IGD: Padres vs Dodgers (5 Jun 07)
Tue, Jun 5, 2007
by Geoff Young
first pitch: 7:05 p.m. PT
television: Channel 4SD
matchup: Chris Young (2-3, 4.74 ERA) vs Jason Schmidt (1-2, 7.36 ERA)
previews: Padres.com | SI.com
Dodgers starter Jason Schmidt hasn’t pitched in a big-league game since the Padres pounded him back on April 14. Shoulder bursitis has kept him out of action for nearly seven weeks. Closer Takashi Saito, meanwhile, is expected to miss the series due to “tightness in his left hamstring.”
Offense? Not a strength of either team. Rusell Martin and Luis Gonzalez are the rough equivalent of Adrian Gonzalez and Jose Cruz Jr. I remain baffled at (and grateful for) the Juan Pierre signing; that’s a lot of outs in the lineup every game.
It’s too early to get caught up in “making a statement.” Obviously this would be a nice series to win, but let’s not get silly about it. If the Dodgers taught us anything last year, it’s that a single series or game doesn’t define a team’s season. Romantic visions of destiny notwithstanding, you don’t really know where you’re going until you get there.
Wherever we end up, this summer again promises to take fans of both teams for a great ride. 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.
June 5, 2007 at 6:30 pm
It is early June, so to say this is a BIG BIG BIG series may be a bit too much, but man it would be nice to play well in this series. The Dodgers have had an annoying habit of holding onto first place so far this young season, and it would so nice to dissuade them of that tendancy right now.
June 5, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Question: will these games sell out? They should.
While I understand and agree about the “too early” comment, I do think it’s fair to expect this series to have what is often refered to as “a playoff atmosphere” … I do not think it’s too early for that … and I’m interested to see how the boys that have drop’d 6 straight playoff games over the past 2 seasons will respond. What “early” means to me is that if they don’t do well, it’s not the end of the world, just something to learn from … and, similarly, if they do do well, then they’ve got to know that they’ll have to do it again and again just to get there, and then do it again when the post-season arrives for real …
Fair enough?
June 5, 2007 at 6:46 pm
A BIG series in the overall picture, no. But a BIG series for Padre fans, yes. Any chance we get to beat the Dodgers bolsters our braging rights. Kind of like the Charger/Raider thing. Althought, I can’t say I hate the Dodgers. I have a lot of respect for them. Call it a So.Cal. neighborhood rivalry.
June 5, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Too bad GY more than likely won’t be posting during this series. I’d like to read his comments on these games. It would be interesting.
June 5, 2007 at 6:56 pm
What, no wireless at Petco?
June 5, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Whats the word on Khalils injruy?
June 5, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Game on? What’s the hold up?
June 5, 2007 at 7:09 pm
#6: Last minute scratch with a sore arm.
June 5, 2007 at 7:09 pm
6 … gah!
http://www.signonsandiego.com/.....tched.html
… guess this means B(l)um is starting?
June 5, 2007 at 7:10 pm
God I hope this is not a Khalil injury :-/
June 5, 2007 at 7:11 pm
At least it’s not one of his digits.
June 5, 2007 at 7:12 pm
Did anybody else notice the SD on the backside of the mound? It is usually the starting pitcher’s number.
June 5, 2007 at 7:13 pm
Furcal advances from 2nd to 3rd on a groundball to SS? Do we miss KG already?
June 5, 2007 at 7:14 pm
13: Yes, yes we do.
And I like the SD on the back of the mound too.
June 5, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Big-time K for CY!
June 5, 2007 at 7:14 pm
Nice to have T. Gwynn in the booth tonight.
Good job by CY in the 1st.
June 5, 2007 at 7:16 pm
#14: It looks pretty cool.
June 5, 2007 at 7:16 pm
#9: At least he can’t pinch hit later.
(Glass half dude)
June 5, 2007 at 7:17 pm
Down on the Farm … nice day for lots of Beavers that we know and love … http://www.minorleaguebaseball.....p;did=milb … Mike Thompson with a nice start (7 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 1 R) … Royce Ring (1.1 IP for the W) … Stansberry (3 hits, 3 RsBI) … even Robles had a coupla hits …
June 5, 2007 at 7:18 pm
9: Agrees with GY on that.
18: Glass half dude, I figured you to be at all the games for this series.
June 5, 2007 at 7:21 pm
This should be a low scoring, pitching series.
June 5, 2007 at 7:22 pm
We gotta have better ABs against Schmidt. He’s on a tight leash tonite, so its best to make him work early.
June 5, 2007 at 7:22 pm
19 … and I just noticed some possible symbolism that the (Portland) Beavers beat Omaha today … ya, I got college baseball on my mind … it’s SUPER time!
June 5, 2007 at 7:23 pm
After 1 …
Pitches-strikes - J Schmidt 11-7; C Young 18-8.
Ground balls-fly balls - J Schmidt 1-2; C Young 1-1.
Batters faced - J Schmidt 3; C Young 4.
… so, how’s Schmidt look?
June 5, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Only a little bit of good news out of San Antonio so far … http://web.minorleaguebaseball.....x_friaax_1 … yup, Headley with a HR (#10) …
June 5, 2007 at 7:26 pm
Martin scares me when he comes to the plate.
June 5, 2007 at 7:29 pm
CY has 33 pitches thus far, 17 for balls. Not good. Especially not for him, when every runner on first ends up on second.
June 5, 2007 at 7:30 pm
CY has got to cut down on his pitches.
June 5, 2007 at 7:30 pm
Terrmel, making things look difficult as usual…
June 5, 2007 at 7:32 pm
God, I wish Martin was a Padre (even if I think he looks like so annoyingly smug all the time). I totally thought that was trouble off the bat of Ethier (who I also wish was a Padre).
June 5, 2007 at 7:32 pm
How would you describe Martin’s speed? Was that stolen base done with impunity?
June 5, 2007 at 7:32 pm
#27: I never worry about the pitch count with CY or Peavy.
June 5, 2007 at 7:33 pm
#31: Pretty quick. Gets a good lead and really messes with pitchers.
June 5, 2007 at 7:35 pm
I’d trade Martin for Bard any day.
June 5, 2007 at 7:38 pm
31: Anytime a catcher has any kind of base stealing ability, every description of his speed has to be “runs well for a catcher”. It’s the law. Like if a white wide receiver has speed, he’s “deceptively fast”.
June 5, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Anyone else think that K pitch to Cameron was a bit questionnable?
June 5, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Silent L with a real in-field single. Who’d of thunk it?
June 5, 2007 at 7:43 pm
#36: No. Knee level, middle to inside on the plate. Looked like a good pitch.
June 5, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Girlie Mouth loads the bases.
June 5, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Wow, where did that pitch to Bocachica miss? Not that I’m complaining or anything.
June 5, 2007 at 7:46 pm
Wow, I was hoping that would sneak through.
June 5, 2007 at 7:46 pm
God damnit Furcal!
That was such a great knock by CY too.
June 5, 2007 at 7:46 pm
And X-mas comes early to Furcal…
June 5, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Much better ABs that inning against Schmidt. The Padres need to scale back the aggressiveness and let him work as hard as he can.
June 5, 2007 at 7:50 pm
Another pop fly from Pierre? Thank you, sir.
June 5, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Three hard hit outs that inning. They’ll fall eventually.
June 5, 2007 at 7:58 pm
#45: GY, are you at the game on wireless?
June 5, 2007 at 8:01 pm
Silent L does something right. Do you think he’s seen the posts in this blog?
June 5, 2007 at 8:02 pm
Where did that miss?
June 5, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Where’s Khalil when you need him?
June 5, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Prediction: Extra innings with no score at the end of the 9th.
June 5, 2007 at 8:06 pm
C’mon, one more strike.
June 5, 2007 at 8:06 pm
Swinging bunt in front of the plate and that half is done!
June 5, 2007 at 8:07 pm
#47: Nope. I’m prepping for the draft, which I’ll be liveblogging at Knuckle Curve on Thursday.
June 5, 2007 at 8:08 pm
48: Wow. I step away from the computer to eat some dinner, and Blum does something right?
June 5, 2007 at 8:08 pm
CY is holding his own pretty well tonight considering he has never had a win against the Dodgers (if I heard Matty correctly).
June 5, 2007 at 8:10 pm
We’ve got to have better ABs against Schmidt. Our team is supposed to own him.
June 5, 2007 at 8:10 pm
What we need is for SF to play, just for a moment, like a major league baseball team that wants to win games. Take 2 of 3 from the d’backs, come’on boch!!! And, if anyone read the Linecum(sp?)/Cain article today on CNN/SI, WTF??!? I mean, is Bochy completley lost? Seriously, how can you feel good about 105 pitches per game for a rookie!!?!?? Talk about a risky play….
June 5, 2007 at 8:11 pm
#54: Right on. Anyone that sticks out like a sore thumb that you think KT should go after?
BTW, I really figured you wouldn’t miss this series.
June 5, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Schmidt is obviously terrified of pitching to Kouzmanoff after he took him deep last time.
June 5, 2007 at 8:14 pm
If Silent L gets another hit, will that be a season game high for him?
June 5, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Good to hear Gwynn in the booth on MLB.com… the Nats broadcast was brutal.
wtg Kouz
June 5, 2007 at 8:16 pm
#62: It’s always good to have Gwynn in the booth, in my opinion. The guy has 20+ years of stories to tell.
June 5, 2007 at 8:18 pm
true that 63, and he does it well.
Where’s Greene?
June 5, 2007 at 8:19 pm
#64: Last minute scratch with a sore arm.
June 5, 2007 at 8:20 pm
61: Let’s not pose crazy hypothetical questions that require the impossible to happen.
But to really answer your question: it would tie his season high, set May 9th in Atlanta. That was the game he homered in.
June 5, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Score that E5 on Silent L.
June 5, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Nice can of corn catch by NOG.
June 5, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Always nice to have Juan Pierre come up with runners in scoring position.
June 5, 2007 at 8:24 pm
Seriously, can we compare salaries between Schmidtt and Young? I’m pretty sure that the Padres are a net-winner on that comparison……..
June 5, 2007 at 8:25 pm
Man I sincerely hope Khalil can heal up and rejoin the lineup tomorrow.
June 5, 2007 at 8:25 pm
If baseball is “performance based”, as Bud Black was quoted as saying in regards to Clay Hensley’s demotion to AAA, then why is Geoff Blum still employed?
Hypocrite.
June 5, 2007 at 8:28 pm
According to Gameday, neither side has hit a line drive in this game.
June 5, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Thx Turbine dude… i’ll learn to read the thread
June 5, 2007 at 8:30 pm
73: The Pads have hit several balls that I think could qualify as line drives, especially that last ball.
June 5, 2007 at 8:31 pm
I’m not a huge Blum fan, but who else is SD going to use? With these ridiculous 12 man bullies, it weakens the bench for everybody. Blum’s as good as anybody else other teams are using for their 25th man.
As much as I like to see Bocachica live his dream, I don’t feel confident that in the middle of a race, we should be giving him corner ABs.
June 5, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Has Branyan taken the field in LF or RF yet? I guess that was all BS that the pads have been feeding us about his ability to play something other than 3rd base?
June 5, 2007 at 8:34 pm
Re: 76
Oscar Robles, Craig Stansberry… shoot, I like Manny Alexander better than Blum.
I do hate 12 man bullpens also, particularly in the NL with a quality starting 5.
June 5, 2007 at 8:34 pm
76: Bocachica is a decent right handed bat off the bench. Projections for him this year have him putting up a solid .800 OPS.
Blum as the 25th man on the roster is fine; Blum as the first hitter off the bench, in key situations, is not fine.
June 5, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Hmmn. You’re right, Robles is probably better than Blum.
Blum has World Series Hero Cachet, though. That will punch his ticket for a while.
June 5, 2007 at 8:37 pm
I do like Chris Young’s ERA. I wonder if the Rangers miss him?
June 5, 2007 at 8:37 pm
#70: If I recall, CY is only making about $575K/yr.
June 5, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Re: 80
I hope Towers drafts an abundance of Shortstops to groom as Khalil’s backup in the near future.
June 5, 2007 at 8:41 pm
It seems like Chris Young hits this point every start in the sixth inning. He’ll inexplicably lose it completely and walk a guy on four pitches, then fall behind quickly to the next guy, rally strength, and strike him out.
June 5, 2007 at 8:41 pm
We seriously need to put up some runs soon. Close games against the Dodgers make me antsy.
June 5, 2007 at 8:42 pm
#54: Not that I can tell, but Peter is the expert and I’m sure he’ll have some thoughts in the next couple days.
June 5, 2007 at 8:42 pm
82: That just makes tonight even more sweet. Seriously, we now have two starters (+Germano) with sub-2.5 e.r.a.s… gotta love it.
June 5, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Let’s see what Termell as the leadoff hitter is all about.
June 5, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Dang, that was fast.
June 5, 2007 at 8:46 pm
85: Yeah, and the Dodgers have magical powers to win close games; they’re 14-4 in games decided by one run.
June 5, 2007 at 8:46 pm
Man our BABIP has got to be ungodly low tonite.
June 5, 2007 at 8:46 pm
#86: I credit KT with finding a lot of local talent. Good example: Adrian.
June 5, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Good cut by Bard, just missed it. He is having some nice at-bats of late.
June 5, 2007 at 8:47 pm
I’d say that we’re hitting the ball much more squarely than the Dodgers tonite, but we’ve got nothing to show for it.
June 5, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Schmidt’s performance will NOT foreshadow Jeff Weaver’s start this weekend.
Everyone repeat this incantation, or BEWARE.
June 5, 2007 at 8:48 pm
91: Yeah, but so is the Dodgers’. This is what happens when you have flyball pitchers in big ballparks. Although to CY’s credit, from Gameday it looks like 5 of the 6 deepest hits in the game were by Padres.
June 5, 2007 at 8:50 pm
#90: refer to post #51.
June 5, 2007 at 8:52 pm
We probably should stop calling pitchouts. Ethier did us a favor there.
June 5, 2007 at 8:53 pm
For those of you that can’t see this, R. Martin is pretty damn fast as far as catchers go. He’s no Ricky Henderson, but he’s quick.
June 5, 2007 at 8:54 pm
RE: 99
He looks fast on Gamecast.
June 5, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Okay, I see. We were just trying to wear Martin down with all that running.
June 5, 2007 at 8:56 pm
very nice
June 5, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Martin slipped and got caught in the rundown on his way to 3rd (posted for Lynch).
June 5, 2007 at 8:57 pm
just might have worked, GY
June 5, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Pads did a good job of wearing down Martin there. We certainly caught a break right there.
June 5, 2007 at 8:57 pm
103: Thanks….
June 5, 2007 at 8:58 pm
#101: LOL. Yeah, get him so winded he can’t make it to 3rd or Home Plate!
June 5, 2007 at 8:58 pm
C’mon CY, you can do it!
June 5, 2007 at 8:58 pm