I was up late last night helping rid a buddy of 22 virii on his machine (yikes!), so this will be real short and sweet.

• San Diego Padres Preview (Batter’s Box). Jonny German likes the Pads’ chances in 2004. This is a well-formulated article and worth the read.
• New role takes top priority for Burroughs (NC Times). In preparation for a full season in the leadoff spot, the young third baseman worked this off-season to improve his selectivity at the plate, as well as his speed and agility.
• Notebook: Giles has no problems with move from left to right field (NC Times)
• Back from brain surgery, Ramsay makes his pitch (Yahoo). Former Padre Rob Ramsay is with the Orioles this spring. I’ll never get tired of this story.
• Sabermetrics vs. Psychology (Baseball Musings). Arthur Rhodes as closer for the A’s may be a test case.