Just when I’m ready to get worked up over Kerry Wood throwing 141 pitches Saturday, I see that Jake Peavy was allowed to throw 128 Sunday. I really don’t consider myself that extreme when it comes to pitch counts, but someone has to hold Bruce Bochy accountable for his actions. There’s no reason to leave your best young pitcher out there that long. None whatsoever.

Scouts and Scouting

One of the great things about sitting behind the plate at a minor-league game is getting to talk and listen to scouts. Mostly I listen because they’ve forgotten more than I’ll ever know about baseball, and it’s a good opportunity to learn more about the game. I honestly hope that any stathead who has ever attempted to dismiss the efforts of scouts and scouting one day has the opportunity to hear one of these guys talk about arm slots, a pitcher’s speed to the plate, the mechanics of a swing, or any number of other such subjects that no amount of mathematical formulation can ever hope to quantify or categorize. Fascinating stuff, and to discount what scouts do or to demean their study and evaluation of a player’s tools is disrespectful to them and to the game itself. To think that one man’s effort on the field (or anywhere) can be reduced to a series of increasingly complex equations is folly.

Not that there isn’t a great deal to be learned from statistical evaluation (there is, of course, and most scouts know this). But baseball (the kind that’s played on the field, not the fantasy variety) is more than numbers. And I’m convinced that if most rational folks spent even a little time listening to scouts talk about their craft, they would come away with a terrific appreciation for what they bring to the game. Obviously, as in all walks of life, some do their job better than others. But by and large these guys know a lot about baseball. Statheads need to get over it.

Plus it’s fascinating to hear about negotiations with draftees (and their families!), how a certain can’t miss prospect missed, why another overlooked guy made it big, and the like. Personally, I think the scouts are worth the price of admission alone.

Storm Watch

Storm took two from Inland Empire (Mariners) Sunday night. I’m generally pleased with the direction the Pads are headed, but it’s painful to see your team get knocked around all the time, so I enjoy heading up to the Diamond and watching a team that actually wins a few games. Helps reduce the sting, so to speak.

Josh Barfield looked real good at the plate. One of the scouts behind me commented that he was way too comfortable and aggressive with his hacks, and that someone needed to reclaim the inner half of the plate against him. Barfield didn’t have a stellar night performance-wise, but I’m impressed with his approach. He still needs to lay off the bad breaking balls, but I’m starting to think that some of us may have underestimated his power potential.

Got my first look at USD alum Greg Sain as a pro. Pretty much as I remembered at the plate. Very strong, hits the ball with authority. He made a few nice plays at the hot corner, but he doesn’t look real comfortable over there. Think Ed Sprague. Still wondering why the Padres don’t stick him back behind the plate, where he played in college.

The big prospect on the 66ers was outfielder Shin Soo Choo. He didn’t do much Saturday but he plays with a lot of confidence. Small guy. The way he sets up in the box reminds me a little of David Justice. Hard to judge a guy on one game, but Choo looked like what you’d expect a prospect to look like. Kinda like Barfield, just a little more sure of himself than most of the other guys.

Roger Deago

I know fantasy leaguers will be wanting to know a little about Deago, so here goes:

• His name is pronounced "day-AH-go".
• He’s listed at 5-8, but according to Mark Grant and Matt Vasgersian, that may be generous.
• His fastball runs 83-86 MPH (at least it did Saturday, and that’s consistent with the reports).
• He showed the ability and willingness Saturday to throw any pitch on any count.
• He needs to locate his pitches to be successful.
• He’s a terrific athlete. Swimming was his first sport as a youngster. He looked like he fields his position well and can handle the stick a little.
• He’ll probably be back in Mobile for his next start, so if you missed his debut, you’re too late.

Finally, Michael Rivera continues to shine behind the plate and stink at it. And stop giving the ball to Jaret Wright in crucial situations. Look what putting Brandon Villafuerte in a less demanding role has done for him. Maybe doing the same to Wright will have a similar effect on him.

Tonight the Pads begin a three-game series with the Marlins. New skipper Jack McKeon makes yet another return to San Diego. More importantly, this is a team that the Friars actually have a chance to beat. Keep your fingers crossed.