Ducksnorts Meetup, Hall of Fame Style
Thu, Sep 7, 2006
by Geoff Young
First off, great series against the Rockies to close out the homestand. Good to see the kids step up and get the job done — proof that an organization’s farm system doesn’t have to be highly touted to produce usable talent. Speaking of which, Rich has a nice writeup on Wednesday night’s victory that you should read before proceeding.
Done?
Okay, now we need to start figuring out this Hall of Fame thing. LynchMob and others have been trying to get our attention, and I finally got the clue — it’s never too soon to plan for induction weekend. We’re operating under the assumption that Tony Gwynn will be inducted next summer, July 27-30, 2007. I’m planning to make reservations within the next few days, but I’m not sure where to start. So maybe we can brainstorm some ideas here and ensure that we get a healthy Ducksnorts/Padres contingent out to Cooperstown next July.
I’m listening…
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.
September 7, 2006 at 3:54 am
Featured on BuzzTracker…
…
September 7, 2006 at 5:19 am
I’m interested in going, but haven’t had time to do a lot of research. I know it’s going to be packed, but if Albany is only 60 miles from Cooperstown, I’m thinking I might be able to stay there.
Maybe I’ll take the family camping. I know a nice little campground in Ballston Spa, NY.
I’ve got to mapquest some stuff today.
September 7, 2006 at 5:43 am
Albany isn’t a bad place to stay…I’m sure there’d be plenty of vacancies there, it’s a decent sized city.
September 7, 2006 at 7:10 am
Hey guys. quick q i was wondering about. Do guys with freakish power like Branyan benefit relatively with a move to a place like petco since their stats are minimally effected due to their home runs being so much more home runnish than other guys?
Example - say a Giles has a bunch of hits that fall in between the home run and doubles range. The ballpark he plays in will obviously effect him very much. A guy like Branyan who seems to hit all of it or none of it seems to not feel similar park effects…. or am i overthinking it? (slg. overall by pads on the season .385 vs. .447). If so does a guy like Branyan or Dunn have more value for the Pads than to other teams?
September 7, 2006 at 7:33 am
sam - That makes a lot of sense. Conversely, you could say guys with warning track power benefit more from places like Coors Field than guys like Branyan and Dunn. So I think you’re correct, though it’d take further research to determine to what degree, and whether it’s worth pursuing. Like, I believe things like clutch and catcher defense do have an effect, but to such a small degree that it’s almost negligible.
September 7, 2006 at 7:58 am
That’s something that could probably be researched by looking at his hit charts for the past few years, no?
I’m not sure where such can be found, but I think they’re out there somewhere.
September 7, 2006 at 8:12 am
Did anyone notice that our old buddy Tank was up with the Cards?
September 7, 2006 at 8:43 am
John Donovan wrote an article on the Pads:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....index.html
September 7, 2006 at 8:56 am
re 7: no, but I didn’t notice that St. Louis lost last night… are the 2 related?
September 7, 2006 at 9:07 am
Actually, maybe I’m wrong on Tank, because I saw that he pitched 3 innings on the Baseball Cube site but can’t find it anywhere else.
September 7, 2006 at 9:12 am
I know this maybe a stretch and I maybe still a little high off the walk off from last night but has any one seen P mac play 3B when he was in Portland?
at least we know he can hit it out of petco.
September 7, 2006 at 9:50 am
Great job on the comments last night, Richard, et al …
I’ve just got 2 words …
*THE HAMMER* !!!
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-) 
:-)
September 7, 2006 at 9:55 am
LM, we were all wondering where you were, being “Hammer’s” biggest supporter and all. It all paid off last night. PMac thanks you for the support.
September 7, 2006 at 10:10 am
This picture was on the front page of my sports section this morning … http://tinyurl.com/ncflk … I’m adding to my list of favorite sports photos! Check out the *air* … and the *smile* … and the *hug* … that’s a huge trifecta! And an ex-Padre in the pic also
September 7, 2006 at 10:11 am
#2, #3: Thanks for the tip on Albany. My grandmother was born there. Sixty miles doesn’t seem too bad — I’ll have to look into that.
#12: So, are you a little happy or what?
Honestly, as damp and cool as it was last night, and without any wind, I thought P-Mac’s shot was going to die on the warning track. He absolutely crushed that ball to get it out in those conditions.
September 7, 2006 at 10:35 am
Quick little recap of Theo Epstein’s recent activity:
Josh Bard and Cla Meredith for Mark Loretta (essentially). Loretta .719OPS vs. Barfield .759OPS
Hanley Ramirez, Anibel Sanchez (of no-hitter fame) and two AA sweet looking prospects for 5.11ERA, 33HR allowed, 14-10 Josh Beckett
Kelly Shoppach, Guillermo Mota, Andy Marte for Coco Crisp, Doug Mirabelli (Bard, then traded for Mirabelli), and David Riske.
Bronson Arroyo AND CASH for Wily Mo Pena
Oh, and starting for Boston tonight on the mound? Kevin Jarvis.
The boy genius no more.
September 7, 2006 at 11:15 am
FF good rundown… Wow…
I’m racking my brain for additional commentary, but nothing worth writing is coming up…
September 7, 2006 at 11:19 am
ff - ouch! … otoh, that falls under the catagory of “what have you done for me lately” … the guy’s got a ring, flags fly forever, and all that. besides, i’ll bet he’s OK losing the “boy genius” label …
September 7, 2006 at 11:30 am
That rundown should make us all feel better about the Wells deal.
September 7, 2006 at 11:39 am
Lynch, I’m a big Theo fan, but I think FF is right. That’s several bad or unfortunate trades in a row…
Josh Bard and Cla Meredith for Mark Loretta (essentially). Loretta .719OPS vs. Barfield .759OPS
Hanley Ramirez, Anibel Sanchez (of no-hitter fame) and two AA sweet looking prospects for 5.11ERA, 33HR allowed, 14-10 Josh Beckett
- It didn’t take a genious (no pun intended) to see that a guy who’s always had tremondous stuff, but never had phenomenal seasons, would struggle when moved to AL East w/ it’s killer offensives, and small parks (including his new home) would have his ERA and HR total rise considerably. Ramirez & Sanchez was a lot to give up…
Kelly Shoppach, Guillermo Mota, Andy Marte for Coco Crisp, Doug Mirabelli (Bard, then traded for Mirabelli), and David Riske.
- Mota & Shoppach don’t bother me, but adding Marte when you only get Crisp and Bard back… Again, Theo seems to be overpaying…
Bronson Arroyo AND CASH for Wily Mo Pena
- Before the season started, it looked like Boston had TOO MANY starters (they don’t have that problem now). With Trot Nixon’s injuries, Theo needed someone who could start and not be a serious dropoff…
In Moneyball, Billy Beane said that when you HAD to make a move, you were in trouble. With Boston’s media/fan base, Boston’s constantly in a “win now” mode and HAD to fill in quite a few holes. They ended overspending in virtually every instance.
On the other hand, he has drafted AMAZINGLY well…
Theo does have his flag, and as Lynch pointed out, they do fly forever, but Theo has lost some luster.
September 7, 2006 at 11:42 am
Everybody see Peavy hopping on one leg last night? Saw it on Padres.com. It was pretty funny.
It would be funnier if he wasn’t the starting pitcher tomorrow!
September 7, 2006 at 12:31 pm
Hey, would folks be more comfortable talking about HOF plans in a Yahoo! Groups environment? If you’re interested, shoot me an email; we get enough folks and I’ll set one up tonight.
#4: Interesting question on TTO guys and park factors. Off the top of my head, and without doing any kind of research, I tend to agree with Eric’s assessment.
#16: Add my voice to the chorus of ouches.
Anyway, let me know about the HOF stuff and we’ll make it happen.
September 7, 2006 at 1:14 pm
I booked a room in Syracuse NY…I think about 80 miles out…It was cheap and available…
HOF HERE WE COME!!!
Oh yea, this road trip is critical…
Was wondering the other day…While it is an obvious ingredient for winning, it seems like the Padres teams that are in contention are road warriors. I remember both the 1996 and the 1998 teams were touted as being good on the road. Does this speak to KT’s inability to build a team around his home park? Remember, perception is reality.
September 7, 2006 at 1:15 pm
I totally agree with the Theo Epstein breakdown but since I like the guy I gotta say a few things.
For one I think he is in a tough spot in Boston and if he would have started the season with Marte at 3rd, Sanchez as a starter, and Ramirez at SS, the Boston fans would have gone BERSERK! I wouldn’t have been mad if I were them but Boston fans by rule… Well I don’t know how to put it without stereo-typing them all but they’re obnoxious and stupid (maybe not all of them, but a lot!).
I don’t think the Arroyo trade was that bad because Willy Mo is going to be a beast some day I’m sure of it (I know i know just when right? I’m still waiting too).
Other then that I mean I know he overpaid for what he got and his record looks awful on paper but he had a really late start after all the offseason crap with L. Luchino. and he had to do something other then field a bunch of rookies.
He totally over estimated Crisp and I have never been totally sold on Beckett but I’m willing to give him a little slack because of the terms he was dealing with. He also got a damn good catching prospect for an overpaid 43 year old that is retiring in 2 months.
September 7, 2006 at 1:15 pm
I’m up for a Yahoo Group for focus’d HOF discussion … I think that makes sense …
September 7, 2006 at 1:27 pm
I have been to Cooperstown for quite a few vacations (living in NYC makes it easy). The Otesaga is a great hotel in Cooperstown (though a bit pricey).
Blue Mingo Grill is essential dining for one evening.
Albany is too far away to stay unless everything is sold out closer.
September 7, 2006 at 1:32 pm
Peter, that pitcher with tremendous stuff made the AL East Yankees look like a Little League team in 2003. Twice. It wasn’t that big of a stretch. They’ve invested heavily in the draft, which makes the loss of prospects palatable.
Are people really knocking Epstein for trading Bard, who had done nothing of note? That’s like knocking the Angels for trading Nevin. You can only go by the info available when it happens, and Bard didn’t look like anything but a typical backup catcher.
Losing Varitek, Clement, and Nixon for big parts of the season are the main reason the Red Sox couldn’t last.
September 7, 2006 at 1:36 pm
Hey once you guys figure out all your hotel reservations out and everything you need to also figure out which one of you is going to let me sleep on the floor. You know that spot right next to the air conditioner that makes all the noise all night long.
Come on guys or Padre Girl…
I’ll fluff your pillows, I’ll make your bed, I’ll get you clean towels, hell I’ll even leave a mint on your pillow.
I’m clean
I’m fun
I like the Padres
I’m really good at drinking beer
You won’t even know I’m there. I promise. It’ll be like college again only this time your roomate will be awesome!
Tony Gwynn and I are BRO’s and he doesn’t want me to miss this!
Seriously… Think about.
September 7, 2006 at 1:37 pm
One point re: Albany and Syracuse for HOF … don’t forget that it’s not Interstate all the way between there and Cooperstown … while Albany is “only 60 miles away”, I’ve heard it’s a 2-hour drive … M317, does that sound about right to you? Have you scouted out any places you can recommend?
September 7, 2006 at 1:40 pm
KRS1 - I like your approach … if I weren’t basically already doing the same thing, I’d invite you in
September 7, 2006 at 1:45 pm
I think I read a comment previously about Knott getting a callup … and a friend/relative of his posted this yesterday at pdxbeavers.com …
stop the presses .. Jon Knott has been called up .. K. Towers spoke with him this day and he is on his way to meet the team tomorrow ,,, yeah Jon.. apparently Klesko is being put on a 60 day list of some sort .. not sure what .. may be retirement….
Paul M
… cool!
September 7, 2006 at 1:45 pm
Well hey Lynch if your room has any extra “spots” open up between now and then… Who’s your buddy?
September 7, 2006 at 1:50 pm
Here’s a recap of Ft. Wayne from milb.com …
Fort Wayne Wizards (San Diego Padres)
THE WEEK THAT WAS: A 6-2 finish week enabled the third-place Wizards to wrap up a playoff berth for the third consecutive season, the last two under manager Randy Ready. The Wizards finished eight games out.
WHO’S HOT/WHO’S NOT: OF Mike Sansoe finished 16-for-30 (.533) with one homer and seven RBIs in his last nine games, 2B Seth Johnston is 12-for-32 (.375), and OF William Venable had two homers and 10 RBIs in his last nine games. SS Jesus Lopez is 1-for-17 (.059).
A VENABLE MILESTONE: Venable’s 91 RBI set a club record, topping the old mark of 85 shared by Josh Loggins (1999) and John Scheschuk (2000).
AWARDS TIME: In a vote of the coaching staff and front office, Venable was named the team’s MVP, while relievers John Madden (20 saves) and Alfredo Fernandez (5-2, 2.89 ERA) were named Most Valuable Pitchers.
September 7, 2006 at 1:52 pm
I doubt Theo Epstein controlled most of those trades. He tried to tell them team after they won the World Series that they need to take a step back and let the young guys play, but ownership wants to win now. That’s why he left for awhile, and he is back as GM, partly in name only, I think.
September 7, 2006 at 1:55 pm
Matt Antonelli didn’t play in Ft. Wayne’s first playoff game … a 8-3 loss … http://tinyurl.com/p3cf4 … game 2 is tonight …
(KRS1 … my “buddy” is Lovespooh2 and her husband … so it’s already 3s-a-crowd … but if I find a spot that’s conducive to splitting us up, I’ll let you know …)
September 7, 2006 at 1:58 pm
As previously reported, Storm did better by winning game 1 of their playoff series … http://tinyurl.com/lc9a7 … an RBI triple by Headley and and RBI double by Hundley are what stand out to me in the box …
They play game 2 tonight also … just up the freeway from y’all at The Diamond … go check out some post-season-mini-Padres!
September 7, 2006 at 2:51 pm
34: I really doubt Epstein came back to be a figurehead. Why bother? He could have gotten a GM job with full powers at other clubs if he’d wanted it. I believe he left because Lucchino was being a jerk and Epstein thought it wasn’t worth taking that grief. The rest of the owners got Lucchino to apologize and Epstein came back.
Sometimes things don’t work out. I think a lot of Padre fans would have been very happy to trade for Crisp last winter, but now Theo’s not too bright because he did it?
There aren’t many teams that would have survived those injuries. You do have to wonder if they could have swindled the Phillies like the Yankees did. Abreu and Lidle for 4 nobodies, and the Phillies pay Abreu’s convincer? Cashman has 2 teams worth of payroll, but that was a brilliant move.
September 7, 2006 at 3:20 pm
I just noticed a press release on the Padre site that the 2007 schedule has been announced with the Yankees and Orioles coming to town in interleague play. Plus, a raise in some season ticket prices, although not mine, fortunately. Plus, we’re home for Independence Day, which is the first time in several years, if I remember right. Nothing like tailgating BBQ, the ballgame and fireworks.
September 7, 2006 at 4:40 pm
2-0 Mets over LA after 1.
September 7, 2006 at 4:40 pm
Phillies and Marlins tied at 3 in the 2nd.
September 7, 2006 at 4:45 pm
Re:24
The arrogant a-hole Red Sox fan is actually a very new phenomenon. Growing up in New England, I was completely surrounded by your typical inferior complex Sox fan. The jerk face Sox fan we’ve grown to know since ‘04 is, imho, the result of 80 odd years of repressed anxiety and the understanding that it may indeed be another 80 years before another championship arrives in Beantown. They’re just getting all the retaaaaaaadedness out of their systems while they can. Oh, and Rogaaaa, get in the caaaa, we’re goin’ to Maaathaaa’s Vinnnyaaaaad!
September 7, 2006 at 4:49 pm
3-0 Dodgers. Jose Valentin giving it to his former team.
September 7, 2006 at 4:51 pm
37, I have a friend who is a friend of Theo’s and when Theo was flirting w/ joining other team, this friend was going to become a member of Theo’s staff… Anyway, Theo wanted Cashman’s money (not budget, his paycheck: $5m per - or whatever it is)… When LL balked, Theo said fine… The owner eventually stepped in and brought Theo back at Theo’s pricetag. Now Theo didn’t (but now does) have the GM title but that’s so LL could save face. Theo is THE BOSS of baseball operations.
September 7, 2006 at 5:10 pm
I’m a go for Cooperstown, with my whole family…waiting on word from work about vacation to book anything, since I may have to do only a weekend trip…was wanting to spend the beginning of the week in the Big Apple, but since I switched banks a few months back I am now at the bottom of the totem pole for seniority.
September 7, 2006 at 5:11 pm
..and many thanks for the plug o’ Lord of Channel Four…
September 7, 2006 at 5:11 pm
I can second what friarfan says. Sox fans always felt inferior and depressed but united in their melancholy. Now they’ve become arrogant loudmouths and not much different from Yankee fans.
Not sure if this is a new site but it’s pretty darn cool:
http://www.baseballrace.com/
You can view every season as an animated horserace. Pretty cool to watch the Pad’s big surge last year and then hold off the field until the end.
September 7, 2006 at 5:12 pm
re: 42 … that’s 3-0 Mets over Dogs … in top of 4th …
also 4-3 Phils over Fish in bottom of 4th … me thinks we should be rooting for the Phils … those Fish continue to scare me!
September 7, 2006 at 5:13 pm
OT - Nady with HR #16 tonight … http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore?gid=260907116
September 7, 2006 at 5:14 pm
I know this may not fit in the peculiar little corner that defines athletes’ logic, but if everybody hates getting smacked — very hard — on the helmet after a game-winning hit, would it be too much to stop the practice? I understand the good-natured pranks (although I have to think shaving cream in the eyes might burn a little or screw up your contacts — anyone want to be the guinea pig?), but these are multi-million dollar athletes, not high school kids. Can’t they find a little less abusive way to express their gratitude and jubilation? I also believe most owners would rather see Jeff Kent on a motorcycle then some of those awkward home plate celebrations. I guess it’s all fun until someone fractures a rib, breaks a toe — or gets a stick in the eye.
September 7, 2006 at 5:27 pm
Mets lead Dodgers in the 3rd 3-0.
September 7, 2006 at 5:30 pm
49: I won’t be sad to see the home plate scrum - Masai up-and-down dance go out of fashion.
September 7, 2006 at 6:17 pm
Lynch Mob - I was planning on taking a trip to the Cooperstown area this summer but I don’t think it’s gonna shake out that way now.
Mapquest says Cooperstown is about 90 minutes from Albany. Not too close. A little more than half of the trip is on interstates 90 and 88, but the rest is “backroads”. Cooperstown really is in the middle of nowhere, so I imagne there’s not a lot of places nearby to stay if the local lodging is sold out.
September 7, 2006 at 7:05 pm
I might be camping. Just found a couple of things that were available, but I think they’re pretty out of the way.
I’ll do some digging around today and tomorrow. Let you guys know what I find.
September 7, 2006 at 7:52 pm
we are pondering the problems with walk-off celebrations. what a great place to be.
September 7, 2006 at 8:32 pm
Okay, I’ve created the Yahoo! Group. Anyone is welcome to join — shoot me an email if you’d like an invite.
September 7, 2006 at 9:57 pm
I don’t think Theo is a figurehead.
But I don’t think he is running the team, fully running the team, the way he would like to. He would have been fine starting the year with Marte and Hanley Ramirez. Ownership wants to win the World Series every year and win the arms race with the Yankees.
September 7, 2006 at 9:58 pm
And I’m not saying anything that isn’t basically public knowledge, especially after that recent book — Feeding the Monster.
September 8, 2006 at 5:11 am
Anthony
Cool website. Last year is nice to look at, but 1998 and 1984 are better!