Wednesday Links (28 Feb 07)
Wed, Feb 28, 2007
by Geoff Young
I’m feeling a bit under the weather (nothing serious, just a little run down), and I need to finish something I’m working on for tomorrow, so bullet points this morning (and a new poll):
- A Meander Through Hitters’ K Rates (via PF4L in the comments). John Beamer at The Hardball Times gives some love to Tony Gwynn. At the other end of the spectrum? None other than Mark Bellhorn.
- Inside Asia (via Didi in the comments). Sounds vaguely obscene, but this is actually ESPN’s coverage of baseball in Asia as well as Asian players in North America.
- Top 100 prospects for ‘07: 81-90 and 71-80 (via Peter in the comments). FOX’s Dayn Perry gets his list going. Cesar Carrillo checks in at 81, Cedric Hunter at 76.
- Welcome to the quirky, zany world of the Brothers Giles (via Coronado Mike in the comments). USA Today’s Bob Nightengale talks about Los Hermanos Giles or, as we know them, OG and NOG. It’s the usual stuff, but nationwide.
- The new choice of the fan (via PF4L in the comments). More steroids. Ex-Padre Gary Matthews Jr. surfaces in this one. The original report is at the Albany Times-Union.
- Padres’ new approach: See the ball, take the ball (San Diego Union-Tribune). The headline isn’t quite right, but whatever. As Grady Fuson notes, “We’re not asking our hitters to walk. A walk is just a product of being more selective, of patience and discipline at the plate.”
- Relievers fighting for spots (Padres.com). The one thing worth noting is that manager Bud Black is leaning toward keeping seven relievers. We’ve heard this elsewhere, but it’s always good to corroborate.
- Change of coast pays big for Bard (Padres.com). Among other things, right-hander Chris Young offers some kind words about his catcher.
I’ve also added a poll about Jake Peavy’s wins in 2007. Somewhat amusingly, the choices are exactly the same as those for Brian Giles‘ home runs. Maybe a better question would be whether Peavy’s wins will exceed OG’s home runs. Or maybe I should just get some rest. 
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.
February 28, 2007 at 8:20 am
Another USA Today link. Judging from his quote, Merv Rettenmund will be taking the over on OG. Merv says OG’s swing is “perfect.”
http://blogs.usatoday.com/spor....._hope.html
February 28, 2007 at 8:48 am
Hi, Ducksnorts! We have a new beat reporter at Padres.com. Lyle Spencer is with the Angels now and our new reporter is Corey Brock. He has a blog as well, so I thought many of you who come here wouldn’t mind checking his blog out as well. Corey was the beat reporter for the Mariners, so he just walked across the Peoria Sports Complex to take over his new position. Welcome him to San Diego and the Padres!
http://coreybrock.mlblogs.com/
February 28, 2007 at 9:19 am
Welcome Corey, Looking forward to some of your insights and insider information.
February 28, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Corey looks like Mark Mudcat Grant with hair. But can he do a Harry Carry impression.?
February 28, 2007 at 4:32 pm
An excellent read:
http://www.athleticsnation.com.....4266/21892
February 28, 2007 at 6:33 pm
5 - THANKS, Didi … I *love* “moneyball” talk!
March 1, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Hi LM,
isn’t that a great read? Glad you like it.