first pitch: 6:05 p.m., PT
television: Channel 4
matchup: Tim Stauffer (2-4, 4.78 ERA) vs Jamey Wright (5-8, 5.14 ERA)
previews: ESPN | CBS | Padres.com
Friars narrowly averted a sweep at Houston, beating the Astros 7-5 Thursday. Now it’s off to Denver for three games of Arena Baseball before the All-Star break.
Eric Young is back, Ramon Hernandez is back; Phil Nevin, Adam Eaton, and Mark Loretta are on the way. Maybe a few days of not thinking about stuff will help these guys and the Pads can go on a tear to start the second half. It’d be nice.
For the Rox, Todd Helton (.281/.404/.454) is having an off year, although he’s been torrid of late. Three of his nine homers on the season have come in the past seven games. Also, slugger Preston Wilson is supposedly headed to the Nationals.
Several former Padres now play for Colorado: Desi Relaford, Dan Miceli, Jay Witasick, Blaine Neal. Actually, Witasick is putting together a surprisingly good season for the Rockies.
Offensive numbers at Coors Field this year? Offensive:
AB BA OBP SLG
Rockies 1548 .302 .369 .468
Opponents 1596 .303 .379 .459
At least the Pads get to face them immediately before the break. Nothing like burning out your bullpen and then having to travel somewhere else to play a game the next day.
Mark Sweeney at first base tonight, Sean Burroughs at third. Eric Young and Xavier Nady ride pine.
99 Comments
2 mentions of Padres’ prospects in today’s BA Daily Dish (http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/minors/050708dish.html) …
Cesar Carrillo, the Padres’ first-round pick this year, started his professional career in fine style yesterday, throwing three shutout innings for high Class A Lake Elsinore. The righthander threw 40 pitches against Lancaster, allowing two hits while striking out three. He didn’t walk a batter while throwing 28 strikes. Carrillo, who hadn’t thrown in a game since June 10 when Miami was eliminated from the NCAA super-regionals by Nebraska, threw a fastball that registered consistently at 92-96 mph while working inside effectively on lefthanded hitters. In the second inning, he got shortstop Stephen Drew on a fly to right.
Former Tennessee teammates Josh Alley and Chase Headley helped Eugene to an 11-7 win against Spokane in the short-season Northwest League last night, and they’ve led the Emeralds to a 10-7 record, second-best in the league. Headley, a third baseman and second-round pick, had three hits last night to improve to.419 in 31 at-bats, while Alley scored twice and reached base twice—he leads the league with a .509 on-base percentage and 11 walks while batting .395.
How about a good whine to get us started …
Easiest ballpark in the world to get a hit … and Dave Roberts bunts out to the pitcher
How stupid do you have to be to try to steal a base in Denver? What was Miles thinking?
After 2 innings …
Pitches-strikes – T Stauffer 45-28; J Wright 38-23.
Ground balls-fly balls – T Stauffer 1-4; J Wright 4-0.
Batters faced – T Stauffer 10; J Wright 9.
Richard – stupider to bunt or attempt steal?
Stauffer’s looking good so far.
Okay, I guess I can’t complain about starting Sweeney over Nady tonight. I still think X. has to be somewhere in there.
I agree with you 100% Geoff!!!
I’d go 3B … and even feel good about starting him in CF …
See, if Burroughs could just do *that* every once in a while. I don’t care if Coors helped carry the ball, that was a good pass on the ball. (For those not watching, he tripled to center over Wilson’s head.)
And Khalil promptly dumps one over a drawn-in infield to drive home Burroughs.
I don’t know about Nady in CF at Coors. Shit’s hard enough on pitchers there as it is. And since Burroughs just tripled, I can’t bad-mouth him, either. He’d play over Sweeney at 1B, though, no matter which hand the opposing pitcher happens to throw with.
Since Hawpe’s two-out single in the first, Stauffer has retired 13 of the last 14 Rockies – the last eight in a row. He’s allowed only Helton’s one-out single in the third.
Stauffer’s pitch count is as follows:
1st 34-17K-17BB
2nd 9- 8K- 1BB
3rd 16-11K- 5BB
4th 13-10K- 3BB
5th 8- 5K- 3BB
Tot 80-51K-29BB
I wonder if Towers fell out of his chair???
(hint: Burroughs got an XBH
After that 34-pitch 1st, I don’t think anyone would have expected him to still be around.
But the Stauffer’s first-inning woes continued tonight.
In 11 starts, Stauffer – in the FIRST INNING ALONE – has allowed 17 hits (12 singles, three doubles, and two home runs) and 11 runs (all earned) in the first.
Stauffer has issued 11 free passes and posted only three strikeouts.
Stauffer’s first-inning ERA is 9.00 and his first-inning WHIP is 2.55.
Anyone see a pattern there?
I got it, Howard. I about fell out my MY chair when Towers said that.
Seay comes in and walks Roberts. Walks will KILL you at Coors.
Go DJ, go DJ. (It’s Friday; that’s about as insightful as it’s gonna get.)
Dj has had a lot of key hits this year, for such a crappy hitter. I know it’s been dumb-luck, but I thought I’d point it out anyway.
Also, it should be noted that if Stauffer comes out for the sixth inning, it will mean that he’s reached the sixth in every one of his major league starts.
He failed to record outs in the sixth against Minnesota on June 17 and at Los Angeles on June 22. He recorded two outs in the sixth against both Seattle May 22 and San Francisco July 3.
Not another Padre starter, including Peavy, has made it to the sixth in every start this year. Although, Peavy made it to the seventh inning in his first 10 starts before being knocked around in four innings against Milwaukee May 31.
So, while the kid struggles like hell early, he finds a way to last.
Grand slam Klesko. 10-2 Pads.
Stauffer came into this game with 73 groundball outs, including seven doubleplays, and 63 flyball outs (28 infield and 35 outfield). He also had 37 strikeouts.
Tonight, he’s used the Rocky Mountain air and big ballpark to his advantage. He’s recorded 11 flyball outs (four infield and seven outfield) and just one groundball out (Sullivan, the first batter of the game). He has two strikeouts, and benefitted from Miles getting nailed trying to swipe second in the first.
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!!!
Grand DONG?
Wow, I hadn’t realized that about Stauffer and making it to the sixth. Very impressive.
That was the first Padre grand slam since Phil Nevin hit one off Hideo Nomo on Opening Day *last year*!
Anyone think 10 runs is enough? I’m not sure …
Ten is not as good as eleven. Or twelve.
Geoff, don’t look for Stauffer to go much past the sixth. Since his first two starts (108 pitches vs. Cincy on May 11 and 102 pitches vs. Atlanta on May 16), he’s thrown no more than 99 pitches.
In fact, his last six starts had total pitch counts of:
93 v Cubs June 2
92 v ChiSox June 11
99 @ Minnesota June 17
91 v Dodgers June 22
90 @ Dodgers June 27
93 v Frisco July 3
With Helton and Wilson leading off the sixth, don’t expect him to get any quick outs. Helton, especially, likes to work the count. And you can bet Hurdle was upset about the Rockies’ first-strike swinging in the eight-pitch fifth.
Tell me again why Burroughs is in the major leagues?
That’s good usage. Nice to seem he’s not being worked too hard. Paul Quantrill is up in the ‘pen; Stauffer is due to lead off, so his night is probably done. Great outing at Coors.
Dogs go down to ’stros …
LM: You think Cubs fans were asking the same question about Corey Patterson a few days ago?
So much for that, Stauffer is batting.
Hey, Iced Coffee, are you stalking Tim Stauffer?
You seem to know an awful lot about him. Do I need to contact the authorities?
Houston came back? Sweet. Dodgers are hurting.
Presumably final numbers for Stauffer …
Pitches-strikes – T Stauffer 95-66
Ground balls-fly balls – T Stauffer 2-12
Batters faced – T Stauffer 24
Well done!
Those 1st inning jitters are rough on me, though
WAIT! Yahoo is saying Stauffer batted!!!
Can that be right????
Nah, Lance, I’m spending most of my time following Duke Cunningham. It’s more fun. Baseball’s a hobby. Cunningham’s a sport. Kinda like shootin’ fish in a barrel…except it’s the fish that put itself in the barrel in this one, which makes it even more interesting. Nothing like ole’ Duke these days.
Yes, LM, I believe Stauffer batted. First 1-2-3 inning of the night for the Pads offensively, including the out Stauffer made.
Stauffer is back out there. He’s at 107 pitches.
Ben Johnson takes over for Roberts in CF.
Oops, they misreported the pitch count on TV (or maybe I misheard it). He’s now at 102.
Stauffer has opened the seventh with back-to-back strikeouts.
Duke’s having a rough time of it, it would appear. What can I say, other than bad things happen to bad people. Sad t0o see a guy nicknamed “Duke” go down, though. But what do I care, as a Libertarian. I hate Republicans and Democrats EQUALLY.
End of political rant. ‘Twon’t happen again.
Enjoying your insight and info, though, IC. Keep it coming.
OT … anybody know the name of the Dick Dale song they play @ Petco?
That’s a fantastic catch by Johnson to finish the inning. Kid got a good jump and took charge.
The bottom of the 7th can still get ugly … fast.
Is Ben Johnson the Greatest Defensive Outfielder Who Ever Lived?
The debate begins NOW.
OK, never mind … I just saw men on base and Helton coming up …
Now get Stauffer out of the game?
Lance … no … debate over.
As one of those dorks who owns thousands of albums, I happen to have the entire Dick Dale catalogue. Not sure what the play at Petco, though.
Okay, a 10-2 run lead in the eighth is pretty good but it doesn’t fill the belly. I’m off to dinner. Enjoy the rest of the game. Great outing by Stauffer.
Dammit, LM, I was just tryin’ to stir things up, and you go and end it.
Real candidates:
Terry Moore
Willie Mays
Vince DiMaggio
Dom DiMaggio
Tris Speaker
Curt Flood
Roberto Clemente
Garry Maddox
Gary Pettis
Andruw Jones
I’m missing some worthy players. Got any nominees, or thoughts, anyone?
The Hammer got a couple of doubles for Mobile tonight … http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&did=milb&t=g_box&gid=2005_07_08_mobaax_biraax_1
Stauffer, through seven:
108 Pitches – 72 K – 36 BB
1st Inning 34 Pitches – 17K – 17BB
Innings 2-7 74 Pitches – 55K – 19BB
1st Inning 3H – 2R – 2BB – 0K
Innings 2-7 2H – 0R – 0BB – 5K
Wells is good thru 6 up at Lake Elsinore tonight … http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&did=milb&t=g_box&gid=2005_07_08_rcqafx_lesafx_1
Occasionally Major League players make Little League plays.
Perhaps Burroughs can make ‘em pay by reverting to his own Little League days, and go deep.
Stauffer ever learns to get through the first two frames in 25-30 pitches with no walks and a couple of singles allowed, and things could get downright nasty.
Mays & Clemente get my votes …
Best OF Arm in a Padres outfield? Joe Lefebvre!
Ekstrom with a gem for Ft Wayne … http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&did=milb&t=g_box&gid=2005_07_08_ftwafx_souafx_1
LM, Winfield had a spectacular arm.
LR, I don’t disagree … but I’m NOT a Winfield fan … still bitter about his FA exit, I s’pose … but JoeL’s arm was AWESOME!
Stauffer held up quite well in his first Coors experience.
Winfield’s been my hero since I was eight-years-old (ca. 1977). You mess with him, you mess with ME!
What’s the over/under for runs given up by Falk?
I propose 3 … you want over or under?
Leitner informs me that Griffey has just hit a 3-run-dong to tie the Reds-Diamondbacks game.
Why is Helton out of the game?
Given that, lower over/under to 2
I can confirm KGJ’s HR … http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=250708129
I think three is on the money. You gotta make your o/u 2.5, or 3.5. Whole runs don’t work for that. DUH!!!
Do you guys think a save would be warranted for closing out the ninth with only a ten-run lead at Coors?
Thanks for the bookmaking tip, Lance … but I’m OK with a push
But let’s go 2.5 … you’ve got over
I just got in. Glad to see we are killing the ball.
Lance … that’s a GREAT point … I’m ROTFLOL!
I’ve sometimes felt that any time a pitcher finished an inning at Coors with a zero he ought to get ERA credit for an inning and a third…
LM, I think Helton has been stricken with Kevin McReynolds Disease. It strikes white power hitters who play corner infield or outfield positions, in their early thirties. Primary symptom of this disease is waking up one morning to find that you can no longer get around on a major league fastball. Eg. Tom Brunansky, Gary Gaetti, Ron Kittle, and possibly Jim Thome.
Yahoo says … “X. Nady flied out to deep center”
I ask … how deep?
Great defensive outfielder nominee: Richie Ashburn.
BTW, I’d love to get everybody’s feedback on the post I just made at MVN. It is a little more, ummm,
well, let’s just say it ought to get some reaction.
Especially if anyone from Philly reads it…
Lance … what’s that got to do with why’s he’s no longer playing in tonight’s game?
Do you think he’s been struck by KMD tonight?
Leitner just said, “Quantrill could really be an unknown ingredient in this race, you know?”
No, Ted, I don’t know. It’s unknown, as you just suggested!
I think Quantrill is a good addition. I just am still wondering if the deal wasn’t made with another move in mind…
Sorry, LM. Just a comment on Helton that I thought was pertinent. Don’t have a clue why Hurdle pulled him. I might understand it if the All Star break was not imminent, pulling the star in a blowout to rest him.
Rich, rest assured that I will read your post. I check the site daily.
Lance, I kinda felt I went too far…but Peter and my buddy Ladd felt I had to post it…I almost want to go make a comment on the Phillies MVN site just to draw out some controversy…but I can’t quite bring myself to be that much of a rabble rouser. Even to Phillie fans…now, if it were on the Dodgers?
Rich … I like the passion … but I don’t share it … I’m OK with Hoffy getting the days off … and I agree with the comment Lance made a few days ago that it’ll be fine if Peavy doesn’t get in the game (given his ill-health) …
East Coast bias … sure! But we out west JUST DON’T CARE!
Get Hoffman up now.
Lynch, I went to the extreme because I get so sick of our “laid back” image… I certainly have no dis-respect for Wagner…
Wow, Falk with 2 shutout IPs @ Coors!
That does merit a SAVE … it saves the rest of the pen for the rest of the series!
Great W tonight!
RC … what’s wrong with a “laid back” image … it’s true/right/accurate ain’t it? If the shoe fits, wear it!
Kevin … you win the ichy-finger award tonight
Lance, Falk came in “under” … I win our bet … you owe me dinner @ The Field!
Oh wait, you already bought me dinner @ The Field! Thanks again!
Yeah, I do. I should have watched the game instead of going out. Let’s sweep these guys.
That post is cool and all, but Brian Giles and Jose Guillen are the best players not on the NL team.
And Morgan Ensburg, sorry.
I think Morgan Ensberg has the best argument though, simply because of how few games Rolen has played…
Kevin, looks like we had the same thought…
If Ensberg puts up a good full season, then he’ll make the All-Star team next year … Rolen IS an All-Star …
Probably same for Guillen … the guy’s got a bad rep to shake … but shakin’ it he is!
Yeah, I like that point. I want to see established stars. Of course, I also want to see a real game like in the 1970s. But I can’t get everything.
From The AP: The Padres are expecting to get 1B Phil Nevin back after the All-Star break. Nevin (abdominal muscle) will not require a rehab assignment. … Two other San Diego players, RHP Adam Eaton and 2B Mark Loretta, will return after the break and be sent out on rehab assignments. … Manager Bruce Bochy said he is considering starting RHP Pedro Astacio on Sunday. The former Rockies pitcher was signed to a minor league contract on June 30. Astacio is second in career wins at Coors Field with 24.
Guillen is NOT playing at an All Star level. That having been said, I don’t give a crap about the Game. It’s an exhibition game that doesn’t count, played purely to milk more revenue from the fanbase. A concept I’m cool with, BTW.
I’d also be cool with letting the fans control the whole damned thing. The internet would make possible a myriad of possibilities. Virtually instant fan-voted via the web on substitutions, pitching moves, hit-and-runs.
Hell, I love the idea.