One of the joys of east coast road trips is that, thanks to the day gig, I almost never catch any of the action. I heard exactly two pitches as I started driving home on Tuesday evening: strike one and game over. Well, that was a nice way to pass the time during my commute.
Wednedsay was almost as much fun. I got to hear Matt Stairs’ pinch-hit home run off Washington “closer” Matt Capps. It sounded exciting and actually brought the Padres back to within one run.
That’s as close as they would get, of course, but I like that this team doesn’t give up. One measure of success is level of expectation. I’ve gotten so spoiled with this year’s Padres that when they’re down and it’s close late, I assume they will come back to win.
The Padres came back from down three after seven in the first game of the series. They did the same in Game 2. Both times, they fell just short… Too much Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn.
Speaking of Zimmerman and Dunn, why is Capps the Nationals All-Star representative? By my estimation, their best pitchers are, in alphabetical order, Tyler Clippard, Livan Hernandez, and Stephen Strasburg. On the offensive side, beyond the two guys I’ve mentioned, Josh Willingham is also enjoying a terrific season. As I’ve said before, I wouldn’t mind seeing him in a Padres uniform… not that there’s even a remote chance of that happening.
One reader suggested that the Pads make a play for Dunn. Again, I’m not sure how realistic that might be, but I wouldn’t have a problem with it.
Another mentioned the possibility of acquiring Coco Crisp. I don’t see the point in that. The Padres already have a weak-hitting center fielder; why would they need an older, more expensive, more injury-prone duplicate? If they’re going to go that route, I’d just as soon see them try to talk Jay Payton out of retirement. I’m not saying this is a good idea, mind you, just that it makes more sense than giving up something of value for Crisp… unless Crisp can pitch and help absorb some of Mat Latos’ second-half innings.
Someone will have to pick up the slack when it’s time to rest Latos. It’s not going to be Sean Gallagher, who was shipped to Pittsburgh… for cash? Dude, how messed up is it to be taking money from the Pirates? Or sticking them with Gallagher, for that matter?
Meanwhile, back at Everyone’s Favorite Exhibition Game (TM), Padres closer Heath Bell has been named to the National League squad, replacing injured Milwaukee right-hander Yovani Gallardo. I offer my congratulations and a toast to Bell’s continued health. My instructions to Adrian Gonzalez were clear; they apply to Bell now as well.
Also in the health department, former Padres right-hander Jake Peavy appears to be headed toward surgery and likely out for the season after suffering a nasty shoulder injury. Not that you wish that sort of thing on anyone, but it’s looking like the Padres picked a great time to move the former Cy Young Award winner. Even if Aaron Poreda never finds home plate, Clayton Richard is outpitching Peavy, is healthy, and comes at a fraction of the cost. Thank you, Kevin Towers.
Speaking of former Padres pitchers, I noticed that the Baltimore Orioles outrighted right-hander Cla Meredith to Triple-A. I’m pretty sure it was Frank Sinatra who didn’t say, “If you can’t make it in Baltimore, you can’t make it anywhere.” Well, Sinatra probably isn’t the only person who didn’t say that, but I’ll bet he was one of the more famous…
I had more on my mind, but I’ve forgotten what it was. That’s okay, there’s plenty of season left… I’m sure I’ll remember.
I like Adam Dunn. That said, I don’t think it would be a good idea to bring him to Petco, unless it involves moving Adrian to another team. I have a feeling Dunn would give back most of his offensive value if playing LF in Petco.