Keep making moves. Maybe one of ‘em will turn out right. To summarize:
- Padres activate Witasick (U-T). He replaces Lou Merloni, who was placed on the DL with a bruised right knee. Brandon Villafuerte and Kevin Walker were activated from rehab assignments and sent to Portland.
- Light-hitting Mendez has two hits in return to majors (NC Times). Kevin Towers and former pitching coach Dave Stewart will evaluate Oliver Perez, Dennis Tankersley and Ben Howard in an upcoming scouting trip. Stewart also will work with Jaret Wright on his splitter. Also, fourth-round pick Peter Stonard (2B, San Diego State) has signed. Can’t find much information on Stonard beyond the mind-numbingly clever plays on his last name because of two failed drug tests. Will keep looking.
- Padres’ No. 2 prospect Greene transferred to Beavers (KATU-TV). Khalil Greene moves up a level. Maybe not quite ready for it, but who knows. Didn’t we all say that about Xavier Nady this spring? Also, Michael Rivera has been claimed off waivers by the White Sox. Expect the Gene Kingsale supporters to jump on this. Then remind them that the Padres claimed Kingsale off waivers. And tell them to get over it already.
- Speaking of the ChiSox, Kevin Jarvis is scheduled to start Friday’s game against them.
Cal League All Stars
Four members of the Storm will be represented: Josh Barfield, 2B; J.J. Furmaniak, SS; Greg Sain, IF; Mike Wodnicki, P. The game, which again features the Cal League against the Carolina League, will take place June 24 at the Epicenter in Rancho Cucamonga.
Mailbag
You people are animals! No, really, you are. It’s a biological fact. Anyway, I was speaking figuratively; I’m getting tons (would you believe pounds?) of e-mail from you. Even if I don’t respond to everything, I do read it all.
Today’s wackiness starts with David Marshall, who writes, in response to my discussion on the future of the Pads’ middle infield from a couple weeks ago:
Remember that [Ramon] Vazquez is only in his second season. (How many days was he on Seattle’s roster in 2001?) Which means if he were moved to a utility role in his first year of arb-eligibility, the Padres could keep him pretty cheaply through his 6th season. And why not? He can play both middle-infield positions and pinch hit and pinch run. I’d feel a little bad for Ramon, but he might have as much value to the Padres in that role as he would as trade bait.
First off, I’m not sure how many days Vazquez was up with the M’s in 2001. I could probably look it up, but I’m lazy so let’s just assume for the sake of argument that David is correct. Second, and more importantly, David does bring up a pretty plausible scenario. I’d hate to see it, because Vazquez is becoming a solid big-league shortstop and it would seem something of a waste to turn him into Desi Relaford. Of course, from the Pads’ standpoint, that’s a nice position to be in.
Here’s another factor in the equation. The team with the worst record in the National League gets the first pick overall in the 2004 draft. The Pads are currently 7 1/2 games "ahead" of Milwaukee in that particular race. Stephen Drew, J.D.’s little brother, is considered the big prize next year. He plays shortstop at Florida State. Interesting, no?
Next up, some silliness from Medea’s Child:
OK, if you’re going to be amused by bad poetry, you’ve GOT to check these out:
I particularly recommend Moonlight in Manhattan (the comment about Britney Spears) and Moment of Truth.
I’m trying to think of something clever to say, but words escape me. I had no idea this sort of thing existed.
Finally, Anthony Trifiletti asks:
What do you think of Kevin Towers’ recent remark that the Padres may try to grab a player that’s being dealt for financial reasons? Who’s out there right now that fits the bill? [Carlos] Beltran maybe? Who else would be looking to dump salary?
Excellent question. I think the answer is, Rondell White. Oh wait, they already took on his contract.
Seriously, when it comes to dumping salary, Montreal/San Juan is always the first place to look (it helps if you have real big eyes). You hear Javy Vazquez’ name mentioned in talks every now and then. I’d love to see him in a Padre uni, but I’m not holding my breath. Come to think of it, I’m not expecting the Pads to land Beltran or anyone else of substance. What I really think about Towers’ remark is that it doesn’t make a lot of sense given the Padres’ current situation. Thinking out loud here, but I wonder if he might just be trying to send a message to frustrated fans that the club is exploring different ways to improve itself.
Dmitri Young? Bobby Higginson? (BTW, how does Nate Cornejo have a 3.11 ERA despite striking out fewer than two batters a game?) Raul Mondesi? B.J. Surhoff? B.J. Thomas? I dunno. Your guess is as good as mine, probably better. At this point, my stance is I’ll believe it when I see it.
Okay, that’s enough for now. Keep those letters coming! Meantime, I’m off to play another somebody-done-somebody-wrong song. Later…
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