IGD: Padres vs Athletics (29 Jun 06)

first pitch: 12:35 p.m., PT
television: none
matchup: Jake Peavy (4-8, 4.50 ERA) vs Dan Haren (6-6, 3.56 ERA)
preview: Padres.com

Quasi-random observations from Wednesday night’s 8-1 victory over the A’s:

  • Mike Cameron is on fire. After hitting just one homer in his first 142 at-bats with the Padres, he’s knocked eight in his last 91 at-bats. And unlike some of his teammates, Cameron seems to have no trouble hitting at Petco Park, with six of his home runs coming there.
  • Adrian Gonzalez has quickly become one of my favorite players to watch. I love his instincts and footwork at first base. He is so smooth and almost always exactly in the right position. On the other side, I like the way he’s made adjustments throughout the season as opposing pitchers start to figure him out. Gonzalez started the season hitting everything into the gaps, particularly left-center. Pitchers began busting him with fastballs inside. Gonzalez responded by turning on said fastballs and sending several of them into the seats. Now they’re mixing it up a little more and his answer is to spray balls all over the field, to the tune of four singles Wednesday night. Gonzalez is not a guy who will blow you away with any one aspect of his game, but the more you watch him, the more you realize that the kid really knows what he’s doing out there.
  • When is the last time the Padres had a guy who runs the bases as aggressively as Josh Barfield? I’m thinking maybe Eric Owens. Yeah, probably Owens. That play in the fourth where Barfield scored from second on a wild pitch was just awesome. He puts so much pressure on the defense. Seems like he is always ready to take the extra base if needed. Barfield also put on a clinic at second base on Wednesday. I remember watching him at Elsinore a few years ago and thinking that he had terrific atheticism but looked a little stiff at times in the field. I still see the athleticism but the stiffness appears to be gone. Barfield is a legit big-league second baseman. It’s not even a question anymore.
  • The ball Mike Piazza hit out in the fifth was just crushed. His follow through on the swing is beautiful. I love what he brings to this ballclub. And I love the way Bruce Bochy pulls him out of games whenever he can — that should pay dividends come September. Of course, having not one but two capable understudies makes it easier for Bochy to rest the veteran. No, Piazza isn’t the player he once was, but who cares?
  • Clay Hensley needed a strong game. The one run in seven innings is great, but what I like are the zero walks and the 99 pitches thrown.
  • Good to see Brian Sweeney and Scott Cassidy get some solid work in. Cassidy was so strong in the early going before contracting a nasty case of gopheritis; it’d be great if he could straighten himself out in low-leverage situations and become a viable setup option again.
  • Speaking of Sweeney, he fanned the first batter he faced on Wednesday, striking out pinch-hitter Mike Rouse to open the eighth inning. That was Sweeney’s first punchout in over a month, since he struck out Atlanta’s Matt Diaz to end the fourth inning in a May 24 loss.
  • Speaking of pinch-hitters, when Doug Clark singled on an 0-2 offering from Hensley in the fifth, it marked the first pinch hit of the season for the A’s. They had been 0-for-17, with three walks, prior to Clark’s single.
  • I still can’t get used to seeing Mark Kotsay in an A’s uniform. Cameron’s presence this year has helped ease the pain. A lot.
  • Bottom of the eighth was brought to you by Rod Serling. First, A’s reliever Chad Gaudin balked Geoff Blum to second. Gaudin tried a pickoff move to first but nobody was covering the bag and so he had to abort. I can’t imagine why first baseman Dan Johnson wasn’t holding Blum on, unless it had something to do with the fact that Blum hasn’t attempted a steal all year and the Padres were leading by seven runs. Isn’t there an “unwritten rule book” somewhere that’s supposed to cover stuff like that?
  • The other great moment in the eighth came when lefty Scott Sauerbeck replaced Gaudin with two out and Brian Giles stepping to the plate. Hey, anything to keep that ninth run from scoring. Tony LaRussa left Oakland when? Then again, that might help explain why Gaudin was trying to hold Blum close at first. I dunno. My head hurts.

Pads go for the sweep Thursday afternoon. No television for this one — too bad, should be a great pitching matchup. Go Padres!

142 Comments

  1. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 7:44 am | Permalink

    Great post GY

    I hope the Padres can keep the bats alive (is this the work of Merv?) but hey lets try and keep the lead to three runs or less, Trevor is only 23 saves away from Lee Smith and 45 saves away from 500, let help him out a little!

    On another note any other SDSU fans annoyed that Slaughter skipped his senior season on a young and up and coming basketball team to not get drafted into the NBA?

  2. Didi
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 8:18 am | Permalink

    Steve,

    was shocked that Slaughter declared right after the season was over. Now, he can’t play college ball no more. Reminds me very much of Jared Jeffries from Indiana who declared after going to the Final 4 that year. Both are gifter player in college and not ready for the NBA.

    Yes, SDSU would have been better with Slaughter but with Abukar, the pain is lessened. And Brandon Heath sounds quite upbeat about coming back and playing with new guys.

    Getting back to baseball, when is Aztecs baseball going to blow up?

  3. Didi
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 8:20 am | Permalink

    Clay is looking good yesterday. Very efficient pitching going 7 innings. Reminds me of the early days of Brian Lawrence. Let’s hope Clay keeps it going and the Padres’ bats keep hot.

  4. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 8:24 am | Permalink

    I was very disappointed when I heard that Slaughter would not be returning for his senior year, I think everyone except him know that there was a slim chance of him being drafted. I really think you should have to put in 4 years in college to be eligible for the professional draft. If nothing else it may help to mature some of the players before they hit the pros.

  5. Ryguy
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 8:26 am | Permalink

    Fielding win shares among OF

    1. Beltran NYM 4.2 (4th among all fielders)
    2. Cameron SD 3.2 (17th among all fielders)
    3. Granderson DET 3.1 (19th among all fielders)

    - Greene SD 3.0 (Tied 20th among all fielders)

    also fielding winshares normally favor C, 2B and SS so it’s very surprising to see these pllayers impressing defensively

    link to list
    http://www.hardballtimes.com/thtstats/main/index.php?view=winshares&orderBy=field&direction=DESC&page=1

  6. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 8:26 am | Permalink

    Does anyone else think that the padres should be aggresive in trying to extend Parks contract before he hits the open market? or is this year just a fluke?

  7. KRS1
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 8:48 am | Permalink

    I would hold off on Park. I like that he’s pitching well but it’s weird how guys usually seem to step it up a little in walk years isn’t it. I think the Pads can bring up a young guy or get a cheaper FA for next season. I doubt there is any serious thoughts of bringing CHP back for anything more than a 1 or 2 million a year. I’d rather see someone like Thompson, Wells, Stauffer, Ramos, or Carillio get a chance to take Chan Ho’s spot next season.

  8. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 8:52 am | Permalink

    KRS1

    Thats kind of what i was getting to if the pads can extend park right now for 2 to 3 mil next year before he hits the open market it may be worth it. I would not want the pads to give him more than that.

  9. Didi
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 8:55 am | Permalink

    Colorado is not tied for second in NL West with the Dodgers and only one and a half game behind the Padres.
    Colorado, the best NL team during interleague, is 9-3 against AL team. The Padres is 7-7 with 5 of those losses courtesy of the Seattle Mariners, who moved one game over .500 for the first time yesterday since they were 3-2 on April 7.

    How crazy is that? Baseball, I love it.

  10. Didi
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 8:57 am | Permalink

    Oopsie. I meant to type Colorado is NOW tied for second.

    Butterfingers!

  11. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 9:20 am | Permalink

    Matt Antonelli update … http://tinyurl.com/mjxlb … many Emeralds broke out their whuppin’ sticks … Matt went 3-for-3 with a double + 2 walks … Freese (the other 3B-man on the team) hit HR #3 and Huffman (a 2nd round pick) hit HR #2 … Matt’s now at .281/.467/.375 with 12 BBs, 4 Ks, and 6 SBs (0 CS) in 32 ABs. It’s not clear to me why he’s still only playing 3B or DH … but he’s got plenty of time to develop.

  12. KRS1
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 9:29 am | Permalink

    Steve,

    I have a feeling that the Padres are going to wait until the off-season to do their business for next year. I think will just sit back and wait especially with all the huge contracts coming off the books (Chan Ho, Klesko) something I heard was like 35 million. There are going to be guys out there like Zito, and Mulder who are both legit #1 pitchers and both lefties and I think that should be more of a priority than a STREAKY STREAKY righty.

  13. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 9:30 am | Permalink

    I just last night noticed that Mark Loretta is 10th in the AL in batting average (.318) … with more hits than Jeter, for example. If you want to get worked up and pissed off about lack of production from our 3B-man, then think about what could have been without the Loretta/Mirabelli trade!

  14. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 9:32 am | Permalink

    Wells had a good outing for Portland last night … http://tinyurl.com/jkmhr … Cust with HR #14 … I think he’ll look good in a Padres uni after the roster’s expand in September.

  15. Bruce
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 9:52 am | Permalink

    Cust might look good in a Padres uniform come September, but I would much rather cash in on his value right now and trade him to some AL team seeking a DH for the stretch drive. Cust’s only use to the Padres as currently constructed is a LH pinch hitter, something that PMac could do just as well come September.

  16. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 9:56 am | Permalink

    Loretta said in the offseason he would not move to 3B. Besides that trade may have brought us the C of the future in Bard.

    Also in regards to Lorretta im sure he is getting alot better pitches in Boston with Manny and Ortiz behind him then he would here with Giles and Piazza.

    I’m tiered of hearing about this trade, its done and over the padres made the deal. They thought it was time to look to the future with Barfield and wanted to get something for Loretta before they let him walk at the end of the year. With Loretta on the team do you think the pads would be in a better spot? at this point Barfield already has a better Glove and Range (since the broken finger Loretta is not where he use to be with both) and Barfeild is better on the base paths, both are important at Petco.

    I think Loretta is a great fit in Boston he is exactly what they need in the 2 hole, being some one who can get on base and wait for Manny or Ortiz to hit him in. Im glad that a class guy like Loretta has a legitimate shot at a WS ring.

    - Tirade over sorry about that

  17. KRS1
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 10:09 am | Permalink

    Once again Steve I couldn’t agree with you more. Loretta was/is not a good fit a 3rd anyways. When that trade was made Mirabelli was looked at as our full time catcher for the season it was long before Piazza, Bowen, and obviously Bard coming back. I liked Loretta a lot but not only did the Padres get to bring up their top prospect (who is playing a lot better than I expected he would) but at the time they filled 2 needs by getting rid of one player and saved a few million dollars while doing it. Loretta is perfect for Boston and with Barfield’s speed, defense and potential to hit for average and a little power he’s perfect for the Padres. GET OVER IT!!!

  18. Posted June 29, 2006 at 10:17 am | Permalink

    a few things on BP

    http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=5254

    to quote:

    “The deal for Vinny Castilla did not look like such a terrible one … Then the season started, and certain Padres fans (links: http://sdpf.blogspot.com/2006/06/burroughs-dfaed.html) realized that an injured Lawrence would do less to damage the club’s playoff chances.

    …Rate and Zone Rating both find him to be an above-average defensive third basemen, but not enough to offset the damage his lack of hitting prowess is causing. In fact, his play is valued at roughly -35 runs above average per 150 games–adjusted for position–and he’s already accumulated -10 VORP on the season….Bellhorn has played at a rate about -5 runs above average per 150 games so far, which, although negative, is still +30 runs above Castilla. With more than half of the season left to play, that is a change that could certainly make a difference in the standings.”

  19. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 10:22 am | Permalink

    It would be great to have Mark Sweeny on the club this year to mentor Cust on how to pintch hit and also how keep sharp for when your called upon. I think he could be a very valuable players to the padres the if used in the Mark Sweeny type mold.

    But then again would the padres want to match what the Giants gave him? Probably not.

  20. Posted June 29, 2006 at 11:10 am | Permalink

    And the Padres are still only playing 500 at home (21 and 21). If that improves, even a bit, it will be a fun summer.

  21. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 11:24 am | Permalink

    OT – Hey does any one know a good place to stay in Maui? My wife and I are going there in December and Im looking for Hotels.

  22. Alan
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 12:00 pm | Permalink

    Some thoughts…

    Mulder is not a legit #1 anymore. He’s barely a legit #3 and someone will overpay. Zito is having a nice year — much like Chris Young’s. I’d sign him and I think he’s interested.

    Whatever Loretta said, it would have been interesting to force him to third. I have a feeling he’d have gone and done well. But that’s in the past.

    Bard’s 27 or 28. He’s the catcher of now and likely our starter for next year if Kottaras isn’t ready. But there’s not upside there, I don’t think.

    If they are going to move Antonelli, I bet they do it in the off-season…

  23. Posted June 29, 2006 at 12:06 pm | Permalink

    Steve: What part of Maui?

  24. KRS1
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 12:30 pm | Permalink

    Mark Mulder barely a #3…

    Dude Alan you’re nuts. I agree someone will probably overpay for him but just because he’s gotten roughed up the first couple months of the season doesn’t mean he’s lost everything just ask Jake Peavy. 16 wins last year sounds pretty good to me! He just got put on the DL with some pretty serious shoulder issues but if he gets through it okay I’d take that dude on my team any day of the week. He’s still only 28 too!

  25. Posted June 29, 2006 at 12:33 pm | Permalink

    Hello, Geoff,
    I wanted you to know there is a new beta site following baseball bloggers called “Baseball Nooz.” We’ve been following your blog for a while and today I featured it on our main Community Page in a slot called, “The Catch”.
    At Baseball Nooz, we’ve aggregated a lot of feeds from bloggers and news sources, all on baseball. Registered users can choose the feeds they like most and build a custom baseball news page, with headlines from their favorite sources.
    Every time you post, you also appear in our unique blog roll. Thanks to you, Ducksnorts as been near the top a lot.
    Register to be part of Baseball Nooz, then you can follow us following you!

    Best of luck with your blogging,
    Walter (editor)
    P.S. It would be very cool to see a Baseball Nooz link on your site.
    http://www.baseballnooz.com/

  26. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 12:53 pm | Permalink

    GY any part at the moment we are open to suggestions.

  27. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 12:57 pm | Permalink

    No Johnson in the Lineup :o (

  28. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 12:57 pm | Permalink

    :( sorry

  29. Tom Waits
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 12:59 pm | Permalink

    KRS1 with the contradictory statement of the season. Mulder’s got serious shoulder problems but let’s treat him like he doesn’t.

    Jake continues to struggle. Without TV I can’t tell if he’s still max-efforting, but his location is off. He’ll be lucky to get through 2 innings with 45 pitches.

  30. KRS1
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:00 pm | Permalink

    SERIOUSLY I can’t stand EY starting over Ben Johnson.

    Bochy drives me absolutely NUTS!

  31. KRS1
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:05 pm | Permalink

    What I was saying was that a bad season doesn’t mean the end of a career and I belive I said if he gets through the shoulder issues I would want him on my team not we should act like he doesn’t.

  32. Tom Waits
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:12 pm | Permalink

    You’re not going to know if Mulder is through his injuries until he plays next season. That’s a 30+ million gamble for a player who has declined the last two years and has a bum wing.

  33. Eric
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:22 pm | Permalink

    what is it about peavy that is making him so hittable?

  34. KRS1
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:22 pm | Permalink

    And in that case I would consider 30million overpaying which I don’t expect the Padres to do. I wasn’t saying break the bank on him I like Zito a lot more than anyways but I do think Mulder is a little better then barely a #3.

  35. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:30 pm | Permalink

    To be honest guys pitchin has not been our problem this year and won’t be next year, I dont think the padres need to over pay for any pitcher based upon what they have now and also have in thier system.

    The padres need a 3B and possibly an OF (depending on what happens with Cameron, Roberts and Johnson)

    Peavy
    Young
    Hensley
    Thompson
    Stauffer
    Wells
    Carillo
    Brazelton (maybe)

    Thats pretty good depth and its all going to be there next year, add a mid level starter and its a good rotation that can compete. If the Redsox, Yankee’s Cubs Ect… get in a bidding war over Zito and Mulder then they are going to over pay and the Padres would be dumb to get involved, and not spend that money on a bat (Aubre Huff ect…)

  36. KRS1
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:31 pm | Permalink

    I don’t like Aubrey Huff but I agree on the 3rd base call.

  37. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:32 pm | Permalink

    If you go off this seasons numbers then Peavy isn’t even a #3 stater, people have down years due to injury and other reasons.

  38. Eric
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:35 pm | Permalink

    some of those down years become career trends

  39. jay
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:36 pm | Permalink

    Anyone see a replay of the Cameron call at 2nd? Watching on MLB.TV and they don’t seem to like replays. Didn’t show one on the Payton slide at home or the call at 2B. Maybe that is the premium service? Any one with better video?

  40. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:38 pm | Permalink

    where are the 8 runs when we need them?

  41. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:38 pm | Permalink

    re: Maui … my experience is 20+ years ago … Kaanapali is the luxury resort on the north shore … we stay’d at Napili Shores, a bit further around the shore, east of Kaanapali … google on those 2 and you’ll find lots of links with detailed info …

  42. Eric
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:41 pm | Permalink

    disagree about the pitching depth. remember that petco makes all our pitchers look better than they are.

    Peavy, Stauffer, and Carillo all seem to have arm issues

    Thompson is nothing special and could collapse Tollberg-style any second.

    Wells and Brazelton are both far from a lock to contribute anything to the big club.

    depending on how intense the bidding war is, I think overpaying a little would be worth it.

  43. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:41 pm | Permalink

    Cool thanks LynchMob!

  44. KRS1
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:43 pm | Permalink

    I’d love to see Zito but I just think the price is going to get retarded!

  45. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:44 pm | Permalink

    Is anyone else concerned that Giles is .165 below his career OPS?
    Or concerned that he’s abour .100 below his OPS as a Padre?
    Does anyone else perceive that Giles is even changing his approach? He’s swinging earlier in counts and trying to drive balls much more often than last year and early this season. Not impressed with that re-signing, but acknowledge it was probably necessary, especially given the questions re: Hoffy and subsequent trade of Loretta.

  46. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:44 pm | Permalink

    Look at last year where AJ Burnet got 55 Mil with a loosing record and arm issues, and Pavano the year before that, FA pitchers are commanding alot of money from the big market clubs. The padres are just now getting out of 2 major deals that went south and look how much it crippled the team.

  47. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:44 pm | Permalink

    AGon probably could use a blow, eh?

  48. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:45 pm | Permalink

    Geez, AGon…K, Bellhorn…K, Khalil…

    Great lineup Boch.

  49. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:50 pm | Permalink

    The Giles deal was a tricky one I have to admit I didn’t want the padres to re-sign him for 3 years at $10 Mil a year until word got out that her was going to be a Dodger and then I was all for the signing.

    Giles would be a lot more productive in the 2 hole because he wouldn’t feel like he needs to drive the ball and he could just concentrate on getting on base or moving a runner over, but the problem is that the padres don’t have a good #3 hitter (maybe Gonzalez will develop into one).

  50. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:52 pm | Permalink

    Steve, those signings also should be looked at in the context of what the market was bearing. Starting pitching was at a premium to non-existent this past offseason. Clubs signed more on potential than track record because they had no choice. The guys with track record were marginal (Millwood, Washburn, etc.). This year’s market seems like it will have more viable options who have histories of performance that justify the type of money Burnett got. That means guys of the Millwood/Washburn ilk will be secondary options and therefore paid less (Mulder, for instance). I could also have no idea what I’m talking about. Moving runners is good, that much I know…talking to you BELLHORN!

  51. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:56 pm | Permalink

    who knows im all for the padres going after Zito, Mulder I dont care that much for, but it has to be within reason no more than a 3 year deal and no more than 8-10 Mil a year. Its not the big money its the Big Money for a long time that kills a team.

  52. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 1:58 pm | Permalink

    do they pinch hit for peavy this inning or no?

  53. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:01 pm | Permalink

    I dunno. Peavy’s at 90 or so pitches. We still only have one hit, for cryin’ out loud. Friggin’ getaway day lineups that Boch runs out there. Do we really need to concede games when we’ve won the 1st 2?

    Anyway, the above argument is why I think guys like Chan Ho and even Woody will be pretty affordable. Smoltz, Mulder (if he can somehow demonstate his health, he’s definitely a candidate from a 1 yr. deal like DWells got from the Friars), Zito are all gonna demand top dollar

  54. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:01 pm | Permalink

    Peavy’s “hitting”

  55. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:03 pm | Permalink

    They are keeping Peavy in. It kills me that when the pads are up 2-0 in a series that take the 3rd day off.

  56. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:04 pm | Permalink

    Barfield…working the 0-2 to get a walk, then stealing second. Big second half from him. I can sense it.

  57. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:04 pm | Permalink

    I would be all for the padres trying to get a deal done with chan ho by the end of the year.

  58. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:05 pm | Permalink

    For the love of God! Pinch hit for EY!

  59. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:09 pm | Permalink

    Haren 91 pitches, 52 strikes
    Peavy 92 pitches, 58 strikes

    Why we’re down 3-0? We can’t hit balls or strikes. Damn the ban! We need some greenies…stat!

  60. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:13 pm | Permalink

    EY at .233 .300 .344 … yup, that looks like a good place to insert a PH’er … but given that he’s in the lineup, that’s a real root-cause contributor to the current game situation …

  61. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:13 pm | Permalink

    Peavy’s averaging 4.34 pitches per plate appearance. Chris Young like.

  62. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:14 pm | Permalink

    Why do all ex padres kill us when they come into town?

  63. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:15 pm | Permalink

    Maybe when Woody come back they will put Peavy on the DL for 15 days.

  64. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:16 pm | Permalink

    Jake’s done.

  65. Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:20 pm | Permalink

    Steve: Agreed with LM on Kaanapali. My wife and I stayed in a condo there on our honeymoon and first anniversary (coughs) years ago. We’ve also stayed in Makena down on the southern tip of Maui. Apparently it’s known for its golf courses. We were at a luxury resort that was pretty well beyond our means (someone at my old company scheduled a business conference there and then found that nobody could afford the place so they offered insane discounts to folks who could get out there). Anyway, it was nice, but I prefer Kaanapali.

  66. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:23 pm | Permalink

    Jake’s at 114 thru 6 … enough …

  67. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:26 pm | Permalink

    Dong!

  68. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:28 pm | Permalink

    Dong!
    Back to Back!

  69. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:32 pm | Permalink

    GY thanks for the info, I think we are going to look staying in Kaanapali or Lahina.

    I have actually been to Maui but it was about 12 years ago and I was 12 at the time so I really didn’t pay much attention to many of the logistical things, so I appreciate the help. Any suggestions on Activities while we are there?

  70. Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:37 pm | Permalink

    So whose going down when the Wood returns sat? Hope its not my Johnson, but it probably will be.

  71. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:38 pm | Permalink

    Nah that would put 13 pitchers on the roster, Im sure it will be Thompson.

  72. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:43 pm | Permalink

    Steve,

    I stayed in Kaanapali this past October. Lahaina felt very touisty to me. Looking forward to going back.

  73. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:45 pm | Permalink

    Definitely Thompson, especially after last night’s performance by Clay.

  74. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:46 pm | Permalink

    BIG MIKE!!!

  75. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:47 pm | Permalink

    Puh- leaaaase PH for EY

  76. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:49 pm | Permalink

    Wow … EY walks … this is *good news*!

  77. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:50 pm | Permalink

    If they bring in a lefty, to PH for Giles with BJ, because he’s awesome! Trade him for Prior after the game, too!

  78. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:52 pm | Permalink

    Thanks Jesse! Ill start to look at places in Kaanapali

  79. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:52 pm | Permalink

    Is Piazza going to PH for Bard. God, I hope not. He’s a DP machine.

  80. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:52 pm | Permalink

    jesse – LOL :-)

  81. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:53 pm | Permalink

    Ah DP kills the inning but not before the Padres tie it up

  82. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:53 pm | Permalink

    You have got to be kidding me. 3-0 swing into a double play.

  83. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:55 pm | Permalink

    See what I’m saying though, about Giles? He’s feeling the heat to drive in runs and just hit the ball in general. He takes that pitch 99 times out of 100 last year.

  84. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:56 pm | Permalink

    BP STAT OF THE DAY

    Top 5 2006 NL Right Fielders, by VORP

    Player, Team, EqA, VORP

    Bobby Abreu, PHI, .316, 24.8
    Bradley Hawpe, COL, .291, 19.7
    J.D. Drew, LAN, .289, 11.7
    Austin Kearns, CIN, .276, 11.3
    Brian Giles, SDN, .288, 11.0

  85. Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:57 pm | Permalink

    Why not release EY, keep johnson and 13 ptichers. Are we not in a four-man rotation right now. Maybe Jake needs a five man rotation.

  86. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 2:58 pm | Permalink

    “Bradley” Hawpe, huh? That’s cool.

  87. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:03 pm | Permalink

    PM…huh? Peavy, Young, Hensley, The Ho, Vanilla Mike. 5 man rotation. I’m all for releasing EY, though. Bochy and his grizzled vets…oye.

  88. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:04 pm | Permalink

    PM 12 Pitchers is alot i think 13 would kill our bench. If anything release EY and bring up P Mac or Cust.

  89. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:05 pm | Permalink

    Linebrink just lost it, 2 Run home run to Payton.

  90. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:06 pm | Permalink

    Freaking Linebrink. What a terd.

  91. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:06 pm | Permalink

    Linebrink is giving up a HR every 4.5 innings

  92. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:07 pm | Permalink

    Well i guess Resigning of Trevor is that much more important with Linebrink not his normal self this year.

  93. Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:11 pm | Permalink

    How come Payton couldn’t hit one out at Petco while he played for us?

  94. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:17 pm | Permalink

    Belhorn struck out again, but thats not a surprise he does strike out once ever 2.5 AB’s this season.

  95. dprat
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:20 pm | Permalink

    GY,
    LOL – had to look, but you’re absolutely right… 235 ABs at Petco, 0 HR… ’til today. Career OPS at Petco = 606.

  96. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:23 pm | Permalink

    Payton probably never had the good fortune of a Linebrink meatball to hit before.

  97. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:35 pm | Permalink

    I think I’d rather see Vinny play over EY, even in LF

  98. Didi
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:38 pm | Permalink

    Don’t even think about that, Jesse.

  99. Didi
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:40 pm | Permalink

    Let’s go Bard.

  100. Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:41 pm | Permalink

    Yahoo! says Johnson out at first on Cameron’s grounder, Cameron caught stealing, and EY struck out swinging. Yet Giles is at bat? Explain.

  101. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:42 pm | Permalink

    Padres tie it up!

  102. Didi
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:42 pm | Permalink

    Yeay! Go Go Gonzales!

  103. Didi
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:44 pm | Permalink

    It looked like Cameron got picked off at 1st and took off to 2nd and somehow, Dan Johnson missed the throw or something.

  104. Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:44 pm | Permalink

    I’m thrilled that the game is tied, but Yahoo! still shows three outs recorded this inning. WTF?

  105. Didi
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:45 pm | Permalink

    Gameday description for the Cameron’s out:

    Bottom 9TH B:0 S:1 O:1
    With Eric Young batting, Mike Cameron picked off and caught stealing 2nd base, Mike Cameron to 2nd. missed catch error by Dan Johnson, assist to Huston Street.

  106. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:45 pm | Permalink

    GY, et al –

    Padres ninth. Barfield walked on four pitches. Piazza pinch-hitting for B.Sweeney. Piazza walked, Barfield to second. B.Johnson pinch-running for Piazza. Cameron grounded into fielder’s choice, pitcher Street to shortstop Bo.Crosby, Barfield to third, Cameron to first, B.Johnson out. Cameron safe, though caught stealing, on D.Johnson’s error. Eri.Young struck out. B.Giles was intentionally walked. Bard singled to center, Barfield scored, Cameron scored, B.Giles to third.

    … so far.

  107. Eric
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:46 pm | Permalink

    holy

  108. Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:46 pm | Permalink

    Wow. Dan Johnson is my new favorite player. Thanks for the explanation, folks!

  109. Didi
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:46 pm | Permalink

    Extra inning, here comes the Padres!

  110. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:47 pm | Permalink

    Coming up … free baseball!

  111. KRS1
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:47 pm | Permalink

    God damn I hate putting in Trevor in non-save situations!!!

    I’m nervous

  112. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:48 pm | Permalink

    EY’s out … Hoffy into #2 slot … Ben Johnson stays in the game in #9 slot, now playing LF …

  113. pm
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:50 pm | Permalink

    Oops, forgot about vanilla Mike.

    OK wait, I heard thompson was ptiching the firs game of the double-header sat, then woody. May there is another pitcher they are sending down.

  114. Didi
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:54 pm | Permalink

    Good job, Hoffy. Go Padres!

  115. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:55 pm | Permalink

    pm – what’s the problem? play game 1 (thompson pitching) … then send him to AAA and activate woody for game 2!

  116. Steve
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 3:55 pm | Permalink

    Maybe they send down Adkins or Cassidy

  117. pm
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:00 pm | Permalink

    LM, you cold, man. Brrrrr!!

  118. pm
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:03 pm | Permalink

    so would Boch tell Thompson before his start that he was going down, and possibly distract him. Its cold telling him after he has possibly won that he is going down.

    “Crying, there’s no cying in baseball, no cying!”

  119. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:03 pm | Permalink

    pm … just reality!

  120. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:05 pm | Permalink

    It’s actually not uncommon for a player (especially pitchers) to know before a start that they will be sent down after the start … if it’s obvious to us that it should be Thompson, then you can be sure that it’s already obvious to him! No biggie!

  121. LynchMob
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:06 pm | Permalink

    Barfield out on the double switch … hmmm …

  122. pm
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:07 pm | Permalink

    too bad, I liked the guy and he pitched decent. He may never see the bigs again. Cup of coffee, I beleive they call that.

  123. Nick G.
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:10 pm | Permalink

    Hey Steve

    Re: Maui

    When my wife and I went to Maui three years ago, we stayed in two places:

    The Hana Cabana: http://www.hanamaui.net/cabana.php

    Wonderful little cottage with aview of the ocean (about a mile away).

    We also stayed at The Shores of Maui — a condo place across the street from the beach in Kihei.

    Both places were great and very affordable.

    Depending on what time of year you go there — you gotta go whale watching. Humpbacks are there from November to April, and it’s pretty spectacular.

  124. pm
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:15 pm | Permalink

    damn, I thought the game was over but in a strange ninth, Pads tie. what fun.

  125. Nick G.
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:15 pm | Permalink

    I don’t know PM — if he doesn’t hook on here, I’m sure he could be useful elsewhere. There are a lot of teams desparate for pitching.

  126. Nick G.
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:17 pm | Permalink

    Embree gettin’ it done.

  127. Eric
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:21 pm | Permalink

    holy play at the plate

  128. Tom Waits
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:38 pm | Permalink

    Bunting. With a hot bat. And a guy who doesn’t bunt. Who is followed by a LH hitter facing a LHP.

    Terrific.

  129. jay
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:39 pm | Permalink

    Bard is our best hitter right now, switch-hitter, I hate the sac bunt, even before it failed. Bochy pisses me off so much sometimes.

  130. Tom Waits
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:39 pm | Permalink

    And the LH hitter has now grounded into 13 double plays.

  131. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:45 pm | Permalink

    Let’s keep this thing going! Get Embree a full 9, eh?

  132. Didi
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:55 pm | Permalink

    What the heck is going on? A’s pitcher Flores threw 35 pitches and got 11 outs.

    Come on, Padres. Go Padres!

  133. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:58 pm | Permalink

    Oy Cassidy – new moniker

  134. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 4:58 pm | Permalink

    Geez, he is ALL over the place.

  135. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 5:00 pm | Permalink

    I’m pretty impressed with Khalil’s 0-6 today. Pretty sweet there.

  136. jesse
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 5:01 pm | Permalink

    I don’t care if we lose. I’m just glad we hit Kendall at least once in the series.

  137. Posted June 29, 2006 at 5:07 pm | Permalink

    How do you walk a guy with a 350 OPS (yes, OPS) to force in a run?

  138. dprat
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 5:14 pm | Permalink

    My rally hat is on once more… but the rubberband on the propeller is getting worn awful thin.

  139. Didi
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 5:16 pm | Permalink

    Ah, crap. Cassidy walked in the run.

  140. Didi
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 5:19 pm | Permalink

    Geoff, the answer is you walked him very carefully. Stupid Cassidy.
    I was hoping he’ll improve so the Padres can trade him in three weeks.

    Crap, Giles GiDPed on a second pitch with 2 runners on. What’s going on here?

  141. Nick G.
    Posted June 29, 2006 at 7:35 pm | Permalink

    I bet Cassidy’s going to AAA.

  142. LynchMob
    Posted June 30, 2006 at 8:15 am | Permalink

    141 comments … hope that’s not the blog equivalent of a pitch count :-)