Excuses, Excuses

It’s nice to be appreciated. Some of you have asked about the lack of recent updates, and here’s the deal. I’ve been spending a lot of time and energy the past few months looking for a new job. This has forced me to cut back on "leisure activities" more than I’d have liked.

But I’m happy to report that I’ve found a job, which I’ll be starting this coming Monday. I’ll be building and editing content for web sites. Pretty cool, huh? Anyway, things should settle down here shortly and I’ll be able to return to a more regular schedule. Meantime, thanks for your patience.

A Look Back

Caught a little of the Channel 4 rebroadcast of the July 22 game against the Dodgers. A few observations:

• Brian Lawrence’s pitches were really moving. He also had a little more life on his fastball than I’d remembered.
• A guy like Lawrence, who is one of the most extreme groundball pitchers in baseball, absolutely cannot survive with an infield of Ryan Klesko, Julius Matos, Deivi Cruz, and Phil Nevin. Thankfully, this year he won’t have to.
• Sticking Matos, Cruz, and Wil Nieves in the same lineup is a good way to avoid scoring runs.
• I’m going to miss Ron Gant. He brought a lot to this ballclub last year.
• I’m looking forward to seeing Dave Hansen play for the Pads. The guy can flat rake.

Spring Training Update

After the game, I watched the nightly spring training report on Channel 4. Not a whole lot to report at this early date, but here are a few tidbits:

• Rob Ramsay is participating in workouts but is still undergoing chemotherapy every six weeks. It’s hard to imagine his chances of contributing much on the field are real good, but his perseverance is admirable. I’m rooting for the guy.
• Ramon Vazquez isn’t taking anything for granted, in terms of where or how often he’ll play. He’s prepared to play any of the infield positions. Vazquez’ "team first" attitude is good to hear, but he’s the starting shortstop.
• Homer Bush, Jose Flores, Keith Lockhart, and Chris Sexton are battling for the backup infield spot(s). Nobody has the advantage going in; I believe Flores still has options.
• The catching situation is wide open. Newcomer Michael Rivera, who has the highest offensive upside of the hopefuls, acknowledged that he needs to work on his throwing.
• Clay Condrey is ready to work as a starter or reliever. He’s just happy to be here. Sounds cliché, but remember that this is a kid who was signed out of a tryout camp. He is another, like Brian Tollberg a few years back, who has had a taste and is hungry for more.

And here are a few more nuggets for you:

• Jarvis will have to show Towers he can still start (U-T). Kevin Jarvis is one of many contestants for the #5 spot in this year’s rotation; unlike most of the others, he’s also a bullpen option.
• Nevin plans to muffle himself, not his ‘hogs’ (U-T). Davey Lopes is working with Nevin on his outfield defense. Bruce Bochy continues to sing the praises of Donaldo "Don’t Call Me Enzo" Mendez. Minor league outfielder Vince Faison reportedly lost 20 pounds in offseason workouts and is now running the way he did when he was drafted in 1999.
• He may not be flashy, but sinkerballer Lawrence is Padres’ No. 1 pitcher (NC Times). A closer look at the new Andy Ashby.

That’s all for now. Keep your eye on the ball…