New manager and SDSU alum Bud Black is bringing on a couple more bodies [I misread the original article; big thanks to reader Matt for pointing out the error] former Aztecs to help round out the coaching staff. Craig Colbert and Bobby Meacham will be working under Black in 2007. Colbert, manager at Triple-A Portland [...]
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Padres, Mets Swap Spare Parts
The Padres have traded outfielder Ben Johnson and right-handed reliever Jon Adkins for two bullpen arms, lefty Royce Ring and righty Heath Bell. Although not as interesting as, say, Don’t Fear the Reaper performed on ukelele, this is one of those minor deals that could help both clubs. Other Reaction: Metsblog (via Baseball Musings) Baseball [...]
Webb Deservedly Wins Cy Young Award
I know I’m supposed to toe the party line and support my guy, but I’d rather see the writers get it right. I love Trevor Hoffman, and being at Petco Park when he broke Lee Smith’s all-time saves record is not something I’ll soon forget, but there’s no way he belonged in a serious discussion [...]
Can Giles Bounce Back?
There’s been some discussion recently on the value of Brian Giles. Specifically, did his 2006 season (.263/.374/.397) represent an aberration or the beginning of the end? Giles turns 36 in January, so it’s tempting to believe that the latter is the case. However, there is precedent for a player performing at a very high level [...]
Friday Links (10 Nov 06)
Geez, this is supposed to be the off-season. Busy, busy, busy… Two articles in today’s U-T on Bud Black, formally introduced Thursday night as the Padres’ new manager: The Buddy system and Compromise or consensus, it’s Bud’s job. Interesting look at Black, as well as the process that led to his hiring. Padres’ new manager [...]
Black Named Manager, Barfield Dealt to Cleveland
Pretty uneventful day, huh? Somehow I get the feeling “uneventful” is not a word that will ever be used to describe Sandy Alderson’s tenure with the Padres. And it’s nice to see that Kevin Towers isn’t content to rest on any laurels after receiving a contract extension. You might want to sit down for this [...]
Towers Stays, Roberts Not So Much
While we’re waiting for the Padres to name a manager, there’s plenty else to keep us occupied. First, GM Kevin Towers’ option has been picked up through 2008. Love him or hate him, he’ll be with the Padres for a couple more years. Remember all the talk about Sandy Alderson’s presence as CEO being a [...]
Managerial Non-Update
Sorry for the lack of managerial coverage — I’ve been dedicating almost all of my time to the book lately (hope you’re enjoying the excerpts). Here’s a recap of where we’re at and what’s next for the Padres in their search for Bruce Bochy’s replacement: All six candidates (Dusty Baker, Bud Black, Trey Hillman, Jose [...]
Ducksnorts Book Excerpt: 2006 Game of the Year: Barfield Homers into the Night
The following excerpt is taken from the upcoming Ducksnorts book, tentatively scheduled for February 2007 publication. This is part of a chapter that focuses on the Padres’ 7-5 victory over the Rockies on September 4, 2006, at Petco Park, courtesy of a three-run homer off the bat of rookie second baseman Josh Barfield with two [...]
Baker Added to Managerial Mix; Padres Sign Minor-League Free Agents
As you probably know by now, Dusty Baker will interview for the Padres managerial vacancy on Monday. Considering Baker brings a lot of the same things to the table that the departed Bruce Bochy did, this doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. Okay, actually it doesn’t make any sense to me. David Pinto [...]
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