IGD: Padres @ Dodgers (14 Apr 07)
Sat, Apr 14, 2007
by Geoff Young
first pitch: 7:10 p.m. PT
television: Channel 4SD
matchup: Jake Peavy (1-0, 0.69 ERA) vs Jason Schmidt (1-1, 4.00 ERA)
previews: Padres.com | SI.com
I would dissect Friday night’s game, but the Dodgers pretty well took care of that themselves. The bullpen scoreless streak is over. At least the guy who ended it, Mike Thompson, did a nice job of soaking up some innings to keep the high-leverage relievers fresh for the rest of the series.
The Padres misfired on all cylinders. Stuff happens. Call it a mulligan. Get back out there and don’t suck.
I hesitate to mention this because a sample of two games isn’t nearly enough to draw any meaningful conclusions, but it’s worth noting that Jake Peavy is getting more strikes called in the early going than he has in the past:
| Year | Str | StL% | StS% | StF% | StI% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1044 | 24 | 20 | 27 | 29 |
| 2003 | 2035 | 25 | 17 | 29 | 29 |
| 2004 | 1753 | 24 | 20 | 30 | 26 |
| 2005 | 2071 | 27 | 20 | 28 | 26 |
| 2006 | 2151 | 23 | 20 | 31 | 26 |
| 2007 | 129 | 38 | 13 | 19 | 29 |
| Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference. | |||||
Str - Strikes Thrown
StL% - Percentage of strikes that were looking
StS% - Percentage of strikes that were swinging (this includes 3rd strike foul tip strikes and foul tip bunts)
StF% - Percentage of strikes that were foul (includes foul bunts)
StI% - Percentage of strikes that were in play (any ball put into play fair)
Again, this could be noise; then again, maybe not. We’ll have to wait and see…
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.
April 14, 2007 at 11:12 am
Let me just say that last nite was not a fun nite to be a Padres fan in Chavez ravine.
I was sitting about equal to the LF foul pole in loge section 161, and it just got brutal.
I went to a game last year at Chavez ravine, and it was much better. The fans were much more cordial, and it was a much closer game, which you would think would lead to more aggravations, but it did not.
By the time it was up 9-1, the Dodgers fans were absolutely obnoxious. Which leads me to the following equation:
Let “x” = Dodgers fan dickishness
Let “y” = Current game’s positive run differential in favor of the Dodgers
X increases exponentially as Y increases.
On a related note: There was a woman behind me that must have been in her 40s and was one of the most annoying baseball fans I’ve ever encountered. I about snapped when she screamed “SIT DOWN! GET BACK ON THE BENCH!!!” when they struck out Mike freaking Thompson. My only reaction was, “wow. That much excitement over striking out a reliever. wow”
April 14, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Last night’s farce reminded me of why I’m glad basesball has 10x more games in the regular season than football. In the NFL, a similar loss of 9 scores to 1 score…somewhere between 72-8 and 27-3, can pretty much kill your morale. In basesball, shrug it off and go get the next one.
April 14, 2007 at 2:16 pm
1:
I was in the section next to you, 159. Agreed that it was not a good time.
April 14, 2007 at 3:00 pm
3: Yeah, it was a brutal night. I’m going back tonite with my parents and I’m hoping for a much different result.
April 14, 2007 at 3:33 pm
1:
at least you were not in the bleachers…yikes. I went to the all you can eat section, and despite the price 5 times as high as normal bleacher tickets the crowd was just as rowdy as always in the bleachers. I tried to stay quiet and not give them any reason to bother me in my padres gear, but during a return from the concession stands mid inning (mistake) I had about 4 sections chanting PADRES SUCK at me and booing me.
I do agree with your equation though, the more they scored the more annoying they got and the more i got yelled at.
During Padres BP one of the players (couldnt quite tell who it was, but it was a leftie, i was too into my food to notice) hit a ball that was about 6 inches short of landing on top of the metal roof over the bleachers. The ball woulda been out of the park, it was a bomb.
p.s. eating 5 dodger dogs, 2 nachos, 2 popcorns, a bag of peanuts and numerous sodas can really take its toll on your stomach…
April 14, 2007 at 4:13 pm
2: Exactly what I said to my wife when we moved on to watching something else when it got to about 7-1. I had had enough of Vin Scully…the comment “the Padres are fortunate to get 1 run after having the bases loaded” was the final straw for me. I followed the game online the rest of the way and watched other shows. I’m ready for the game tonight though……Peavy is gonna shut them down tonight…
April 14, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Germano, Cust, Sinsi, Stansberry nice games for Portland. Stansberry could be a nice pickup…
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.....a_poraaa_1
April 14, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Early this morning I kind of dissed on Thompson, but Clayton countered that he more or less did what he was asked, and, upon reflection I agree. I would have just liked him adding say two runs instead of four. Not that it mattered, but if we get some hits and/or SF with the bases loaded instead of GIDP, it could have been a ball game, without increasing them from a 5 to 9 spot. Let’s say we get 4 runs out of those two bases loaded and no outs instead of 1, and Thompson only gives up 2 runs (neither particularly implausible), then it is 7-4, a ball game.
Aside from the general anemia of our hitting last night, I am hoping the bad Kouz, the one that looked totally over-matched, was a sign of the quality of Lowe’s stuff, not a recurrent pattern. I am not looking for HRs or even hits (those would be nice) but looking for good swings, good pitch recognition. Not seeing a lot of that. It often looks like he guessing or reacting really late. Hitting with his brain, not reflexes.
And KG’s discipline is still a bit suspect to me. When he walks to the plate, I don’t think “Good AB coming”. I think binary: “extra base hit or crappy, undisciplined AB”. Not too much in between yet.
I have never tried to manage talented ball players, so maybe certain rules or etiquette needs to adhered to, but I would like to see a some spot sittings of OG, even Cameron (with Giles or Cruz playing CF; yes, yes, big hit on the defense), and see more of Branyan. Not permanently, but when a guy is cold or struggling, and he is proven (as with OG and Cameron), you play him so more, but if he is staying cold, I would like to see a bit of change of pace for a few games.
With Kouz, he is clearly over-matched by the pitching right now. I say ease him into the position, much more on a platoon basis than straight starting job. This would give him a bit more time to adjust to the pitching with less pressure.
This managerial advice is undoubtedly worth what it cost to read it, but those are my thoughts.
Re: 1-6: As an adult, I probably have attended 30-40 Padres games live, only about 4 in SD, the rest in SF. When the Giants were sticking it to the Padres, the fans were insufferable. Drunk dudes, yelling, about 6 inches from my face, reminding me that the Padres suck (which they did at the time of the encounters). That was worst, but not uncharacteristic. Lately, a lot more subdued, just the way I like ‘em.
April 14, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Looking forward to the draft:
From Baseball America’s Friday Chat:
Q: JAYPERS from IL asks:
If LaPorta continues his torrid pace, could you see him going in the first round, come June? And if so, will Boras play a part in his signability, with the new Aug. 15th deadline this year?
A: John Manuel: …Matt LaPorta has helped himself as much as anyone in the draft this spring who’s not from Canada. This has not exactly been a year with lots of college players stepping forward and establishing themselves. But LaPorta has re-established himself as one of the best power hitters availability. He’s got 15 HRs and 9 SOs right now, pretty impressive, and he’s improved defensively at first base. Apparently his oblique strain last year really was a pretty bad injury and hurt him more than scouts might have thought. So he is looking like a first-rounder again, and with Scott Boras as his adviser I don’t believe there will be much of a senior discount. With the deadline, though, no one knows how that will play out–in the team’s favor, or the player’s (and agent’s). I had an agent tell me once that time is leverage, so I think it helps the team. We’ll see though.
He hit another homer & walked today (w/out striking out)
He is currently hitting a ridiculous: .433/.587/.908 w/ 9 2B, 16 HR, 26 BB & 9 SO
“With the 21st pick in the draft…”
April 14, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Peavy on the mound. A good spanking last night. And, Buddy Black is probably out for revenge. This adds up to an interesting outing tonight.
Face it, we are not going to win all of our games. Just hope we come out on top in September.
April 14, 2007 at 6:54 pm
The Padres have lost four games, so they can’t win all their games.
April 14, 2007 at 7:01 pm
5: What were you doing with a Dodger Dog at a Padre game at Petco Park?
April 14, 2007 at 7:12 pm
OG Going long ball!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 14, 2007 at 7:16 pm
That’s always nice to see.
April 14, 2007 at 7:16 pm
12: The game was at Dodger Stadium last night…
April 14, 2007 at 7:16 pm
I hope Jake is on his game tonight.
April 14, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Nice job by OG getting us on the board early. For whatever reason, the Pads always seem to hit Schmidt…which is why I was secretly glad when he stayed in the division.
April 14, 2007 at 7:17 pm
always nice to see OG turn on an inside fastball
April 14, 2007 at 7:17 pm
12: I had a brain fart.
April 14, 2007 at 7:18 pm
In San Antonio, Ramos 5 IP 3 hits 1 BB 8 Ks. Nice recovery from a bad first start.
April 14, 2007 at 7:19 pm
LaForest getting the nod tonight…interesting
April 14, 2007 at 7:20 pm
At least Jake can play his position. Most pitchers nowdays are losing that ability.
April 14, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Solid inning. Did we have a game last night? I don’t remember any game…
April 14, 2007 at 7:23 pm
23: Chalk up last nights game to the Friday the 13th stigma.
April 14, 2007 at 7:23 pm
22 - like Wells last night. In the 2nd Lowe hit that swinging bunt on the 3rd base side of the mound, easy out, but DW can’t get to it. Oh wait, I just dreamed that last night, we didn’t actually play.
April 14, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Ramos struck out eight guys? That’s very encouraging.
April 14, 2007 at 7:24 pm
KG nice double…
April 14, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Does Khalil have any singles this year? I mean seriously, he’s either out or hitting for extra bases.
April 14, 2007 at 7:27 pm
With Crudge and Kouz, we cannot lose!
April 14, 2007 at 7:27 pm
KOUZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 14, 2007 at 7:27 pm
I’m attributing our success to the fresh karma courtesy of the new “Crudge and Kouz” t-shirt I’m sporting this evening.
April 14, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Greeney, Sledgey and Kouzy!
Now we need LaForesty to keep it going
April 14, 2007 at 7:28 pm
ok the boys are here tonight
April 14, 2007 at 7:28 pm
All this with 0 outs. Things that make you go: Hmmmm?????
April 14, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Scully is ripping this Dodgers pitcher, which is deserved, I guess.
April 14, 2007 at 7:29 pm
nice at bat La Forest
April 14, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Nice at-bat by LaForest.
April 14, 2007 at 7:30 pm
and a great bunt .. and bad play at 1st
April 14, 2007 at 7:30 pm
New pitch chart up at friarwatch.com for those who are interested in such things. Looking at whether Wells was tipping his pitches last night.
April 14, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Scully said Schmidt is throwing mid-80s on the fastball. Not good (for the Dodgers).
April 14, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Oops, what Sue said. Let’s see Kent get tossed.
April 14, 2007 at 7:32 pm
nid 80s? That’s Wells/Maddux territory. We need to get double digits tonight.
April 14, 2007 at 7:32 pm
39 - Anthony, you do solid work. Nice analysis.
April 14, 2007 at 7:33 pm
Is Brady Clark taking throwing lessons from Juan Pierre?
April 14, 2007 at 7:33 pm
As a major Peavy fan .. it is nice to see Jake getting run support this year
April 14, 2007 at 7:33 pm
I’m actually a big Vin Scully fan. But last night he made a transparent attempt to jinx Kouz. Let’s just say the name Sean Burroughs was brought up. Burroughs never hit one like Kouz did this inning. Whoa, that was this inning, nice and long
April 14, 2007 at 7:33 pm
…and Piazza scores! I mean LaForest. Forgive me, similar running gait and speed.
April 14, 2007 at 7:34 pm
The Dodgers look like we did last night and we are looking like they did. I see a smackdown coming.
April 14, 2007 at 7:34 pm
This feels a lot like last night only the good guys are the ones enjoying excellent bip luck.
April 14, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Wow, don’t use them all up guys!
April 14, 2007 at 7:35 pm
43: Thanks. I wasn’t planning a chart for Wells until I saw that article in the UT.
I wonder what those obnoxious Dodger fans are saying tonight?
April 14, 2007 at 7:35 pm
I think our guys didn’t like getting spanked last night.
April 14, 2007 at 7:36 pm
#51: I can’t tell if they’re saying “boo” or “Kouz”…
April 14, 2007 at 7:36 pm
51 - doesn’t mean he wasn’t tipping them in other ways, but definitely can rule out release point!
April 14, 2007 at 7:37 pm
52: Refer to #10
April 14, 2007 at 7:37 pm
How many pitches has Schmidt thrown to get 0 outs? Like 45?
April 14, 2007 at 7:38 pm
The umpire gifts the home team an out.
April 14, 2007 at 7:39 pm
37 pitches so far
April 14, 2007 at 7:39 pm
54: I think he was tipping them by falling behind a lot and having to groove a mediocre fastball. The Gonzo HR was on a 3-1 85 mph fastball up in the zone.
April 14, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Schmidt rying to slow the game down …
April 14, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Eric Gregg has lost a lot of weight.
April 14, 2007 at 7:41 pm
The umpire must’ve bet the under. He’s doing a horrible, horrible job right now and he’s screwing us.
April 14, 2007 at 7:42 pm
61 - and had an amazing pigmentation transplant. Must have cost a fortune
April 14, 2007 at 7:42 pm
The umpires are doing a lousy job tonight. The first base ump has blown two calls for the Dodgers and the home plate ump is screwing us atm.
April 14, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Oops, just remembered he died. No disrespect intended.
April 14, 2007 at 7:43 pm
oh come on
April 14, 2007 at 7:43 pm
The home plate ump just recorded three straight outs.
April 14, 2007 at 7:44 pm
They say the home plate umpire has been in the big leagues for over 20 years. Perhaps he should consider retirement.
April 14, 2007 at 7:44 pm
(on 65 I was referring to the called third strike on KG…not the Eric Gregg is dead info - hadn’t remembered that)
April 14, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Lets be happy the score is 6-0.
April 14, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Battin round……this is a lot of fun…
April 14, 2007 at 7:45 pm
70, yes, but frankly we should have gotten more there
April 14, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Let’s see if Peavy gets the same zone.
April 14, 2007 at 7:46 pm
you know that if you watch the Dodgers play the same team two nights in a row that you hear the exact same stories about all of the opposing teams players…
April 14, 2007 at 7:47 pm
73 - apparently not
April 14, 2007 at 7:47 pm
70: I’m a ‘glass half full’ kinda guy.
April 14, 2007 at 7:48 pm
75: “Why isn’t that a strike any more?” I asked my tv.
April 14, 2007 at 7:48 pm
nice play Jacob Edward Peavy
April 14, 2007 at 7:48 pm
Solo home run? haha
April 14, 2007 at 11:25 pm
And we’re back. Sorry ’bout the downtime there. At least we got a win tonight.
April 14, 2007 at 11:33 pm
Time to aim for a service promising the mythical four 9s…
Frustrated doesn’t do justice to my feelings when I couldn’t connect tonight!!!
April 15, 2007 at 7:04 am
I think it was my fault last night. I was in the process of posting something very negative about Vin Scully and how annoying it is to have to listen to him. I think it was the 3rd inning and the Dodgers player slid into 2nd to try and break up the double play and was 10 feet short of the bag and about 15 feet to the outfield side….clearly borderline as far as a “clean slide” is concerned. They show the replay and Vin Scully says that it was a good clean slide into 2nd. The runner couldn’t have touched 2nd base with a bat in his hand.
I’m actually looking forward to Morgand and Miller tonight after 2 nights of vin scully
April 15, 2007 at 7:26 am
Had to watch the game when I woke up this morning. Great stuff!!!
Yeah, Scully’s kinda getting on my nerves a bit too. I don’t know if I need to know every single players name-origin, hometown, date of birth, medical history, marital status, blood type, shoe size, allergies, favorite breed of dog, way they take their coffee, cell phone provider, and whether they think those British sailors were actually in Iraqi or Iranian waters.
April 15, 2007 at 7:37 am
Felt like my right arm was cut off last night! Padres games w/o the Ducksnorts IGD just aren’t the same.
Good win. Peavy is dealing, and the bats showed some life. Plus, showed that we still own Schmidt, which is a good thing. Pick up a win tonight and we continue our series winning streak!
April 15, 2007 at 8:05 am
Confirmation from LA Times:
http://www.latimes.com/sports/.....;cset=true
Schmidt’s fastball was not so fast. He said he felt fine physically, but who knows if that’s true or not. Maybe he’s just a slow starter and will gain back the velocity in a month or so, but here’s to hoping the Dodgers wasted a awful lot of money.
April 15, 2007 at 9:08 am
After the not so fun Friday nite, last nite wasn’t nearly as bad. Most of the people around us were like, “hmm, you guys must have felt like this last nite.”
I was fairly astounded, though, by how quickly the fans were out for Scmidt’s blood. I’ve never seen fans boo their own so mercilessly.
All in all, tonite was a much better evening. We still had a group of a bout 5 20-something drunk kids in front of us that were a bunch of jackasses. Totally classless fans that were cursing up a storm in front of the kids around us. They then started getting on us about Petco and how their stadium held 10,000 more people. At which point my entire family looked confused, glanced around the stadium and said, “Yeah, but where are they?”
Also, I’ve noticed that the ushers are a little meek. These guys were clearly out of control in a section of kids, and we never saw an usher. And we even had Dodgers fans upset at these idiots. The guys around us were just like, “Ignore them. Don’t think we’re all like them.” If those guys were to pull that crap at Petco, they’d get tossed instantly.