IGD: Padres @ Pirates (2 Aug 2005)
Tue, Aug 2, 2005
by Geoff Young
first pitch: 4:05 p.m., PT
television: Channel 4
matchup: Jake Peavy (8-4, 3.28 ERA) vs Kip Wells (6-11, 4.65 ERA)
preview: Padres.com
I paid a visit to one of my favorite bookstores this weekend and picked up a collection of writings by the late, great Jim Murray. The Last of the Best features pieces he composed toward the end of his career, right up until his death in 1998. Talented guy? To say the least. He makes golf and auto racing sound interesting.
It’s a great read. And very, very humbling.
In other news, the Padres begin a six-game road trip tonight in Pittsburgh. Speaking of humbling, here’s how the Friars are doing since the All-Star break:
| W | L | RS | RA | BA | OBP | SLG | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 13 | 38 | 97 | .224 | .292 | .316 | 6.04 |
Opponents have outhomered the Padres, 25-9. This includes 10 games at Petco Park, which allegedly suppresses the long ball. It also includes a game against homeriffic Eric Milton, who completely shut down the Padres on Sunday.
Want an alarming stat? Since the All-Star break, only two guys have an OPS over 750 for the Padres. One of them (Geoff Blum) is no longer with the club. The other is Mark Sweeney. I’m sure Dave Roberts (.109/.254/.109 in 55 AB) is glad to see July in the rear-view mirror.
Speaking of Blum, he still has more at-bats than Xavier Nady. Why was it okay to give Miguel Ojeda time in the outfield but not Nady time at third base? Did Ojeda’s ability to “play” the outfield increase his trade value? I shudder to think what the Padres would’ve had to give up to get Miguel Olivo otherwise.
The punch line, of course, is that the Pads still have a share of first place. God bless the NL West.
Linkfest
- White Sox get Blum for minor league pitcher (AP). Padres pick up Double-A lefty reliever Ryan Meaux. Hittable, good control, keeps the ball in the park. Age 26. Roster fill.
- Eaton activated; Stauffer to Portland (Scout.com). Adam Eaton will work out of the bullpen. Tim Stauffer returns to Triple-A to refine his craft. Still not sure that Pedro Astacio is a better option at the big-league level, but whatever. Stauffer held his own and showed that he can pitch at this level. He’ll be back in the rotation no later than next spring. Unless, of course, he takes the Xavier Nady path, in which case he’ll be at Portland next year and work long relief in 2007.
- If your broken swing needs repair, go to Triple-A shop (U-T). Sean Burroughs is at Portland as well. The real news in this piece is that right-handers Jared Wells and Cesar Carrillo, and catcher George Kottaras, have been promoted to Double-A Mobile. Carrillo won his debut Saturday night at Jacksonville.
- Speaking of Burroughs, The Oregonian has an article on his return to Portland (via PDX Beavers). Seems like Burroughs has the right attitude toward his current situation. If he can even get back to where he was in 2003, I’ll be happy.
- Award veils Coleman’s playing career (MLB.com). Longtime Padres broadcaster Jerry Coleman accepted the Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award this weekend in Cooperstown, New York. Any mention of Coleman wouldn’t be complete without a nod to his wonderful quotes. Congrats to the Colonel.
- A Worse Chan Ho In A Good Park? (6-4-2). Rob McMillin offers his analysis, focusing on the difference between the defense that played behind Chan Ho Park in Texas and that which will play behind him in San Diego.
- Why I’m Wrong (DePodesta For President). Big props to Andrew for digging deeper and taking a good look at the Park/Phil Nevin deal. “I came into this article fully expecting this to turn out in Nevin’s favor, and, well, the numbers simply don’t work out. I wanted them to do so very, very badly, and when I found myself working way too hard to find a justification, I knew I was wrong.” Sometimes that happens. Believe me, I speak from experience on this one. But if you enter with an open mind, everyone gains something. Nice job, Andrew.
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.
August 2, 2005 at 7:06 am
wow. what happened to our team
August 2, 2005 at 7:40 am
Its all moot, if you can’t hit the ball. Seems we have pitching up the ass, but not one guy can hit with runners in scoring position, much less in the clutch.
Seems Towers thinks we’ll get out of the team-wide hitting slump, but I’m not sure.
Hate a team that can’t score, drives me crazy. Lately, if our opponant scores three runs, we are toast, three runs!
I time for somebody in coaching to hit the dusty trail and it might be the hitting coach.
I want blood for this tease of a season!
But the Chargers are looking good.
August 2, 2005 at 8:59 am
And of course, given the choice, the Padres shipped Stauffer out to Portland, instead of Astacio.
The bats can’t be worse, can they?
August 2, 2005 at 10:12 am
Q&A with Sandy Alderson at the U-T:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/.....adres.html
August 2, 2005 at 11:07 am
Did the Padres break the record for biggest disparity between two months of the same season?
May: 22-6
July: 8-17
difference: 12.5 games
August 2, 2005 at 12:25 pm
An interesting Q&A re: Palmeiro … http://www.baseballprospectus......cleid=4287 … link is to a “premium page” @ BP, which will only be “open to all” thru tomorrow (8/3/05) … ie. check it out NOW.
August 2, 2005 at 12:41 pm
Astacio may have been the right choice. http://tinyurl.com/dgxne
August 2, 2005 at 12:46 pm
In six games with Portland, Sean is batting .300/.440/.350. I wish there was a way to find out more about the lone double (pulled? line drive? what?).
August 2, 2005 at 3:16 pm
Richard, I’ll ask over at pdxbeavers.com … I’m curious also
August 2, 2005 at 4:26 pm
Loretta hitting sixth — an indication his hand hasn’t fully healed?
August 2, 2005 at 4:32 pm
Good news: No one from the Padres has been suspended for steroids.
August 2, 2005 at 4:39 pm
This is our walk strategy. It’s working to perfection.
August 2, 2005 at 4:40 pm
Richard,
Phil Nevin’s line from his first game as a Ranger: Batting 4th, 0-4, 2 Ks, 2 LOB.
August 2, 2005 at 4:40 pm
I can’t remember the last time we had a lead in the first three innings. Anyone know?
2-0 Padres on Greene single.
August 2, 2005 at 4:42 pm
Bad baserunning by Fick. Didn’t read the pitch-out and catcher well at all.
August 2, 2005 at 4:43 pm
2 runs on 1 hit is not bad, but we should have had more.
August 2, 2005 at 4:43 pm
I think they actually led the Reds in the middle game. 1-0 after one, if I recall correctly.
August 2, 2005 at 4:45 pm
Happy about any lead these days, but two outs on the basepaths in the first two innings!
August 2, 2005 at 4:46 pm
OK, but the early lead has been rare since the All-Star break.
August 2, 2005 at 4:54 pm
How ’bout them Padres?
August 2, 2005 at 4:55 pm
And to Geoff, my Astacio/Stauffer comparison included his time with Texas.
August 2, 2005 at 4:56 pm
As for Nevin, I’d actually like to see him do well with Texas.
August 2, 2005 at 4:57 pm
3 baserunning outs now. Geez.
August 2, 2005 at 4:57 pm
Unbelievable.
August 2, 2005 at 4:57 pm
Third out made on the bases? That’s inexcusable. I’d pull Dave out of the game right now.
August 2, 2005 at 4:58 pm
Is Ruben Rivera the new baserunning coach?
August 2, 2005 at 4:58 pm
rofl, Brian.
August 2, 2005 at 5:01 pm
Davey Lopes needs to hold a baserunning clinic. He was so smart on the bases.
August 2, 2005 at 5:04 pm
Who is filling in for Vasgersian?
August 2, 2005 at 5:05 pm
Jake is pitching brilliantly.
.400 K/PA clip right now.
August 2, 2005 at 5:06 pm
The .167 BABIP probably won’t last, though.
August 2, 2005 at 5:07 pm
Padres batting .222/.462/.222 thus far.
.92 Runs Created has resulted in 2 runs.
August 2, 2005 at 5:07 pm
Trivia question from the Pirates guys: Dock Ellis pitched a 2-0 no-hitter vs. the Padres in 1970. Who drove in the two runs? (By the way, this is the no-no that Ellis pitched while tripping on LSD.)
August 2, 2005 at 5:08 pm
I’m gonna go have dinner. I’ll be back.
August 2, 2005 at 5:11 pm
I have a question about Win Shares when you get back, Richard.
August 2, 2005 at 5:11 pm
They are telling Sweeney to run free, taking some chances on the bases.
August 2, 2005 at 5:12 pm
Hey, Sweeney made it from first to third safely!
August 2, 2005 at 5:14 pm
3-0 Padres. Solid baserunning there.
August 2, 2005 at 5:19 pm
Yes! Extra-base hit by Peavy. Got to keep him in the lineup. 4-0, Padres.
August 2, 2005 at 5:19 pm
Can we DH Peavy?
August 2, 2005 at 5:25 pm
Hello, offense!
August 2, 2005 at 5:26 pm
Incredible catch by Duffy. Kid can pick it.
August 2, 2005 at 5:28 pm
Trivia answer: Willie Stargell, two solo homers, off, that’s right, Dave Roberts.
August 2, 2005 at 5:29 pm
Bay: 20th homer. 5-1, Padres.
August 2, 2005 at 5:29 pm
What about Win Shares?
August 2, 2005 at 5:30 pm
And the Padres have matched their scoring in the previous series.
August 2, 2005 at 5:31 pm
Padres batting .357/.526/.500 today.
3.68 Runs Created versus 5 Runs Scored.
August 2, 2005 at 5:33 pm
(TB - H + BB + HBP + SB - 3 * CS) / AB = .143 AdjSecAvg
August 2, 2005 at 5:33 pm
OK, I was looking at AL Win Shares through July 31 here:
http://www.hardballtimes.com/w.....ueLimit=AL
It has Sheffield with 3 more batting win shares than A-Rod. Looking at their OPS (A-Rod’s is easily higher) and other stats, this seems impossible. Thoughts?
August 2, 2005 at 5:36 pm
Win Shares give you credit for “clutch hitting.” That could be why.
August 2, 2005 at 5:37 pm
Ah, Sheff must be clutch as hell then.
August 2, 2005 at 5:38 pm
It also accounts for baserunning. .778 SB% for Sheff and .667 for A-Rod.
August 2, 2005 at 5:39 pm
Klesko gets going. Only Randa has not been on base.
August 2, 2005 at 5:39 pm
Sheffield is batting .398/.488/.786 with RISP.
A-Rod is batting .276/.400/.472 with RISP.
August 2, 2005 at 5:40 pm
Runner on Second Base after the E-2.
August 2, 2005 at 5:41 pm
DP…
August 2, 2005 at 5:42 pm
Only Giles and Klesko have enought plate appearances to qualify for the batting title.
August 2, 2005 at 5:45 pm
It must be the bat waggle and super intensity Sheff brings to every at-bat. Where have you gone, 1992?
August 2, 2005 at 5:46 pm
Thanks for pointing that stuff out, Rich.
6-1, Padres. Get back, Loretta.
August 2, 2005 at 5:46 pm
78% of Peavy’s pitches have been strikes.
August 2, 2005 at 5:47 pm
I’m looking the stuff up, anyway. Figure I ought to share.
August 2, 2005 at 5:48 pm
Giles is No. 5 in the NL in Win Shares. Dunn has passed him among outfielders.
August 2, 2005 at 5:49 pm
Giles (22) is almost twice as better as the next best Padres (Klesko, 13).
August 2, 2005 at 5:50 pm
I’m not a big Win Shares fan.
August 2, 2005 at 5:51 pm
I like Clay Davenport’s Wins Above Replacement Player better.
August 2, 2005 at 5:51 pm
Gilly’s 6.5 WARP1 is first on the team. Ryno’s 3.8 is second.
August 2, 2005 at 5:52 pm
Randa’s actually at -0.1 WARP with the Padres.
August 2, 2005 at 5:53 pm
Does Clay’s thing adjust for parks and such?
August 2, 2005 at 5:54 pm
Yep.
August 2, 2005 at 6:00 pm
Why don’t you like Win Shares?
August 2, 2005 at 6:02 pm
It gives players credit for “clutch” hitting. That’s my main issue with it.
“Clutch” is just a different word for “small sample size.”
August 2, 2005 at 6:04 pm
Or is it another word for Steve Garvey?
August 2, 2005 at 6:04 pm
Peavy: infield single. Got to keep him in the lineup.
August 2, 2005 at 6:09 pm
17.5% Double Play Rate for Dave Roberts. That’s crap.
August 2, 2005 at 6:14 pm
Arizona vs. Clemens tonight. That’s good stuff.
August 2, 2005 at 6:21 pm
Is that a hit?
August 2, 2005 at 6:22 pm
Nope, an error.
August 2, 2005 at 6:33 pm
Peavy now leads the NL in strikeouts, 159-155, over Pedro, who pitches tomorrow.
August 2, 2005 at 6:35 pm
“Clutch” is also another word for “got it done when it mattered most.”
August 2, 2005 at 6:37 pm
And Peavy is done.
August 2, 2005 at 6:37 pm
Sure, using the Latin translation.
Hey, Geoff, I have that Murray book too.
August 2, 2005 at 6:43 pm
intentionally walking Roberts?
August 2, 2005 at 6:44 pm
Base knock Randa. Atta boy.
Yeah, the Murray book is great. I just finished the stuff from 1990.
August 2, 2005 at 6:46 pm
With Randa’s RBI single, all the starters either got a hit or walk tonight. Maybe half on them can get a hot streak going.
August 2, 2005 at 6:51 pm
10 runs! What is the season high? When is the last time we had even five?
August 2, 2005 at 6:52 pm
Pirates are doing a nice Padres impersonation. Five runs score after two out in the eighth. Beauty.
August 2, 2005 at 6:52 pm
11 runs! Save something for Chan Ho’s first start tomorrow.
August 2, 2005 at 6:54 pm
Season high: 14 runs, Apr 6 @ Col
Last time w/5 or more: 10 runs, Jul 15 vs Ari
August 2, 2005 at 6:55 pm
The Padres scored 14 in the second game of the season.
August 2, 2005 at 6:56 pm
Thanks, Geoff. As usual, I was a minute behind.
August 2, 2005 at 6:56 pm
Geoff,
Did you use my handy spreadsheet for that info?
August 2, 2005 at 6:58 pm
That inning is allowing us to get to 100 comments.
Arizona leads Clemens 1-0 after one.
August 2, 2005 at 7:02 pm
Phil Nevin update: Texas has scored six runs. Nevin, hitting fourth again, is 0-3. No Ks though.
August 2, 2005 at 7:05 pm
I can see giving him a shot. But hitting him fourth?
August 2, 2005 at 7:06 pm
Gawd, it is almost sexual. So much offense after to long. Feel like I’ve just been releases from 90 days in the HOLE.
And if I, ordinary fan, feel that way, the players…well they better check themselves after this one.
GO PADRES!
August 2, 2005 at 7:06 pm
Richard, Win Shares is not a stat to be used to predict future performance. It IS, however, an excellent stat to quantify the contributions of a player to a team’s success in a particular season, purely within the context of that season.
I think it’s a terrific stat in evaluating MVP and Cy Young candidates. It also shows, accurately I think, that Wagner, Ruth, and Bonds have been the most off-the-chart dominant performers in the game, for their prime seasons.
We’re winning, and scoring runs, tonight. Credit is due to me, based upon my Friar Faithful post yesterday (apparently read only by Richard.)
August 2, 2005 at 7:07 pm
sexual. … the HOLE. … it’s not that kind of site, people.
August 2, 2005 at 7:08 pm
I think you’re right, Lance. It was just read by Richard.
August 2, 2005 at 7:10 pm
Gee, thanks, Kevin. Bastard.
August 2, 2005 at 7:10 pm
Ha-ha, just kidding. I’ll read it now.
August 2, 2005 at 7:13 pm
You BETTER read it, or Richard and I are gonna KICK YOUR ASS!!!
Bastard.
Base hit for Young. Pour it on, dammit!
August 2, 2005 at 7:13 pm
I read it, and Anthony Young is available, if we need him. (Post 101).
August 2, 2005 at 7:14 pm
Giles: 3 walks. The man is awesome.
August 2, 2005 at 7:17 pm
Pennant race update: CINCINNATI (AP) — Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones is day-to-day after leaving Tuesday night’s game against the Reds with a right shoulder injury.
August 2, 2005 at 7:18 pm
15 Padres hits
August 2, 2005 at 7:19 pm
The same Anthony Young who posted a 3-30 record for the Mets in 92-93? I always thought he was a pretty decent pitcher, but I guess it’s hard to lose that often unless you suck.
A