Arrived at our seats Saturday night about two minutes before first pitch. Cory Sullivan steps to the plate, fouls the second pitch of the game off to the third base side. Ball nearly hits me.
It’s one of those nights. Later, I see myself on the giant video screen. I envy folks who genuinely believe that’s the coolest thing ever. I’m in desperate need of a shave and haircut. And a team that can score runs.
Brian Lawrence pitched a heckuva game, but made a couple of mistakes in the fifth. First, he plunked Sullivan on an 0-2 count with runners at second and third. He fanned Luis Gonzalez for the second out, but then surrendered the grand slam to Todd Helton, which was the game winner. Also, the infield single by Omar Quintanilla to lead off the inning was a play that should have been made.
The offense continues to sputter. Nobody beyond Brian Giles and Mark Sweeney can be depended on to deliver (and even Sweeney has had a rough two nights against the Rockies). Damian Jackson makes shortstop look a lot harder than it needs to be.
These guys are a frustrating bunch to watch.
We need some good news. Here is some:
SS Khalil Greene’s rehabilitation from a broken big left toe is going so well that the Padres will probably activate him late next week, one week ahead of schedule. Greene, who broke his toe diving for a ball on Aug. 14 against Philadelphia, is likely to be activated from the 15-day disabled list in time for San Diego’s Sept. 1 game at Milwaukee, manager Bruce Bochy said. Greene has been outfitted with a special left shoe that will have a steel toe for protection.