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Ted Williams SABR Chapter Meeting

As a reminder, I am presenting at Saturday morning’s Ted Williams SABR Chapter meeting. The event is at Petco Park and starts at 9 a.m. Here’s the full list of speakers: Jason McLeod (Vice President, Assistant General Manager, San Diego Padres) John Ingham — “Clemente, Wills and Harry the Hat: The 1967 Pirates” David Nuffer [...]

One-Hit Wonders: Randy Myers to Dennys Reyes

This is Part 10 of a 13-part series examining the 65 men who have collected exactly one hit as a member of the San Diego Padres. The current installment features a man involved in Kevin Towers’ worst trade as Padres GM, two members of the inaugural 1969 squad, a man once traded for Randy Wolf, [...]

Padres Awards Dinner

The Padres held their annual awards dinner Wednesday night at the San Diego Hall of Champions. Thanks to their generosity, I had the pleasure of attending, along with folks from Friarhood, Gaslamp Ball, and RJ’s Fro. Corey Brock offers the facts; I offer impressions as a fan…

Cantu Hear Me Knocking?

The Padres reportedly will sign veteran infielder Jorge Cantu to a 1-year deal pending a physical. The club had pursued Cantu earlier in the off-season but backed off after signing Brad Hawpe to play first base. In keeping with this winter’s trend of reporting roster moves well in advance of when they actually occur, details [...]

In Defense of Nick Hundley

Steve at Friarhood Radio recently had me on his show to discuss Jed Hoyer’s off-season moves, the role of sabermetrics in today’s game, and more. I get all rambly, as usual, but it was good fun. Big thanks to Steve for the chat. One item that came up in conversation is whether Nick Hundley can [...]

Great Pitchers Duels in Padres History: Andy Hawkins vs Orel Hershiser, 9/28/88

I touched on this game in my Epic Pitchers Duels series at Hardball Times, but it deserves further attention. To most of the baseball world, it is the game where Orel Hershiser broke Don Drysdale’s consecutive scoreless innings streak. To Bip Roberts, it is the game where Mark Parent saved his backside.

What Do You Want from Ducksnorts?

I’m trying to come up with a game plan for 2011 and I need your help. What do you want to see here this year? Game recaps? Analysis? Snark? Minor-league coverage? Interviews? Chats? Question marks? Give me some feedback. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with another year of whatever the heck it is I’ve been doing.

Arbitration Avoidification

The Padres avoided arbitration with all five of their remaining eligible players on Tuesday. Jed Hoyer appears to share his predecessor’s distaste for the “you stink, but we love you anyway” method of determining salary.

Me, Elsewhere: Why Tim Raines Was Not Your Padre

My latest at Hardball Times examines the time Tim Raines begged the Padres to let him come play in San Diego and they wouldn’t do it. Reader David alerted me to this episode, which occurred over a period of several weeks before the 1987 season, when collusion against free agents was in full effect. I [...]

What’s a Few Million Dollars Among Friends?

Reader LynchMob points out that according to Forbes, the Padres had the fifth highest operating income in 2009. Well, color me surprised.