first pitch: 7:05 p.m., PT
television: Channel 4
matchup: Brian Lawrence (7-15, 5.06 ERA) vs Noah Lowry (13-13, 3.90 ERA)
Whatever. 
IGD: Padres vs Giants (29 Sep 2005)
Playoff Bound!
My hands are swollen, my voice is shot. I have never cheered so hard for anything in my life. The Padres, like it or not, are the NL West champions.
That reminds me, I have to get something off my chest: Everyone who says the Padres should be ashamed or embarrassed for winning their division can officially kiss my Assenmacher. What the hell are they supposed to be doing if not trying to make the playoffs?
Obviously Wednesday night was a magical one for the Pads and their fans. The party kept going well after the final out. We didn’t leave Petco till almost 11:30. The game itself probably deserves better analysis than I can provide right now, but here are some moments that promise to endure in my memory:
- Pedro Astacio was, again, brilliant on the mound. If there was any doubt that he’s our #2, it has been erased. Feel free to mention Astacio’s name whenever someone asks if any of Kevin Towers’ reclamation projects have done any good.
- Barry Bonds has no business being on a ball field right now. I applaud his effort but I can’t recall ever seeing a worse defensive performance from an outfielder. It’s not his fault; he’s hurt. But he couldn’t run balls down, he couldn’t plant to make throws. Two runs scored on sac flies that weren’t even medium depth.
- It was clear early on that the Padres had a plan against Jason Schmidt. More importantly, they executed it. They were very patient at the plate and made him throw a ton of pitches. Schmidt, battling injuries, was not at the top of his game and the Pads took advantage of it. Steady offensive production throughout the game. Very solid.
- Ovations for Ramon Hernandez in his first at-bat after Tuesday night’s game-winning grand slam and for Astacio as he was removed for Rudy Seanez in the seventh.
- Todd Linden came to bat for Bonds in the eighth when the Giants basically threw up the white flag. From somewhere in our section: “Aw, hell, let’s boo him anyway.” Hilarious, although perhaps not so much if you are Linden.
- “Hells Bells” blaring through the stadium PA as Trevor Hoffman made his entrance into a 9-1 contest. Sure, that song is reserved for save situations. But I think sealing the division for just the fourth time in your team’s history is a fine excuse to break protocol.
- Running into readers Didi, dprat, and Rich Campbell. Always good to share these times with friends.
- Ben Johnson catching the final out of the game and everyone racing into the mound to celebrate. Johnson is a fave of mine from his days at Elsinore. I wish all the Padres well, of course, but it’s always a little extra special when a former Storm player is involved.
- The celebration that lasted well into the autumn night. Mark Sweeney running atop the dugout, filming fans with a TV camera he’d commandeered. Robert Fick busting out the goggles to protect his eyes from champagne (you can tell the guys who have been there before). Padres kids running around the outfield grass. Fans chanting “Let’s Go Padres” more than an hour after the game had ended.
I’m probably forgetting a lot of stuff, but right now I don’t care. Unlike many teams, for whom the playoffs are a regular occurrence, the Pads haven’t been to the dance since 1998. And although some folks may find it troubling that the Friars are headed back this year, I find it nothing short of exciting and amazing. This was the goal at the beginning of spring training, and the Padres, unlike 22 other teams, have accomplished it.
Now it’s on to bigger and better things. Hot damn, it’s good to be a Padres fan.
IGD: Padres vs Giants (28 Sep 2005)
first pitch: 7:05 p.m., PT
television: Channel 4
matchup: Pedro Astacio (5-10, 4.85 ERA) vs Jason Schmidt (12-6, 4.29 ERA)
Sure, the Giants have Barry Bonds. But they don’t have Ramon Hernandez. They don’t have Clay Hensley or Scott Linebrink, either, although many moons ago they did. And for once, J.T. Snow‘s glove actually helped the Padres.
The Friars have five games remaining. If they can win just one of those, they’re in the playoffs. Without a second reliable starter behind Jake Peavy, it will be a mighty struggle once there. But to be in the dance is the thing. Ask folks in Oakland or Miami, to name two cities whose fine clubs are reduced to playing out the string.
Positives from Tuesday night’s game:
- After Bonds’ first-inning homer gave SF the early 3-0 lead, the Pads tied it in the bottom half off former Friar Brett Tomko. That set the tone and got the crowd into it.
- Nine runs in four innings. Where’s that been?
- Stellar work from the bullpen. Trevor Hoffman had a rough night Monday but bounced back to shut down the Giants and seal the victory. Of course, Hensley and Linebrink were huge also.
- Ramon, baby! Snow may have laid the groundwork, but Ramon wielded the spade and did the burying. The swing on his grand slam was short, swift, and decisive. And he found the short part of the park. Smart cookie; more guys should try that.
I would give a list of negatives, but the only one I can think of is Adam Eaton‘s performance. Eaton has not been able to get on track since his early-season injury. I don’t know what to tell you; the guy looks like he can pitch but he just isn’t getting it done right now.
So tonight the Pads turn to Rangers castoff Astacio to see if he can keep working his magic. If the club is to make any noise in the playoffs, they’ll need him to do it just a little bit longer.
I’ll be at Petco, but as always, feel free to talk about the game or anything else that strikes your fancy. If the Pads clinch, be sure to listen for me. I’ll be the guy screaming like a crazy screamin’ dude.
I could use a good scream. You?
IGD: Padres vs Giants (27 Sep 2005)
first pitch: 7:05 p.m., PT
television: Channel 4
matchup: Adam Eaton (10-5, 4.18 ERA) vs Brett Tomko (7-15, 4.48 ERA)
preview: Padres.com
I’m kind of at a loss for words today. Actually, that’s not true. I’ve got plenty of words but I don’t care to use most of ‘em.
From where I was situated last night, I thought that Brian Giles had made the catch to close out the victory. Our section actually started celebrating.
Maybe everyone is right. Maybe we really do suck. Give us bonus points for self-realization. That’s good karma, right?
Right now, I can’t decide whether I hate the Giants or the Padres more. How many times can the Pads jump out to a 2-0 lead in the first, only to pack it in the rest of the way? How many times can they take bad hacks ahead in the count against lousy pitchers?
Monday night was a statement game. Unfortunately, the statement the Padres made was, “Welcome to San Diego, the division is yours for the taking.”
I still have more words. I’ll stop now before things get ugly.
IGD: Padres vs Giants (26 Sep 2005)
first pitch: 7:05 p.m., PT
television: Channel 4
matchup: Jake Peavy (13-7, 2.95 ERA) vs Brad Hennessey (5-8, 4.96 ERA)
preview: Padres.com
The Giants come to town guaranteed to finish the season with a losing record, and yet they are still in the playoff hunt. Thanks to the Rockies bullpen and the Padres general inability to hit the baseball, the Friars didn’t gain any ground on Sunday.
If Manny Alexander’s bomb off Jose Valverde in the ninth had stayed fair, things might look a little different today. But it hooked just foul and, really, do you want to rely on Alexander to provide the offensive spark?
Turning to Monday night’s matchup, Peavy has held most current Giants pretty well in check. The two exceptions are Barry Bonds (.313/.607/1.000 in 16 AB) and J.T. Snow (.333/.400/.667 in 27 AB).
On the other side, Hennessey hasn’t faced the Pads much in his career. Brian Giles has the lone homer.
Yes, it has been and continues to be a frustrating season. Then again, there are only about seven teams I’d trade places with right now. Although the car keeps getting worse, the Padres do remain in the drivers’ seat.
Technorati tags: Padres, San Diego Padres, baseball
Showdown in the West
Gratuitous dog picture, but I had to get a shot of Toby up here before the season ends. Doesn’t he look stylish in his Ducksnorts cap. As a not-so-subtle reminder, you can buy a cap (but not a dog) at the Ducksnorts Online Store. Proceeds this month go to the Red Cross to help in the hurricane effort.
Before we talk about the baseball Giants, I’d just like to say that if Sunday’s showing against the Chargers is the best an Eli Manning team can do, he is welcome to come to San Diego anytime. Really, it would be our pleasure.
Anyway, the Giants come to town just 4 games back of the Padres. All games start at 7:05 p.m. PT and will be televised on San Diego Channel 4.
Your matchups:
- Monday: Jake Peavy (13-7, 2.95 ERA) vs Brad Hennessey (5-8, 4.96 ERA)
- Tuesday: Adam Eaton (10-5, 4.18 ERA) vs Brett Tomko (7-15, 4.48 ERA)
- Wednesday: Pedro Astacio (5-10, 4.85 ERA) vs Jason Schmidt (12-6, 4.29 ERA)
- Thursday: Brian Lawrence (7-15, 5.06 ERA) vs Noah Lowry (13-13, 3.90 ERA)
The Pads need a split to clinch a share of the NL West championship. On paper, they should be able to win two games against the Giants. In reality, anything can happen.
I’ll be out at the park Monday through Wednesday. With luck we’ll be dancing in the aisles after one of those games.
Technorati tags: Padres, San Diego Padres, baseball
IGD: Padres @ Diamondbacks (25 Sep 2005)
first pitch: 1:40 p.m., PT
television: Channel 4
matchup: Woody Williams (8-12, 5.07 ERA) vs Javier Vazquez (11-15, 4.57 ERA)
preview: ESPN | Padres.com
You know what would be a ballsy move that won’t happen? Stick Clay Hensley in the playoff rotation behind Jake Peavy and Pedro Astacio. Here’s how Hensley and the guys who will get actual consideration have fared since the All-Star break:
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | H/9 | HR/9 | BB/9 | SO/9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clay Hensley | 40.1 | 2.01 | 6.92 | 0.00 | 3.12 | 5.58 |
| Adam Eaton | 36.2 | 5.89 | 10.31 | 1.47 | 3.93 | 5.89 |
| Woody Williams | 68.1 | 6.19 | 10.80 | 1.71 | 3.42 | 6.72 |
| Chan Ho Park | 39.1 | 6.41 | 10.07 | 0.46 | 5.03 | 6.86 |
| Brian Lawrence | 69.1 | 6.62 | 11.55 | 0.91 | 3.63 | 6.10 |
Sometimes being “unproven” is a good thing.
After Saturday night‘s bullpen implosion, the Pads try to bounce back and take the series at Arizona on Sunday. They’ll have to do it without leadoff hitter Dave Roberts, who strained his left quad and is expected to be out 7-10 days.
Having the Rockies shut down the Giants again would be nice also. I could live with a magic number of 2 and the final seven games at home.
Other Stuff
- Padres could be first division winner with losing record (AP). Wow, they’re really on top of things. How come I haven’t heard about this before?
- Astacio’s effort earns praise (Padres.com). Did anyone see this coming? Joe Randa got all the attention, but the acquisition of Astacio has been huge.
- Giles leads club by example (Padres.com). Kind of a fluff piece. I love this quote from Xavier Nady, about Giles: “He’s the best.” Don’t we know it.
- Greene’s play earns raves (Padres.com). More fluff, but again there’s a great quote, this one from Greene: “Acclaim and media attention aren’t much of a concern to me. As long as the guys I’m playing with respect me, that’s what really matters.” Not that anyone who has watched Greene play has ever doubted his focus, but I love the first part of that quote.
- Otsuka can’t get any relief in desert (U-T). It’s not only the rotation that has to be settled going into the playoffs. Personally I’d give Scott Linebrink the eighth and possibly the seventh depending on situation, and let Aki, Rudy Seanez, and Hensley (if he doesn’t start, which he won’t) take the sixth and seventh. Please, no more Chris Hammond. Does anyone else miss Paul Quantrill? Maybe just a little?
- Phillies, Padres, Red Sox win coin tosses (Yahoo). Not that anyone wants to think about such a possibility, but if there were to be a one-game playoff between the Pads and Giants, it would be at Petco.
- Padres Prospect Interview: Greg Sain (Scout.com). John Conniff catches up with USD alum Sain, who finished the 2005 season at Triple-A Portland.
Technorati tags: Padres, San Diego Padres, baseball
IGD: Padres @ Diamondbacks (24 Sep 2005)
first pitch: 6:40 p.m., PT
television: Channel 4
matchup: Brian Lawrence (7-15, 5.02 ERA) vs Russ Ortiz (5-11, 6.73 ERA)
preview: Padres.com
Friday night I went out to dinner and saw a guy in a Ryan Leaf jersey. I just about lost my appetite. But I made it through the meal and got home in time to watch the Padres finish off the Diamondbacks in their newly renamed home stadium, Chase Field.
Pedro Astacio worked six strong innings at ex-BOB. Right now, beyond Jake Peavy, he’s the only starter pitching with any kind of consistency.
Despite leaving 13 runners on base and failing to capitalize on Claudio Vargas‘ 7 walks in 6 innings, the Pads scratched out enough runs to get the win. Khalil Greene supplied the big blow, a two-run homer to left off Vargas in the sixth.
Greene is getting hot at just the right time. His batting average and OBP are down from last year, but he’s reached the 15-homer mark for the second straight season. And among big-league shortstops with 400+ PA, only Cleveland’s Jhonny Peralta (.222), Baltimore’s Miguel Tejada (.219), and Milwaukee’s Bill Hall (.194) have a higher ISO than Greene (.188).
As for Saturday’s game, look out for falling objects. Here is how the two scheduled starters have fared since the All-Star break:
Lawrence: 65.2 IP, 6.58 ERA, .301 BAA
Ortiz: 33, 8.73, .338
Hey, who needs batting practice?
Meantime, the Giants won’t go away. They came back from down 6-0 at Coors Field to win again.
The good news is, if the Padres stay focused and keep winning, it won’t matter what the Giants do. Folks can whine about it as much as they want, but the Friars will be in the playoffs. And as I mentioned over on Outsider Radio the other day, anything can happen in a short series.
We’re getting there, my friends; hang tight and keep the faith.
IGD: Padres @ Diamondbacks (23 Sep 2005)
first pitch: 6:40 p.m., PT
television: Channel 4
matchup: Pedro Astacio (4-10, 4.94 ERA) vs Claudio Vargas (9-8, 5.38 ERA)
preview: Padres.com
True but largely irrelevant story: I was at Astacio’s big-league debut in 1992. Due to the Los Angeles riots that spring, the Dodgers had to postpone several games, which meant a bunch of doubleheaders later in the season.
This took its toll on the pitching staff. And on July 3, a lanky right-hander just up from Triple-A got the call to make a spot start. The idea was for Astacio to give the big club a proverbial shot in the arm and then get shipped back to Albuquerque.
What actually happened was he shut out the Phillies on three hits, fanning 10. Astacio remained in the rotation on the basis of that outing and finished the season with a 1.98 ERA and 4 complete game shutouts in just 11 starts.
Now, 324 starts later, Astacio takes on the Snakes as the Pads try to put the finishing touches on what would be their first NL West championship since 1998. Arizona counters with Vargas, about whom I have no stories.
Other Stuff
- Playoff tickets available Oct. 1 (NC Times). Games 3 and 4 would be held in San Diego on Friday, October 7, and Saturday, October 8.
- Rangers’ Nevin ‘happy’ for former teammates (NC Times)
- Player-Seasonal Notation: Part One (Hardball Times). I’ll let Steve Treder explain in his own words: “It goes like this: every team always has nine batters in its lineup, right? So if you want to know exactly what the average batter’s stat line looked like for any team in any year, all you do is divide the team batting line by nine.” Fun stuff.
- BTB Power 30 (Beyond the Boxscore). I like how the Pads get slammed the hardest out of the NL West clubs by virtue of their leading the division.
Also, I will be appearing today on Brandon Rosage’s Outsider Radio. And shirts and caps are available at the Ducksnorts Online Store, with September proceeds going toward the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.
Beat the Snakes!
Ducksnorts on Outsider Radio
Hey, sorry for the short notice but this just kind of happened. I’ll be appearing on Friday’s edition of Brandon Rosage’s Outsider Radio. Be sure to check it out.
And if you’re a visitor from Brandon’s show, thanks for stopping by. Have a look around, hang out a while. Drinks are in the fridge.
Recent Comments