Is it me, or did Friday seem like it would never come this week? Now we just have to hope the rain leaves before Thursday.

Bullet points today…

• Padres break camp grateful to be intact (NC Times). Of the players expected to be on the Opening Day roster, only Rod Beck won’t be. Phil Nevin and Jay Payton are good to go. 1B/OF Jon Knott, slated for duty at Triple-A Portland, caught Bruce Bochy’s eye by hitting .407 this spring.
• Storm notes: Hitchcock appears headed for Elsinore (NC Times). Nothing is set in stone, but it would make more sense to keep him nearby until his first scheduled start for the big club April 17. Hitchcock worked six games for the Storm in 2001.
• For starters, Valdez joins Padres bullpen (NC Times). The other reclamation project will be a swingman. If he’s got anything left in the tank at all, this would give the Pads some flexibility.
• Sluggish Nevin makes return from injury (NC Times). Notable quote: “I was definitely a little sluggish from puking my brains out the last couple of days.” Gee, Phil, thanks for the info. Also, Rule V pick Jason Szuminski is mentioned as the likely replacement for Hitchcock when the season opens Monday.
• Braves release Matthews Jr. (Rocky Mount Telegram). Oridinarily this is where I would gripe about the Padres giving up something of value to get Kerry Robinson when freely available talent is so abundant, but Brian Hunter’s value escapes me so I’ll pass.
• Left-hander Walker added; Jensen let go (San Francisco Chronicle). Giants picked up Kevin Walker. I always get a little nervous when a team in the same division claims a guy off waivers like that.

Exhibition games against the Mariners at Petco this weekend. David Wells starts Saturday night. I don’t know what the ticket situation is like, but if you haven’t checked out the new park yet, now would be a good time.