IGD: Padres @ Reds (14 Sep 06)
Thu, Sep 14, 2006
by Geoff Young
first pitch: 9:35 a.m., PT
television: none
matchup: Clay Hensley (8-11, 3.87 ERA) vs Aaron Harang (13-10, 3.83 ERA)
previews: Padres.com
buy tickets
Morning start. So, what’s everyone having for breakfast today? In honor of Tuesday night’s shutout behind Jake Peavy and the bullpen, I’m making myself a bagel with cheese. Oh yeah, believe it.
Go Padres!
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 14, 2006 at 7:19 am
In hnor of the shut out, I’m makin myself a vodka shot and beer! Yes, I know what time it is, but a shutout behind 10 runs doesn’t happen that often. Take the series boys, take the series.
September 14, 2006 at 7:25 am
Bagel with cheese . . . funny.
Reading in the UT today, Pads were optimistic even after they lost Tues night. Reds . . . not so much.
Adam Dunn, told that Peavy was starting Wednesday:
“Oh, God.”
I thought that was kind of funny. Peavy was great last night . . . 59 pitches through 6. That’s just unbelievable.
I don’t know about you guys, but I think Blum’s doing a decent job filling in. I’ve seen him make a few nice plays, and he’s hitting the ball pretty well.
I know his OBP is only .284, but the .250 BA means he’s not a black hole in the lineup.
September 14, 2006 at 8:07 am
Comments in Pro Sports Daily and Ben Maller’s columns rumour that Houston’s going to make a run a Woody, a Houston native. Anybody given any thought to our starters next year, besides Jake, CY and Clay? Is Thompson given a shot? Zito? Do we have to give up a starter to land an impact third baseman?
September 14, 2006 at 8:15 am
Here’s a question - when we signed Piazza, there was a ridiculous option year tacked on - something like 8 million dollars. At the time everyone assumed it was just for show; that there was no way the Pads would pick it up. But considering how well Piazza has played this year (3rd among NL catchers in VORP) and considering SD is going to save something like 20 million dollars plus next year by getting rid of Park and Klesko, doesn’t it make sense, especially if the Pads get into the postseason, to keep Piazza, even at 8 million? I shudder to think where we would be without him, bad defense aside.
September 14, 2006 at 8:19 am
A .292 OBP since the All Star Break is a black hole. It is just better than the other black holes known as Mark Bellhorn and Manny Alexander, and not much worse than Khalil was doing (.299) since the Break.
September 14, 2006 at 8:28 am
Also, regarding the Pads black hole shortstop position hese days - isn’t there some major league vet floating around that could be aquired easily on waivers that could at least field the position - I’m talking about guys like Vizcaino or Deivi Cruz or Ramon Vazquez - just a body. Alexander isn’t really much of a shortstop, and anyone would hit better than him. Just a thought. It’s nice to have all these Cust/McAnulty pinch-hitters around, but I would love if the Pads had a slick-fielding backup infielder. I would almost take Neifi Perez (almost).
I think Greene will have to eventually move to 3B, if only to limit his injury possibility. His range is only going to decrease as he slows, and his range isn’t that great to begin with. So I think the real question for San Diego is if they can pick up a quality shortstop this off-season.
September 14, 2006 at 8:30 am
Left over Chinese Food.
Go Pads!
September 14, 2006 at 8:38 am
Corn Flakes.
Call me a traditionalist.
September 14, 2006 at 8:45 am
A Powerbar & water before my run & a banana & OJ after my shower…
Re #2: a .298 IS a black hole…
Re #3: I wouldn’t mind have another year of Woody at all, but if someone wants to sign him, I’ll gladly take an extra draft pick (although someone help me out, didn’t that just go away quietly?)…
September 14, 2006 at 8:54 am
#9:
Not yet - it’s something that is being negotiated in the new CBA. It would basically eliminate draft picks for lost FAs.
September 14, 2006 at 9:13 am
I think we’re kinda stuck with Manny A now though due to roster rules. Maybe I’m wrong, but I know if we pick someone up they wouldn’t be eligible to play in the playoffs…and releasing Manny would leave us with no backup SS we make it in.
Unless Khalil might be an option.
September 14, 2006 at 9:24 am
Yeah, anyone we pick up now would be ineligible for the Postseason, but I just mean as help to actually get to the PS. Then we can worry about Blum playing. I just wanna get there.
September 14, 2006 at 9:28 am
blum and manny, our postseason SSs. how depressing.
September 14, 2006 at 9:32 am
have the Padres said Khalil WILL NOT be available in the postseason? If so, I missed it…
September 14, 2006 at 9:36 am
Good morning, Ducksnorts! To keep up with the breakfast tally, I had one doughnut hole. I’m not much of a breakfast eater.
Anyone see the U-T photo gallery from yesterday’s game? Sweet pictures of Peavy’s off the mound catch and Cameron’s catch that prevented the Reds from scoring yesterday.
September 14, 2006 at 9:41 am
Yikes! That was a quick 1-2-3 on four pitches. Let’s hope the guys didn’t party too hard last night.
September 14, 2006 at 9:42 am
4 pitches, 3 outs for Harang.
September 14, 2006 at 9:44 am
Geez! 3 pitches for Hensley to get the 1st out. He sucks!
September 14, 2006 at 9:44 am
Initially, I was really leery of the Blum/Alexander thing. But I really think Blum’s doing a decent job. It doesn’t seem like he’s losing any games for us. A lot of you would know better, b/c you see him more.
The guy gets a few hits, makes a few nice plays. Definitely not a long term option — I read Kahlil is supposed to swing a bat tomorrow — but maybe enough to get us through a few more weeks.
So .298 OBP is a black hole? Would you guys characterize Kahlil 2005 as a black hole? Higher OPS, yes, but still a sub-.300 OBP.
September 14, 2006 at 9:45 am
I just e-mailed & got a reply from a BA writer, he indicated that there are rumors that the compensation picks are going away, but nothing definitive…
September 14, 2006 at 9:46 am
Grady little said on 1090 last week that he felt pretty confident compensation picks were here for the long haul. They seem to be an equitable way for smaller market teams to deal with the loss of superstar players to the Yankees (among others).
September 14, 2006 at 9:47 am
Turn 2!
September 14, 2006 at 9:48 am
Oh, this doesn’t bode well for Hensley.
September 14, 2006 at 9:49 am
Oy. We’re gonna need some runs today. Hope we didn’t use them all up yesterday.
September 14, 2006 at 9:49 am
I stand corrected! Walker fields a grounder to a DP.
September 14, 2006 at 9:50 am
Nick, yes, I think the Padres are quietly exploring a way to improve by moving Greene. Greene has not hit well at all this season.
In his three (mostly) full seasons:
2004: .273/.349/.446
2005: .250/.296/.431
2006: .247/.320/.430
That first season was VERY encouraging. You can only project upwards from there, but he’s yet to duplicate it.
September 14, 2006 at 9:50 am
Todd Walker…gold glove 3B!
Nice turn!
September 14, 2006 at 9:50 am
Nice!
September 14, 2006 at 9:52 am
Oh yeah, I definitely see the pads moving Khalil. Either to another team or to 3B. This is his arbitration yeah, isn’t it?
September 14, 2006 at 9:53 am
Man, our guys look tired!
September 14, 2006 at 9:56 am
#30 - that’s not good news. I feared that they’d celebrate on too much Skyline chili (so good) or Montgomery Inn ribs after yesterday’s game.
September 14, 2006 at 9:57 am
Reds radio guys are raving about Bard/Meredith deal.
September 14, 2006 at 9:58 am
GREAT approach by Cameron. Slices the inside pitch into the gap. Not really well played in the outfield, but we’ll take the double.
September 14, 2006 at 9:59 am
strike one to blum was NOT a strike.
September 14, 2006 at 10:00 am
should have been 2 on for Barfield.
September 14, 2006 at 10:03 am
todd hollandsworth looks like jeff brantley of Baseball tonight
September 14, 2006 at 10:05 am
say hello to mr. snappy!
September 14, 2006 at 10:07 am
Listening on the radio and flan is a great color guy. He’s always telling us stuff we didn’t know. For ex, sinkerball pitchers need to be tired for the sinker to really bit, that you tend to over through it in the first innings of game. So he says Hensley need to stay with slider for a few innings until fatigue sets in, then change to the sinker. That is insider info. His play by play needs a lot of work.
September 14, 2006 at 10:07 am
Wow, Hensley’s getting in his zone!
September 14, 2006 at 10:08 am
Unos, dos, tres,…catorce!
Oh wait…
September 14, 2006 at 10:09 am
That slider’s filthy today. We’ll see what the top of the order does with it.
September 14, 2006 at 10:12 am
Barfield = Iguchi, right Geoff?
September 14, 2006 at 10:13 am
Leadoff double goes to waste.
September 14, 2006 at 10:14 am
Guess not. What is with the crazy early swings from the top of the order? Do they have money on the Reds? Someone see if Pete’s in the stands.
September 14, 2006 at 10:16 am
Seriously, four pitches to get three outs with a guy standing on second? Give him a chance to throw one to the backstop, at least!
September 14, 2006 at 10:17 am
I agree, friarfan. Some of the hitters aren’t exuding patience at the plate right now. cough cough Doc cough cough
September 14, 2006 at 10:17 am
#38 - I also like Flan for color, but his pbp is pretty mechanical. I like Flan, Darrin Smith and Randy Jones on the BP show as well.
September 14, 2006 at 10:19 am
Nice job, Clay.
September 14, 2006 at 10:20 am
#1: Not that we condone such behavior, but that is impressive.
#42: In what sense? Speaking of Barfield, has anyone visited First Inning? Be sure to scroll all the way down for projections and similarity scores. Fascinating stuff.
September 14, 2006 at 10:21 am
#47: Good call on the BP show; those guys do a solid job.
September 14, 2006 at 10:21 am
I never understand why all nine guys don’t work the count, see pitches, foul off, and get the pitch count up. And now the Dr. swining at the first pitch. What next, flying fish.
September 14, 2006 at 10:25 am
#50
It looked like Josh could have tried to leg out a 3B there. I’d argue that you don’t make an out at third base, period. Granted, there are no boppers behind him, but assuming the P gets him to 3rd, Roberts and Giles are likely to drive him in. Good judgement on his and Hoffy’s part to keep him at 2B. Sort of similar to your discussion over at Knuckle Curve.
September 14, 2006 at 10:30 am
#52: Thanks for the explanation — I’ve only got the Reds radio feed. With nobody out, I’d be inclined to agree with that. And thanks for reading the Knuckle Curve article.
Now let’s beat these guys.
September 14, 2006 at 10:36 am
Hey, Geoff, I saw this at gaslampball.com…maybe it will help you get the SD radio feed.
Hmmm
I clicked on the “Listen” link but didn’t get a choice of which broadcast to listen to. I got the Reds broadcast. How do I switch?
by jbox on Thu Sep 14, 2006 at 11:49:24 AM EST
Nevermind
if I click on the link under the pitchers I got the SD broadcast. The link on the left goes to the Reds.
by jbox on Thu Sep 14, 2006 at 11:50:21 AM EST
[ Parent ]
September 14, 2006 at 10:38 am
Boy, middle of the 5th already? Quick game.
September 14, 2006 at 10:39 am
What the heck is going on with these at-bats? Somebody remind this team that we lost the first game of the series and it’s not May, so the getaway day swings are uncalled for.
September 14, 2006 at 10:43 am
Go, Clay! He is really in a groove. Now, come on, batters, give him some run support!
September 14, 2006 at 10:49 am
OH, BRIAN!
September 14, 2006 at 10:52 am
Not a great decision. Not horrible, though.
September 14, 2006 at 10:56 am
So…if the sinker is effective when fatigued, how was it so effective for Hensley out of the bullpen last year?
September 14, 2006 at 10:57 am
Is that Joey Hamilton out there?
September 14, 2006 at 10:59 am
SUH-WEET!!! GO CLAY!
September 14, 2006 at 11:03 am
Walker’s on. Come on guys! At this point in the game, it will be down to one big hit or a mistake that will cause the first score.
September 14, 2006 at 11:05 am
I like all of this. I also like our bench right now.
September 14, 2006 at 11:05 am
4 pitch walk. I feel like the X-Wing commander in Star Wars who takes the torpedo run before Luke. Almost there…almost there….
September 14, 2006 at 11:06 am
Bases loaded…no outs…almost there…almost there
September 14, 2006 at 11:07 am
#54: Thanks for the tip, but I’m on XM radio.
Hopefully the Reds announcers will sound dejected in a moment here.
September 14, 2006 at 11:09 am
Before it happens…..do you pinch-hit for Blum?
September 14, 2006 at 11:10 am
UNH! (Grunt of satisfaction, not distress)
September 14, 2006 at 11:11 am
re: 56
It’s September. There are a lot of low-hit games in September because teams are tired and it’s cooler. There have been more no-hitters in September than any other month.
http://www.washtimes.com/sport.....-6627r.htm
September 14, 2006 at 11:13 am
YES! YES! YES! GO CAMERON! Death Star destroyed!
September 14, 2006 at 11:13 am
#67 - I have never listened to the Reds broadcast before today. They sound pretty sedated to me already …
and they didn’t change after the 2 runs.
September 14, 2006 at 11:13 am
Hensley batting for himself with bases full. Boch must think that 2 runs are enough with the way Hensley’s pitching.
September 14, 2006 at 11:14 am
3:15 a.m. here in Japan. I’m going back to bed before Geoff starts yelling about Bochy having Blum bunt.
September 14, 2006 at 11:14 am
Am I the only one suprised they are letting him hit ????
September 14, 2006 at 11:14 am
Curious decision…
September 14, 2006 at 11:14 am
boch may also want to take his chances with clay vs. harang than a PH vs. their best reliever.
September 14, 2006 at 11:14 am
buh-bye, harang! You just haranged yourself.
September 14, 2006 at 11:15 am
I take that back, Bochy is a genius ….
September 14, 2006 at 11:15 am
RBI walk for Hensley. Great call by Bochy. 3-0
September 14, 2006 at 11:15 am
worked out ok
September 14, 2006 at 11:15 am
yep..genius decision to let Hensley bat…
September 14, 2006 at 11:15 am
And now we get to face their bullpen. Yummy.
September 14, 2006 at 11:16 am
If a lefty comes in, do you PH for DR w. Ben Johnson or Piazza?
September 14, 2006 at 11:17 am
How do you have Blum bunt when you’re not planning on pinch-hitting for your pitcher? But, hey, todo es bueno.
September 14, 2006 at 11:17 am
Meredith is also unavailable today(or a batter, at most). May have factored into Bochy’s decision.
September 14, 2006 at 11:17 am
70: Yet somehow we managed 10 runs last night and could have had more. I’d say the no-hitters in September could have a lot to do with teams calling up a lot of rookies, like when Milton threw his against the Angels.
Swinging early in the count is a sign of tiredness how?
September 14, 2006 at 11:17 am
Three runs on the board. Just in time for the 1st pitch of the Dodgers game. We’re coming for you!
September 14, 2006 at 11:17 am
I like it…3-0 Pads and Revenge of the Nerds on cable..
September 14, 2006 at 11:18 am
Why is DR hitting here?
September 14, 2006 at 11:19 am
worked out ok….again.
September 14, 2006 at 11:19 am
Not sure….ended up driving in a run…maybe with a 3 run lead Bochy fell asleep..
September 14, 2006 at 11:20 am
Giles is like, “Whatever, ya’ll. I got a plane to catch.”
September 14, 2006 at 11:20 am
Revenge of the Nerd?! I love that movie! Do you know H-wood is doing a remake, Mark? Lambda Lambda Lambda and Omega Mu!
September 14, 2006 at 11:21 am
Is Roberts a defensive upgrade over Johnson? Plus, Roberts almost never grounds into double plays, so he most likely wouldn’t have ended the inning with one of those.
September 14, 2006 at 11:21 am
I hadn’t heard about a remake…..it’s almost over….getting close to “we are the champions”
September 14, 2006 at 11:25 am
Hmmm…why can’t we do anything the easy way?
September 14, 2006 at 11:25 am
How many pitches for Hensley?
September 14, 2006 at 11:26 am
And now Clay wants to make things interesting. Walk the leadoff hitter after that innings?
Although from the GameCast, Hollandsworth’s double looks suspicious.
September 14, 2006 at 11:26 am
Dogs down in order in the first…c’mon Cubs…you can’t lose every game…
September 14, 2006 at 11:27 am
Dang! I was hoping for another shut-out affair.
September 14, 2006 at 11:28 am
96 pitches for hensley
September 14, 2006 at 11:28 am
97: We had our easy way for the month last night. We don’t get anymore.
September 14, 2006 at 11:28 am
Okay, Boch, take Hensley out. He’s done and our lead is now a save situation.
September 14, 2006 at 11:28 am
Why the F*** is Hensley still in there?
September 14, 2006 at 11:29 am
adios Clay. He can’t lose it. Please don’t bring in Linebrink today.