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Bring on the Birds

Tue, Jun 19, 2007Ballhype: hype it up!
by Geoff Young

The Orioles are coming to town and they are in a state of considerable disarray, which frightens me. It’s hard to say how a team will respond after its manager is fired, but with Sam Perlozzo no longer part of the picture ostensibly because his players failed to produce for him, these guys just might have a tiny chip on their collective shoulder.

Part of the problem in Baltimore has been the bullpen. I talked about this a little at Knuckle Curve the other day. Going back further (and in the interest of making a shameless plug), I noted on page 187 of the Ducksnorts 2007 Baseball Annual that “in any given season, a team can find generic equivalents to guys like Danys Baez and Jamie Walker.” I’m not presenting the world with some great truth here; I’m simply paying attention (which raises the question of what, exactly, the Orioles front office is doing, but I digress).

Baez, Walker, and Chad Bradford are costing Baltimore $10 million this year. Next year, that number is $12.5 million. In 2009, it jumps to $13.5 million.

Sometimes the brand name provides extra value. We’ve talked about Ichiro Suzuki around here in the past, and he’s a perfect example. People know, trust, and are willing to pay more for the Ichiro brand. There are no generic equivalents to what he offers.

The same cannot be said of Baez, Walker, and Bradford. These guys are not going to fill seats or be the focus of anyone’s marketing campaign. What possible reason could there be to pay them more than what their on-field contributions merit?

I don’t know.

What I do know is that decent relievers are not a terribly scarce commodity. (Great relievers are, but we’re not talking about them.) We’ve seen this in San Diego over the past several years, and plenty of other teams have grasped and used this concept to their advantage. The key lies in paying close attention to the market and properly identifying undervalued yet potentially useful cogs (neither of which falls under the field manager’s domain, but again I digress).

And ex-Padre Ramon Hernandez? Don’t get me started on his contract. We discussed that ad nauseum back in ‘05. He’s hitting .244/.340/.378 and currently on the disabled list with a “groin contusion.” He’s also guaranteed $6.5 million this year, $7.5 million next, and $8 million in 2009.

Yikes.

So, to recap, the Orioles are paying three generic middle relievers and an old, banged-up catcher $16.5 million this year. The Florida Marlins, I remind you, won 78 games in 2006 with a $15 million payroll.

I’m not saying that money isn’t nice, but there’s something to be said for this talent evaluation thing.

Padres Prospect Report

by Peter Friberg

You will not see all the notable performances from the night before, but you will see the notable performances from those who are actually prospects.

AAA

No game scheduled

AA

Will Venable: 2 AB, 0 R, 0 H, 1 RBI; 2 BB
Nick Hundley: 4 AB, 1 R, 2 H, 2 RBI; HR, BB

High-A

No game scheduled

Low-A

No game scheduled

Commentary:

With the emergence of Brendan Harris in Tampa Bay, what about Reid Brignac for Wade LeBlanc + [low-level prospect]?

[Ed note: If others front the money, I'll gladly make a BevMo run or three to procure the necessary amounts of alcohol required to make this happen.]

* * *

As we near the halfway point, it’s interesting to look back at the organization’s top prospects. For comparison’s sake, I’m reminding you of the top 10 lists for Baseball America, MadFriars, and my own…

So, how are they doing?

Baseball America’s Top 10 Padres Prospects

  1. Cedric Hunter
  2. Cesar Carrillo
  3. Matt Antonelli
  4. Kevin Kouzmanoff
  5. Will Venable
  6. Chase Headley
  7. Chad Huffman
  8. Nick Hundley
  9. Jared Wells
  10. Cesar Ramos

MadFriars’ Top 10

  1. Kevin Kouzmanoff
  2. Cesar Carrillo
  3. Cedric Hunter
  4. Chase Headley
  5. Will Venable
  6. Paul McAnulty
  7. Kyle Blanks
  8. Mike Ekstrom
  9. Chad Huffman
  10. Nick Hundley

Peter Friberg’s Top 10 (ranked prior to Kouzmanoff’s acquisition)

  1. Cesar Carrillo
  2. Cedric Hunter
  3. Chase Headley
  4. Matt Antonelli
  5. Will Venable
  6. Nick Hundley
  7. David Freese
  8. Kyle Blanks
  9. Kyler Burke
  10. Paul McAnulty

Because I’m writing this, I’ll report on each prospect in the order I ranked them (I’m also omitting Kouzmanoff as he’s an established big leaguer):

1. Cesar Carrillo RHP

Lvl W-L ERA IP H BB SO HR BAA
AAA 0-2 8.62 15.2 22 14 8 2 .338

Cesar CarrilloCesar was injured in 2006 and never regained his form. He suffered several setbacks and finally succumbed to Tommy John surgery after yet another poor performance on April 30. Pitchers who have Tommy John surgery usually make a full recovery. Cesar still projects as a #2 or #3 starter. He’ll resume that path next season.

2. Cedric Hunter OF

Lvl AB BA OBP SLG 2B 3B HR BB SO
Lo-A 261 .284 .342 .356 9 2 2 22 37

Cedric is posting solid — not spectacular — BB/SO rates. His extra-base hit rate and BABIP are each down significantly, however. He is still just a 19-year-old prospect in a pitchers’ league with solid on-base skills. But his star is not shining as brightly as it was last year.

3. Chase Headley 3B

Lvl AB BA OBP SLG 2B 3B HR BB SO
AA 227 .357 .433 .648 21 3 13 31 53

Chase HeadleyHeadley is quickly shooting up the prospect ranks. He has easily jumped to #1 on this list (we’ll see where he ranks after we take the newly drafted Padres into account). Last season in 484 at-bats, Headley hit 33 doubles and 12 home runs. This season he has already surpassed his 2006 home run total and assuming another 484-at-bat season, Chase is on pace for 45 doubles and 25 home runs. [Ed note: Headley was called up after this was written.]

4. Matt Antonelli 2B

Lvl AB BA OBP SLG 2B 3B HR BB SO
Hi-A 271 .310 .399 .483 14 3 9 37 47

Matt AntonelliLast year, in his first taste of professional baseball, Antonelli went homerless in a hitters’ league. Scouts and minor-league prognosticators alike understandably questioned his power. Antonelli is making up for lost time with nine homers so far. A right-handed hitter, Matt is faring well against right-handers (.297/.383/.446) but he’s destroying lefties (.367/.466/.653).

5. Will Venable OF

Lvl AB BA OBP SLG 2B 3B HR BB SO
AA 247 .287 .353 .360 11 2 1 20 41

Will VenableVenable’s home-run stroke didn’t show up for his first 150+ at-bats last year in the Midwest League (1 HR in April and May combined — he hit 11 overall). Likewise this year he only has one homer coming into June. It’s a big step up from Low-A to Double-A and his struggles are understandable. Venable’s defense in center field is often questioned. If Will can’t play center and doesn’t figure out how to hit with power, the Padres deep group of corner outfielders will quickly bypass him.

6. Nick Hundley C

Lvl AB BA OBP SLG 2B 3B HR BB SO
AA 189 .228 .293 .429 12 1 8 17 33

Nick HundleyThe Padres had high hopes for Hundley when they traded George Kottaras last September. And while a .297 on-base percentage simply does not get the job done, bad luck has victimized Hundley. In the more pitching-friendly home park in San Antonio, Nick has a .295 BABIP. In the rest of the offense-friendly Texas League, Hundley’s BABIP falls to .169. Don’t be surprised if Nick’s stats shoot up in the second half of the season.

[Ed note: It's worth mentioning that Kottaras has done nothing (.210/.288/.336) at Triple-A Pawtucket so far this year.]

7. David Freese 3B

Lvl AB BA OBP SLG 2B 3B HR BB SO
Hi-A 255 .310 .403 .510 20 2 9 34 55

David FreeseDrafted as a fifth-year senior, Freese has to move quickly. So far, so good:

(in 2006) NWL: .379/.465/.776 in 58 AB
MWL: .299/.374/.510 in 204 AB

If we total his professional at-bats so far we get the following:

.313 with 41 2B, 5 3B, 22 HR in 505 AB with a 63/111 BB/SO ratio

Freese probably won’t push Kouzmanoff off third, but his bat will play and his third baseman’s arm should be playable in right field.

Double-A, anyone?

8. Kyle Blanks 1B

Lvl AB BA OBP SLG 2B 3B HR BB SO
Hi-A 245 .335 .405 .604 19 4 13 21 53

Kyle BlanksLast year Blanks’s season ended early when a leg infection cost him several weeks at the end of the season. Reportedly Kyle’s weight may have contributed (there were reports suggesting he easily topped 300 lbs.). Because of these concerns, Baseball America ranked Kyle 29th among Padre prospects. This year, Kyle is playing at a relatively svelte 270ish (he actually does look athletic for such a large man). If Blanks can handle left field, his value increases substantially. If he’s locked into first base/DH, he’s probably trade bait.

9. Kyler Burke OF

Lvl AB BA OBP SLG 2B 3B HR BB SO
Lo-A 213 .211 .305 .268 7 1 1 26 73

In 2004 the Padres drafted a rangy, toolsy, athletic first baseman (Daryl Jones) out of a Los Angeles high school. He went on to post the following numbers:

2004: .295/.327/.389 with a 7/38 BB/SO ratio with the AZL Padres
2005: .188/.263/.267 with a 21/81 BB/SO ratio with the Eugene Emeralds
2006: .242/.325/.378 with a 46/114 BB/SO ratio with the Fort Wayne Wizards

Last year when the Padres drafted a toolsy, athletic kid from a Tennessee high school, I was too enamored with his athletic profile to notice the warning signs:

.209/.313/.294 with a 26/56 BB/SO ratio with the AZL Padres

Kyler still has the talent to succeed, but the biggest depth in this organization is hitters who profile best as corner infielders or corner outfielders. Kyler has been passed and is in danger of being lapped.

10. Paul McAnulty OF/1B

Lvl AB BA OBP SLG 2B 3B HR BB SO
AAA 130 .269 .347 .392 8 1 2 16 27
MLB 40 .200 .256 .300 1 0 1 3 10

Paul is a nice player to have if you have a right-handed first baseman and need a lefty hitter on the bench, or if all your outfielders are right-handed… On the Padres he doesn’t have as much use. However, he doesn’t have anything left to prove in Triple-A (career minor league numbers: .305/.398/.493). And as a guy who profiles best as DH, he’s miscast in the NL. You feel bad for him, but it’s hard to put him in the outfield 5-7 days a week and you’re not going to start him over Adrian Gonzalez… He’d probably bat .280 with 15 home runs if he had a full-time gig.

Others (other prospects not on my Top 10 list):

Mike Ekstrom RHP (MadFriars’ #8)

Lvl W-L ERA IP H BB SO HR BAA
AA 3-3 4.54 69.1 88 22 41 3 .311

Mike EkstromMike posted a 7.42 K/9 rate and a .251 BAA in Lake Elsinore in 2006. After moving up to Double-A Mobile, his K/9 rate fell to 5.23 while his BAA remained fairly constant at .261. This year, his K/9 rate remains low (5.32) and now he’s allowing too many hits (.311 BAA). As much as I want the Point Loma Nazarene alum to succeed (I’m an alum of PLNU as well), and the guys at MadFriars.com disagree with me, I don’t think Ekstrom is more than an organizational soldier.

Chad Huffman OF (BA’s #7 & MadFriars’ #9)

Lvl AB BA OBP SLG 2B 3B HR BB SO
Hi-A 240 .308 .403 .529 16 2 11 31 40

Chad HuffmanOops. I missed on this one. Between 198 at-bats in Eugene and 14 in Fort Wayne, Chad hit .335/.431/.561. In his 2006 draft scouting report, Baseball America indicated that he “should hit for average as a pro, and his power continues to develop.” He has settled in at left field and looks to be one of the organizational front-runners for that position starting in 2009-10.

Cesar Ramos LHP (BA’s #10)

Lvl W-L ERA IP H BB SO HR BAA
AA 4-7 4.45 83.0 86 22 44 10 .268

Cesar RamosLast year Ramos posted a 3.70 ERA in the offense-friendly Cal League despite not striking out hitters (4.57 K/9) and allowing too many hits (161 with a .292 BAA). He’s now striking out more batters (5.16 K/9) and allowing fewer hits, but his ERA is higher. The organization keeps telling us how good Cesar will be but I just don’t see it. Cesar has consistently allowed too many hits without striking out enough hitters. He’s not a bad guy to have in an organization, but I can’t see him as a mainstay in the rotation.

Jared Wells RHP (BA’s #9)

Lvl W-L ERA IP H BB SO HR BAA
AA 2-6 7.02 57.2 76 34 51 9 .326

Jared Wells can pump a fastball up to 95 mph. However, when he’s starting you’ll see a lot more 89-92’s. After watching him struggle in Triple-A, the Padres have converted the right-hander to a reliever. It will be interesting to watch his progress.

Thanks, Peter. Padres and Orioles tonight at Petco. We’ll have the IGD up and running by 6 p.m. PT or thereabouts. Go Pads!

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.

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72 Responses to “Bring on the Birds”

  1. Phantom Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 8:35 am Reply to this comment

    I would agree that Chase seems to be the new consensus #1. Any word on how long he’ll hang with the big league club, and if he’s sent back down, could he make a legitimate push for LF next year?

    Also, here’s a scary thought. If we for some reason are unable to procure a CF for next year via FA or trade, do we have ANYONE who could play CF?

    Current score: 0
  2. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 8:43 am Reply to this comment

    Great job Peter I love the break down of all the prospects that you did.

    Re: 1 they would prob resign Cruz and put him out there

    Current score: 0
  3. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 8:47 am Reply to this comment

    Peter does your new top ten look something like this:

    Headley
    Antonelli
    Freese
    Latos
    Blanks
    Huffman
    LeBlanc
    Ayala
    Hunter
    Cooper

    Current score: 0
  4. jay Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 9:12 am Reply to this comment

    Digging the pictures to accompany the prospect reports. Damn nice. Nice summary of the Birds, Geoff. I have stated it before, and it is nothing insightful, but I am so thankful we have a smart front office. This is not to say they don’t make mistakes (Bush, Giles for Bay, Perez) but their mistakes are usually understandable and they do a whole lot very well. I have a hard time imagining pulling for a mid-market team where the management kept doing dumb stuff. The Nationals, Reds and Birds pop into mind.

    Let’s hope we can keep their misery going a little bit longer…

    Current score: 0
  5. Mark Ase Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 9:12 am Reply to this comment

    I wouldn’t worry too much about CF just yet. They don’t have any options in house and Petco’s dimensions do make things especially difficult because they can’t throw anyone out there defensively…but there are a ton of choices on the market this winter.

    Ichiro would be perfect…..with Andruw Jones leaving Atlanta I’ve got to think that Cameron ends up back there. I don’t think Hunter is worth what he ends up getting as a FA, but I don’t think that Byrnes or Rowand would be terrible choices.

    Current score: 0
  6. Didi Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 9:29 am Reply to this comment

    1: Hiram Bocachica, CF.

    Current score: 0
  7. Peter Friberg a.k.a. Less Nessman Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 9:41 am Reply to this comment

    Without digging deep enough to be certain:

    1. Headley
    2. Antonelli
    3. Schmidt
    4. Latos
    5. Freese
    6. Kulbacki
    7. Hunter
    8. LeBlanc
    9. Blanks
    10. Huffman

    I think I’d still insert Cesar Carrillo in there in the 6-10 range and some of the other ‘07 draftees could slide in there as well…

    Current score: 0
  8. Brian G. Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 9:46 am Reply to this comment

    Groin contusion? Um, ouch.

    Current score: 0
  9. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 9:51 am Reply to this comment

    Wow schmidt above Latos? I have not seen Scmidt pitch but is he really projected that high?

    Current score: 0
  10. Peter Friberg a.k.a. Less Nessman Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 9:53 am Reply to this comment

    BA said Latos was 30-35th pick in the draft, Schimdt was going somewhere between 11-25… Why should I put Latos ahead of Schmidt?

    Current score: 0
  11. Peter Friberg a.k.a. Less Nessman Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 9:54 am Reply to this comment

    By the way, 5-10 are almost interchangable… Ask me tomorrow and those 6-7 will be in a different order.

    Current score: 0
  12. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 9:54 am Reply to this comment

    I dont know I have not seen either pitch Im just suprised because it seemed like people where down on Schmidt and high on Latos, but you make a very good point.

    Current score: 0
  13. Phantom Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 9:56 am Reply to this comment

    6: That’s what I was thinking as well. At this point, that wouldn’t terribly upset me as it seems that Hiram could capably play CF. While that would certainly be a downgrade from Cameron, there’s worse decisions the Padres could make there.

    Current score: 0
  14. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 10:06 am Reply to this comment

    I would rather see Byrenes than Bocachica, that being said I think Bocachica has done a great job in the 4th OF role and I would much rather see him than Termel “1, 2, 3 Strikes our out” Sledge

    Current score: 0
  15. Ben B. Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 10:27 am Reply to this comment

    7: The best part of your list is the position of Blanks. Blanks came into the year with questions about his weight and his ability to hit for power, and he has answered them with about as good a season as anyone could have hoped. And he moves down your list by one or two spots (depending on the slotting of Carrillo). That is a good sign for the Padres’ system.

    Current score: 0
  16. Tom Waits Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 10:29 am Reply to this comment

    14: Sledge was brought in to hit RHP, which he’s done. An 837 OPS against them is good work. His OPS falls 100 points because he’s been so bad against LHP, but he hit them great last year in Portland. His big problem has been defense, he just doesn’t look good.

    10, 12: Where a guy gets picked in the draft isn’t just an indication of his talent. It’s also how risky he is and how expensive he’ll be. If Latos had gone back into the draft a lot of teams would have passed because of his demands. Schmidt’s going to sign around slot.

    Latos has more upside. Schmidt has a better chance to make it.

    Current score: 0
  17. Geoff Young Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 10:53 am Reply to this comment

    Aaron Fitt at BA names his “All-Fitt Team”:

    http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/college/?p=218

    He has nice things to say about Padres draftees Mitch Canham, Eric Sogard, and Danny Payne.

    Current score: 0
  18. Mark Ase Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 10:58 am Reply to this comment

    I hope everyone is kidding about starting Bochachica in CF next year…we’re not the Nationals and nothing says 3rd place finish at best like having a .700OPS bat who profiles as a below average CF defensively starting.

    I think he’s a good player to have around considering the state of OG knee and the fact that Cruz has went from being around to hit lefties to having to play daily, but let’s not get carried away.

    It is going to be interesting to see how things play out over the off season as the team should have tons of money to spend and a few holes to fill.

    Realistically they have only about 40M committed for next year while only needing to find a starting CF and LF/RF(depending on where they put Giles)

    Current score: 0
  19. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 11:07 am Reply to this comment

    I still dont see them signing an Ichiro, Jones Hunter ect… next year or ever for that matter, I think KT/Moores are reluctant to hand out any big long term contracts after Nevin, Klesko and now Giles. The last big name free agent the padres signed is Garvey and that was well over 20 years ago now.

    Current score: 0
  20. Mark Ase Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 11:13 am Reply to this comment

    Well Maddux is a bigger name then Garvey, unless you’re from LA

    Current score: 0
  21. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 11:19 am Reply to this comment

    Maddux is a big name but he was not a big FA, Maddux is still a good pitcher but he is well past his prime.

    Current score: 0
  22. Ben B. Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 11:21 am Reply to this comment

    Brian Giles was a big free agent. If he wasn’t a big name it’s only because he was severely underrated in his prime.

    Current score: 0
  23. Phantom Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 11:39 am Reply to this comment

    22: He wasn’t a FA. We acquired Giles via trade.

    Current score: 0
  24. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 11:42 am Reply to this comment

    Re: 22 FA that were not padres the prior year

    Current score: 0
  25. Peter Friberg a.k.a. Less Nessman Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 11:47 am Reply to this comment

    Above and beyond the 11 players I mentioned as my potential top 10 for next year, the following players can make a case for being a part of the discussion.

    Cantham
    Venable
    Cavajal (check out MadFriars.com today)
    Miller

    Each of those players could make a legitimate case for being in the 9-to-12 range…

    Current score: 0
  26. SDSUBASEBALL Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 11:48 am Reply to this comment

    1: Bocachica can play CF

    Current score: 0
  27. SD Girl Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 12:24 pm Reply to this comment

    Geoff,
    Thanks for the great breakdown of the Orioles. Having NEVER seen them play, this makes for an interesting series. And Peter, wow and thanks!
    Oh and Geoff, can’t wait to read the book. Lynch Mob is coming down to visit week of July 4th. We’ll be at Petco.

    Current score: 0
  28. jay Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 12:29 pm Reply to this comment

    How about “over-paying” Cameron, but for a 2Y deal? Still has some pop and still covers the ground pretty well.

    Current score: 0
  29. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 12:38 pm Reply to this comment

    Re: 28 Cameron will be looking for 3 years + an option

    Current score: 0
  30. Peter Friberg a.k.a. Less Nessman Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 12:48 pm Reply to this comment

    Anyone hear the Dunn rumor?

    Coach Kentera had a caller that reportedly heard on a Cinci radio station that we were close to trading Hensley & Hampson (there’s gotta be a prospect in there too) for Dunn…

    Current score: 0
  31. Buddy Israel A.K.A. KRS1 Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 12:54 pm Reply to this comment

    30.

    Yeah I heard it but that guy sounded like a clown and I find it really hard to believe with all the reported interest on Dunn they would settle for Hampson and Hensley. I mean if that’s what happened I personally would be happy but I had a hard time believing it.

    On a side note I got some sweet tickets for my first ever interleague game from my boss so I’m pretty excited to see Jake pitch tonight.

    Current score: 0
  32. Paul R Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 12:54 pm Reply to this comment

    With Krivsky’s trading history (see last year’s deal in which he gave up a starting SS and LF for three average bullpen arms), the prospect might be coming our way :)

    Seriously, I think that the scenario in 30 is a possible trade opportunity for the Padres and I’d be thrilled to see us, not the Dodgers get what might be the best big bat on the market.

    Current score: 0
  33. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 1:04 pm Reply to this comment

    Re: 32 I would expect another arm like Ring, Cassidy, or Brown to be in there as well.

    Current score: 0
  34. Anthony Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 1:14 pm Reply to this comment

    30: That seems odd. I could see Hensley or Hampson, plus a reliever, but not both of them. We need one of those guys to stay in the rotation. If we could get the Big Donkey for Hampson + Meredith or Bell or even Linebrink that would be a fantastic deal.

    What about Headley and Hampson for Dunn? That would hurt a lot more but I’d still make that deal, assuming we could get 48 hours to sign Dunn to an extension. I wouldn’t do it for a rental.

    Current score: 0
  35. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 1:25 pm Reply to this comment

    Wow no way would I give up Bell or Headly for a 3 month rental who will hit fewer HR’s on Petco and cant play LF.

    Current score: 0
  36. Brian Wilmer Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 1:28 pm Reply to this comment

    Some more bits you may want to know about the Orioles:

    - No player on their team has an OPS higher than 789.
    - They have one player on the team (Mora) with double-digit homers.
    - Three regulars (Tejada, Mora, Markakis) have SLG over .400.
    - Rob Bell and Paul Shuey (remember them?) have been called up to join this Oriole club in San Diego.
    - Their closer has an ERA of 4.45.

    This team is in complete disarray right now, and anything less than 2 of 3 will be a complete disappointment.

    Current score: 0
  37. Anthony Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 1:36 pm Reply to this comment

    35: Dunn may hit fewer home runs at Petco but he will hit more home runs at Petco than almost any other player in baseball could.

    36: I was just reading Camdenchat.com, talk about a depressed fan base. There needs to be some kind of clause in MLB that if the ownership is that bad the league can reposess the team and sell it to a better owner.

    Current score: 0
  38. bhickson Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 1:40 pm Reply to this comment

    Don’t mean to hijack the thread here, but my dad and I are heading up to Lake Elsinore this Sunday to catch our first Storm game. Any recommendations or advice?

    Current score: 0
  39. Ben B. Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 1:43 pm Reply to this comment

    Also about the Orioles: their rotation is pretty good. That Bedard-Wells matchup on Thursday is not a good one at all, so we need to win the first two games.

    Current score: 0
  40. Paul R Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 1:51 pm Reply to this comment

    38-
    Have a blast. It’s a great small venue and if you haven’t been to a minor league game before, there’s lots of antics. Bring some extra singles to donate to any Storm players who hit HR’s (and the odds are, several Storm players will hit HR).

    Current score: 0
  41. Geoff Young Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 1:58 pm Reply to this comment

    #40: To clarify, “singles” = dollar bills. ;-)

    Current score: 0
  42. Didi Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:01 pm Reply to this comment

    40: Or if a pitcher strikes out the side. But, the HRs are more likely to draw those dollar bills out of one’s wallet.
    Get those seat behind homeplate and enjoy the game!

    Current score: 0
  43. Phantom Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:01 pm Reply to this comment

    38: The Diamond opens an hour before game time. Beer is cheap, the food (what I had of it) is decent, and the atmosphere is interesting.

    Don’t expect much attention to be paid to the game on the field. As I discovered at my first Storm game (a couple weeks ago), the game is secondary to the overall entertainment value of the experience.

    Current score: 0
  44. Didi Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:03 pm Reply to this comment

    31: Have fun watching Jake tonight. I wonder how many Ks he’ll collect.

    Current score: 0
  45. Peter Friberg a.k.a. Less Nessman Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:06 pm Reply to this comment

    44: I’m setting the over/under at 7.5

    Current score: 0
  46. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:07 pm Reply to this comment

    Re: 45 over

    Current score: 0
  47. Geoff Young Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:13 pm Reply to this comment

    #36, 37: I feel for their fans. The franchise is a mess. Nobody deserves that.

    #43: Very true. We ended up singing three rounds of the Spongebob Squarepants theme song on Saturday for no apparent reason.

    #45: Over, please.

    Current score: 0
  48. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:15 pm Reply to this comment

    Re: 47 Ha was that started by the a fan or was it played over the PA?

    Current score: 0
  49. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:25 pm Reply to this comment

    Towers has said that the Dunn Rumor is “not worth chasing” whatever that means.

    http://frontier.cincinnati.com.....-rumor.asp

    Current score: 0
  50. Phantom Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:28 pm Reply to this comment

    I just re-read my first post about the Storm games, and I neglected to mention that it’s a ton of fun. I have a couple friends that aren’t huge baseball fans and we’re totally planning on hitting up the 4 people $44 Friday nite package that LE offers. It’s a great atmosphere and you’ll have a nice time.

    45: I’m hoping over, but not double digits. The Padres seem to forget how to hit when Jake Ks that many people.

    Current score: 0
  51. Geoff Young Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:33 pm Reply to this comment

    #48: It came over the PA, I think during a mound visit that dragged on a bit.

    Current score: 0
  52. Malcolm Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:33 pm Reply to this comment

    The O’s are 12-11 vs. the haughty AL east, but 1-5 against the NL west. Without an 11-1 record against KC and TB, their record is 18-39. Interestingly, their pythagorean record is 33-36, having outscored the aforementioned 2 patsies 73 to 35.

    Current score: 0
  53. St. Oops Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:37 pm Reply to this comment

    43: The only Storm game I’ve been to I was with Philly Billy and Darren, so I definitely didn’t pay much attention to the game either. My brother and I won tickets for XX’s Storm day last year - bus up and back, batting practice on the field, BBQ on the patio at the end of the 3rd baseline, lots of giveaways (I got a program signed by Khalil) and then the game. That was the day LA picked up Betemit - I remember Philly Billy was NOT pleased when he got a message about that mid-game.

    I’m going to sleep early tonight in hopes that I’ll wake up early enough tomorrow to catch the last few innings live before work. Man, that week of day games strung together was so nice.

    Current score: 0
  54. Ben B. Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:37 pm Reply to this comment

    Tonight’s starter, Steve Trachsel, has a 3.94 ERA despite 38 walks and only 23 strikeouts. That’s impressive.

    Current score: 0
  55. Paul R Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:44 pm Reply to this comment

    Apparently Towers has denied that the Dunn trade is imminent:
    http://frontier.cincinnati.com.....-rumor.asp

    Current score: 0
  56. Didi Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:52 pm Reply to this comment

    54: What’s the average time of game that he pitched in?

    Over and under for the game time at 2 hours 30 minutes.

    55: Steve scooped you on 49.

    Current score: 0
  57. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:53 pm Reply to this comment

    Re: 56 Over

    Current score: 0
  58. bhickson Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 2:54 pm Reply to this comment

    Thanks for the info everyone. Sounds like it should be a good time (as I was expecting).

    Current score: 0
  59. Malcolm Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 3:16 pm Reply to this comment

    58. One last tip. Pay for the best seats you can. You could easily be in the 2nd or 3rd row behind the plate. At one game I saw the manager walk over and frown up in the stands, Seconds later the dugout guy came over and yelled up”How many?” and then a bit later,irritated”how many pitches damn it?” Too bad LynchMob wasnt there.

    Current score: 0
  60. Peter Friberg a.k.a. Less Nessman Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 3:28 pm Reply to this comment

    54: that’s not impressive, that’s due for a correction - that ERA is on it’s way up

    Current score: 0
  61. Paul R Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 3:30 pm Reply to this comment

    56-57: Grrr…I hate getting scooped.

    Current score: 0
  62. Paul R Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 3:31 pm Reply to this comment

    49-Towers describing the rumor as “not worth chasing” is kind of an interesting phrase…open to lots of interpretation.

    Current score: 0
  63. Phantom Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 3:33 pm Reply to this comment

    Not sure if anyone’s heard this, but Schilling is having an MRI on his shoulder today. It looks like the uber-matchup of Peavy/Schilling might be changed to Schilling/Lester.

    Current score: 0
  64. Phantom Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 3:34 pm Reply to this comment

    63: Strike that, make it Peavy/Lester. I hate not being able to edit my comments :-(

    Current score: 0
  65. Steve C Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 3:34 pm Reply to this comment

    Rangers sign their GM to a year extension which is great news for the Padres, I hope KT is already planning another deal.

    Current score: 0
  66. SDSUBASEBALL Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 4:35 pm Reply to this comment

    65: We already stole all the Rangers talent haha

    Current score: 0
  67. bhickson Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 5:31 pm Reply to this comment

    Yeah - I ponied up for the whopping $10 tix, which got us 2nd row right behind the plate. Is there a team shop, or shopping area around the stadium? Also, someone mentioned the park is only open 1 hour before the game - does that mean we can’t catch batting practice?

    Current score: 0
  68. Geoff Young Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 5:35 pm Reply to this comment

    #67: Nice. You’ll be sitting with the scouts and pitchers who aren’t starting that night. Radar guns everywhere. Yes, there is a team shop right at the top of Section 101. As you enter the park, it’s immediately on your right.

    Current score: 0
  69. Paul R Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 5:45 pm Reply to this comment

    67-Nice tix! You’ll probably be seated beside/behind Storm players (when I’ve been the previous nights starter was charting pitches in the front row and an injured player came and sat with him). Make sure that you keep that in mind as you heckle…

    The Storm shop is pretty cool. It’s neat to see the minor league jerseys of the guys that we watch on the big stage today.

    Current score: 0
  70. Didi Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 5:49 pm Reply to this comment

    Anybody listening to the CWS live feed?

    Everytime a pitcher walk a batter, the announcer would say, “The walk is brought to you by the American Heart Association. Walking is good for your heart.” I’m sure the coaches disagree. 8)

    Current score: 0
  71. LynchMob Says:
    June 19, 2007 at 5:58 pm Reply to this comment

    A commentor at madfriars says that today’s NC Times says 1st round suppl. (40th) pick OF Kellen Kulbacki and 5th round pick Jeremy Hefner (RHP) are signed and headng to Eugene.

    I hope he’s in the lineup for the home opener on Sunday … I’ll let you know (ie. I got my tix) …

    Also, madfriars is saying that Latos will pitch Saturday (on the road) … bleh …

    Here’s the Eugene roster so far …

    http://web.minorleaguebaseball.....p;sid=t461

    For sure I’ll have to go later in the season to see Mitch Canham since the Oregon St Beavers are STILL ALIVE :-)

    Current score: 0
  72. Anthony Says:
    June 20, 2007 at 11:30 am Reply to this comment

    Geoff, thanks for the comments on the blog. There are far more problems with the organization that meets the eye.

    That being said, Peavy was a little bit off; however, our bullpen blew the game wide open, considering it was 5-3 when he left.

    Sigh.

    Current score: 0

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