IGD: Padres vs Giants (23 Apr 08)
Wed, Apr 23, 2008
by Geoff Young
Padres (9-12) @ Giants (8-13)
Greg Maddux vs Matt Cain
7:05 p.m. PT
Channel 4SD
AM 1090, FM 105.7, XM 189
MLB, B-R
In baseball, as in life, it’s wise to abandon your long-term plans at the first sign of trouble. Good luck with that.
Maddux goes for career win #350.
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April 23, 2008 at 6:31 pm
well, im hoping we can win tonight.
it’d be a good time to start doing that.
April 23, 2008 at 6:51 pm
This sounds really lame but we need a win tonight. I know that’s a common phrase but I think our guys need it for their confidence. Everyone knows this is an average team that I hope exceeds it’s capabilities. Right now they are underachieving and if the losing continues it then we just expect it. God, we have become so accustomed to winning of late around here that this really sucks!!!!!!! Oh well, just baseball.
April 23, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Now that the Morrissey song is over I’m feeling little more positive. Let’s kick some a#% tonight!!!
April 23, 2008 at 6:56 pm
Not sure if this was mentioned but the Padres claimed Pitcher Josh Banks off of waivers from the Blue Jays.
April 23, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I hope they show some life on this home stand. I am going tomorrow and Saturday.
April 23, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Gaslamp Ball’s down for a few hours it seems, so I’m gonna hang out here.
If we win tonight, that’s great. If we lose a few more before May, it’ll shake the dead weight off of the bandwagon and make a late season miracle comeback that much more sweet for having weathered the suck storm.
April 23, 2008 at 7:08 pm
3-5-0! Tonight’s the night (please oh please)!
April 23, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Oh yeah, we’re battling for last place tonight — right? Or is that the Dodgers? The west looks pretty crappy this year so far “standings wise”. Only one team excelling. It’s a long season but we’re one day closer to elimination.
Go mad dog.
April 23, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Clay had his first rehab outing.
http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com.....mp;c_id=sd
April 23, 2008 at 7:16 pm
it pains me to say so, but tonight I’m a Dogs fan. Go Blue.
April 23, 2008 at 7:27 pm
#10@Jefe: What pains me is that we are only one game better than the Giants right now.
April 23, 2008 at 7:30 pm
I’m getting no sound on channel 704HD right now. What the???
April 23, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Stupid SB nation. Drama and WG are heading over this way too I hear.
April 23, 2008 at 7:34 pm
What happened to Iguchi? Huh? Dex, my z button isnt’ working.
April 23, 2008 at 7:35 pm
#12@Oside Jon: Jon, mine is working just fine. Are you using a separate sound system?
April 23, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Did NOG have plastic surgery? Is Tadahito tied up in a basement somewhere?
April 23, 2008 at 7:36 pm
There have been far too many times this season when I’ve looked at the scoreboard and seen ONE hit for the Padres. Far too many.
April 23, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Josh Bard. 5 CS this year. Nice. Among league leaders.
April 23, 2008 at 7:41 pm
#14@sdsuaztec4: Do you have access to get a T. Gywnn autograph?
April 23, 2008 at 7:44 pm
#19@Turbine Dude: Pretty sure there is a restraining order issue there…kind of a sensitive subject for ‘Tec.
April 23, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Maddux workin’ a walk. Sweet. Please blow up now Cain.
April 23, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Tonight’s really not my night for baseball. MLB.tv seems to a no show for me as well.
April 23, 2008 at 7:46 pm
#22@Dex: Mine is spotty tonight as well. But it’s on.
April 23, 2008 at 7:47 pm
#20@Drama: Well, thought I’d ask. Wife and I bought a brick for Tony’s statue and some day I’d like to have him sign the back of the replica brick that they sent us.
April 23, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Bud should send Maddux. Who would see that coming?
April 23, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Way to swing at ball 4 old man.
April 23, 2008 at 7:48 pm
#21@Drama: He was trying to blow up. Giles had other plans.
April 23, 2008 at 7:48 pm
#24@Turbine Dude: That would be really nice to get that signed.
April 23, 2008 at 7:50 pm
#19@Turbine Dude: Shouldn’t be to hard. Nobody really goes to the games, even though they are in first in the division and have probably the best pitcher in the NCAA (Strasburg). It’s open seating and you can sit next to the dugout and just ask he before or after the game, he just basically sits there the whole time.
April 23, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Wow. Cain tries to walk three straight batters and we don’t get anything. Typical.
April 23, 2008 at 7:51 pm
#15@Turbine Dude:
Rick….yes I’m using seperate sound sytem but I just changed channels and came back - now the sound works. Cool. Enough technical difficulties here all…..sorry. Giles down on strikes.
April 23, 2008 at 7:52 pm
#29@sdsuaztec4: Thanks. I’ve never been to an SDSU game. But, it would be worth the outing to have Tony sign that for us. The picture next to my posts was taken at the statue.
April 23, 2008 at 7:52 pm
#24@Turbine Dude: And I don’t have a restraining order. Drama thinks he is at GLB still. He keeps clicking the “z” button over and over again to no avail.
April 23, 2008 at 7:54 pm
#32@Turbine Dude: They are pretty exciting. Strasburg fired a 23 K Complete game 2 hit shutout last week, setting conference and school records for Ks.
April 23, 2008 at 7:54 pm
#31@Oside Jon: Jon that happens once in awhile to me also. Doesn’t matter what channel. But the first thing I always check is to see if my wife turned off the Bose system (LOL).
April 23, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Woah. Brian did not play that very well.
April 23, 2008 at 7:56 pm
#36@Drama: Time to retire for Briles. Rowand seems to have the mad dog’s number.
April 23, 2008 at 7:58 pm
#37@sdsuaztec4: He’s the only one. As long as he keeps stranding him.
April 23, 2008 at 7:58 pm
#34@sdsuaztec4: Are you playing for SDSU?
April 23, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Drama, where is your boyfriend? Thinking up witty retorts?
April 23, 2008 at 8:00 pm
#39@Turbine Dude: No, I graduated last year. I play in SDABL though. (San Diego Adult Basebal League)
April 23, 2008 at 8:01 pm
#41@sdsuaztec4: Right on. Do you know Doug Buetell?
April 23, 2008 at 8:01 pm
#40@sdsuaztec4: Penny?
April 23, 2008 at 8:04 pm
#42@Turbine Dude: Can’t say that I do.
April 23, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Khalil just gets worse and worse. Between him and Tadahito….ugh.
April 23, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Greene is the worst hitter in baseball. I swear he tries to swing the bat when the pitcher throws to first. I’d rather watch the Beavers and Missions than this team.
April 23, 2008 at 8:09 pm
Can we please score?
April 23, 2008 at 8:09 pm
#44@sdsuaztec4: Just wondering. He pitches for a SDABL team (not sure which one). I work with him at Solar Turbines.
April 23, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I love when they show old Mud footage. Great stuff.
April 23, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Alright Bardo!
April 23, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Nice try.
April 23, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Maddux is amazing. 5 innings, 4 hits, 4 K’s, 53 pitches.
April 23, 2008 at 8:14 pm
#52@Drama: The asterisk to that is, of course, the Giants are amazingly bad.
April 23, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Damn. If it wasn’t for Bard pulling a P-Keg, it would be 2-0 now.
April 23, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Thank you Mr. Giles.
April 23, 2008 at 8:16 pm
#53@Ben B.: But I’m intentionally ignoring that fact because we’re only a game better in the standings.
April 23, 2008 at 8:17 pm
#53@Ben B.: Um, Easy. Padres 9-12, Giants 8-13
April 23, 2008 at 8:17 pm
#56@Drama: #57@sdsuaztec4: I was referring to their offense there. So no asterisk needed for Maddux’s offensive exploits, because Cain is a good pitcher.
April 23, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Man, I hope sdsuaztec4 didn’t embarrass himself over here by telling everyone Giles should retire…
April 23, 2008 at 8:20 pm
#58@Ben B.: Agreed. He’s a whiny, little brat….but the kid can pitch.
April 23, 2008 at 8:22 pm
oh well, one run is better than none
April 23, 2008 at 8:22 pm
At least we are on the board first. Sheesh.
April 23, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Kills me when we get one run out of an inning like that. But at this point, I guess we should just be thrilled we got a run on the board.
April 23, 2008 at 8:23 pm
#60@Drama: You see he scratched out the SD logo on the mound again?
April 23, 2008 at 8:26 pm
#34@sdsuaztec4: Do they sell beer at the games?
April 23, 2008 at 8:26 pm
#64@sdsuaztec4: He’s such a prick. Why isn’t Hairy starting tonight just to piss Cain off?
April 23, 2008 at 8:27 pm
There was some mention in last night’s IGD of the perception of Peavy. Here is one of my favorite articles:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....30_pf.html
A reason why is because I’m from North Carolina. Peavy, as you know, is from Alabama.
April 23, 2008 at 8:27 pm
A little awkward there bringing up Jack Clark with TG in the booth.
April 23, 2008 at 8:28 pm
#65@Turbine Dude: Absolutely
April 23, 2008 at 8:29 pm
#68@Winfields Ghost: I was just gonna say that. “So, T…what do think of Jack Clark in that uni?”
“He looks like an idiot.”
“OK. Next pitch from Maddux…”
April 23, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Jack Clark, clubhouse cancer. In the booth next: Garry Templeton.
April 23, 2008 at 8:30 pm
GLB IS BACK! GLB IS BACK! Sorry Geoff.
April 23, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Edmunds is looking up at mendoza now.
April 23, 2008 at 8:33 pm
#72@sdsuaztec4: Ummm…I don’t think so.
April 23, 2008 at 8:34 pm
#73@Field39: Ugh
April 23, 2008 at 8:34 pm
#73@Field39: I hope Mendoza doesn’t drop anything…Edmonds will never catch it.
April 23, 2008 at 8:38 pm
#74@Drama: Working for me.
April 23, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Nice out for Mad Dog there!
April 23, 2008 at 8:39 pm
#76@Drama: It’s that stellar defense that is keeping him in that lineup.
April 23, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Anyone else nervous about the bullpen f-ing this up for Mad Dog?
April 23, 2008 at 8:41 pm
#77@sdsuaztec4: Looks like we are going to take in the Sunday game against TCU. Young man, may I ask what your name is?
April 23, 2008 at 8:42 pm
#81@Turbine Dude: I need an adult! I need an adult!
April 23, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Maddux is done?
April 23, 2008 at 8:43 pm
75 pitches.
April 23, 2008 at 8:44 pm
#82@sdsuaztec4:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Get your fat ass back here paper boy!
April 23, 2008 at 8:44 pm
#80@KRS1: I don’t want to be…but yes.
April 23, 2008 at 8:45 pm
#80@KRS1: Not at all, I have allready accepted it as inevitable.
April 23, 2008 at 8:45 pm
I don’t get why Maddux was taken out. For milestone wins, I like to see complete games. I guess Black and Maddux know more than me though.
April 23, 2008 at 8:45 pm
#82@sdsuaztec4: LOL. My young adult friend, may I ask what your name is. When I get my brick signed, I want to tell Tony who gave me the info. BTW, I have a pretty 21 yr. old daughter that is looking for a boyfriend.
April 23, 2008 at 8:46 pm
#80@KRS1: #86@Winfields Ghost: Kinda hard not to be a little nervous at this point..
April 23, 2008 at 8:47 pm
#87@Field39:
Our only saving grace is that we are playing the Giants. If they had anyone that could actually hit I’d probably be on pins and needles.
April 23, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Maddux got 14 ground outs. The only outs he got in the air were pop-ups to Greene. Very impressive. Of course, it is the Giants.
April 23, 2008 at 8:48 pm
#90@Mark O: I hate our new reality.
April 23, 2008 at 8:49 pm
#89@Turbine Dude: Well he doesn’t know me anyway, so it wouldn’t matter. And I usually get in trouble over at GLB when I talk about pretty 21 year old women. But I guess, when in Rome…
April 23, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Kouz should have had that.
April 23, 2008 at 8:50 pm
#93@Winfields Ghost: Yep…last season was a lot more fun, at least so far.
April 23, 2008 at 8:51 pm
#94@sdsuaztec4: go with it
April 23, 2008 at 8:51 pm
#94@sdsuaztec4: OK, never mind.
April 23, 2008 at 8:51 pm
#91@KRS1: Rowand, Lewis and Bowker are all hitting quite well so far this young season.
April 23, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Did you guys just hear what Matty said? Oakland claimed Rajai Davis. I KNEW that was a good pick-up. Dammit.
April 23, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Khalil blew that play.
April 23, 2008 at 8:55 pm
He was safe (unfortunately).
April 23, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Nice, Khalil. Don’t screw us defensively as well. Please?
April 23, 2008 at 8:56 pm
#101@Richard Wade: In his defense, it looked like he kept the tag on long enough that he should have gotten the call.
April 23, 2008 at 8:56 pm
#101@Richard Wade: He’s not really good for anything.
April 23, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Big K
April 23, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Bell got a couple calls there.
April 23, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Ok, lets score some runs so Hoffman can stay on the bench.
April 23, 2008 at 8:58 pm
HEAT!!!! Nice.
April 23, 2008 at 8:59 pm
#89@Turbine Dude: Can I get a myspace?
April 23, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Rockies Lost in 10. Dodgers beating the D-Bags 6-1 in the Top 6.
April 23, 2008 at 9:01 pm
#107@Richard Wade: And by a couple I mean like five.
April 23, 2008 at 9:01 pm
#110@sdsuaztec4: Only if I can get a free lunch.
April 23, 2008 at 9:03 pm
#113@TheGrandHatching: On. The. Floor. PURE GOLD.
April 23, 2008 at 9:03 pm
#113@TheGrandHatching: Hey I wasn’t the instigator in this instance. I was offered. Shhhh.
April 23, 2008 at 9:04 pm
#114@Drama: Lol. Nobody knows what the hell we are talking about.
April 23, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Winn Molina and Rowand for Hoffman? Great.
April 23, 2008 at 9:06 pm
#113@TheGrandHatching: DYING
April 23, 2008 at 9:07 pm
just tuning in…can anyone tell me how Bell looked tonight?
April 23, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Only the new style sbnation sites appear to be down.
April 23, 2008 at 9:09 pm
#120@Richard Wade: Jonny Dub spilled his Big Gulp all over the server, I’m sure.
April 23, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Come on, Trevor.
April 23, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Trevor Time.
April 23, 2008 at 9:10 pm
I feel like we should all gather hands and pray.
April 23, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Come on, Hoffy. Get this done for Mad Dog.
April 23, 2008 at 9:11 pm
That third pitch looked to be in exactly the same spot as the first pitch. What gives?
April 23, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Can of corn. Death.
April 23, 2008 at 9:11 pm
#110@sdsuaztec4: #110@sdsuaztec4: She’s not home right now and I don’t know her myspace thing. Check back with me tommorow or e-mail me at rickschroder@cox.net and I’ll have her get in contact.
April 23, 2008 at 9:12 pm
that’s one. come on. Do it for the Mad Dog.
April 23, 2008 at 9:12 pm
#119@Eric: About the same, only because it was the Giants, they couldn’t hit him.
April 23, 2008 at 9:13 pm
#119@Eric: #130@Ben B.: Oh, also, he was throwing his breaking ball a lot more. It looked so-so.
April 23, 2008 at 9:14 pm
#128@Turbine Dude: Ok, sounds good. Will do.
April 23, 2008 at 9:14 pm
#119@Eric: He did K two.
April 23, 2008 at 9:15 pm
This is becoming a trend.
April 23, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Fuck.
April 23, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Molina. With an INJURED hand. WTF?????
April 23, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Again, our bullpen is our bane.
April 23, 2008 at 9:15 pm
There goes that…
April 23, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Well. Awesome.
April 23, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Did that really just happen?
So how much longer are we going to keep defending Trevor?
April 23, 2008 at 9:16 pm
There goes 350. I told you Hoffman sucks. RETIRE. NOW. He looks like he is going to cry.
April 23, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Ok, Geoff and other Trevor appologists… fire up the excuses. I know you have them.
April 23, 2008 at 9:16 pm
At least Pence doesn’t also play for the Giants.
April 23, 2008 at 9:16 pm
#124@TheGrandHatching: “gather together” or “grab hands”. either one. doesn’t matter now.
April 23, 2008 at 9:17 pm
#140@KRS1: The season is toast anyway. Trevor’s relataive performance is meaningless.
April 23, 2008 at 9:17 pm
#142@Richard D.: I’ve been getting slack at GLB all offseason and all season for my calling for his retirement. Doesn’t he have more BS now than Saves?
April 23, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Trevor is DONE
April 23, 2008 at 9:18 pm
#142@Richard D.: Every pitcher in major league history has given up a home run.
April 23, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Mad Dog is so pissing on Hoffman in the showers after the game!
April 23, 2008 at 9:19 pm
sdsuaztec4…. this is only his second blown save… to go with two losses and an ERA around 9.00.
But I’ve been saying since early September of ‘07 that when it goes, as a closer, it goes FAST…. and that it’s better to cut ties a year too early than a year too late.
So, in short.. I couldn’t agree with you more.
But the Trevor cult members will find excuses, they always do.
April 23, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Case in point: post 148
April 23, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Love ya Trev. You are going to the Hall. Time to hang it up. No offense Dsnorters. It’s over. I’ve held off long enough.
April 23, 2008 at 9:20 pm
#142@Richard D.: As a Hoffman apologists, any apology on behalf of this latest effort will have to wait if it is to come at all.
April 23, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Why is Hoffman done? What is different this year than last year about his stuff, his control, his whatever that makes him done this year when he succeeded last year? You can’t use results to tell me his done, because everyone ever has struggled for an 8 inning stretch. Manny Corpas has an ERA over 7; why is Trevor done and he’s not?
April 23, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Horrible. Tonight read like a script for #350. 7 innings, 4 hits, 5 K’s, no runs, no walks, 75 pitches. VINTAGE Maddux.
And then Trevor dropped a deuce in his pants. Incredibly disappointing on a number of levels.
April 23, 2008 at 9:22 pm
We need some steroids, stat.
April 23, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Edmonds came awfully close on that one.
April 23, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Please not another 20 inning game, that ruins them for a week.
April 23, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Who wants to bet Khalil strikes out on a slider down and out?
April 23, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Trev was lousy in April in ‘05 and ‘07…I thought there was a trend of him sucking in April but for his career he’s a low 3’s ERA, so that’s unfounded. I keep telling myself it’s still early, we have to give him a chance to work through it…but if it’s still this bad at the end of May, I will join the masses in saying that he is done. There are indicators, but I’m not completely sold yet; the problems he’s having are not velocity or movement related, they are location problems for the most part. These are seemingly more fixable than suddenly losing 5 MPH…
April 23, 2008 at 9:25 pm
#159@KRS1:
Pop up…
Damn!!!
Touche Mr. Greene… Touche!
April 23, 2008 at 9:26 pm
#154@Ben B.: So, your solution is to keep running him out there, and get his brains beat in?
He’s appeared in 8 games this year… he’s surrendered runs in 4 of them, and that doesn’t count the game against the Rockies, where they hit two rockets to the wall. He’s not a 31 year old, who will “come around”. He’s a 40 year old who’s margin for error is moving into negative territory.
It’s not just tonight, it’s the cumulative results. But, why am I wasting my keystrokes? For some fans, Trevor can do no wrong.
April 23, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Hoffman could be done. But not because of the evidence we have seen so far.
Hoffman apologist,
Kevin
April 23, 2008 at 9:27 pm
A smart man once said about Petco Park: “It’s baseball-proof.”
April 23, 2008 at 9:27 pm
#158@Field39: My concern is that these extra inning games are ruining them for the year.
April 23, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Edmonds - .190
Hairy - .194
Tadahito - .214
Khalil - .217
April 23, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I’m not a bandwagon type person. Hell, I supported the Chargers to the end when they went 1-15 that forgettable year. However.com, I was thinking it was Trevor’s time to hang it up gracefully about mid-season last year.
April 23, 2008 at 9:28 pm
#155@Drama: I think I accurately predicted this result in the SLPiH today, unfortunately.
And WTF is wrong with GLB?
April 23, 2008 at 9:28 pm
#154@Ben B.: First of all, you can’t compare Corpas and Hoffman. Second of all, His WHIP is almost 2, he has 5.5 BB/9, Opponents are hitting .375, and you guys need to come to grips with this. I think it is the first stage of grief, Denial.
April 23, 2008 at 9:28 pm
#154@Ben B.: I agree, he looked pretty sharp and Molina clearly got a lucky swing. He has definitely looked horrible at times, but this has been true for many years but always ended up with solid seasons overall. He is definitely in decline but it is very gradual, and tonight is not evidence of him being suddenly “done”.
April 23, 2008 at 9:29 pm
#162@Richard D.: It is legitimately a sample size issue.
April 23, 2008 at 9:29 pm
#163@Kevin: Well put.
April 23, 2008 at 9:30 pm
163: Of course not, he’s got a 9+ K rate.
April 23, 2008 at 9:30 pm
#168@Phantom: Maintenance. Back up tomorrow morning.
April 23, 2008 at 9:30 pm
#168@Phantom: Dear Phantom, WTF is wrong with Khalil? Your Friend, ‘tec the tank.
April 23, 2008 at 9:31 pm
#165@TheGrandHatching: I hate to say it, but I would rather seem them go straight to Rusch and end it quick.
April 23, 2008 at 9:31 pm
After a career of being the best one-inning closer ever (better than Rivera), he has had a terrible 7.2-inning stretch. So no, I don’t think it’s over.
April 23, 2008 at 9:31 pm
#175@sdsuaztec4: No idea. His lack of HR is beyond worrisome. I like that his new stance theoretically allows him to go the other way, but it has sapped all of his power.
April 23, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Nice job by Meredith.
April 23, 2008 at 9:32 pm
#171@Richard Wade: So, you’re suggesting he just keeps pitching in the 9th inning with a 1-run-lead and see what happens?
If your argument is “the season is lost anyway so who cares” then I guess I can entertain that discussion.
But if your argument is “he’ll be fine” I have a hard time with that.
He’s old, his stuff has been in a steady state of decline for years. And to the sample size issue, I don’t want to have to compile his numbers since August of ‘07 again (I’ve already posted them here once) but I will if needs be.
April 23, 2008 at 9:32 pm
#177@Kevin: 7.2 Inning stretch? Did you watch last season at all?
April 23, 2008 at 9:32 pm
The Dodgers are doing us a favor tonite. We MUST win this game.
April 23, 2008 at 9:33 pm
#176@Field39: lol
April 23, 2008 at 9:33 pm
#178@Phantom: Seems like it has sapped his ability to do anyting correctly.
April 23, 2008 at 9:33 pm
#162@Richard D.: What evidence do you have that this is anything other than a blip? Something scout-y like, say. Maybe a loss of velocity. Maybe he can’t throw his changeup anymore. Something other than the two swings of the bat that represent the two total extra base hits he’s given up this year. Because two swings of the bat don’t tell you anything about his true talent level.
From fangraphs, I can tell you his strikeout rate is actually up from last year. I can tell you his fastball is at the same mph it was last year, when he was quite successful. So far is main problem is that he’s walked too many guys, and I think a command problem is easily fixable.
As for Trevor doing no wrong, obviously this isn’t the case. I don’t want to disown everyone on the team every time they have a tough 10 inning stretch. Struggles happen to everyone.
April 23, 2008 at 9:34 pm
#185@Ben B.: I think more than anything his control has been off. I don’t necessarily think Trevor is done, but this is definitely cause for concern.
#184@sdsuaztec4: Sadly, I agree with you.
April 23, 2008 at 9:35 pm
#180@Richard D.: If your argument is “the season is lost anyway so who cares” then I guess I can entertain that discussion.
If that’s the case can we please cut Edmonds now and bring up Headley?
April 23, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Cla…..no confidence in his eyes.
April 23, 2008 at 9:36 pm
#185@Ben B.: Ok how about this, his 5.5 BB/9 is higher than ever in his career. He can’t find the location of his fastball or his change up.
April 23, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Still alive. But, on life support.
April 23, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Run Fairies didn’t hurt us that time. Although I’m pretty sure Greg Maddux is no fan of them.
April 23, 2008 at 9:37 pm
166: It’s like they’re all racing to zero.
April 23, 2008 at 9:38 pm
#180@Richard D.: I personally don’t think he’s our best reliever, so I wouldn’t keep running him out there in the highest leverage situations, but there is zero reliable evidence to suggest that he’s not still very good.
April 23, 2008 at 9:38 pm
#169@sdsuaztec4: Why can’t I compare him to Corpas? They’re two closers who are struggling mightily. My point is if you’re going to go based on 8 innings and say Hoffman is done, then you have to make the same argument for Corpas. Since no one would conclude that, I’m saying that we’re not basing this on 8 innings, we’re basing it on Trevor’s stuff, and I’m making the argument that Trevor’s stuff hasn’t slipped from where it was when he was extremely successful.
April 23, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Nice pitch by Walker, he just took Bardo up the ladder and got him to chase.
April 23, 2008 at 9:38 pm
#187@Drama: And Antonelli
April 23, 2008 at 9:39 pm
#185@Ben B.: First, his numbers have been dreaful since he blew a save in Cincinnatti last August… I’ll compile the numbers tonight. So, it’s not a blip on the radar.
And something scout-y for you… okay… He can’t hit his spots anymore, with either his fastball or his change-up, causing him to fall behind hitters and have to either 1)walk them or 2) throw pitches over the middle. Second: movement, there is none on his fastball. I could care less about velocity. But his fastball is straight as an arrow. And finally, for whatever reason, hitters are not biting at the low change-up anymore…. I’m not a scout so I don’t know the source of this, but I’d like to see how many swings and misses he’s enduced this year.
April 23, 2008 at 9:39 pm
#194@Ben B.: “Trevor’s stuff hasn’t slipped from where it was when he was extremely successful.” I can’t even respond to that.
April 23, 2008 at 9:39 pm
#169@sdsuaztec4: I’m not grieving
April 23, 2008 at 9:40 pm
#198@sdsuaztec4: You just did respond to it.
April 23, 2008 at 9:40 pm
#189@sdsuaztec4: 7.2 IP. If you can’t understand the concept of small sample size there is no point in discussing this with you.
April 23, 2008 at 9:41 pm
#198@sdsuaztec4: Did you even watch him pitch last year?
April 23, 2008 at 9:42 pm
I say we just sit back and enjoy the next 12 innings.
April 23, 2008 at 9:44 pm
#203@Kevin: If they go 12 more innings, they may not win a game this home stand.
April 23, 2008 at 9:44 pm
#197@Richard D.: Ok, I agree the control problems are legitimate. I think they’re fixable. But I disagree that the fastball is any straighter than it always has been. And I disagree that guys aren’t chasing the changeup in the dirt. His K rate is higher than it was last year, and some of that is guys chasing stuff in the dirt.
#198@sdsuaztec4: Why can’t you respond to it? If you go to fangraphs, his velocity is the same it’s been every year since 2005.
http://www.fangraphs.com/stats.....position=P
April 23, 2008 at 9:45 pm
#197@Richard D.: 67% of hoffy’s strikes this year are swinging, compared to 73% career. Courtesy B-R…
April 23, 2008 at 9:45 pm
We’ve now scored two runs over the last 32 innings at home. That’s one run every 1.77 games.
April 23, 2008 at 9:46 pm
#205@Ben B.: Don’t confuse the issue with facts, Ben. You’ll upset some of our more emotional commenters.
April 23, 2008 at 9:46 pm
#201@Richard Wade: I see both sides of this coin. A small sample size is not indicitve of an overall. However, it’s a timing issue vs. affect in that small sample that cast the most doubt.
A good example: Adrian had a hot bat on this past road trip. Yet, the team still lost.
April 23, 2008 at 9:46 pm
I cannot see how you can say Hoffman is done based on 7 innings of performance, by the results alone. Essentially, I agree with what Ben and others are saying. If a starting pitcher has a rough start, does anybody even question if he is done or not?
Of course, it’s different. Hoffman’s role is different and the innings are of extra importance. Hoffman’s also old … But can you really use a few innings to make a case about anything? Sure, you can go back to August … but I can go back to April-July of ‘07 or whatever.
I’ve heard the argument that he’s done at the first sign of struggle for the last few years. Heck, I’m sure people were questioning him in ‘01 after a rough season (by his standards). Anyway, I just don’t see how you can say he’s done, without providing some scouting-type data, like Ben says, with your opinion. Of course, anyone can say it, I guess, I just won’t believe it (which is probably irrelevant, anyway).
What’s fascinating to me is that the front office has to make decisions like this(take him out of the closer role or whatever) … if you stick with him long enough to make the performance mean much from a statistical perspective, he may have already cost you a playoff spot.
April 23, 2008 at 9:46 pm
YES. ANOTHER CS FROM BARDO! TIED FOR THE LEAGUE LEAD!
April 23, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Nice put out by Bardo there.
April 23, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Don’t run on Bard. (He had a great jump, too.)
April 23, 2008 at 9:47 pm
#208@Richard Wade: There’s no need for people to get snotty. The facts are he’s blown a lot of save opportunities in the past two years. I do not think he’s done. But I think something is wrong. To sit there and ignore the walks and the runs he’s giving up does nothing to advance the discussion.
April 23, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Why can’t the Padres hit bloops that fall in like that?
April 23, 2008 at 9:50 pm
If this gets to the 15th inning, I say we walk in a run and not swing. We can’t afford another long game at the beginning of an important stretch of games.
April 23, 2008 at 9:50 pm
It’s hard to even take you guys defending him seriously. Ben B. do you watch the games? I love Trevor but he looks like crap out there and has been scary to watch for the past 2 seasons. With the stuff he takes the bump with these days he has no room for error and in his old age he is starting to look more than a little mistake prone. His location is off and I don’t see how it’s even arguable at this point. He has to locate to get away with the garbage his arm produces and he just isn’t consistently doing it enough to be in the closer role anymore. You can’t fool big league hitters with an 85 mph fastball unless you can locate it and he isn’t doing it. What more is there to say?
In the words of Neil Young… “is it better to burn our or fade away?”
April 23, 2008 at 9:50 pm
#204@Field39: I think if it ends up going 12 innings Bardo will just start telling the hitters whats coming just so he doesnt kill his knees.
April 23, 2008 at 9:51 pm
#210@MB: Exactly. We haven’t seen enough of him this year to judge. But based on what we have seen, it’s not looking great…a few interesting bits from B-R:
- Only 63% 1st pitch strikes this year, against 73% last year and 68% in ‘05 and ‘06.
- Hitters are making contact on 68% of swings, compared with 71% career and 77% last year.
- Hitters are definitely swinging less; they’ve offered at 45% of Hoffy pitches this year, compared to 49% last year and 48% career.
Too small to get much out of, but some food for thought at least…
April 23, 2008 at 9:51 pm
#202@Richard Wade: Yes, Seven blown saves. Highest in career. 6.91 K/9 Lowest in Career (Besides 1993 w/ Marlins)
April 23, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Hoffman had a 5.54 ERA in August 2007. So I guess he was done.
So was he back in September, when his ERA was 1.13?
April 23, 2008 at 9:52 pm
#214@Phantom: He’s blown 17 going back to ‘05. That’s not a lot. Something is wrong. His control is a little off. That’s correctable. There’s absolutely no reason to think he’s done and people pointing to ridiculously small sample sizes are not “advancing the discussion.”
April 23, 2008 at 9:52 pm
It would be great if we could stop looking so lost at the plate.
April 23, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Let me add that, even if “scouting-data” supports Hoffman’s decline, I’m not sure it means much over 7.2 innings or whatever he says. Although I would guess it means a lot more than the results. The actual significance of it, though? I don’t know … something that would have to be studied, I suppose.
This isn’t to say Trevor is free from all criticism. But heck, if he had a 0.00 era over 7 innings (with better than usual stuff), I would not say that I expect that to continue!
April 23, 2008 at 9:54 pm
That flyout is the only time in 4 years I’ve wished the fences were closer. If only because I have a midterm at 8AM and I need some sleep…
April 23, 2008 at 9:54 pm
What is the date we can call up Headley and still have 6 more years of control over him? We should start a countdown to that date.
April 23, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Poor Scotty.
#222@Richard Wade:
What’s the point of going back to 2005? I said the past two years. I’m not saying Trevor is done. I’m saying there’s a problem. To try to ignore that is ridiculous.
I love Trevor as much as the next person, but you don’t get to just attribute everything to sample size. Closerrs have to deal with incredibly small samples. It’s what we’re given to judge them.
The walks really bother me. Everyone keep raving that his velocity is up, but I could care less. It doesn’t matter how hard you throw if it’s not going where you want it to.
April 23, 2008 at 9:56 pm
#226@Ben B.: Is it the 15th of May?
April 23, 2008 at 9:56 pm
#224@MB: Yup. It’s fun to think about but doesn’t mean much until we see him more. Which as you said might kill us, but what else can you do given Trev’s history? In my eyes, he’s earned the chance to go out there and prove himself (or not).
Gonzo to third…come on now!!!
April 23, 2008 at 9:57 pm
#217@KRS1: It’s hard to take the other side of the argument seriously when they often begin with the condescending “Do you watch the games?”
April 23, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Oh dear God, c’mon Padres! Wild pitch, PLEASE!!!!
April 23, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Nice hit Kouz but too bad there are 2 outs.
Maybe Callix can instigate one of those jumping mob scenes we have not seen in a while. C’mon rook!
April 23, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Come on Cah Lix.
April 23, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Awwwwwwwwww…not enough time to score on the WP. Dammit.
April 23, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Okay, here are the numbers I was referring to….
Hoffman since August 5, 2007:
IP 26
ERA 6.58
record 2-3
saves 18
blown 7
save rate: 72%
So, this is a blip on the radar, guys?
April 23, 2008 at 9:59 pm
#227@Phantom: The walks were still in the 2/9 range last season. That they’re above 5 right now is practically meaningless. I don’t think anyone is arguing that Trevor needs to maintain his control, but that’s not some sign that he’s “done.” Guys have periods where they don’t have their best control all the time.
You can’t say “we only have a small sample size, so we get to act like that’s enough.” That’s not how it works.
April 23, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Crabbe, our best pinch runner, has to hit here because the only other man on the bench is Morton. If it weren’t extremely ridiculous to not have a backup catcher, Morton wouldn’t be in the big leagues right now. I don’t have the time or energy to do the research, but I’m willing to bet this is the poorestly (not a word, but let’s go with it) constructed roster in the majors.
April 23, 2008 at 10:00 pm
#236@Richard Wade: I’m not saying it’s enough, but it can’t simply be dismissed either.
April 23, 2008 at 10:00 pm
#234@Bryan S: Dang. That was a foul ball too. Imagine the backlash.
April 23, 2008 at 10:00 pm
Good rip by the kid on 2-1…now straighten it out this time.
April 23, 2008 at 10:00 pm
#228@Richard Wade: I found the Tim Sullivan article, and the date is …. April 29!
http://www.signonsandiego.com/.....livan.html
April 23, 2008 at 10:01 pm
#229@Bryan S: Yeah, thats my take. But I can see the other side, too.
Maybe the best thing right now would be an actual scout, or a group of ‘em preferably (I wonder if the Pads have thought of this ; ) Their opinion, I would guess, is more valuable than the numbers (this season’s). But then there’s the question of whether it’s worth as much as the Pads’ projection system, based on numbers and scouting data (don’t know if they really have this), and how they weight those two things in their decision making process.
April 23, 2008 at 10:01 pm
#237@Bryan: I agree.
April 23, 2008 at 10:01 pm
#237@Bryan: Nope. The Brewers are going with a 14 man pitching staff currently. No way is this worse than that.
April 23, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Weird, i can’t believe we didn’t score there. That never happens.
April 23, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Our homerless streak at home has now reached 70 innings.
Earlier today I was listening to Sandy on the radio and he said something to the effect of “we don’t have anyone who is going to hit a lot of home runs, we don’t have a lot of team speed, and we don’t have anyone who is going to hit .320.” At this point I wanted to ask him how he thought we’d score runs.
April 23, 2008 at 10:03 pm
I’m gonna hit the bathroom, then the hay. Nite guys. Hopefully I have something pleasant to wake up to.
April 23, 2008 at 10:03 pm
#238@Phantom: I’m not trying to say there’s zero reason for concern. He needs to improve his control from what little we’ve seen this year, but I see no reason to believe he can’t do that. I guess what I’m saying is that there’s not enough data to support this “he’s done” non-sense.
April 23, 2008 at 10:03 pm
#246@Bryan: That’s a great quote. wow. wow. This sucks.
April 23, 2008 at 10:04 pm
#247@Phantom: Sleep in the bathroom.
April 23, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Also, we need to stop playing “Hells Bells”… it looks stupid when you play that, have all the scoreboards light up, and then get rocked.
April 23, 2008 at 10:06 pm
#241@Ben B.: Awesome.
April 23, 2008 at 10:06 pm
#246@Bryan:
I did hear that interview and thought the exact same thing!
I was encouraged at him saying something about targeting and offensive player in the upcoming draft because we have not had much luck drafting pitchers recently.
April 23, 2008 at 10:07 pm
#225@Bryan S: You could just get wasted now.
April 23, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I was wasted last Thursday during the game. Started sobering up before it ended though.
April 23, 2008 at 10:10 pm
dam…why is it only the games I commit to watching end up stealing my sleep?
April 23, 2008 at 10:11 pm
#254@Kevin: Might be a better idea…
April 23, 2008 at 10:11 pm
wow Khalil got on base! I think that raises his OBP to .100
April 23, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Greene’s OBP just went up.
April 23, 2008 at 10:14 pm
bunting? come on. this didn’t work last time, remember?
April 23, 2008 at 10:15 pm
That AB = Abject Failure.
April 23, 2008 at 10:15 pm
I feel like we’re going to have to resort to trying to tag up on every flyball soon.
April 23, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Balk? What?
April 23, 2008 at 10:16 pm
HBP + Balk. That’s the offense coming through.
April 23, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Maybe the next pop-up will be caught with one foot in the dugout!
April 23, 2008 at 10:18 pm
#265@MJS: LMAO!
April 23, 2008 at 10:19 pm
If they could score without a hit it would make for a perfect evening.
April 23, 2008 at 10:20 pm
They could score without a hit here, which could be their best hope.
April 23, 2008 at 10:21 pm
#267@MJS: Well played.
April 23, 2008 at 10:22 pm
2 out? Kiss the rally goodbye.
April 23, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Could they score off Mark Grant?
April 23, 2008 at 10:26 pm
#271@Field39: What about Bud Black?
April 23, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Lewis Black?
April 23, 2008 at 10:29 pm
#272@Bryan S:
What about Matty V.?
Our offense is terrible!
April 23, 2008 at 10:29 pm
#272@Bryan S: Maybe Jack.
April 23, 2008 at 10:31 pm
I live in a bubble. Did Glen Hoffman get fired?
April 23, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Why do I make myself watch these games every night?
April 23, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Goddamit! I didn’t need that at 10:30 PM!
April 23, 2008 at 10:34 pm
See, there’s the Padres’ problem. They hit the ball too far to get those bloops falling in.
April 23, 2008 at 10:34 pm
I should have gone to sleep. Or gotten wasted. Either one would have beat this.
April 23, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Rusch = Human Surrender Cigar
April 23, 2008 at 10:38 pm
CURSE WORDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 23, 2008 at 10:38 pm
#281@Eric: Word. I guess Buddy wants to go home. I’m going to sleep…this sucks. At least it’s only April…
April 23, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Rusch should be referred to as the White Flag.
April 23, 2008 at 10:38 pm
Aaron Rowand is a better hitter than Bengie Molina. Why would you walk Molina to get to Rowand?
And shockingly enough it didn’t work. Why was Huber playing so deep?
April 23, 2008 at 10:40 pm
#276@Turbine Dude: We don’t have enough runners for Glenn to matter.
April 23, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Of course, the ones we have are so important, I guess Glenn plays a high leverage position.
April 23, 2008 at 10:41 pm
281: Yup when you opt for Rusch over Ledezma you are throwing in the towel.
April 23, 2008 at 10:44 pm
That’s how you don’t hit the ball hard enough for a fielder to make a play!
April 23, 2008 at 10:44 pm
hairston beat the throw anyway, his speed ain’t bad
April 23, 2008 at 10:46 pm
That looked like ball 4 to Gonzo
April 23, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Dammit, I can’t leave. Why do I bother? i know it will only end in pain…
April 23, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Rally?
April 23, 2008 at 10:48 pm
The bases are loaded. Wish I was.
April 23, 2008 at 10:48 pm
Nice 1B by Kooz…I might have sent Hairston, though.
It’s all on Wilson now…
April 23, 2008 at 10:48 pm
#292@Bryan S: Because one time it didn’t end in pain. And we’re all just hoping that one glorious day in the future, we will get to experience that again.
April 23, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Morton? Crap. I smell DP.
April 23, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Good call to hold everyone up.
I thought I heard Matty say something about Flannery making a call to a runner. My bad.
April 23, 2008 at 10:49 pm
I’m not getting my hopes up. self-protection. I treat my Padres like i treat my girls.
April 23, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Morton’s getting screwed with the balls and strikes again.
April 23, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Hey, just got half of ‘em back…
April 23, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Colt .45, works every time.
April 23, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Nice job by the kid to get us closer…time for Khalil to break out now, please…
April 23, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Oh shit. Here comes the DP (Greene).
April 23, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Not useful, Khalil…
April 23, 2008 at 10:52 pm
#299@Eric:
Classic!
April 23, 2008 at 10:54 pm
NOW is when we need that ball in the corner…. c’mon Shakespeare!
April 23, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Dude, this strike zone is all effed up.
April 23, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Bases loaded for Iguchi.
April 23, 2008 at 10:55 pm
oy our hopes lie with NOG errr Iguchi-san
April 23, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Come on, Ta-Da-Hi-To!!!
April 23, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Gooch’s OBP sucks right now.
April 23, 2008 at 10:56 pm
to sleep, perchance, to dream
April 23, 2008 at 10:56 pm
F***.
April 23, 2008 at 10:57 pm
#312@Turbine Dude: Gooch sucks period right now.
April 23, 2008 at 10:58 pm
For want of a hit, our game was lost.
Goodnight.
April 23, 2008 at 10:58 pm
#311@Bryan S: An-ton-ell-iiii!!!
April 23, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Iguchi is having Marcus Giles syndrome
April 23, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I don’t care
April 23, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Game should have been tied after 14. Umpire was terrible on Morton’s at-bat. He should have had an RBI walk.
Drive home safe.
April 23, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Morton
Iguchi
Greene
Hairston
Edmonds
Crabbe
Clark
Thatcher
Hoffman
Bell
Rusch
None of the above are helping the ballclub right now.
April 23, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Antonelli could be called up at any point now and would still be under team control for 6 years after this. But having more patience with Iguchi makes sense because he hasn’t shown as many signs of being done as Edmonds or of not being able to hit major league pitching like Hairston.
April 23, 2008 at 11:02 pm
I feel like the Padres are my abusive boyfriends. Sometimes they treat me good and then sometimes they slap me around and tell me how worthless I am, then because I have such a low self esteem I keep running back to them with hopes they will change.
I can’t leave them, I love them!!!
Tonight sucked. I feel bad for Mad Dog.
April 23, 2008 at 11:05 pm
#320@Kevin: Tied? That still puts us at 3-2. Greenes shallow fly wasnt enough to tag Gonzo from 3rd. You gotta go to the warning track for that.
April 23, 2008 at 11:07 pm
#322@Ben B.: This season is toast. I don’t see the point in not getting Antonelli and Headley as much major league experience as possible, before 2009.
April 23, 2008 at 11:07 pm
#322@Ben B.: Haitson hasnt done too good so far this year, but if your gonna be patient with Gooch you gotta be patient with him. Haitson has and can hit MLB pitching.
April 23, 2008 at 11:09 pm
#321@Bryan: I think you could add Kouzmanoff and Bard to the list. Really the only decent offensive players so far have been McAnulty, Giles, and Gonzalez. If you wanted to, you could add Meredith and Cameron to the bullpen list.
April 23, 2008 at 11:17 pm
When has Hairston hit MLB pitching? Talk about your small sample size, the end of last year was more than likely a fluke and Sledge was probably a better option than Hairston in LF. Seriously.
I don’t think Hoffman is “done”, I just don’t think he should be the closer anymore. Then again, who else do we have that can take that role? The whole bullpen has been bad.
April 23, 2008 at 11:20 pm
#326@SDSUBaseball: I disagree. Hairston has a career 84 OPS+ in the majors. The only time he’s hit decently was his 95 PAs in the second half of last year. Iguchi has a career 96 OPS+ and plays second base, where the offensive requirements are much lower than in left.
#325@Field39: Well if we truly are building for the future we can’t call up Headley until April 29 in order to have control of his rights for the longest possible amount of time. I don’t think 22 games is enough time to declare this season toast, but I was probably a lot more optimistic at the outset of this season than most everyone else. If you thought this was an 82 win team at the start, then it is probably time to concede.
April 23, 2008 at 11:20 pm
As painful as it was to watch Hoffman blow it again, the real problem on this team, other than a crappy bullpen so far, is that this team’s offense is terrible. Just Terrible. We are getting zero production from 5 of our lineup positions. I can’t even begin to describe what’s going on with Greene. I think I have seen him drive the ball once this year and that was misplayed by the fielder (his triple in SF). I don’t know if it IS his new stance, but when he does make contact, they are all weal efforts. It’s like Sean Burroughs has reincarnated his career in the body of Greene. While it may be too early to throw in the towel, I can’t think of any answers, and it doesn’t sound like Sandy has any answers either. While I expected more from Iguchi, the struggles of Hairston and Edmonds were entirely foreseeable.
April 23, 2008 at 11:24 pm
The more I think about it, while some of Hairston’s homers last year were really fun and came at great moments, those couple games we won because of him is helping to kill this season. Without his late season success the team might have tried to get a better LF in the offseason.
April 23, 2008 at 11:34 pm
#285@Ben B.: This is the post of the night … who thought walking Molina to get to Rowand was a good idea? NOT ME! Rowand is the best hitter on the team … really the only one to pitch around … WHAT WAS BUD THINKING?
re: Hoffman … when he walked Jose Cruz Jr recently, that’s when I put the final pin in my “done” doll. What’s the criteria for “done”? I’d say when he has less than a 75% chance of converting a save … which according to the numbers above, is where things are at. Actually, I agree that the “done’ decision can’t be made based on the numbers … I’m basing my “done” decision on what I’ve seen in his lack of control … like the walk to Cruz … there’s gotta be a “last straw” … and that was my “last straw” … it doesn’t have to be yours … but tell me what yours is? Does he have to blow 3-5 of his next 10 save ops? … or 3-10 of his next 20? It doesn’t appear like “letting him work out his issues in lower leverage situations” is an option … and I gotta think that part of the reason for that is Hoffy’s self-proclaimed reduced effectiveness in non-save situations. But I think that that has to be part of the path forward … he’s got to pitch some low-leverage innings … and if they are good, then he can try again in save situations … and who closes in the mean time? Ya, that’s part of the problem, ain’t it? I’m OK with the status quo until Hensley or Prior can be the closer … there … that’s my “solution” … ug …
April 23, 2008 at 11:38 pm
I don’t care#323@KRS1: WHO’S YO’ DADDY!??? QUIEN ES TU PADRE!!???
April 23, 2008 at 11:39 pm
#329@Ben B.:I know the sample is small and it is too early to make decisions, but they are horrible to watch right now. That and it kills me to watch them play half their games in a park, that suppresses offense to the point of turning baseball games into an exercise in random chance.
April 23, 2008 at 11:40 pm
#333@Eric: and on that note, goodnight everyone.
I don’t care.
April 23, 2008 at 11:46 pm
And I’ll say I was wrong (about Hoffy being “done”) if at *any* point during this season he goes 10 appearances (where he comes into a tied game or with a lead) with 0 or 1 blown save (or loss) …
One more thought … I think it’s possible that he could blow enough saves this season to cost him the HOF … or at least to cost him getting in on first ballot … having the “best save %” on his resume is valuable in that regard because in most other regards, the perception is that Rivera is better … if he loses that edge to Rivera, the risks (of HOF entry) go up … just sayin’. How much longer can he keep that title at a 70% success rate? at 50% success rate?
April 23, 2008 at 11:52 pm
I gotta end with something upbeat … here it is … Mat Latos pitched GREAT today for the Ft Wayne Wizards … his first appearance of the season (he started the year hurt and stayed in extended spring training) … he pitched 4 innings, giving up 5 hits and 3 runs (only 1 earned) … but the best part was the 8Ks and ZERO walks!
He’s still a *long* ways away … and 4 IP is the ultimate “small sample size” … but it’s good news, nonetheless
April 24, 2008 at 12:08 am
#337@LynchMob: Bring up Latos to close!
April 24, 2008 at 12:31 am
#338@Ben B.: I’ve been heard
(ps. NOT!)
April 24, 2008 at 2:37 am
#331@Zagz: Thats a stretch… they would had tried to get a better LF just as hard as they tried to get better in CF. They would had gotten an older bargain stop-gap, or gone with P-Mac or Gerut.
I think it’s to early to write off a kid who pounded in the minors. I think if you are going to give Iguchi and Edmonds more time then why not Hairston. He has the most upside than both.
April 24, 2008 at 7:11 am
#340@SDSUBaseball: ::cough:: Reggie Sanders ::cough::
April 24, 2008 at 8:03 am
#197@Richard D.: Oh, I see. So it’s a 25 IP stretch we’re judging him on now. That’s a relief becasue I thought it was a small sample size issue. Sheesh.
April 24, 2008 at 8:21 am
#336@LynchMob: You know, LM, you and Richard D. need to get on the same page because the last time Trevor ran off 10 consecutive, which is your criteria for him NOT being “done,” was right in the middle of the period Richard D. cites for him being “done.” IOW, he did that just last August/September. The least you chicken little’s can do is be consistent with one another.
April 24, 2008 at 8:29 am
#142@Richard D.: Well, I don’t consider myself a Trevor apologist and I offer no excuses. Guy got beat on a home run. It happens. It sucks, but it happens.
April 24, 2008 at 11:03 am
343 … Pat, can you tell me what your criteria is for Trevor being “done”? I’m guessing we’re not far apart in our opinions. He’s gonna be “done” sometime, isn’t he? Or do you think he’s good for repeating 2007 for 10 more years and then he just quits while he’s still on top? I know you don’t … and sorry for getting a bit flip.
I think my point can be expanded based on what you are saying … he wasn’t “done” last year … he was able to go out and have 11 good outings in a row … but then you know what happened? He had surgery on his arm! And so far this year, he’s been scored up in 4 out of 8 outings … he’s looked bad (to me) … he walked Jose Cruz Jr when he was 1 out away from a save. No one of these facts is very significant … the anecdotal observations are probably the most significant …
And if he does again what he did from Aug 25 to Sep 28 last season, then I’ll say I was wrong / premature …
April 24, 2008 at 1:10 pm
345: Yeah, he’s done when we have a meaningful amount of data indicating he is done. What is meaningful? For a guy with a track record like he has meaningful to me would be a full season of poor performance. Will we get that far? No, because he won’t be allowed to go that long with poor performance, imo, but it sure as heck isn’t 7 2/3 IP, or 25 IP.
No need to apologize for being flip. IMO, those of you who are making all of this noise should be apologizing for trashing a guy with one of the most extraordinary track records in ML history, not to mention one of the most consistent track records, based on a ridiculously small amount of data.