Brain dump today. Thoughts on Sandy Alderson, Ken Caminiti, Ramon Hernandez, Xavier Nady, Tim Redding, and others. I had a lot of links today, so I grouped them by subject; hope that works for you…

Sandy Alderson

• Alderson’s jump to Padres a major loss for MLB (USA Today). Hal Bodley’s piece is pretty fluffy but reinforces the notion that Alderson is a key catch.
• Alderson is good news for the Padres (MLB.com). Former Dodgers GM Fred Claire notes how the role of general manager has changed over the years. Interesting look at the Sandy Alderson signing from a man who was on the inside for a very long time.

Ken Caminiti

• In a way, Petco was built by Caminiti (U-T). The Padres honored the late Ken Caminiti before Thursday night’s game. I’ve said a lot about Cammy’s death elsewhere, but the gist of it is this: a) Yes, he was flawed, but who among us isn’t? b) Many folks in and around San Diego have very fond memories of the guy. I’m glad the Pads did something to honor Caminiti and his family. Those who suggest that this somehow validates his use of steroids need to remember one very important fact: The man is dead.

Ramon Hernandez

• Job One for Alderson: Lock up Hernandez (U-T). I like Ramon Hernandez, but you can file this under “N” for Not Gonna Happen. There are some nice words from the pitching staff about their catcher, and I share their desire to see him return. Heck, every time he comes to bat, my wife says “Give that man $40M” (geez, I hope she’s not talking to me). But if Hernandez is looking for Varitek money and the Mets truly are willing to overpay, I don’t see it happening. And I still don’t like the idea of giving a catcher a four-year deal.

Xavier Nady

• Nady to start against lefties (Padres.com). I’m happy, but why is this even news? Right now Xavier Nady is the Padres’ best hitter (that homer he hit to dead center off Brandon Lyon in Friday night’s loss reminded me of the shot Richie Sexson hit off Adam Eaton last year). The more he gets into the lineup, the better.

Tim Redding

• Padres drop opener in Arizona (Padres.com). From the article: “Redding admitted that his poor start to the season has to stop soon, especially when the pitcher he replaced in the rotation, Darrell May, came in for Redding on Friday and pitched scoreless relief for 2 2/3 innings.” To be clear, May wasn’t great but he got the job done. If he ends up taking the #5 spot, you can bet he’ll be looking over his shoulder every bit as much as Redding must be now.
• Fifth-starter blues have Padres down (U-T). Speaking of the #5 spot, this is just annoying: “For those who are keeping count, the post-Valdez No. 5s are 0-12 with a 7.85 ERA. Redding represents a quarter of the loss total with a 6.85 ERA.” Can we stop with the canonization of Ismael Valdez already? The guy just was not that good. If he were still here, he’d be getting pounded too, and the Padres wouldn’t have Travis Chick, their best pitching prospect. It’s time to move on. Seriously.

Other

• Who’s on first? Who’s in the box? & Padres win! (Padres RunDown). Peter ranks the best GMs in baseball. Of the Padres’ Kevin Towers, he says: “I would ‘guestimate’ that he�s near the middle but in my top half.”
• Winner At Eight: Dodgers 3, Padres 1 (6-4-2). I’m not linking to this just because Ducksnorts is quoted here (although I certainly appreciate that!); I like seeing what other teams’ perceptions are of the Padres, and I think Rob’s last paragraph is pretty telling.
• TV commercial followup (Gaslamp Ball). The guys at GLB are in a television commercial with the Swinging Friar. General hilarity ensues.