No, Really, My Shortstop Is Broken
Fri, Aug 1, 2008
by Geoff Young
First off, I feel like a shoe for Thursday’s post title. I wasn’t aware of Khalil Greene’s injury when I wrote it.
According to Tom Krasovic at the U-T, Greene broke his left hand while punching a storage chest during Wednesday night’s loss to the Diamondbacks. Corey Brock at the Padres web site indicates that Greene will be out at least six to eight weeks, and may miss the remainder of the 2008 season.
I smashed my hand against a chair a few years ago in a fit of rage. It wasn’t one of my finer moments, and every so often a little soreness in that hand reminds me of my stupidity.
As for Greene, I can’t imagine that anyone feels worse right now about this than he does. Sure, we’ve had to watch the guy struggle along with the rest of the Padres this year, but he’s actually trying to do a job. Comparing our frustration as fans with his as a player strikes me as a bit silly.
On the bright side, maybe all the idiots who have complained about Greene’s lack of outward emotional display over the years are finally happy that he put on a show for them. And thus we come to the moral of our story: Never concern yourself with the happiness of idiots.
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.
August 1, 2008 at 7:56 am
Great post, GY. Pretty much excatly how I feel. This just really takes the wind out of my sails for the rest of the season. At least Khalil likely increased his chances of staying here since his trade value is now very low.
August 1, 2008 at 8:06 am
“Never concern yourself with the happiness of idiots.”
My new mantra.
August 1, 2008 at 8:40 am
2: Just for that, I’m going to Paypal to keep the servers running. These mantras are priceless. Go, Geoff!
August 1, 2008 at 8:54 am
Another crazy injury: When is rains it pours.
Bard-ankle
CY-Albert Pujos line drive off the nose
Barrett-foul ball off the face
Iguchi-shoulder separation
Greene-hand meets locker, snapping sound
And how bout last years Bradley/ Black wrestling match at first base - Torn ACL.
I’d ask what can happen next, but I’m too afraid.
Dodgers get ManRam, anyone?
August 1, 2008 at 8:56 am
#3@Didi: Good idea … I’m going to head over to PayPal also … it’s time!
A decent outing by Chad Reineke yesterday for Portland …
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.....a_poraaa_1
… 6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 5 Ks … too many walks … both runs on solo HRs … he’s given up 4 runs in 2 starts for the Beavers … on 4 solo HRs … which might not be as big of an issue in Petco
August 1, 2008 at 8:58 am
#4@PM: And don’t forget Bradley taking out Cameron (step’d on his hand?) earlier in his final game … all teams get injuries poured on them, me thinks … ours just seems like acid rain … bleh …
August 1, 2008 at 9:14 am
Does anyone know if Iguchi is ready to be activated? I know he has been rehabing in LE?
Also I hope that the Pads try and sign Felipe Lopez to fill in for greenie for the rest of the season.
August 1, 2008 at 9:18 am
#4@PM:
All I can say is I hope Andy LaRoche becomes a bleeping superstar.
August 1, 2008 at 9:23 am
#7@Steve C: According to reports, they will activate him today.
August 1, 2008 at 9:23 am
#7@Steve C: Felipe Lopez seems like the kind of player that they Pads are trying to move away from. He strikes out a ton !
August 1, 2008 at 9:25 am
#10@JP: I agree but it would be just to fill a hole for the restof the year.
August 1, 2008 at 9:29 am
#11@Steve C: Of course shortstop is such a hole now that Khalil is gone. What happens if Luis Rodriguez gets hurt ? Do we start Stansberry or Dowdy at short ? That could be really embarrassing. Maybe you do bring in Felipe Lopez for 60 day insurance because the Padres really do not have ANY real candidates for that position.
August 1, 2008 at 9:30 am
Also, I didn’t realize how young Sean Kazmar (23) is (at least be Padres farm standards). Maybe Kazmar could hold the fort down for 30 days.
August 1, 2008 at 10:35 am
maybe they could sign felipe lopez for the rest of the year?
August 1, 2008 at 11:09 am
#7@Steve C: I saw Iguchi last night in his final rehab start for LE against the Mavs. Iguchi was (I think) 2 for 3 with a single and a HR. He killed the ball every time he was up, and he frequently got down in the count early but battled back.
LE ended up losing but Cedric had a nice game-tying single in the 8th inning. Frieri didn’t pitch all that well.
August 1, 2008 at 11:28 am
At another website, I commented:
“It appeared to me this week that Manny may have actully gone nuts. The traditional “Manny being Manny” act does not come close to explaining his recent bullshit.
He’s possibly among the five greatest right-handed hitters in history, certainly among the top ten, but I think the Didgers let go of far too much future value to get him, even if Boston is still paying the entirety of his salary. As a Padre fan, it will please me to see LaRoche play in multiple future All Star games as a Pirate long after Manny is retired.
The current Dodger outfield alignment looks to be Ethier (approx $425,000 salary), Kemp (also around $425K), and Manny (free, as the Sox pick up the tab.) Meanwhile, Andruw Jones ($18 million) and Juan Pierre ($9 million) ride the bench. Excellent allocation of resources…”
August 1, 2008 at 11:53 am
It will be interesting if the Dodgers try to re-sign Manny at the end of the year, they already have crowded OF and half of their 09 payroll ($55.75 mil) already designated to 5 players (Pierre, Jones, Kuroda, Schmidt and Penny) and with Russell Martian near arbitration, a hole at SS and 2B and Lowe leaving you have to think this is a 2 month rental.
August 1, 2008 at 11:57 am
#17@Steve C: If he goes off, for the next three months, while carrying them deep into the playoffs. The Dodgers will almost have to sign him.
August 1, 2008 at 12:25 pm
18: But for how much? Isn’t the trade done on the conditions that the Dodgers do not pick up his options? That points to large payday for another Boras Inc.’s client.
I, too, will look forward to seeing Andy LaRoche be a star.
I really thought that Dodgers would be able to pry Jack Wilson from the Pirates by now. Hmmm…no SS there either.
re: Khalil. Rather than sign Lopez for the rest of the season, why not try to get Brandon Wood from the Angels? I don’t see him making the team there ever, especially with how much they like Sean Rodriguez in the minor and having both Izturis and Aybar in the major. I would like to see what he can do. Heck, the season is done anyway, why not roll the dice with Wood?
August 1, 2008 at 12:33 pm
http://ducksnorts.com/blog/tag/khalil-greene
I loved going to the park to see Khalil field. He also served as a great role model for my kids–keep your head straight, watch your balance, and keep plugging. (Manny–no; Khalil–yes)
Sign
I’m a gonna miss his mop.
August 1, 2008 at 12:37 pm
re: SS, I heard that Tony Pena Jr. is available.
Heck, we can always convert him to a pitcher and he can close for the Padres.
Iguchi is coming back. Should the Padres trade him to the Twins? Who’d the Padres want from there? No, Denard Span is not available.
August 1, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I like the Brandon Wood idea, even if he never again gets 100 XBHs in a season. If for nothing else, it would be a very intriguing move. How could it be done?
August 1, 2008 at 1:12 pm
#19@Didi: I would love it if the Pads could get Wood from the angles ::immature laugh:: but I dont think any of the players the angles would want for him would be able to make it though waivers…
August 1, 2008 at 1:24 pm
http://www.mercedsunstar.com/194/story/374761.html
It seems there is a gaggle of Padre scouts, in Merced.
August 1, 2008 at 1:36 pm
#24@Field39: Yountville, not Merced
August 1, 2008 at 1:44 pm
#24@Field39: Wow, nice find!
I think it’s good news that Padres’ people are going to go see him … but it contrasts with comments I’ve read that he’s 100% committed to Stanford.
August 1, 2008 at 1:47 pm
#26@LynchMob: I would image that they might sign him now that it looks like Dykstra will have a WF on his cap next year insteaad of a pair of eyes…
August 1, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Those Pads fans that expressed an interest in getting Livan Hernandez in here could still get their wish. Livan will be DFA’d any minute by the Twins.
Source : mlb rumors
August 1, 2008 at 1:56 pm
The Storm keep coming up with “fun facts” …
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.....;fext=.jsp
Thirsty for a Win on Thursday: The Lake Elsinore Storm went 0-14 on Thursdays this season before finally breaking through with a win against Lake Elsinore on July 17. That triumph came on “Guaranteed Win Night,” as the club’s frustrated front office had promised fans free tickets to the following evening’s game if the Storm did not emerge victorious.
… compliments of FJ
August 1, 2008 at 1:59 pm
The Chicken will be at Petco tonight …
http://padres.mlblogs.com/arch.....s_the.html
… GO!
August 1, 2008 at 2:00 pm
#29@LynchMob: “Thirsty for a Win on Thursday: The Lake Elsinore Storm went 0-14 on Thursdays this season before finally breaking through with a win against Lake Elsinore on July 17. ”
They beat themselfs?
August 1, 2008 at 2:15 pm
#31@Steve C: They certainly did last night. Frieri made a costly error that allowed the Mavs to win the game.
Ironically, it was on a Thursday.
August 1, 2008 at 2:40 pm
What’s strange about the Manny trade is why didn’t they just sign Barry Bonds instead? He’s at worst, an equal defender, and probably just as good of a hitter. Plus they wouldn’t have had to give up anything to sign him.
August 1, 2008 at 2:45 pm
#33@Schlom: One is a lot more of a distraction. And not playing all season has to have some effect.
August 1, 2008 at 2:54 pm
#33@Schlom: Bonds is also not someone who would do well in Los Angeles. He was pretty much the poster boy for the Giants. There’s a bit of a rivarly there.
August 1, 2008 at 2:58 pm
#31@Steve C: DOH … they beat Inland Empire …
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.....mp;t=g_box
August 1, 2008 at 3:22 pm
#35@Phantom: This is why I advocated against the Padres bringing in Steve Garvey in 1983. I said then that he would not do well in San Diego because the Padres and Dodgers are bitter rivals. It’s also why I advocated against the Yankees bringing in Johnny Damon because the Red Sox and bitter rivals. It’s also why I advocated against the Yankees bringing in Roger Clemens because the Red Sox and Yankees are again bitter rivals. And darn it, Brett Favre will NOT do well if he becomes a Viking because the Vikes and the Pack are rivals….and on and on and on……………….
August 1, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Here’s a good review of yesterday’s blockbuster …
http://www.baseballprospectus......cleid=7889
My favorite part is when he rips into the Dogs …
The problem is that this trade is the equivalent of hooking your drive into the water, topping your third shot 25 yards, coming up short with the eight-iron, chipping way over the green and then back to the fringe…then burying the 35-footer for triple bogey. Sure, the putt was nice, but it’s a seven on the card and you’re down three strokes and a skin.
(Rick Reilly’s lawyer just called, by the way.)
… well said!
August 1, 2008 at 3:27 pm
#37@JP: He’s my favorite player.
August 1, 2008 at 3:29 pm
#26@LynchMob: Everyone has a price… EVERYONE.
Look I’m sure the kid wants to pitch at Stanford but I’m also sure his advisor is out there acting like it’s going to take an act of god and a ton of money to talk him out of it and I think that’s probably way over blown. Scoot Boras wouldn’t be doing his job if he didn’t try to play up Moonyham’s commitment. At this point it really would not surprise me to see us pay Moonyham like a 1st rounder and pass on Dykstra. I for one would be all over that idea. It also wouldn’t surprise me if the kid winds up at Stanford and Dykstra signs for under a million. Either way I think both scenarios’s will play out until the very last minute and I’m going to be pretty let down if we wind up with out at least 1 of the 2.
August 1, 2008 at 3:33 pm
#37@JP: I don’t think teams should shy away from that. In fact, I think it’s a great idea, because there is a certain poetry to a player beating up on his old team.
Garvey is still the biggest free agent signing in Padres history. Maybe that’s sad, but it’s true.
The Dodgers signing Bonds is bad idea for about 10 other reasons.
August 1, 2008 at 4:00 pm
#37@JP: I was there for that glorious night in 84, which leaves me a little partial to the Garvey signing.
August 1, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I was actually cyber tongue and cheeking it. I was joking. I don’t think a rival team or fans care one wit if a new player came from a rival. Yes, there may be other reasons not to sign Bonds but the fact that he was a Giant doesn’t have anything to do with it.
Want to relive the Garvey night ?
http://tinyurl.com/67thcj
August 1, 2008 at 4:19 pm
#43@JP: Thank you, I can still hear Feeney screaming in my ear,”It’s a rocket!”
August 1, 2008 at 4:26 pm
#43@JP: Darn you. Great clip.
August 1, 2008 at 4:42 pm
#44@Field39: Chub Feeney ? The Chub Fenney ?
What are the top 10 FA signings in Padres history (not necessarily based on performance once their signed but based on hoopla/agitprop around the signing)
1. Steve Garvey
2. Bruce Hurst
3. Rollie Fingers
4. Rich Gossage
5. Gene Tenace
6. Oscar Gamble
7. David Wells
8. Fred Lynn
9. Rick Wise
10. John Curtis/Craig Lefferts/Bip Roberts (2nd tours of duty)/Rickey Henderson
August 1, 2008 at 4:42 pm
#43@JP: Yes, thank-you … there was a tomorrow … and what a day *that* was! I’ve still got my stubs from both games … and … ah, I won’t say it right now … that moment was special!
August 1, 2008 at 4:45 pm
#46@JP: No, this Feeney never told the fans they were number1.
August 1, 2008 at 4:45 pm
My sentimental favorite Padre, Khalil Greene…..Bummed he’s probably out for the rest of the season. I was wondering when I’d witness his first public outburst. I heard he argued with an ump once back in college. =) He appears to be mentally focused on keeping a level head and meditative thought so for him to lose control like that shows how pissed he must’ve be. That was bad grammar on my part…..anyways, hope he recovers.
August 1, 2008 at 4:46 pm
#43@JP: Dude, you just made my night. I’ve got goosebumps — which is a little different from that night when I jumped so high I hit the ceiling.
We only had an 8 foot ceiling in the basement, but you get the point.
August 1, 2008 at 4:47 pm
#46@JP: Loretta should be in there somewhere. He did a great job for us.
August 1, 2008 at 4:47 pm
#47@LynchMob: I loved that the clip lasts until they start up the “Cub Busters”
August 1, 2008 at 4:50 pm
#52@LynchMob: That was awesome. Sheer awesomeness all around.
How ’bout a svelte Tony the Gwynn occupying first? And a big hug from the one, the only, Luis Salazar????
August 1, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Anybody got a clip of Nettles to Wiggins for the last out of the NLCS? I used to have audio of it, and I’d play it every once in a while when I needed a lift.
August 1, 2008 at 5:03 pm
#46@JP: Are we not counting re-signing free agents?
August 1, 2008 at 5:47 pm
Hi folks!
Have you missed me?
I hope everyone is well!
I really enjoyed some of the posts on here today referring to the 84 Padres. I always thought that since this season has gone so bad, a sort of memory lane type of day might be apropo. Usually that type of nostalgia is best reserved for the hot
stove, but it might be medicinal this season.
Anyhoo, here are the Padres month by month numbers:
April: 11-17 92RS, 130RA
May: 12-17 88RS, 130RA
June:10-17 110RS, 131RA
July: 9-16 97RS, 136RA
My girlfriend has a biopsy Monday. We are all praying!
As for the Padres, at least they have been consistent.
Four Strong Winds my friends!