is his first and foremost priority. He'll go mostly with fastballs early on to develop arm strength -- unlike last spring when he felt he had to prove something every time he stepped on the mound.
"His command's getting better and better," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He has said he didn't come in throwing as much this year. He's going to use Spring Training as a time to get sharp."
Ashby's mixed emotions: On the one hand, Andy Ashby understood that this was a big step. After almost two seasons away, he was back on a Major League mound in competition against quality hitters, including four -- Adam Kennedy, Darin Erstad, Garret Anderson and Salmon -- who helped power a World Series champion in 2002.
But that didn't make it any easier to handle for Ashby after he'd given up a homer to Anderson and another second-inning run before leaving the bases full by retiring Maicer Izturis.
Four hits allowed and a hit batsman were not what Ashby had in mind for the occasion, but after it was over, he wasn't experiencing residual elbow stress and had the first one in the books.
"I got some pitches up," Ashby said, identifying the ball Anderson lost as a cut fastball that didn't cut right. "I made a couple more mistakes, catching too much of the plate. But I felt pretty good. I don't like to give up runs, but it was nice to get the first one over with."
Ringing the bell: Mark Bellhorn, a veteran free-agent acquisition bidding for the second-base job, made an impressive Padres debut with two doubles Friday -- the club's only extra-base blows in a desultory 10-1 loss to the Angels.
"When they're having a good day," Bochy said, "they like to say they don't want to peak too early. We didn't peak too early today.
"Fundamental things we're emphasizing, we didn't do them early. Nobody in particular bothered me; we just didn't play well in all facets of the game. Bellhorn had a nice game. It was good to see Ash back on the mound; it's been a long road for him."
Bochy also liked Mike Cameron's speed and instincts going from first to third on a Brian Giles single, lefty Alan Embree's stuff and the command of Clay Hensley, who induced two ground balls (one an error on Paul McAnulty at first) and two strikeouts.
Klesko goes deep: It did not take long for Ryan Klesko's first home run of the spring to leave the field. The solo shot came in the top of the fourth inning against Seattle's Eddie Guardado in a six-inning "B" game at Peoria Sports Complex. Klesko's blast to right field was the only offense the Friars would generate in 3-1 loss to the Mariners on Friday morning.
Padres right-hander Jared Wells struck out one and gave up two hits but allowed no runs in the third and fourth innings. Right-hander Tim Stauffer started the game for the Padres, giving up one run in the second. The Mariners added one run in each of the fifth and sixth innings, both against non-roster invitee Kenny Baugh.
Padres catcher George Kottaras, showcasing a quicker new delivery, threw out two Mariners attempting to steal second.
The 22-year-old Kottaras, widely considered the club's catcher of the future, has been working with Bochy and Minor League catching instructor Joe Ferguson, who becomes a Rookie League batting coach in June.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

For openers, Angels get best of Padres

2006-03-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

03/03/2006
Padres at the plate: Mark Bellhorn hit a pair of doubles. Mike Cameron reached base on an error and scored. Brian Giles singled and walked.
Angels at the plate: Garret Anderson hit a solo homer in the fourth and Casey Kotchman hit an RBI double. Tim Salmon singled twice and scored. Howie Kendrick singled and scored.
Padres on the mound: Starter Chris Young worked two innings, allowing a run on a hit and a walk. He also struck out one. Andy Ashby allowed two runs on four hits in one inning of work. Left-handed reliever Alan Embree allowed a run.
Angels on the mound: Ervin Santana went two innings in his first spring start. The right-hander allowed a double and two walks, while striking out two and hitting one batter. Right-handed reliever Brendan Donnelly allowed an unearned run on two hits. Jered Weaver pitched 1 2/3 innings and walked four but did not allow a run.
Cactus League records: Padres 0-1; Angels 1-0.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Peavy slated to start U.S. semifinals

2006-03-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

03/03/2006
PHOENIX -- It never does any harm to think ahead. The first round hasn't started, and even though Team USA just gathered for the first time publicly on Friday at Chase Field, Jake Peavy -- scheduled to start the opener for Team USA against Mexico on Tuesday -- has been told he'll be starting the semifinal game on March 18 at his own PETCO Park.
That's if the U.S. gets that far in the World Baseball Classic.
The U.S. must be one of two teams to survive each of the round-robin first and second rounds to position itself for the semifinals. If the Americans do, there will be some neat symmetry in Peavy standing on the mound of his home Major League park to give the U.S. a shot at playing in the finals at PETCO on March 20. All three games in San Diego are already sold out.
"That'll be great," said Peavy, the 24-year-old right-hander, who led the Padres to only their fourth National League West title last season. "That park is going to be rocking, I can tell you that. I can't even imagine being out there on that mound with the crowd chanting, 'USA. USA.' It's one thing to hear, 'Let's go Padres!' But it's quite another being there representing the red, white and blue."
That seemed to be the ongoing sentiment on Friday as the star-studded U.S. squad posed for its team picture wearing the sparkling white uniforms with the red, white and blue USA logo emblazoned across the chest.
There was Roger Clemens mingling on the field with Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon, Vernon Wells, Derrek Lee and Ken Griffey Jr. in perhaps one of greatest ensembles of baseball talent in the sport's long history.
Even A-Rod, who initially wavered about playing for the Dominican Republic or not playing at all, said he was caught up in the moment.
"I wasn't really excited coming here, but now I'm very excited," said Rodriguez, who flew via private jet from the Yankees' Spring Training base in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday with teammates Jeter, Damon and Al Leiter, a late add to the squad. "Once you get here, you realize how important it is and how special it is. I'm very proud to be wearing this uniform. It's going to be a great event."
Team USA manager Buck Martinez has had his pitching set for the first round since the provisional roster was announced on Jan. 17. Peavy, who threw 39 pitches for the Padres against the Mariners on Thursday in nearby Peoria, will be backed up by seven relievers against the Mexicans, who announced that the Orioles' Rodrigo Lopez will start the opener. Southpaws Dontrelle Willis and Leiter will team up on Wednesday against Team Canada left-hander Erik Bedard.
And Clemens, forestalling retirement again for the umpteenth time since he left the Yankees after the 2003 World Series, is slated to go against South Africa on Friday at Scottsdale Stadium.
Starters are limited to 65 pitches each in the first round and relievers are limited to 50.
If the U.S. moves on to the second round from March 12-16 in Anaheim, as expected, Peavy and Willis will start the opening two games. Game 3 is open to question, depending on whether a win in that one is necessary for the U.S. to move on to the semifinals.
"We're set through then and we'll see what happens," Martinez said. "Who we pitch in the finals will be contingent on how important that Game 3 of the second round is."
Peavy opened the 2005 playoffs for the Padres and was rocked by the Cardinals at St. Louis in a game he left trailing, 8-0, in the fifth inning. Soon after that 8-5 loss ended, it was determined he was pitching with cracked ribs, an injury that was sustained during the NL West-clinching celebration on the field at PETCO Park.
But more importantly, Peavy has experience in international play.
In November 2004, Peavy, Clemens and Wells were on the MLB All-Star team that toured Japan and played their counterparts from Nippon Professional Baseball. Peavy pitched the final game of the eight-game series in Tokyo Dome and worked the first six innings of a 5-0 victory, allowing only two hits while striking out four and walking none.
Wells was the MVP of the series. He batted .407 (11-for-27) with two doubles, two homers, seven RBIs and seven runs scored.
"That was like the same kind of experience as this one," Peavy said. "We were representing America and there was certainly some pride involved with that. We didn't want to get embarrassed. Japan had a really good team. The Japan team that's in this tournament is really good, too. I saw firsthand what they can do."

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

U.S. notes: Peavy has eye tears

2006-03-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

03/04/2006
PHOENIX -- Jake Peavy, Team USA's starter in Tuesday's opening game of the tournament against Mexico at Chase Field, said Saturday that he recently was treated for slight tears in the retinas of both eyes.
The San Diego Padres 24-year-old ace right-hander is acutely nearsighted and the diagnosis was determined during a recent eye exam. Surgery was not deemed necessary, and at this point, he said he's being treated with eye drops.
"I have a hole in my retina," Peavy said during Saturday's second day of workouts for the American team. "Actually, I have holes in both of my retinas. There's some slight tearing in there and a little scar tissue. They're treating it with the drops and should be fine."
Peavy wears contact lenses and said he is not able because of his condition to endure any sort of corrective vision surgery.
Team USA manager Buck Martinez has tabbed Peavy as the starter for not only Game 1 of the first round against Mexico at Chase Field on Tuesday, but for Game 1 of the second round May 12 in Anaheim and the semifinals at Peavy's hometown PETCO Park on March 18 if the U.S. gets there.
In his four big-league seasons, all with the Padres, Peavy has become one of baseball's top young starters. He's 46-31 with a 3.33 earned run average in 106 starts. In 2004, he led the National League with a 2.27 ERA, and last season led the senior circuit with 216 strikeouts.
"That's just the way it is," Peavy said about his eyesight. "I've been living with that my whole life."
Sunday's lineup: After the workout, Martinez released his lineup for Sunday's tuneup against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium: Johnny Damon (LF), Derek Jeter (SS), Ken Griffey Jr. (CF), Mark Teixeira (1B), Chipper Jones (3B), Brian Schneider (DH), Michael Barrett (C), Randy Winn (RF), Chase Utley (2B) and Rogers Clemens starting, with Al Leiter and all 10 relievers behind him in the 10-inning game.
Those 10 innings: The Giants have agreed to do it, but since they are sending a split-squad to Mesa for a concurrent game with the Chicago Cubs, may not have enough pitchers to go 10 innings. Giants manager Felipe Alou said he would use some Minor Leaguers to accommodate the Americans. The Giants are also keeping most of their heavy hitters in Scottsdale. "Out of respect to the U.S.," Alou said. "We'll send all of our kids over to Mesa. Myself and the Major League coaching staff will stay in Scottsdale." The Giants manpower problem is complicated by the fact that Winn, Pedro Feliz, Moises Alou and Omar Vizquel are all with their respective teams for the Classic.
Buck on the lineup: "We'd like to try and get as many guys as we can in the game," he said. "If we can, we'll get everybody in the game. There are some guys who haven't had any at-bats. Brian Schneider hasn't had any at-bats. In the exhibition game, its going to be a little more relaxed, so he's the DH. Randy starting in right field in the Giants ballpark is a little honor he deserves. Alex Rodriguez will pick up Chipper. We're going to go with at-bats rather than innings. I want everybody to get two or three at-bats. They're all healthy."
Stars and stripes: Martinez said the three catchers will each start a first-round game, and he has already paired one with a starting pitcher and asked them to work together in practice: Clemens with Barrett in both the tuneup vs. the Giants and Game 3 Friday against South Africa, Jason Varitek with Game 2 starter Dontrelle Willis vs. Canada and Schneider with Peavy in Tuesday's Mexico tilt. ... First, Johnny Damon has moved right in from Red Sox Nation to the Yankees clubhouse. Now, he's feeling comfortable among his teammates on Team USA. "Guys who are well known around the league are able to get along with everyone," Damon said. "There's a lot of talent, potential Hall of Famers. Guys who have been around and represented the game very well." No, Damon hasn't grown back his signature beard now that he's out of Yankees camp for perhaps as long as 17 days. ... Martinez said he won't necessarily be guided by the 65-pitch limit for starters in the first round. It may be three innings and out, no matter how many pitches one of his starters throw. "If Jake blows through three innings and throws 35 pitches, because of the way we've put together this team, we can tell him, 'Thanks, that's all we needed from you.' He'll feel very good about his outing. He'll have gotten his work in. The Padres won't be concerned. And now we can get our relievers in the game."

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Notes: Chairman getting to know team

2006-03-20T09:45:00.000-08:00

03/04/2006
PEORIA, Ariz. -- John Moores, Padres chairman of the board, made an appearance in camp Saturday and began getting a better feel for what he calls his "mystery team."
In the company of the club's board of directors, Moores was given an update from manager Bruce Bochy and general manager Kevin Towers about a dramatically remodeled club that won the National League West at 82-80 before getting swept by St. Louis in the NL Division Series.
"This is a little more of a mystery team than any we've had," Moores said of a club that returns only 16 of 57 players (28 percent) in camp from Spring Training a year ago. "I'm more comfortable [with the club] than I would have thought."
Moores installed Sandy Alderson, architect of some great Oakland teams and former Major League Baseball executive, as club president last spring and is impressed with the way Alderson has gone about the business of restocking the club without extravagant spending on long-term deals.
Moores stressed that management is committed to building the Padres internally with improved scouting and development. That department is run by Grady Fuson, an Alderson associate in Oakland who flourished in Texas before coming to the Padres last season.
"I've been unhappy about the productivity of the farm system," Moores said. "Particularly I was very unhappy about the [state of the club's facility in] Dominican Republic. We've spent a lot of money over the years there and have little to show for it.
"The facility was so inadequate I was shocked."
He's optimistic a new, improved facility will greatly enhance the club's chances of mining some gold in the Dominican Republic.
Refuting the notion that the Padres haven't spent enough money on Major League talent with a payroll in the $70 million range, Moores said: "We're spending at a furious rate right now. We are right at the borderline of being in compliance with the debt-service rule. The only way we're going to remain competitive long-term is by being efficient with the dollars."
Alderson, Moores added, "has all the authority to do whatever he wants."
Having devoted years to making PETCO Park a reality, Moores is flattered that his stadium was chosen by MLB to host the semifinals and championship game of the World Baseball Classic on March 18 and 20.
"We'll get a lot of exposure," he said. "But the real benefit for us is it should be a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to it. The best analogue is it might be Super Bowl I [for baseball]. It might be a defining event the way the first Super Bowl was a defining event for the NFL.
"Potentially, this is more important -- because baseball has an opportunity to be the international sport. [Commissioner] Bud Selig did something very nice for the city of San Diego."
Bats come alive: Putting on a show for their boss after scoring only three runs in their first 19 spring innings, the Padres erupted for 20 hits in a 17-4 thumping of the Mariners at Peoria Stadium.
The big blow was catcher Doug Mirabelli's three-run homer against Scott Atchison in a six-run sixth inning. Freddy Guzman had a double, triple and three RBIs after spelling center fielder Mike Cameron, who had a perfect day: two hits, walk, RBI.
Ryan Klesko had an RBI single and double, and rookie second baseman Josh Barfield had two hits, including a two-run triple, stole a base and scored twice. Doubles were delivered by Eric Young, Dave Roberts and George Kottaras as well as Guzman, with Ben Johnson raking a pair of RBI singles.
Starter Brian Sweeney went 1 2/3 innings, followed by Mike Thompson (2 1/3 innings), winning pitcher Jon Adkins, Doug Brocail, Brian Sikorski, Minor League lefty Jeff Jones and Jason Anderson (one inning each).
Williams on target: Switched to an early "B" game against the Mariners, veteran right-hander Woody Williams yielded a single and a walk, striking out one, in two innings Saturday morning at Peoria Sports Complex. The Padres won the five-inning exercise, 4-0.
Non-roster invitee Eric Junge then worked two perfect innings, striking out one. Right-hander Steve Andrade hit two batsmen -- uncharacteristic for a man noted for excellent control -- but got through his inning without allowing a run.
Shortstop Matt Bush, the team's No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, had his best day in camp with a walk, single and stolen base.
Eric Valent, a free-agent outfielder, had a double and single, driving in a run. Bobby Hill had two walks and a sacrifice fly, and Paul McAnulty delivered a single and sacrifice fly.
Mark Bellhorn stayed hot with a single and walk in two at-bats following a two-double effort in his Padres debut Saturday in Tempe against the Angels. Also in a groove is Geoff Blum, who singled and was hit by a pitch in three at-bats.
Hit-and-run: The Padres will play Korea's World Baseball Classic team Friday night at Peoria Stadium. Korea and Japan have advanced to the second round of the Classic. ... Padres right-hander Chan Ho Park, who had thrown effectively in camp before departing to join the Korean team, worked three scoreless innings to save Korea's opening win over Chinese Taipei in Tokyo.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Mirabelli leads Padres' rout of Mariners

2006-03-20T09:44:00.000-08:00

03/04/2006
Padres at the plate: The Padres erupted for six runs in the sixth inning, putting away what was a relatively close game, and the big blow came off the bat of catcher Doug Mirabelli, who blasted a three-run home run off Mariners righty Scott Atchison. Mike Cameron was 2-for-2 with an RBI, Ryan Klesko had a single, a double, a run scored and an RBI. Josh Barfield hit a two-run triple in the seventh. Freddy Guzman had a double, a triple and three RBIs.
Mariners at the plate: Mike Morse, starting at third base, went 3-for-3 with an RBI double. Roberto Petagine, the first baseman, had three hits, including the hardest-struck ball of the game, a scorcher of a line drive that bounced off the Whataburger sign on the right-field wall and limited the not-so-fleet-of-foot Petagine to a single. Jose Lopez hit Seattle's only homer of the game, a solo shot to left off Doug Brocail in the sixth. Oswaldo Navarro added a triple.
Padres on the mound: Padres starter Brian Sweeney bent a little but didn't break, pitching 1 2/3 innings and giving up three hits and two walks but no runs. Sweeney was bailed out by Mike Thompson, who came in with the bases loaded and two out in the second and got Jeremy Reed to ground out.
Mariners on the mound: Starter Jesse Foppert looked good, pitching two shutout innings and not allowing a hit while striking out two batters and walking one. Atchison's first outing of the spring wasn't pretty. He gave up eight runs on nine hits in 1 2/3 innings of relief.
Cactus League records: Padres 1-1; Mariners 0-2.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Padres' Bush set to show true abilities

2006-03-20T09:43:00.000-08:00

03/04/2006
PEORIA, Ariz. -- It didn't take Matt Bush long to figure out that no target is larger or more inviting than the number one.
Starting at the top of the heap doesn't mean it's going to be easy to stay there.
Selected No. 1 overall by his hometown Padres out of San Diego's Mission Bay High School in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, Bush has found the transition from carefree scholastic life to the intense professional world challenging, to put it mildly.
He struggled in the low Minor Leagues in 2004, batting .192 at two stops (Peoria and Eugene) after signing a $3.15 million bonus, and continued to scuffle last season, batting .221 at Class A Fort Wayne.
His .216 average and 23 extra-base hits in 552 at-bats have critics questioning the Padres' decision to pass up more mature (and expensive) prospects such as Stephen Drew and Jered Weaver at the top of the '04 draft.
Defensively, the shortstop showcased his most visible asset -- a cannon of an arm -- but made more errors than he and the organization would have preferred.
"I had an up-and-down year last year," Bush said, arriving in the Major League camp with blistered hands from a winter spent hitting hundreds of baseballs. "This offseason, I sat down and realized some things.
"I wanted to do so much right away, I was inconsistent. My swing would be there and it wouldn't be there."
The confident manner that had made him so appealing to scouts gave way to self-doubt, as Bush made the not-uncommon mistake of dwelling on pleasing people rather than having patience with his ample talents.
"I was thinking about being the No. 1 pick, people wanting you to tear it up," he said. "I was trying to do too much.
"I remember what I was in high school -- confident, knowing I can do this. I kind of lost my confidence. I wanted to be a big-league All-Star right away, and that's not going to happen. It takes time and work."
Bush, who turned 20 on Feb. 8, has time to work things out. He figures he'll start the season at high Class A Lake Elsinore, closer to home, closer to the roots that made him a phenom as a kid.
At 12, Bush enjoyed Little League performances in El Cajon, outside San Diego, that other kids could only dream about.
He recalls one tournament game in particular. He struck out every hitter he faced and lost a perfect game on what he called a "3-2 pitch on the black, a professional pitch." He went 4-for-5 with the bat, drilling a pair of homers.
"I felt like Alex Rodriguez," said Bush, the first high school shortstop taken No. 1 overall since A-Rod by Seattle in 1993. "I hit 17 home runs and was throwing in the 70s. By Pony League, when I was 13, 14, I was close to 90 on the gun."
He hit 95 mph with a heater that dominated hitters while leading his high school team to a pair of section championships, generating speculation that his future eventually could be on the mound.
Acknowledging that he could go back to pitching -- "I know I can do that," he said -- Bush, who set state records for hits and runs scored in high school, is committed to making it happen as an everyday player.
"Shortstop is one of my best positions," he said. "You're involved in every pitch. You have the best angle, you can see the location of pitches, where the ball's going to come."
And, of course, he can showcase his powerful arm from the hole and while turning double plays.
"He has a plus arm," Padres manager Bruce Bochy said, having given Bush some early playing time with veteran Manny Alexander late to camp because of visa problems. "This is a big jump -- he was in A ball last year. But it should be good for him."
Bush hasn't hit with enough discipline or power yet, but he's still growing into what Cubs manager Dusty Baker calls an athlete's "man muscles." A lot of superior talents, Baker included, wait until their mid-20s for their full strength to surface.
"I've worked on my hitting a lot," Bush said. "I feel I'm realizing how to go about the professional game. It's a great opportunity for me to be around these guys in the Major League camp and get comfortable with it, to see how everybody does everything.
"I've noticed how guys joke around in the clubhouse, but on the field, everyone's serious."
Bush hasn't had a lot of time yet to observe Khalil Greene's work ethic and approach, but he has watched the Padres shortstop play the game, and sees how high the bar can be set at his position.
"He goes about the game in a real professional manner," Bush said. "He has great hands, great footwork, and he's real smooth out there. Just the way he carries himself, he's real quiet and confident. He just goes out and plays."
Bush said he'd have no problem converting to another position if that time comes, having played second and third, the outfield, even catcher in his youth.
"As long as I'm playing the game," he said, "I'm happy."

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Notes: A logjam at second base

2006-03-20T09:42:00.000-08:00

03/05/2006
PEORIA, Ariz. -- The Padres' candidates for the second-base job aren't making it easy on manager Bruce Bochy and the front office.
"Boch has got the toughest job, not us," said Geoff Blum, one of the five athletes bidding for time in Mark Loretta's old spot.
Mark Bellhorn, the free agent who had productive seasons for the 2002 Cubs and 2004 champion Red Sox, continued to swing a hot bat in Sunday's 13-7 decision over the Mariners. The switch-hitter drilled a two-run homer to right-center in the fifth inning at Peoria Stadium against Renee Cortez.
Not to be outshone, rookie Josh Barfield crushed a two-out, three-run double into the left-field corner against Cortez in the sixth, breaking open a 3-3 game. Known as a smart baserunner, Barfield alertly took third and then scored after Cortez bounced wild pitches that escaped catcher Rene Rivera.
In the eighth, Barfield doubled off the center-field fence against Jeff Heaverlo, following a two-run double by Paul McAnulty, another young Padre trying to establish himself.
Meanwhile, Blum, Eric Young and Bobby Hill have done nothing to hurt their cases.
Recalling Khalil Greene's successful bid for the shortstop position two springs ago, Bochy said Barfield, 23, has handled the competition -- offensively, defensively and emotionally -- smoothly after an excellent 2005 season at Triple-A Portland.
"Greeney was in the same situation [in 2004]," Bochy said. "I'm sure they know there's pressure on them to make the club. It gives you a chance to see how they'll react. Josh is playing well.
"The biggest thing with this situation is whether we think Josh is ready to start the season for us or needs more seasoning. He looks like a man on a mission to be on this club.
"Bellhorn's going to be here. He's an important member of this club. We're going to go deep in spring before we decide which way we're going to go."
Bellhorn, like the other three veterans, can play all over the infield and figures to be a prime pinch-hitting option as well, if he doesn't start.
Blum, also familiar with that all-purpose role, has pounded the ball, while Young and Hill have shown the discipline and versatility to flourish as top-of-the-order tablesetters.
Hill, playing third base now with Vinny Castilla playing for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, walked twice and sacrificed before getting robbed of a hit on a diving stab by first baseman Todd Sears, picking up an RBI with the out.
Brazelton, Etherton flawless: Bidding for spots in a crowd of pitchers, newcomers Dewon Brazelton and Seth Etherton could not have fared any better Sunday.
Brazelton, the former No. 1 draft pick of Tampa Bay accepted in exchange for Sean Burroughs, rolled through two perfect innings. His highlight was a strikeout of Richie Sexson, fooled by the bite on a slider.
Etherton, a Rule 5 acquisition, also set down all six Mariners he faced with economy.
"Dewon had a good sinker, slider and changeup," Bochy said. "He kept the ball down and had good command.
"Etherton's strength is location. He pitched very well."
Cesar Carrillo, the 2005 first-round pick out of the University of Miami, struggled, giving up three runs on four hits and a walk in his one inning, striking out one and getting a double play to escape further harm.
Southpaw Ryan Meaux picked up the win with one inning of two-hit relief. Trevor Hoffman had a 1-2-3 inning, but Scott Linebrink and Clay Hensley both struggled, giving up a pair of runs each in one inning of work.
Valent impresses: After delivering a pair of RBI singles and throwing out a runner at the plate from right field, Eric Valent was all smiles.
A man with 250 games worth of Major League experience with three teams (Phillies, Reds, Mets), the left-handed Valent is returning home to Southern California to compete for a reserve role in the absence of fellow southpaws Mark Sweeney and Robert Fick.
"I know I can play, and they know I can play," said Valent, a former UCLA star from Anaheim. "It's just a matter of seeing what it comes down to in the makeup of the team.
"Make them make a tough decision -- that's all you can ask for if you know you can play."
Valent, 28, had a solid 2004 season with the Mets (.267, 13 homers, 34 RBIs in 270 at-bats) but struggled early last season and was sent to Triple-A Norfolk.
"He can play all three outfield positions and first base," Bochy said. "He's a solid player. He gives you quality at-bats."
Hit-and-run: Outfielder Terrmel Sledge is day-to-day with a muscle strain in his left calf. His hamstring tear last May, requiring surgery, was in his right leg. ... Unlike critics of the World Baseball Classic, Bochy thinks this is the best time for the event, in part because pitchers' seasons aren't lengthened as they would be if it followed the World Series. ... His offense having produced 30 runs in two days, Bochy said, "We are capable of having bigger innings the way we have the last couple days."

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Padres Minor League report: March 5

2006-03-20T09:41:00.000-08:00

03/05/2006
Hot topic: Double-A Mobile figures to open with a pair of fast-track right-handers, Cesar Carrillo and Jered Wells, throwing to the club's premier catching prospect, George Kottaras.
Three southpaws -- Sean Thompson, Roger Deago and Mario Ramos -- could join Carrillo and Wells, both of whom could make the jump to Triple-A Portland sometime during the season. This has the potential to be a dominant rotation, particularly if Ramos summons his old form.
Ramos, Oakland's sixth-round pick in the 1999 First-Year Player Draft, is trying to kick-start his career. A finesse pitcher who attended Rice, Ramos was dealt to Texas in 2002. Having experienced success at all Minor League levels, he made three starts for Texas in '03, going 1-1 with a 4.94 ERA. He threw five shutout innings against the A's before Miguel Tejada went deep on him. He was then reacquired by the A's before joining the Padres organization.
On the move: Andres Macias, a Fontana, Calif., native who attended Chaffey JC and was signed by Chris Gwynn as a draft-and-follow in 2003, has added more than 20 pounds of muscle, filling out his 6-foot-3 frame at 197. A skilled left-handed-hitting and lefty-throwing outfielder, Macias had eight homers and 55 RBIs while batting .266 at Fort Wayne last year and is driving the ball with more authority this spring.
Name in the game: Rick Sutcliffe, a one-time Cy Young Award winner now known for his television voice, has been a vibrant presence in camp working with pitchers and keeping manager Bruce Bochy and the staff entertained.
They're No. 1: Matt Bush, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, has been given a taste of high-level competition with veteran Manny Alexander showing up late because of visa issues. Bush has showcased a powerful arm and range at shortstop but has struggled to hit top-shelf pitching. Carrillo, last year's top pick out of the University of Miami, dazzled in his Spring Training debut, retiring all three hitters he faced while getting ahead in counts with a fastball he moves around the zone with the polish of a seasoned pro.
Class of '05: Carrillo, left-handed pitcher Cesar Ramos, third baseman Chase Headley, catcher Nick Hundley and pitcher Josh Greer appear to be the most advanced of the crop. All played at high competition levels in college and it shows in their mature approach. It's a deep class, one the team plans to use to begin developing the productive farm system chairman of the board John Moores has mandated through club president Sandy Alderson and personnel maven Grady Fuson.
Stat machine: Kottaras, whose smooth, effortless stroke has drawn comparisons with John Olerud, cracked a run-scoring double during Saturday's 17-4 rout of Seattle.
What they're saying: "Mario is a quality pitcher. He threw very well in the Dominican Republic this winter. I'm familiar with him from my time in Texas. He's an intelligent guy who knows what he's doing out there, with a good changeup to go with a breaking ball and fastball that goes from 85 to 89. I'd love to see him have a good year for us." -- Fuson on Ramos

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Barfield delivers two doubles, four RBIs

2006-03-20T09:40:00.000-08:00

03/05/2006
Mariners at the plate: Richie Sexson had a pair of singles. In a three-run fifth inning, center fielder T.J. Bohn singled home a run and Roberto Petagine had a two-run pinch-single. Catcher Rene Rivera had two doubles and two RBIs.
Padres at the plate: Rookie Josh Barfield drove in four runs with a pair of doubles, breaking open a 3-3 game with a two-out, three-run double in the sixth against Renee Cortez, who surrendered a two-run homer to Mark Bellhorn in the fifth. Free-agent outfielder Eric Valent had two RBI singles and Paul McAnulty crushed a two-run double.
Mariners on the mound: Starter Jarrod Washburn walked two, gave up two hits and a run, striking out two in two innings. Right-hander Francisco Cruceta pitched two scoreless innings, striking out one while giving up a hit and a walk.
Padres on the mound: In his first test with his new club, starter Dewon Brazelton breezed through six hitters in two innings, striking out Sexson with a changeup. Rule 5 acquisition Seth Etherton followed with two perfect innings.
Cactus League records: Mariners 0-3; Padres 2-1.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Will Barfield be first at second?

2006-03-20T09:39:00.000-08:00

03/06/2006
Do you think that Josh Barfield will hit enough to start in the Major Leagues this year, or is he a year away?-- Mike V., Las Vegas
Barfield is pure class, with a total game to go with a Major League profile. Yes, I think he has the right stuff to hold down the second-base job, but my vote doesn't count. It's what manager Bruce Bochy and his staff think that matters, and that decision won't be made until late in the spring.
The club might elect to start with Mark Bellhorn, who has been wearing out pitchers and is a proven commodity. And there is quality depth from Geoff Blum, Bobby Hill and Eric Young, all of whom can play multiple positions. But I've seen the future here, and it answers, brightly, to Josh.
This figures to be the toughest of all decisions for the Padres. With his glove, bat, attitude and instincts, Barfield plans to make it difficult not to include him in the 2006 game plan.
Competition is a good thing. It appears to be bringing out the best in all these players.
Are you worried that Jake Peavy will burn out before the end of the season -- especially if he pitches a lot in the World Baseball Classic?-- Jacob W., El Cajon, Calif.
Peavy has intelligence to go with that all-universe talent. He won't do anything to jeopardize his season.
Even if he felt the impulse to push too hard too soon, there are pitch-count limits -- 60, 75 and 90 for successive rounds of Classic play -- and manager Buck Martinez promises to watch his Team USA pitchers closely.
Peavy is stronger and seemingly in better condition than at any time in his career. He has more definition in his upper body, having added close to 10 pounds of muscle over the winter, so he's not that skinny whippet who arrived on the scene.
Peavy feels deeply honored to represent his country in this event, and it's sincere. He doesn't say things for the cameras, for image's sake. He's as real as they come, a tribute to his family and the way they raised him down home in Mobile, Ala.
Will Mike Piazza become the go-to guy in the lineup as the year moves on? I saw him for eight years here in New York, and he was a big-time player when the Mets needed him.-- Mike R., New York
Great players love the challenge of late-game situations -- and Piazza has been a great player for a long time.
There's no reason why, if he stays healthy, he can't deliver when his team needs him -- and yes, as the cleanup hitter, he'll be a go-to guy alongside Brian Giles. Piazza looked terrific in camp before going to join Italy's Classic team.
What's fascinating is how hard he works on his conditioning. His strength is legendary, and it's no secret why he's one of the most powerful individuals in the sport -- he puts in the time and energy.
This is a big challenge for Piazza. He knows people think he's close to the end of the road. He also has seen other catchers -- Carlton Fisk comes to mind -- flourish late in their careers, going against the familiar trend.
He came to San Diego to do what he's always done: lead a pitching staff and power an offense. If he's successful, the Padres will take a huge stride toward winning the National League West again.
Do the Padres have any emergency catchers? It looks like Bochy will have to decide between carrying 12 pitchers or three catchers. If the Padres go with only two catchers and don't have an available emergency catcher, it becomes difficult to use Piazza as a pinch-hitter.-- John D., La Jolla, Calif.
There are no Robert Ficks among the position players, men with extensive catching backgrounds, so it is believed the team will carry three catchers. No firm decision has been made yet.
It's also possible they'll start with two catchers until pitchers are fully stretched out, then go to 11 pitchers and three catchers a month or so into the season.
David Ross, a dependable receiver with occasional pop, and Pete Laforest are the candidates for the third catching spot. Laforest has the advantage of being left-handed, with Piazza and Doug Mirabelli both right-handed hitters.
Mirabelli has been drilling the ball, and he's always been highly regarded defensively. This remains an area of concern, given how valuable Ramon Hernandez, Miguel Olivo and Fick were last season. But if everything falls in place, the Friars should be in good shape behind the plate.
How far away is George Kottaras, and who else is there at catcher?-- Mike R., Chula Vista, Calif.
Kottaras figures to be at least a year away. He's heading for Double-A Mobile, where he'll catch top prospects Cesar Carrillo and Jared Wells coming out of the chute. These are three valuable pieces for the future.
With his smooth stroke and improving throwing mechanics, Kottaras has made excellent strides already this spring. He's clearly smart and adaptable, and he could be around a long time with his left-handed bat and solid defense.
Right behind Kottaras are Colt Morton, a big guy with power and developing defensive skills, and Nick Hundley, one of the prizes in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.
The club feels this has become an area of organizational strength. Kottaras, Morton and Hundley all could be in San Diego by 2009, starting with Kottaras sometime next season if he continues his development at Mobile and Triple-A Portland.
I think it's great Piazza is back out there. What a treat to even watch on TV! Can he get his old number, 31, back?-- Linda C., Cranston, R.I.
No. 31 is retired in San Diego. It belonged to Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, now a club executive. Piazza will grace No. 33. It looks good framing his broad shoulders.
Watching Walter Young, he reminds me of David Ortiz with just as much power. Why wouldn't the Padres want a guy like this on their bench?-- Todd K., Fresno, Calif.
That's an intriguing comparison. Ortiz was a late bloomer as a dominant hitter, and there are distinct similarities in style. Big Walter can mash. He has a lot of people pulling for him to find a way onto the roster.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Notes: Outfielders getting acquainted

2006-03-20T09:38:00.000-08:00

03/06/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- They are a unit within a team. They stretch together, take batting practice together, usually hit 1-2-3 in the order and are learning to roam the outfield together as synchronized parts.
Mike Cameron, the new center fielder, is getting familiar with a couple of constant companions -- Dave Roberts in left field and Brian Giles over in right.
"I've always been impressed by the way he covers ground and runs down balls," Giles said of Cameron, whose arrival from the Mets in exchange for Xavier Nady shifted Roberts to left. "You can see that from the opposite dugout.
"Collectively, with the three of us out there, we're going to run down more balls than we did the last few years."
Giles said he means no disrespect to Ryan Klesko, who has moved to first from left. But from a pure baseball standpoint, it's clear that the Padres have significantly upgraded their outfield defense with this new alignment.
With the adaptability of a smart, resourceful veteran, Roberts is determined to play left field as well as anyone.
"Having a speed guy in left, that's a good commodity to have," manager Bruce Bochy said. "I like the way the outfield looks."
Cameron crushed his first Cactus League homer in the first inning of Monday's 8-3 win over the Royals at Surprise Stadium. Roberts singled and doubled, and Giles singled and walked, scoring in the fourth on David Ross' three-run homer, the catcher's second blast of the day.
"I want them to get accustomed to playing together out there, getting to know each other, how Mike communicates with them," Bochy said, explaining why he is keeping the threesome intact throughout Spring Training.
As the quarterback of the outfield, Cameron has first call, letting Roberts and Giles know that he'll go hard after any ball he thinks he can catch but will take a deeper route on questionable gappers.
"That's for safety reasons," Cameron said, needing no reminders of the violent collision he had with Carlos Beltran at PETCO Park last Aug. 11, ending his season when he had multiple facial injuries.
"I've got a long way to go, with the whole thing," Cameron said. "It takes time. The key is feeling comfortable."
That figures to happen quickly to Padres pitchers watching this threesome turn doubles and triples into outs.
Ross is boss: It's not that it's anything particularly new to Ross. He was a respected power hitter at the University of Florida, hit 15 homers in 92 games at Triple-A Las Vegas in 2002 and has 19 career Major League homers in 424 at-bats.
So he wasn't exactly shocked to go deep on two of the first three pitches he saw from the Royals on Monday at Surprise Stadium.
"When something comes in there when you're feeling good, you don't miss those," Ross said. "I had decent power numbers in the Minors."
He came to the Padres at midseason in 2005 from Pittsburgh but made only 11 appearances, batting .353 with a triple -- the drive that brought Beltran and Cameron together.
The club isn't sure if it will go with two or three catchers to start the season, but Ross hopes to nail down a job in support of Mike Piazza and Doug Mirabelli.
"I love it here -- the coaching staff, the pitching staff especially," Ross said. "The atmosphere in the clubhouse is great. They've made me feel good from day one even though I haven't had a lot of opportunities.
"I came into camp trying to work on getting myself ready to play. Those other guys have guaranteed contracts. I'm going about it as if I'm going to make the team."
Estes sharp again: Ross raved about the pitching of lefty Shawn Estes, who held the Royals to two singles and a walk in three scoreless innings, striking out two.
"He's going to be a good pitcher for us," Ross said. "He's got good command, good sink on the ball. He relied almost strictly on his fastball and changeup today. The ball had a lot of sink to it; it was falling off the table.
"When I saw that they signed him, I was really happy. He could be a real sleeper. He's an innings-eater, and if he stays healthy, I see a lot of good things from him."
Southpaw Alan Embree and right-handers Steve Andrade and Jon Adkins were also especially sharp behind Estes, each pitching a scoreless inning.
Grabbing some lumber: Taking batting practice Monday in preparation for an at-bat Tuesday when he faces the Giants, Chris Young said he got into one pitch but wasn't sure if it had enough carry to clear the fence.
"I don't have any frame of reference," he said later, grinning.
The ball did get over the barrier, a fresh sensation for the 6-foot-10 right-hander. Young said he hasn't done any hitting since he was in Double-A ball in 2003 with the Montreal organization.
"It's a new challenge for me here," he said. "I don't have high expectations, but I'll see what I can do. I'll know when I'm supposed to bunt or try to hit."

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Ross' two homers power Padres' win

2006-03-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

03/06/2006
Padres at the plate: Backup catcher David Ross homered twice on the first three pitches he saw, the second a three-run blast landing about 50 feet beyond the left-field fence against right-hander Adam Bernero. Mike Cameron unloaded his first spring homer, a blast to left in the first inning against Jeremy Affeldt.
Royals at the plate: Outfielder Chip Ambres, a former Division I quarterback recruit, powered a pair of solo homers. Five-time All-Star Mike Sweeney collected his first spring hit in his fifth at-bat with a single.
Padres on the mound: Southpaw Shawn Estes continued to pitch superbly, going three scoreless innings and giving up two singles and a walk while striking out two. Fellow lefty Alan Embree, staking his claim for the bullpen, retired all three Royals he faced.
Royals on the mound: Starter Affeldt gave up solo homers to Cameron and Ross and a Dave Roberts single in three innings. Bernero gave up five earned runs on three hits, two walks and a hit batsman in two-thirds of an inning, after which Leo Nunez retired all four men he faced.
Cactus League records: Padres 3-1; Royals 2-2-1.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Notes: Mates enjoy Classic Peavy

2006-03-20T09:36:00.000-08:00

03/07/2006
PEORIA, Ariz. -- While their ace, Jake Peavy, was having a blast in the World Baseball Classic in Phoenix throwing strikes and zeros for Team USA against Mexico, the Padres were enduring a day that would be easy to forget.
Starting with Chris Young's struggles and including a rare rough outing by Trevor Hoffman, who yielded a three-run homer young Giants infielder Derin McMains won't forget, the Padres' staff took its lumps in Tuesday's 12-3 rout by San Francisco at Peoria Stadium.
Only Doug Brocail and Scott Linebrink, who worked a perfect inning each, were spared the damage that began with five runs on seven hits against Young, including a homer by second baseman Kevin Frandsen.
Fighting his command, like Young, Brian Sikorski gave up a run on two walks and a wild pitch. A free agent who spent the past five seasons in Japan, Sikorski is bidding for a middle-relief role.
"I made some good pitches, some just off the plate, a little up," Sikorski said. "I need to get my fastball down. I was rushing a little bit."
Andy Ashby's two innings included six hits and three runs, one unearned on his own error. Hoffman gave up two singles and the homer before getting lifted for Jared Wells, who got an out.
"It's a little more difficult for him to get in sync when he's off," manager Bruce Bochy said of the 6-foot-10 Young, who struck out two men. "He obviously didn't have his good command.
"It's been a long time, a long road back for Ash. He hasn't had a lot of work on the mound. What he has to feel good about is his arm feels good, and his velocity is there. I thought he threw some good pitches. His arm strength and command should get better. He has five or six more outings."
Mike Cameron continued to swing a hot bat with a pair of doubles. Doug Mirabelli, also sizzling, had a double and single, and Geoff Blum doubled.
Jake's biggest fans: Returning to the clubhouse after workouts and game action, Padres players were asking about Peavy, how he fared in his inaugural Classic start against Mexico for the red, white and blue.
Told that Peavy had breezed through three innings on an economy of pitches, striking out three and inducing a pair of double-play grounders, fellow pitcher Clay Hensley was beaming.
"Jake was dealing," said Hensley, who starred Tuesday in the Padres' camp version of "American Idol" with a rousing Michael Jackson imitation. "He must have had a lot of movement, getting quick outs like that. I'm really happy for the guy. I know how much this means to him."
Among those Peavy retired in his three innings were Padres teammates he's just getting acquainted with: Mexico corner infielders Vinny Castilla and Adrian Gonzalez.
"That's great," Bochy said of Peavy, who figures to have two more starts for Team USA. "He had such easy innings, they tell me he went down and threw in the bullpen after he pitched.
"The thing you want to stay away from is big innings. Jake had three easy ones. He threw mostly strikes. That's very encouraging."
Puckett memories: Mark Merila, the Padres' bullpen catcher for a decade, grew up in Minnesota cheering for Kirby Puckett and the Twins before attending the University of Minnesota and getting drafted by the Padres in 1994. Puckett's death on Tuesday took Merila back to his youth.
"After Rod Carew, [Puckett] was my guy when I was growing up," Merila said. "Being the same size, I could naturally relate to him. He was a big inspiration for every kid in Minnesota, the way he played the game, always upbeat, smiling, laughing.
"He was a champion on the field. He didn't have the stereotypical baseball body, 6-foot-2, 200 pounds. He was short, squatty -- but you didn't want to throw him a fastball. He'd hit them chest high or off his ankles, it didn't matter.
"The way he put the city on his back, in '87 and '91, and brought those championships home ... that made him a Minnesota icon forever."
Merila wanted to hit like Kirby, run like Kirby and, most of all, have fun like Kirby.
"That big leg kick, every kid in Minnesota did that," Merila said. "I know I did. Whether you played Wiffle ball in the yard or played in a park, you wanted to hit like Kirby with that big leg kick. I'll just always remember the way he played the game, with everything he had, but always with a smile on his face.
"I met him at an alumni event for the University of Minnesota about four years ago. He knew our coach, John Anderson, and came over to see us. He was unforgettable. It's a great loss for baseball and Minnesota."
Sledge close: Outfielder Terrmel Sledge said he's close to returning to action after staining a calf muscle during a recent workout involving batting and running.
"It's nothing to worry about," said Sledge, who missed almost all of 2005 with a hamstring tear in the other leg. "I'm just being a little careful with it. The good thing is it has nothing to do with the hamstring. I guess it was a little too much too soon."
"I'm looking forward to seeing him play," Bochy said. "He was hitting really well when he hurt the leg."

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Padres get hit early, late

2006-03-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

03/07/2006
Giants at the plate: Right fielder Abraham Nunez went 4-for-4. Second baseman Kevin Frandsen homered to left against Chris Young, his first in Cactus League play, and Frandsen's replacement, Derin McMains, launched a three-run homer against Trevor Hoffman, his second of the spring.
Padres at the plate: Mike Cameron banged a pair of doubles, driving in Geoff Blum, who had doubled. Doug Mirabelli had a single and double.
Giants on the mound: Matt Cain went three innings, giving up one earned run on two hits and a walk, striking out three. Southpaw Erick Threets struck out two in a scoreless inning of relief.
Padres on the mound: Young surrendered seven hits and a walk in three innings, giving up five earned runs while striking out two. Hoffman allowed two singles before yielding a three-run homer to McMains on an 0-2 pitch.
Cactus League records: Giants 4-2; Padres 3-2.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/