That was ugly. And I’d say the same even if the Padres had ended up winning. Caught the first few innings on television. Some observations:

• Woody Williams had nothing. He was constantly falling behind in the count and having trouble locating his pitches. It was one game, and at Coors, so I’m not concerned about his being able to bounce back. Still, that was a disappointing performance.
• Could be wishful thinking on my part, but Brian Giles‘ bat seemed a little quicker than I’d remembered from last year. He really laid into an inside fastball from Joe Kennedy, yanked it over the right field fence.
• I didn’t see Xavier Nady‘s homers, but I did see him handle a few chances in center and he looked pretty comfortable out there. I don’t want to jinx him, but maybe if he stays hot for a while, someone else can be the fourth outfielder on this team.
• Phil Nevin‘s homer was a vintage shot to right-center. Man, I love it when he drives the ball to that part of the park.
• Yesterday marked the first time since 2002 that Trevor Hoffman blew a save for someone other than David Wells.

Off day today, then they’re back at it on Wednesday. Also, in case you missed it in the excitement over Opening Day, Ducksnorts’ first ever interview – with Will Carroll – is now up; be sure to give it a read. I’d like to do more of these, so if you have any suggestions please let me know.

Other Takes

• Rich over at San Diego Spotlight points out that the Pads played very well for seven innings.
• Peter at Padres RunDown reminds us not to make too much out of one game.
• Nady stays in groove (Padres.com). A little fluffy, but any props for the X-Man are good. Also, Ryan Klesko talks a little about his shoulder and how it “basically cost me a year and a half.”
• Nady has torrid day at the plate (NC Times). All X, all the time.
• Hoffman unable to hold the lead as Padres fall in opener (NC Times). More game coverage.
• Rocky start (U-T). Apparently the pitch that Hoffman served up for the game winning homer was a fastball clocked at 85 mph.
• The guys at Gaslamp Ball have an interview with Jim Pursel, founder of the Mark Grant Fan Club. It’s pretty entertaining.
• The latest edition of Thompson Tuesdays is up over at Scout.com. LHP Sean Thompson is at High-A Lake Elsinore this season. He’s discovering the joys of SoCal driving and his new pet chihuahua.