Have you ever noticed how the more you win, the more the little things irritate? Like watching the bullpen implode toward the end of Monday night’s victory against the Cubs. I should be happy with the win, right? I mean, before the season, if you’d told me the Padres would notch their 70th victory on [...]
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The Gap Between Money and Mouth
Jonathan Sanchez: “San Diego has been winning series all year. But we’re going to play San Diego now, and we’re going to beat them three times.” San Diego Padres: “No. No, you’re not.” As conversations go, this had all the subtlety of a spatula to the forehead. Still, there is something to be said for [...]
How Not to Bury a Pirate
It’s amazing the sense of entitlement one acquires when one’s team succeeds beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful — after all, the Padres did beat the Pirates on Wednesday — but whatever happened to playing a full nine innings? In case you missed it, the Padres held a 6-0 lead headed [...]
Padres Drop Series to Marlins; On the Bright Side, People Actually Saw It
Too bad nothing happened over the weekend, eh? This time of the year is so boring. Well, except for the Padres acquiring Miguel Tejada and Ryan Ludwick for three minor-league pitchers of minimal concern… and playing meaningful games against the Marlins in front of packed houses at Petco Park. Funny, I don’t remember any of [...]
That Was Fun… and So Was That
Thoughts on Sunday’s win I don’t know if that was a must-win game (aren’t they all?), but it sure was nice to avoid the sweep in Colorado headed into the All-Star break. The Rockies are a talented team, and they always seem to get stronger as the season progresses. I’d be lying if I said [...]
With Half a Season Remaining, I’m Already Running Low on Ellipses
One of the joys of east coast road trips is that, thanks to the day gig, I almost never catch any of the action. I heard exactly two pitches as I started driving home on Tuesday evening: strike one and game over. Well, that was a nice way to pass the time during my commute. [...]
Pitching, Payroll, and… I Need a Third Thing That Begins with ‘P’
The Padres somehow extended their National League West lead by 3 1/2 games in the nine days I was out on the road. Like everything else this season, it’s kind of stunning. Not that I’m complaining, but shouldn’t the pitching falter at some point? The list of top ERA+ so far this year blows my [...]
Gwynn’s Throw
I missed much of the weekend series, but caught the final few innings of Sunday’s victory over the Phillies. One of the key plays of the game came with one out in the bottom of the tenth. With Placido Polanco on first, Chase Utley singled softly to center off Padres closer Heath Bell. Polanco, representing [...]
Hundley Rises Up to Challenge of His Rival, Beats Nationals Twice
Friday Clayton Richard was efficient (7 IP, 74 pitches, 52 strikes) in Friday’s 5-3 loss to the Nationals but made a couple of mistakes. The big blow was a three-run homer off the bat of Josh Willingham in the fourth. He absolutely crushed a ball to dead center.
The Bud Black Extension
by Geoff Young on Jul 22, 2010 (1) Comments
As you probably know, Padres skipper Bud Black has had his contract extended through 2013, with club options for 2014 and 2015. I should say a few words about that. Okay: I like it. Hmmm, maybe that was too few words. Let me elaborate.