Playoff IGD: Padres @ Cardinals (8 Oct 06)
Sun, Oct 8, 2006
by Geoff Young
first pitch: 5:05 p.m., PT
television: FOX
matchup: Woody Williams (12-5, 3.65 ERA) vs Chris Carpenter (15-8, 3.09 ERA)
previews: Padres.com | SI.com | ESPN
buy tickets
Do I like the Padres chances in this one? Depends on the context, I suppose. I like them better than, say, the Dodgers’ or the Yankees’ chances. Maybe not quite as good as the Cardinals’ chances. Then again…
The Padres have won eight of Woody Williams’ last nine starts dating back to August 13, the lone exception being a 7-4 loss at Arizona on August 28. And the last time Chris Carpenter faced the Padres in St. Louis, on September 26, he coughed up six runs en route to a 7-5 loss at the hands of the Friars.
Grasping at straws? Maybe. A little. But there’s still a game on the schedule, which in my book means anything is possible.
As for Game 3, I haven’t had much to say. To call Saturday’s victory “great” is an understatement, as without it, the season would be over for San Diego. Chris Young’s abuse of Albert Pujols was particularly impressive (although apparently not to Pujols). That said, the club’s lack of timely hitting remains problematic and is a topic that demands serious evaluation over the winter. Hitting 1-for-25 with runners in scoring position over a three-game series isn’t a solution to anything worth solving.
I guess the most that I can say about Game 3 is that the Padres survived it, and as long as they keep doing that, they’ve got a chance. For more detailed coverage of the game, I’d point you to my colleagues, Rich Campbell, Peter Friberg, and Vinay Kumar.
Speaking of Rich, thanks to the Dodgers and Yankees both being eliminated from the playoffs on Saturday, tonight’s Game 4 coincides with the Chargers game, which is being played here in San Diego. This doesn’t bother me, as football tends not to cross my radar until Thanksgiving, but for those torn, or even just looking for a good Chargers blog, I encourage you to visit Rich’s excellent Chargers Confidential.
Otherwise, feel free to hang out with us here at Ducksnorts as we watch what we hope won’t be the Friars’ final game of 2006. 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.
October 8, 2006 at 3:37 pm
Keep the faith, y’all!
So where is A-Rod going to be traded?
October 8, 2006 at 4:16 pm
Only way we go after A-Rod is if the Yankees are so ready to get rid of him they pay a chunk of the salary (and, I believe Texas is still on the hook for some of that…does that deal continue it A-Rod leaves the Yankees??). If we were to get him, I would say put him back at SS and let Branyan man third. Trade Khalil.
I like the Sheffield speculation I’ve read around here and elsewhere. Get Sheff, put him in RF and get rid of Giles. His contract isn’t prohibitive or have a no-trade, does it? Keep Doc in LF in that scenario.
Anyways, I’m feeling positive about tonight, despite recent evidence of Carpenter’s prowess. I keep thinking about the game at St. Louis 2 weeks ago. Same pitchers, same park, same time of day…plus, I’m feeling like our hitters won’t have as much of a death-grip on the bats. They’ve hit Carpenter recently, and should have some of their confidence restored by yesterday (batting w/ RISP nothwithstanding).
I’ve got the Gwynn jersey on, I’m in my basement like yesterday, all ready to get it on!
October 8, 2006 at 4:30 pm
Sitting in a hotel room in Galveston, TX…
Would like to have been in SD watching this game with some friends, but alas, business calls.
From what I hear, Rolen is not playing this game and Speizio is starting at 3b. Don’t know if that is a good thing b/c Rolen has been so bad.
Woody needs to keep the ball in the park. If he does that we have a shot. I am just a bit worried about what we saw last year in his playoff start. Let’s hope that more recent trends take over and he pitches well.
October 8, 2006 at 4:35 pm
keys
-get the lead early and let Woody deal with the cards hitters agressively, because that worked for chris young.
-I think theere’s more pressure on the Cards to win because if they lose with Carpenter to clinch it, they’ll have to go back knowing they could collapse in a 5 game series.
-stay loose, play ball and bring it back to San Diego.
-take advantage of ANY cardinals mistake
Bard gets the nod cause Piazza would start a game5 I’m guessing.
go Padres.
October 8, 2006 at 4:44 pm
Okay, would like to repeat a point from yesterday’s discussion: Wouldn’t we be better off to pitch Peavy today? The reason I think that is because he has a higher probability of shutting out the Cards than does Woody. I think Woody will throw just fine and probably only give up 2-3 runs, but will the Pads offense come up with 3-4 runs? I’d love it if they did, but I’d feel more comfortable not relying on it..
October 8, 2006 at 4:49 pm
I’m feeling pretty good about this game, although I was doubting it earlier. But, the team always responds well when Woody pitches and have ever since he got back from the calf injury. He’s won a lot of big games for us since he got back. Many of them after heartbreaking losses.
I remember his playoff start last year, but he hasn’t looked like the same pitcher this year. I think I remember Barfield saying that they like playing behind Woody, since he goes out and takes control.
I’m looking forward to going to the game tomorrow. Peavy vs. Weaver? I’ll take that if that’s who the Cards throw out there.
October 8, 2006 at 4:51 pm
Yup , LaMar, the team definitely responds well to Woody being on the mound. Let’s cross our fingers and hope that that trend continues…
October 8, 2006 at 4:54 pm
Oooh…. Bard in tonight instead of Piazza…. I think I like that move.
Roberts LF
Giles RF
Gonzo 1B
Bard C
Branyan 3B
Cameron CF
Blum SS
Barfield 2B
Williams P
Interesting switch of Branyan and Cameron in the batting order…
October 8, 2006 at 5:01 pm
Good to see Barfield in the game. He’s been itching to play and I’m betting he does well.
October 8, 2006 at 5:07 pm
Yeah I’ve thought that Barfield and the fans were eating a pretty big ****-sandwich on the 2nd base situation. Barfield’s excelled there all year, but has only started 1 of 3 games in the postseason?
October 8, 2006 at 5:10 pm
Lets get this done. IF we can win tonight, we have a HUGE advantage in Game 5.
October 8, 2006 at 5:10 pm
Tim McCarver drinking game!
October 8, 2006 at 5:11 pm
12: How do you play?
October 8, 2006 at 5:15 pm
It must have taken some serious $$ to get F’n Pink to do a cover of “I hate myself for loving you” to the tune of “because The NFL rocks on NBC”…
October 8, 2006 at 5:17 pm
looked like a good pitch to Roberts…
October 8, 2006 at 5:18 pm
Giles with the “seeing eye grounder”…. NICE!
October 8, 2006 at 5:19 pm
Ok everyone make sure you have batteries in the remote….the Padres are going to win tonight..
October 8, 2006 at 5:20 pm
Okay, I know that we’re all pulling double duty with the Chargers game… but… um… I’m pretty much blogging with myself… I mean, this is pretty weak…
October 8, 2006 at 5:20 pm
You know what makes me laugh….every time i change the channel to the Padres game, my Directv channel guide says Tigers/Yankees is supposed to be on Fox right now…
October 8, 2006 at 5:22 pm
19: pretty funny.. Also, nice to see we’re getting some balls to drop in already this evening..
October 8, 2006 at 5:22 pm
Load em up Carpenter…..NICE!
October 8, 2006 at 5:22 pm
Falling in love with the curve ball early. C’mon, Branyan, make him pay.
October 8, 2006 at 5:23 pm
Branyan is a nice guy to have up in this spot…
October 8, 2006 at 5:24 pm
I’m watching here…c’mon Russell!
October 8, 2006 at 5:24 pm
Full count…c’mon, Muscles..
October 8, 2006 at 5:25 pm
Early lead!
October 8, 2006 at 5:25 pm
bases loaded walk??!?!? NICE!!!!!!!!
October 8, 2006 at 5:25 pm
Now that’s some kind of nice…
October 8, 2006 at 5:25 pm
Okay, they have it in their heads he’s not invincible. Time to turn the screws.
October 8, 2006 at 5:26 pm
There we go - that’s why RB was a good guy to have up - almost no chance of a DP, he either Walks, K’s or hits a bomb..
C’mon Cammy, let’s cash in!!
October 8, 2006 at 5:26 pm
the boys are laying off the curve…
October 8, 2006 at 5:26 pm
Let me just say as someone who isn’t even a Charger fan….those powder blue unis are the sweetest in all of sports…
October 8, 2006 at 5:26 pm
Wow - first time since ‘01 Carpenter has walked in a run…
October 8, 2006 at 5:26 pm
Yahooooooooooo! Priase be! A first inning run! And a lead!
October 8, 2006 at 5:27 pm
Whew, nice hustle by Cameron.
October 8, 2006 at 5:27 pm
speed come to the ballpark EVERY day!
October 8, 2006 at 5:27 pm
Cameron makes up for a bad swing with some sweet hustle!!
October 8, 2006 at 5:27 pm
Nice hustle by Cameron…2-0 good guys..
October 8, 2006 at 5:28 pm
CC gets (I believe) his first curveball strike to Blum there…
October 8, 2006 at 5:28 pm
Ugh… tough break for the Chargers - interception wrestled away from Eric Parker…
October 8, 2006 at 5:28 pm
I’m DVR’ing the Bolts…it’s a big game and all, but these are the playoffs baby!
October 8, 2006 at 5:28 pm
let me just say..i’m not opposed to Cameron trying to steal here…
October 8, 2006 at 5:29 pm
Ask and ye shall receive Mark
October 8, 2006 at 5:29 pm
Rich - does that suggest that Charger’s updates need to be witheld? Or, are you keeping up with the score??
October 8, 2006 at 5:30 pm
I’m not opposed to Blum hitting it out..
October 8, 2006 at 5:30 pm
Wow - Carpenter not in good control so far. Thought we were in trouble when Doc K’d…
October 8, 2006 at 5:30 pm
I’m not going to stress it, Marsh… I’ll watch the game later but don’t expect to get away spoiler free….
October 8, 2006 at 5:30 pm
30 pitches from Carpenter already….
October 8, 2006 at 5:30 pm
We need to put this guy away right here….1 big 2 out hit would be HUGE right here…
October 8, 2006 at 5:31 pm
C’mon, Josh. You’re in there, now do something.
October 8, 2006 at 5:31 pm
#48 I guess that’s the positive to take from this inning no matter what happens here…
October 8, 2006 at 5:32 pm
definitely not talking about what just happened Rich… definitely not talking…..
October 8, 2006 at 5:33 pm
It’s not hot here in the midwest…yet CC’s cap is soaked through already
October 8, 2006 at 5:33 pm
Please oh please oh please…..
October 8, 2006 at 5:34 pm
Damn… Damn… Damn… needed the big inning
October 8, 2006 at 5:34 pm
Damn. Oh well, two runs is good and Carpenter threw a ton of pitches. Plus the crowd is in a bit of shock.
October 8, 2006 at 5:34 pm
Hey, 2 runs after 1/2 inning. I’ll take that. Now Woody has to hold them.
October 8, 2006 at 5:34 pm
It would be HUGE for WW to come out and go 1-2-3
October 8, 2006 at 5:37 pm
Yeah, 1-2-3 would be HUGE
October 8, 2006 at 5:37 pm
Did anyone notice the Dogs were trying to get steal our record yesterday evening: Team LOB: SD: 14 LA: 13
October 8, 2006 at 5:37 pm
great composure by Barfield..
October 8, 2006 at 5:37 pm
Way to sacrifice the body, Josh!
October 8, 2006 at 5:38 pm
Ok, I can only watch when the padres are up, when the cards are up, its over to channel 8 for the Chargers. I have a weak heart.
October 8, 2006 at 5:38 pm
60 - those ba$tards - never original!
October 8, 2006 at 5:39 pm
Ooh - lucky that was foul. ESPN Insider scouting report today said Wilson was susceptible to WW’s high FB - not that time!
October 8, 2006 at 5:40 pm
When did Wilson learn to take the outside pitch the other way?
October 8, 2006 at 5:40 pm
first encouter with the big gun…
October 8, 2006 at 5:40 pm
time for prince pompous the arrogant… what a jackass..
October 8, 2006 at 5:42 pm
did anyone get a good look at Pujol’s grip there? this sounds dumb, but was he overlapping his top hand over his bottom hand (a la golf?)? seems impossible…
October 8, 2006 at 5:42 pm
Get your big butt back in the box…good god he’s arrogant..
October 8, 2006 at 5:42 pm
Pujols the Umpire (TM).
October 8, 2006 at 5:42 pm
okay, got a second look.. I’m dumb..
October 8, 2006 at 5:43 pm
Man, what a jacka$$. Way to go get him, Woody!
October 8, 2006 at 5:43 pm
Nice hustle running down the line there, too.
October 8, 2006 at 5:43 pm
Gonzo rocks….it means so much to the fielders to know they just have to get it close….
October 8, 2006 at 5:43 pm
#69 I tried to go back and look…but I couldn’t get a good look at it…
October 8, 2006 at 5:46 pm
that’s right Woody! demand the inside half!
October 8, 2006 at 5:46 pm
that’s ****….he leaned into that pitch… but I do like seeing someone pitch inside, just like CY yesterday..
October 8, 2006 at 5:46 pm
Is it just GameDay or is Woody getting squeezed….
October 8, 2006 at 5:47 pm
was ball 4 anyway, might as well take a chunk of flesh
October 8, 2006 at 5:47 pm
C’mon Woody…you’re killing me here…
October 8, 2006 at 5:48 pm
76: thanks.. he definitely has an odd grip, but from another angle, it didn’t appear that the hands were overlapped… I think he just has ridiculously large hands…
October 8, 2006 at 5:48 pm
Yikes. Don’t want to face Belliard here, who had a field day against Woody a few weeks ago.
October 8, 2006 at 5:48 pm
Falling behind so much is un-Woody-like. Is he just missing? Aiming the ball?
October 8, 2006 at 5:48 pm
Woody with 29 pitches…. ugh.
October 8, 2006 at 5:48 pm
Woody’s getting squeezed
October 8, 2006 at 5:49 pm
topic for the mound visit…how much time did the Fox announcers have to spend learning the Padres team and coaches today?
October 8, 2006 at 5:49 pm
I don’t worry about pitch count w/ Woody. we need 5 good ones from him, then Hensley, etc.
October 8, 2006 at 5:49 pm
Gameday is showing pitch 2 and 5 to Encarnacion were strikes….
October 8, 2006 at 5:49 pm
Well, so much for the lead.
October 8, 2006 at 5:50 pm
great, tie game. #$%#%!!!
October 8, 2006 at 5:50 pm
****…well…we’re right back to 0-0…
October 8, 2006 at 5:50 pm
effing Belliard!!!
That guy has been freaking KILLING US!!!
October 8, 2006 at 5:50 pm
lets get another one, Carpenter doesn’t have his best stuff but neither does Woody. Maybe we see Hensley at teh next sign of trouble, it’s good to see Boch will have a quick hook.
October 8, 2006 at 5:51 pm
I guess the bright side is this could have been a lot worse, but it also could have been a lot better.
Lets keep the pressure on Carpenter now.
October 8, 2006 at 5:51 pm
that wasn’t a bad pitch by Woody….just bad luck..broken bat single….we’re still ok here…
October 8, 2006 at 5:52 pm
I think we have reason to wonder at the strike zone…but I suspect Cardinal fan feels the same way…
October 8, 2006 at 5:52 pm
Quick Chargers tangent….San Diego is going to find out tonight what kind of QB Rivers is tonight…
October 8, 2006 at 5:53 pm
RISP - SD: 0-2 SL: 1-1
October 8, 2006 at 5:53 pm
Walk and hit-by-pitch after your team gives you a lead. Wouldn’t want to talk to Bochy right now.
October 8, 2006 at 5:53 pm
97 it has been fair I think. both have got some pitches in the inning.
October 8, 2006 at 5:54 pm
And now Carpenter has found the strike zone.
October 8, 2006 at 5:55 pm
At least we executed a rundown. Who says major league ballplayers can’s be taught!
That was WAY too easy and fast an inning for Carpenter…
October 8, 2006 at 5:56 pm
make Carpenter throw pitches so we can get to that bullpen. follows up that with a 6 pitch inning. come on
October 8, 2006 at 5:56 pm
yeah..but something to keep in mind…this is the Padres, you know that nothing comes easy. We’re going to win this game..but it’s going to come down to Trevor saving it in the 9th…everyone strap in for a long night..
October 8, 2006 at 5:56 pm
104: 7 pitch inning… UGH.
October 8, 2006 at 5:57 pm
Giles isn’t doing anything. Carpenter needed six pitches that inning, and four were to Woody. Yuck.
October 8, 2006 at 5:59 pm
link:http://www.baseballprospectus.com/chat/chat.php?chatId=233
you wonder who’d ask this question after games one and two. this was from a few days ago, I just realized it got on there: it’s off topic.
“Ryguy86 (NY): Please convince me how Bruce Bochy is not a terrible manager. Someone has to get the blame if this team gets beat by a team that sucks.
Marc Normandin: He’s not a terrible manager. He’s a terrible in-game strategist. If you could combine his skills with handling players with Buck Showalter’s game tactics, you’d have yourself quite the manager. Why can’t science work on splicing together useful manager traits?”
October 8, 2006 at 6:01 pm
Spiezio needs to shave that thing off. HE’s embarrassing himself on national TV.
October 8, 2006 at 6:02 pm
Molina? Really? I think I’ve seen enough of Woody.
October 8, 2006 at 6:03 pm
110 he’s got the quick hook. and why is he throwing curves at carpenter? interesting.
October 8, 2006 at 6:03 pm
Seriously. No way Molina should crush you into the gap.
Hensley is up again.
October 8, 2006 at 6:04 pm
With Molina’s lack of speed, I’m actually surprised they didn’t have CC bunt him over…Molina is no cinch to get home on a single.
October 8, 2006 at 6:04 pm
Hensley is up in the pen…
October 8, 2006 at 6:04 pm
Someone explain to me why Tony LaRussa is wearing sunglasses when it’s dark outside??
October 8, 2006 at 6:04 pm
Clay up already?
October 8, 2006 at 6:05 pm
tha’ts what Woody has to do to stay in the game, set up guys with the outside stuff and catch them creeping over the plate with that inside fastball.
October 8, 2006 at 6:05 pm
115 - so we can’t read his eyes?
October 8, 2006 at 6:05 pm
115. Same reason he still drives an IROC and has that haircut…
October 8, 2006 at 6:05 pm
#118…good call i guess…like those dolts playing poker on tv…
October 8, 2006 at 6:05 pm
Woody… 50 pitches through 2 innings… nice…
October 8, 2006 at 6:06 pm
Okay, threat averted. The hitters need to come up with a better plan against Carpenter. Hack-o-matic isn’t going to get it done.