Hey, how ’bout them Padres. I actually would’ve watched that game. If it had been on television.

Thanks to those of you who wrote in to our special e-mail address. Among the suggestions were that watching the Pads find new and exciting ways to lose is funny and laughter is therapeutic, it’s like watching a car wreck in that you don’t want to watch but you just can’t help yourself, and it’s painful to watch but at least some of the individual performances are good. As one reader summed it up: What are you gonna do?

Oliver Perez

Yes, it’s true. He’s scheduled to start Sunday in Chicago against the Sox. He’s been terrific at Portland, with a 3.02 ERA over 47 2/3 innings. More importantly, he has 48 strikeouts against 12 walks. Kevin Towers says in the U-T that Perez is working ahead in the count more, displaying better command of his fastball, and not altering his arm angle so often. Sounds like a recipe for sucess to me.

Plus, I have a hunch that Perez will respond to new pitching coach Darren Balsley. The two worked together at Elsinore in 2001, when Perez really started to appear on the radar. I’m guardedly optimistic about Perez’ return. If he can focus on doing what apparently he’s been doing at Triple-A and not get caught up in the hype that comes with being a young, left-handed pitcher from Mexico in SoCal, he’s got a chance. The talent is there. Now it’s a matter of using it.

Cory Stewart

Speaking of southpaws, Stewart continues to dominate the Southern League. Gotta figure he’s a good candidate for promotion at some point.

Well, sorry folks. I’m out of time. Just when we were getting somewhere, too. No worries, I’ll be back soon with more words…