first pitch: 1:05 p.m., PT
television: Channel 4SD
matchup: Clay Hensley (6-7, 4.61 ERA) vs Jamey Wright (6-8, 4.95 ERA)
preview: Padres.com | SI.com | ESPN
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How about this heat? It reached 103 F in Clairemont on Saturday, with 65% humidity! That may not seem like much to folks in many parts of the country (or even out in El Cajon), but realize that it’s big news when we top 85 here.
I’ve been beating the heat by hanging out in air-conditioned rooms at Comic-Con. For years I used to just wander to exhibit hall for hours on end in the hope of finding who-knows-what. Nowadays, I’m all about the panels. So far this time I’ve gotten to hear Scott McCloud, Noel Neill, Edward James Olmos, Matt Groening, Ray Bradbury, Ray Harryhausen, and Forrest Ackerman, among many others. When you get down to it, I love hearing someone tell a great story, and these are some of the masters.
On the baseball front, the Padres continued to get smacked around by the Giants, who knocked them out of first place with a 4-3 victory over the Friars. Woody Williams had a solid outing, but his defense didn’t do him any favors.
Let’s face it, the Pads haven’t been executing at all since the All-Star break and the standings reflect that. First place was fun, but such status is a privilege, not a right. If the Padres want to get back there, they need to stop playing lousy baseball.
But I state the obvious.
Former Giants farmhand Clay Hensley tries to stop the bleeding Sunday afternoon at PhoneCo, as the Padres look to avoid the sweep. Jamey Wright, whose presence in the big leagues continues to baffle, counters for San Francisco. As has been the case all week, now would be a real good time for the Padres to win a game.
I like the Williamson acquisition. Our pen has taken a beating in the past few weeks…can’t hurt to have another live arm there.
Cassidy looks to be turning things around at Portland also – 4 saves already and hasn’t given up a run yet.
If this speculated Kottaras/Jared Wells/Cassidy trade for Andy Marte goes down, I can’t really argue with it. Our IF would be set up for a long time to come.
from buster olney’s blog today:
The Padres’ deal for Scott Williamson means that San Diego has a couple of options. They could merely fold Williamson into their bullpen and have more depth, or they are now in a better position to listen to offers for set-up man Scott Linebrink, at a time when teams are salivating for bullpen help. Linebrink will make $1.75 million in 2007, as part of a contract he signed 18 months ago, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they talked to the Astros about a Linebrink-for-Morgan Ensberg trade
couple quick observations as Meredith works in the bottom of the 7th.
Hensley pitched very well; good location and movement, allowed very few hard-hit balls. Good defense behind him as well, especially from Greene; Mike Krukow, the Giants’ color guy, is a big Khalil fan.
Piazza’s HR was hit *hard*. When he gets hold of a pitch, it’s a thing of beauty.
Meredith just finished up the 7th, looking strong and efficient. After watching the first three games of this series (in person Thursday and Friday), today is a very nice change. Here’s hoping Linebrink and Trevor come through.
Just returned from the comicon, boy did I spend some $$$. I think you are right GY, stay away from the floor, save money.
Padres are into extra inning. We really need this game.
Nex time I comicon with the kids, we will volunteer so we get in free.
Just back from Walnut Creek, about 10 miles east of Oakland. Car thermometer said 116.
First pitch I heard on the radio was Sledge’s game-tying HR.
It’s going to be a little weird if they send Termel down tomorrow. That was a pretty big hit.
So what’s up today dudes? Yesterday was a pretty big win but what’s up with the defense?
Blum just showed how much we need a real 3B! when does BJ come off the DL?
Defense is not a problem with Rob Bowen, that’s for sure. That was a pretty sick play — barehanded catch of Kahlli’s throw. I love our catching crew.
I am so not worried about the defense though — they’re going to make a few errors, but on balance the Pads are pretty tight. Blum is a back up third baseman. Once he is not playing there every other day, we’ll be OK.
I didn’t see the bare handed play I wish I would have. Khalil’s reaction in the newspaper this morning was hilarious!
I keep hearing the Morgan Endsberg rumor and it just underwhelms me if we are talking about Linebrink. I’m not Linebrink’s biggest fan and I think that his stock is probably highest right now but if we are going to take away from a bullpen that is starting to show some holes then we need a for sure guy in return. I can’t see Houston going out and getting Huff if Endsberg was OK. I could be wrong but ehh I don’t know that just seems sketchy to me.
Berkman got hurt last night for houston, so I don’t know about the whole Ensberg thing.
On balance, I wouldn’t mind giving up relief pitching to get a solid 3b. But I’m with you KRS1 — I’d rather have Liney.
I’m really hoping that a deal with Cleveland can be worked out.
If we could get Marte from Cleveland I agree. But Boone is a hack and I’m not sure I’d rather have him then Bellhorn.
No Boone. Blum/Bellhorn is Boone.
I want Marte.