Playing catch-up. Sort of like the Padres this year, but hopefully with a more favorable outcome. Their games are becomingly increasingly difficult to watch. Oliver Perez pitched great yesterday but the bullpen blew it. This time it was Trevor’s turn. He’s been so automatic for so long that it’s always a bit shocking when he blows one. But it happens. For the first time this year he failed to convert a save opportunity. So I guess he was due. But he’ll be back. He always is.

A few days ago I’d speculated, based on his presence in Lake Elsinore, that Ben Howard might be returning to San Diego soon. A reader who had spoken with Howard at Sunday’s Storm game said he was in town to get an MRI on his arm. He’s currently on the DL for Portland but expect back in action soon. Just wanted to set the record straight.

Dennis Tankersley pitched a brilliant game against Greenville yesterday. Struck out 11 in 8 innings, allowing just 3 runs (2 earned). Also knocked a double and a homer. Vince Faison and Ben Johnson continue their hot hitting, each going 3-for-4 with a double and a homer. Faison, whom I thought was promoted too aggressively, is actually holding his own in Double-A, hitting .254/.338/.446. The strikeouts are still high but the walks are pretty decent, too. Johnson is looking like he might have benefitted from another season in the Cal League, now batting .233/.324/.365. His big problem is that he’s fanned 84 times in 266 at-bats, while knocking just 19 extra base hits. Something’s got to give. Either he’s got to start driving the ball more or make better contact.

Mark Phillips turned in another strong performance at San Bernardino: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO. The walk total is particularly encouraging.

Second baseman Josh Barfield and outfielder Pedro de los Santos continue to shine at Ft. Wayne. Barfield is up to .298/.325/.401 in 302 at-bats, while de los Santos is at .308/.373/.399 in 143 at-bats, with 30 steals in 35 attempts. Barfield needs to tighten up his strike zone but there’s time for that.