In-Game Discussion: Padres vs Indians (8 Jun 2005)
Wed, Jun 8, 2005
by Geoff Young
[Update: Some folks may have missed this, so I'm putting it right at the top of the entry:
Ducksnorts on "Outta Left Field" on Channel 4 before Wednesday night's game (i.e., tonight)
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Loc: Hall of Fame Bar & Grill, Fifth Floor of Western Metal Supply Co. Bldg.]
first pitch: 7:05 p.m., PT
television: Channel 4
matchup: Jake Peavy (5-0, 2.37 ERA) vs Scott Elarton (2-2, 5.53 ERA)
Pads lost a heartbreaker in Tuesday night’s opener. Brian Lawrence tossed eight shutout innings, but the Friars couldn’t muster up any offense against Cliff Lee. The Indians finally broke through with two in the top of the 11th off Trevor Hoffman following a Khalil Greene error. Greene rushed his throw on a ball hit by Ben Broussard - not the fastest guy in the big leagues - and Phil Nevin couldn’t dig it out of the dirt. Tough loss.
Wednesday night’s matchup features two former phenoms whose careers have taken decidedly different paths.
AB BA OBP SLG
Peavy vs current Indians 46 .196 .283 .348
Elarton vs current Padres 106 .255 .314 .500
Once upon a time, Elarton was a rising young star for the Houston Astros. Now he is a veteran just hanging on. Elarton, a right-hander, has been tougher against lefties (.269/.339/.413, with 25 SO in 104 AB) than righties (.327/.363/.522, just 9 SO in 113 AB) this year. Starting Xavier Nady somewhere might not be a bad idea. Then again, starting Nady seldom is a bad idea. Phil Nevin (.462/.467/1.077 in 13 AB) and Brian Giles (.333/.333/.600 in 15 AB) have had the most success over the years against Elarton. In an extremely small sample, Dave Roberts has never been retired by Elarton: he has three walks, two singles, and a double in six trips to the plate.
Peavy, meantime, is racking up a ton of no-decisions. Not that he’s focusing on such things, but the lack of wins will hurt his case when it comes time to vote for the Cy Young Award. I didn’t say it should hurt his case (it shouldn’t), I said it will hurt his case. Then again, judging from last year, the voters may not even know who Peavy is. Not much to go on in the head-to-heads. Alex Cora (.167/.273/.167 in 18 AB) is the only guy who has faced Peavy more than eight times. Broussard and Jody Gerut have homered off Peavy.
The matchup looks to favor the home team on paper. But as we’re fond of saying, the game isn’t played on paper. Because, you know, that’d be a really big piece of paper.
Bruce got it right in yesterday’s comments: The Padres need to win these next two to build some momentum going into the series against the White Sox. Fortunately for the Friars, their chief division rivals aren’t playing real well and haven’t been able to close the gap; the flip side, of course, is that the Pads haven’t put much distance between Arizona and LA. I’m pretty convinced the Padres are the best team in the NL West; now they need to start playing like it.
Finally, because I haven’t said it often enough, I’ll say it one last time. Ducksnorts is live on “Outta Left Field” tonight. Show starts at 5:30 p.m. Stop by the Hall of Fame Bar & Grill and say hi if you’re at the game. I’m told you can also call in if you’re watching on Channel 4. I don’t know how that works exactly; something to do with a telephone, I’d expect.
Oh, and if you’re just discovering Ducksnorts because of “Outta Left Field,” welcome aboard! Hang out and watch the game with some knowledgable and passionate Padres fans. C’mon, it’ll be fun. 
Picking up where last year's version left off, the Ducksnorts 2008 Baseball Annual provides in-depth analysis of and commentary on the San Diego Padres. Get your copy today.
June 8, 2005 at 1:04 am
Greene might have been tagged with the error, but Nevin’s got to make that play.
June 8, 2005 at 1:42 am
Khalil’s got to make that play. That was a routine play messed up with bad footwork.
June 8, 2005 at 6:59 am
They both botched it. Khalil has Broussard if he knows who’s running and takes time to make a better throw. Nevin definitely could’ve helped more.
June 8, 2005 at 8:31 am
defense will make errors sometimes. The offense needs to score more than 0 runs per 11 innings to allow the defense some room for errors.
U-T says Roberts has a sore shoulder, hopefully allowing Nady to keep establishing himself.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/.....notes.html
Elsewhere in the U-T, it says that Nady’s contract has already earned him $275K in roster bonuses this year. Seems like every game Nady plays costs extra money, which probably explains a lot about his playing time lately.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/.....notes.html
June 8, 2005 at 8:42 am
Painful game, Green, Nevin, no hitting. Reminds me of the start of the season, ice cold bats. Luckily everyone else in the West lost last night too, so we can put this crappy game behind us. Plate Disicpline, guys. Work the pitcher.
June 8, 2005 at 9:25 am
Semi-unrelated question: Sandy Alderson has been with the Padres for almost two months now. Does anyone know what he’s doing? Any progress reports? I don’t mean accomplishments (it’s too soon for that) but what are his two or three main areas of focus?
June 8, 2005 at 11:05 am
Are you nervous about your Outta Left Field appearance? I watched part of it last night and Troy seemed much more calm and on topic than usual. I guess somebody told him his hyper routine wasn’t going over so well.
June 8, 2005 at 11:19 am
Dex: Honestly? Yeah, a little bit. Thankfully performing music live over the years has prepared me well for the experience so it’s a “good” kind of nervous, if you know what I mean. Like, I’d be worried if I didn’t feel at least a little nervous.
I’m really, really looking forward to doing the show and I think it will be a lot of fun. I’ve only met Troy once but he seems like a pretty cool dude, and the guys at Channel 4 are pros, so I don’t have any concerns on that front.
I hope some of y’all can join us at the game or at least watch on TV.
June 8, 2005 at 12:09 pm
Yes, Greene should have made a better throw… but it’s part of a first baseman’s job description to help his infielders out and make that dig. From my seat, KG’s throw appeared to catch dirt several feet in front of Nevin. Better if it doesn’t hit the ground at all, of course, but it’s not like it hit half a foot in front of Nevin and he’s stuck in a situation where the ball ricochets in a random direction.
June 8, 2005 at 2:12 pm
Watch what on TV? Is goff going to be on the teley? Please make an announcement so we can watch.
Also, remember, the usually rebroadcasts after the live game for you night owls.
June 8, 2005 at 5:37 pm
Wait - Geoff’s going to be on Outta Left Field? How were we supposed to know that? Why weren’t we told? Why didn’t Geoff post that every day for the past week? I just don’t understand.
June 8, 2005 at 5:44 pm
Are you guys nervous for Geoff? I kinda am. I don’t know why.
June 8, 2005 at 5:52 pm
A little bit, Dex.
June 8, 2005 at 5:53 pm
Good point. Bochy’s from Poway.
June 8, 2005 at 5:54 pm
This Troy guy is a dumbass.
June 8, 2005 at 5:54 pm
Worst caption ever.
June 8, 2005 at 5:55 pm
Second worst caption ever.
June 8, 2005 at 5:55 pm
The third one sucks the least.
June 8, 2005 at 6:04 pm
Youse guyse are crackin’ me up … and I’m not even watching
June 8, 2005 at 6:05 pm
Geoff’s doing a really good job.
June 8, 2005 at 6:08 pm
Dude, which one of you said to poke Troy in the eyes? I think it was Richard. Troy Johnson totally called you out dude. He’s coming after you!
June 8, 2005 at 6:08 pm
I feel bad for calling the guy a dumbass now that I know he reads the blog. I don’t take it back, but I kinda feel bad about it.
June 8, 2005 at 6:09 pm
Is it just me or are the Padres all swinging for the fences every at bat? I think that is the problem right now.
June 8, 2005 at 6:14 pm
Katie Temple is pretty hot! I never noticed her, because I am usually so into the discussions.
June 8, 2005 at 6:16 pm
Excellent job, Geoff! I was ready to call in and ask what you think of Syntax of Things, but they didn’t give me the chance. Oh well…
June 8, 2005 at 6:22 pm
That would have been great, Jeff.
June 8, 2005 at 7:14 pm
I am stuck at the office, and missed Geoff’s appearance. Is it going to be re-broadcasted? Did anyone tape or TiVO it?!?
June 8, 2005 at 7:16 pm
How’d we already give up a run?
It takes us at least 22 innings to score one of those.
June 8, 2005 at 7:28 pm
Oh crap…
Peavy’s giving up dingers to cripples named Boone.
Hell, Ray and Bob might even take him deep.
June 8, 2005 at 7:30 pm
At this rate, this game’s over with the way the offense is going. Peavy cannot give any more runs up.
June 8, 2005 at 7:39 pm
Glad to see that Elarton is having no problems with us whatsoever. This is getting real frustrating.
June 8, 2005 at 7:42 pm
Yo Richard. Tis okay in my book, man. If they give me a camera to speak my opinion, yer allowed to call me a dumbass, spaz, shmuck, loser, annoying man with the gargantuous schnoz, whatever you want, man… totally fair play. Being a computer geek that I am, I’ve bitched joyously on chat boards about people I thought sucked. I don’t take it personally, because my mother says I’m a great kisser.
SHIT… homer by Sizemore. That dude’s 12 for 22…
Anyway… thanks to Geoff for Ducksnorts, and thanks for coming on the show. This is a top-notch blogspot.
June 8, 2005 at 7:43 pm
Grady Sizemore takes Peavy deep off the RF foul pole. What else can go wrong? 3-0 Tribe.
June 8, 2005 at 7:43 pm
well its obvious that Jake isnt on his game. two homers in one game. The offense is dead, seems Klesko is the only one that hasnt been drinking embalming fluid.
June 8, 2005 at 7:46 pm
The offense is in a deep funk atm Hank. It gets worse however, the Indians’ TV announcers say Nevin is not even at the park because he too now has the flu.
June 8, 2005 at 7:46 pm
Speaking of drinking…
What the hell has happened to our baseball team?!?!
Are we going to see more of you around here, Troy?
June 8, 2005 at 7:48 pm
I throw pretty hard. Should I start warming up?
June 8, 2005 at 7:48 pm
Indians having batting practice against Peavy. His location is off, anyone have any radar readings? Is he velocity down? I was afraid that he wouldn’t quite have his strength back tonight.
June 8, 2005 at 7:49 pm
His velocity I mean. I can’t even type straight.
June 8, 2005 at 7:51 pm
Troy, I enjoy the FoxRox. Tivo it every week. I have nothing but respect for the job you’ve done making the move to baseball pregame. If nothing else, you’re keeping Jane Mitchell interviews to a minimum, and that’s a good thing.
Sorry, I’ll play nice.
June 8, 2005 at 7:57 pm
I’d love to post more… probably will… with three jobs I barely have time to brush my teeth, though. And thanks, Jeff. It’s never a great thing hearing yer a jackass, but totally comes with the territory, and I respect it a hundred percent. I study about eight hours a day for the show (including a half hour on Ducksnorts), so hopefully I’ll drop something knowledgeable at least once a show.
So did you guys see the Ch. 4 poll about who will make the all-star team? Notice that not one of the three dudes that we pay about $30 Million to play baseball were on there? (Giles, Klesko and Nevin)… ouch.
June 8, 2005 at 7:57 pm
pathetic… another shutout in the making?
June 8, 2005 at 8:01 pm
It seems finally that the absence of Loretta has finally caught up with us. Blum is cooling off, frankly Burroughs and Greene are not doing much right now, and Sweeney is starting tonight for Nevin. As you said, other than Klesko no one is really swinging the bat well. They are pressing again, and their ace has spotted the other team a 4 run cushion. As you said, a recipe for another shutout.
June 8, 2005 at 8:02 pm
Anyone know what Peavy’s velocity is like tonight?
June 8, 2005 at 8:04 pm
I thought your comment about the Poway cops was spot on, though I’m guessing you might want to wear a disguise if you’re driving through there any time soon.
June 8, 2005 at 8:07 pm
HR for Klesko. Anyone else in the lineup want to contribute tonight? The slow comeback begins.
June 8, 2005 at 8:07 pm
DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!! DONG!!!
June 8, 2005 at 8:08 pm
RYNO… five hits in the last two games. Oh god please let this continue. We need one of the big three hot at all times.
And Jeffe… yeah, I heard once that Poway was where htey sent cops on probation to rehab. Seriously. Of course, that could’ve been an urban legend among us high school partiers, but still.
June 8, 2005 at 8:15 pm
Troy, are you gonna help my hype Sat night’s Lou Curtiss benefit at the Casbah?
Lotsa local music monsters are part of it, including good pal Buddy Blue with the Farmers (all founding Beat Farmers, minus the late Country Dick. Still rockin’).
All for the best of all causes, roots icons Lou and Virginia Curtiss. They are responsible for Adams Ave Roots Fest, Adams Ave Street Fair, and Roots Rare Records, the most amazin’ record store EVER.
June 8, 2005 at 8:16 pm
When I was 13 I lived in Poway and got a ticket for running a stop sign on the sidewalk while riding a bike from a motorcycle cop that every knew loved harrasing kids. He was such an ass to me.
A couple weeks later that same cop harrased us at the Poway Parade for riding bikes on the side of the street opposite to the parade. The only thing that kept me from getting another ticket was about 20 parents who yelled at him for bugging us.
June 8, 2005 at 8:17 pm
Nice new moniker, Troy, but I thought I was Dumbass.
June 8, 2005 at 8:19 pm
We are getting our heads handed to us.
June 8, 2005 at 8:20 pm
Yeah, Lou is a legend in the SD folk scene. We ran something in Citybeat. I might throw something out in OLF as well. I know Buddy real well… what do you have to do with the show, Lance?
Man, Peavy’s rough tonight. I saw him before the game and he said he’s still feeling the bug that bit all the Padres. I know that sounds like a lame excuse, but when I’m sick, I don’t do anything as well…
June 8, 2005 at 8:21 pm
Here is some stuff that everyone may know, but I thought I would post it anyway:
Phil Nevin was scratched from the starting lineup with a stomach flu. Manager Bruce Bochy said Nevin’s illness is not believed to be related to the upper respiratory infection that has affected at least seven players since May 31. Bochy said Nevin believes he caught the illness from one of his family members. … CF Dave Roberts missed his second straight game with a sore right shoulder. The Padres don’t know what is causing the soreness. Roberts, who saw action on Tuesday night as a pinch runner, is available in the same capacity. … San Diego has been shut down in its last three games, all at home, against left-handed starters. The Padres have scored just one run on 15 hits over 24 innings and have struck out 23 times. Cliff Lee was the latest lefty to shut down the Padres, allowing five hits in seven shutout innings with a career-high nine strikeouts on Tuesday night. “All these lefties we have been facing haven’t been an aberration,” said Bochy. “They’ve been throwing well coming in here.”
June 8, 2005 at 8:25 pm
I also think that this team is not the same when Roberts is not playing. Whatever his contributions are, when he’s out, they don’t play as well.
June 8, 2005 at 8:39 pm
I am listening on the radio. Was that DP as great as Leitner makes it sound?!?!
June 8, 2005 at 8:39 pm
Nice DP by Greene. Maybe that will fire up this team. They look so lethargic.
June 8, 2005 at 8:39 pm
You won’t get better than that. Greene just justified the “Khalil Greene figurine giveaway” night… Fuck this kid can be good. Hopefully he pulls it all together soon.
June 8, 2005 at 8:42 pm
Lance, it was better than what Leitner described. Khalil diving to stop the ball deep in the hole, without taking the ball out of his glove shovels it to Blum on his stomach, and Blum turns it to get the guy at first by an eyelash. Awesome.
June 8, 2005 at 8:45 pm
OMG, did Burroughs drive the ball?!?! A triple?
June 8, 2005 at 8:45 pm
Dumbass, er..Troy, I thought you were involved in the original 4th and B Lou benefit.
I don’t have a thing to do with the show, other than being a friend of Buddy’s and an admirer of Lou’s. The wife and I will be there, however. Straight from Petco when the game ends.
I’ve been catching shows in town since the old “Tim Maze Presents…” shows 20 years ago. Whan I see your FoxRox gig, I wonder how we’ve never met.
June 8, 2005 at 8:46 pm
how about that situational hitting everyone? Helps to get that curveball that was waaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy outside like that to Klesko too.
June 8, 2005 at 8:46 pm
Blum’s pop-up to short didn’t help at all.
June 8, 2005 at 8:47 pm
The home plate umpire is calling a wonderful game, now. Foot off the plate? No problem, strike three.
June 8, 2005 at 8:47 pm
That called stike three was as bad a call as I have seen in my 30 years of baseball watching.
June 8, 2005 at 8:47 pm
Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!Crap!
June 8, 2005 at 8:48 pm
It wasn’t even a fastball a la the Atlanta Braves.
June 8, 2005 at 8:50 pm
Was it as bad as you guys are making it sound???
Mired in an ugly streak, we can’t afford any beating-down from umpires.
June 8, 2005 at 8:52 pm
As Mazzone says, the best pitch is strike-one on the outside corner.
This one wasn’t in the same zip code as the outside corner, from what I’m reading.
June 8, 2005 at 8:53 pm
You’re reading correctly, then. It was an atrocious call.
June 8, 2005 at 8:54 pm
Hey, Troy. It’s nice to see you commenting here. It’s also nice to see the dumbass thing is something you save for tv.
June 8, 2005 at 8:54 pm
Time to head home before my wife divorces me. Maybe I’m cursed, and my departure will bring good karma. Or maybe not.
Gotta put some on the board in the seventh…
June 8, 2005 at 8:59 pm
That was smart play by Boone.
June 8, 2005 at 9:02 pm
Greene’s having a real rough go of it.
June 8, 2005 at 9:06 pm
Damn.
June 8, 2005 at 9:07 pm
You don’t suppose Fick was swinging at those pitches for fear they’d be called strikes. Do you?
June 8, 2005 at 9:09 pm
I see we’re conceding this one. Here comes May.
June 8, 2005 at 9:32 pm
I see I missed some more promising innings wiped out by ineptitude. It wouldn’t surprise me if Fick swung at pitches fearing they might be called strikes, much less I am sure that Klesko’s complaining did nothing to help our cause.
June 8, 2005 at 9:51 pm
Bleh … it’s certainly not as much fun when they don’t score runs … I’m hoping it’s health-related and not talent-related …
I’m happy Burroughs hit a triple … XBH count now at 4 …
June 8, 2005 at 9:58 pm
It looks to be all a health related funk: some guys got really sick, i.e. Peavy, Giles, Klesko and Blum, the guys we depend on daily for the most part. It robbed us of our momentum and now as we hope to pull out, our catalyst, Roberts is out day to day for who knows how long with a mysterious shoulder injury. We need a good little streak to give the guys their confidence back. I was hoping Peavy would be up to the task of putting the team on his back tonight, but he clearly was not 100%. I guess being in bed for most of last week didn’t help!
June 9, 2005 at 12:05 pm
Dont wry guys..tonights matchup is a Padres Victory for sure..Adam Eaton has been on fire and im pretty confident he’ll get the padres on the winning side of things