Young, Linebrink, Gammons, LaChappa
Wed, Jun 28, 2006
by Geoff Young
Short on time, so bullet points this morning:
- The All-Star Game means nothing to me, but it’d be nice to see Chris Young honored as the Padres’ representative this year. He is top 10 in the NL in wins, ERA, strikeouts, and height. And, as we’ve noted before, Young’s success isn’t a product of Petco Park — his ERA is over a run and a half lower on the road than at home this year. Also, if there’s been a more dominant pitcher since the end of May, I’d like to meet him. Check out what Young’s done over his last six starts:
IP H R ER HR BB SO ERA 38.2 17 5 4 1 15 42 0.93 Stats courtesy of David Pinto’s Day By Day Database. My one complaint with Young is that he is inefficient. He needed 106 pitches to get through 6 innings in Tuesday night’s win over Oakland, and 127 to work 5 2/3 against Texas in his previous start. For the season, Young is averaging 4.34 pitches per plate appearance, worst in the big leagues. As a point of reference, only three hitters have seen that many pitches per plate appearance this season: Bobby Abreu, Kevin Youkilis, and Jason Giambi.
Young is so unbelievably reliant on his fastball. If he ever learns how to use a second pitch with consistency, he could be a monster. As it is, we’re nitpicking — dude is having a fantastic season. And Jake Peavy is absolutely right in pushing for Young to represent the Padres in Pittsburgh next month.
Oh yeah, almost forgot: And he’s 6′10″.
- Richard and Lance have been kind enough to let me contribute to their Top 100 Padres series, and my first entry is #81 Scott Linebrink. Check it out, as well as the rest of the series — which features some cool guest appearances in addition to Richard and Lance’s fine work — over at Friar Faithful.
- Ducksnorts reader Ryguy mentioned in the comments for Tuesday night’s IGD that ESPN’s Peter Gammons has suffered a brain aneurysm. Baseball Musings’ David Pinto worked with Gammons for 10 years and offers his thoughts. I typically don’t watch ESPN because they tend not to cover teams that interest me, but Gammons’ column in Baseball America is one of my absolute favorite reads. So, I’d like to join Ryguy and everyone else in wishing Mr. Gammons all the best and a speedy recovery.
- Tim Sullivan has a great piece in the U-T this morning on former Padres prospect Matt LaChappa. The local left-hander, you may recall, was the Pads’ #2 pick in the 1993 draft. His career ended in 1996 after he suffered two heart attacks while warming up in the Rancho Cucamonga bullpen. Mad, mad props to Priscilla Oppenheimer and the Padres for continuing to support this kid.
That’s all for now; more as it happens…
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 28, 2006 at 8:10 am
from the Chicago Sun Times
“That’s right, trade pitcher Mark Prior. Six months ago, the idea seemed crazy. These days, it should be a no-brainer. In the best interests of both parties, part ways. Prior is 25 and has plenty of upside — somewhere else. Chicago already has seen this movie, and it was called ”Kerry Wood.” The Cubs have been a curse for Prior, who has been hit with a lawsuit, a line drive, a charging opponent and a Game 6 meltdown none of us ever will forget. Let the right-hander return home to San Diego, work in pitcher-friendly Petco Park and never have to worry about another Prior Watch driving him nuts. He might not bring a Miguel Tejada in return, but certainly a power-hitting corner outfielder could be had. ”
Interesting scenario, by power hitting corner outfielder are they talking about Ben Johnson or Brian Giles (in 2002)? If the cubs put the deal of Biran Giles for Mar Prior on the table would you take it? Or maybe a Ben Johnson, Tim Stauffer, P Mac deal on the table would you take it?
Because Prior is only 25 and since he is a San Diego kid I think I would take either deal in a heart beat. Baker is known for wearing down his pitchers ::cough:: Jim Brower ::cough:: maybe Prior would be able to thrive here.
June 28, 2006 at 8:13 am
Ben Johnson, Brian Giles, P Mac… Anyone I don’t f-ing care I would trade any outfielder in our system for Prior that guy would make our starting rotation awesome and I love all the San Diego influence on the team already and he would just make it better!!!
June 28, 2006 at 8:31 am
Having read and enjoyed Peter Gammons’ writings over the years, not to mention his album releases through the Foundation to be Named Later, I’m shocked by the news.
Speedy recovery, Peter. Our thoughts are with you.
June 28, 2006 at 8:45 am
Aw, its that time of the season when the speculation runs wild and crazy.
I really like the idea that Petco is getting a rep as a pitcher freindly park, that guys can come here and put up good numbers on the bump where they might struggle in other places. We’ve seen the resurgence of CHP and woody. CY has reached his stride pitching here. Even the rooky pitcher whose name I can’t recall, is doing well without having great stuff. Peavy, seemed to be having an off year, yet its not a complete disaster. Plus, I think our guys take that confidence on the road too. Of course, great defense helps a lot. So while we all pine for more offense, Petco has its other benefits.
Prayers to Peter “Mr. Joules” Gammon and his family.
June 28, 2006 at 9:03 am
do you think the Cubs would make either of those deals?
June 28, 2006 at 9:10 am
Oh man I freaking HOPE SO!!!
The question I think is would the Padres make that trade. I’m not talking about you and I I mean KT and Sandy and John Moores… Would they do it?
June 28, 2006 at 9:19 am
In yesterday’s post, someone made a comment about how it’s kinda cooky to consider our priority at the trading deadline to be pitching. Along those lines, the interview Darren and Philly Billy did with KT addressed that. KT agreed. He said, in essence, they have a number of potential deals already in place, but teams are not willing to make moves this early because it signals surrender to their fans. Teams like Tampa, looking up at NY, Boston, Toronto and Baltimore have no hope, so they’re ready to deal.
Matt Bush went 3-4 (2B and 2 RBI) last night and is now batting .333. Only problem was he was promptly picked off 1st after one of his singles and then made two errors (possibly on the same play, not sure on that).
Woody got HAMMERED in his last rehad start two nights ago in Portland.
Mark Prior reminds me a lot of Randy Myers when the Pads got him. I am sure LA or Ariz would land him over us (prospects).
Paul McAnulty is now batting .326 and hit his 11th homer last night. Jack Cust’s numbers are sick, but he’ll never get a chance….282/13HR/440 OBP. He’s already set the franchise record for walks in a season for Portland.
June 28, 2006 at 9:19 am
Prior is only (I use the term only loosely) $3.65 mil this year and he still has one more year of arbitration.
I think if they ask for Giles the Padres would do it if his limited No Trade claws doesn’t get in the way.
I’m not sure if Sandy would be willing to make the trade if it was for Johnson, P Mac and Stauffer because that would pretty much clean out our minor league system of young guys (26 and younger) we could pull up if some was to go on the DL.
June 28, 2006 at 9:23 am
The pads should try to move Cust and P Mac at the deadline, with Gonzalez at first and the large outfields at Petco I dont belive either of them will ever be an every day player for the pads, thier bats may be able to get the pads more athletic prospects who can play at petco.
June 28, 2006 at 9:27 am
That’s an awesome point Steve I totally agree!
June 28, 2006 at 9:53 am
I’m all for moving Cust and P Mac, Steve. I think you are right that the Padres got no place for them in Petco.
I’m not sold on Prior, though. Maybe he’ll improve by pitching at Petco half the time but if his health is the trouble, the Padres cannot afford to lose any player.
Shoot, convert Matt Bush to a relief pitcher already. Yes, I’m impatient.
June 28, 2006 at 9:54 am
A nice article on the Cal-Car All Star. The Padres has three pitchers going and no hitters.
http://www.hardballtimes.com/m.....a-leagues/
June 28, 2006 at 10:07 am
I agree with you Didi, I think Matt Bush has a better future as a relife pitcher than a SS. Although I think he may have a million dallar arm and a 10 cent head.
June 28, 2006 at 10:25 am
last year was the lowest winning percentage for a playoff team. Could this year be the 1st playoff team with all sub-800 OPSs in the starting lineup?
June 28, 2006 at 11:09 am
Everyone needs to chill out for a little while on the Matt Bush topic. Yeah the kid has been a bit of an idiot but who wasn’t when they were 18? He’s still only like 20 and I still think he might be able to get his stuff together. He obviously should not have been picked #1 but he was still going top 10 or 15. I look at some of the great young guys around the league and he still has a couple of years before he can officially be labeled a bust. I know the kid has not made it out of A ball yet but he is still so young and still has so much potential I am willing to give him a little more time before I kill him.
June 28, 2006 at 11:34 am
David Pinto has a Gammons update:
http://www.baseballmusings.com/archives/015747.php
Gammons’ wife has issued a statement, and ESPN has set up a page for readers to post their get-well wishes. Follow the above link to get to those.
June 28, 2006 at 11:35 am
KRS1
I think its more of the fact that we could have had Weaver instead that kills me.
June 28, 2006 at 11:38 am
Yeah, Weaver’s immediate success at the big-league level in conjunction with Bush’s lack of success in any full-season league is a bit of a downer.
On a positive note, Minnesota is thrashing the Dodgers again:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=260628109
Joe Mauer is hitting .392 this year. That is just sick, especially given that he’s a catcher.
June 28, 2006 at 11:38 am
I just found that day by day thing you used, that is pretty sick. So I tested the theory of Khalil Greene, Rockies killer.
establishing line of three numbers is avg/obp/slg
Khalil Greene career v. Colorado
@ Coors .373/.458/.819 9HR 26RBI 21R 11BB 12K in 94 PA
@ PETCO .185/.247/.292 1HR 8 RBI 2R 6BB 15K in 71 PA
June 28, 2006 at 11:52 am
Sure is glad that the Twins is not in the NL West. How would the Padres be in AL Central? About where the Twins is…11 and a half game out of first after going on a tear with Santana-Liriano pitching, and Mauer and Morneau hitting.
June 28, 2006 at 11:52 am
For Tonight:
Joe Blanton on the Road
3-3 47IP 57H 21BB 28K 5.74 ERA
Clay Hensley at Home
3-3 41IP 39H 18BB 20K 4.39ERA
June 28, 2006 at 12:14 pm
Let’s answer this, I still wouldn’t do Prior for Ben Johnson… Prior has to do something before he merits any value.. plus chicago cubs complaints have gone off way too much
June 28, 2006 at 12:26 pm
Once again Steve I totally agree with you. We could have had Weaver and for me even better yet is we could have Stephen Drew playing 3rd by now. But whatever I’m just saying both Weaver and Drew are like 23 right now too so let’s give Bush a little more time. Adrian Gonzalez was the 1st pick and it took him 5 years to get up. I just think the kid has a lot of potential (maybe more at pitcher than anything) and High School kids traditionally take a lot longer then College players do.
June 28, 2006 at 12:34 pm
I would do Prior for Johnson in a heartbeat! Unless the Padres trade Brian Giles then BJ is not going to have a place to play next year (see Xavier Nady). Without Dave Roberts there is no leadoff and They are going to pick up Cameron’s option for sure. So why not get a top tier pitcher in return for a good young talent that the Padres don’t have a place for? Not to mention isn’t Johnson older then Prior?
Picture: Peavy, Prior, Young, Carillio… I don’t know about you guys but that sounds pretty F-ING RAD to me!!!
June 28, 2006 at 1:58 pm
Chase Headley made the Cal-Carolina All-Star game as a hitter for us. Hit an RBI double.
June 28, 2006 at 2:00 pm
Ben Johnson = nice potential, slightly flawed, corner outfielder. One of many (see Nady, Xavier).
Mark Prior = injury prone, possibly permanently damaged goods but had/has potential to be ace. One of few.
I’d trade Johnson for Prior pretty quick. Unless Prior is a FA this year.
June 28, 2006 at 2:09 pm
Prior has one more year after the end of this season (3 years of service before this year)
June 28, 2006 at 2:11 pm
I think it will take more then johnson to land Prior though, you have to rember the padres would not be the only team bidding for his services.
June 28, 2006 at 2:22 pm
I hope Young gets the nod
June 28, 2006 at 2:24 pm
correct. other teams will pay a lot more than Johnson for Prior’s upside
June 28, 2006 at 2:30 pm
I honestly think it will be a Johnson, P Mac, Carillo/Wells kind of deal
June 28, 2006 at 2:57 pm
I honestly don’t think that the Cubs can get all that much for Prior. With his injury concerns a decent sized money attatched to him I don’t believe anyone is going to give up the farm for him. I could be wrong but I think Ben Johnson is ready to go right now and could be great for the Cubs.
June 28, 2006 at 3:03 pm
Bard got a 1 game suspension for rolling his batting helmet at the Ump on Sunday.
I had great seats (section 105 4 rows up) for that game, I thought that was one of the most classic moves (Bard rolling his helemt at the Ump) that i have seen, it was like he was bowling or something.
June 28, 2006 at 3:05 pm
I can see the Diamondbacks doing it, they are hurting for pitching and they have a deep minor leauge system.
June 28, 2006 at 3:16 pm
Ben Johnson for Mark Prior…riiiiiiight.
Comparing Ben Johnson to X is even a stretch. Ben Johnson is a fringe Major leaguer, at best, in my opinion. Nady has intrinsic abilities that BJ will never have. Twice through the league and BJ will be back in AAA. Think, Eddie Williams.
Absolutely need to give Matt Bush more time. Derek Jeter hit .202 in his 1st minor league season with a boatload of errors. Bush never played in Rookie League, either, so it’s true, he is still young for his league.
June 28, 2006 at 4:11 pm
Bush did play in the Rookie League. That’s where he was when the biting happened (overblown). He then went to Eugene for a while.
Jeter may have struggled his first year, for 173 at-bats. He showed good plate discipline for an 18 year old and was pushed up to low-A that year, which he handled. He had bat speed and offensive upside that Bush never did. He never struggled again. I’d like Bush to turn it around, but you rarely see a top player who had 550 bad at-bats to start his career.
June 28, 2006 at 5:50 pm
Damn, I don’t know what to say about all that, cept Go Padres!
June 29, 2006 at 12:28 am
Of course the Cubs wouldn’t do Prior for Johnson…that was kind of my point. Aside from Kottaras, I don’t know if there is anyone in the minors I wouldn’t unload for Prior.
As for the Johnson/Nady comp, give me Johnson over Nady. Both are extremely similar players. I really have no idea what “instrinsic abilities” Nady has that BJ doesn’t. I think BJ has more upside, personally.
As for Bush, the best thing to do is forget he was a #1. Just another 19 year old in the system at a low level.
June 29, 2006 at 10:38 am
Alan… was responding to KSR1. I guess we’ll see about BJ and X, only time will tell. They’re about the same age, yes?
Tom Waits…your a downer, man. Good thing Jake’s pitching today!