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 [...]
Tag Archive for ‘heath bell’ 
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 [...]
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.
I’d Like to Be You for a Day
What’s up with Jerry Hairston Jr.? The guy is hitting .225/.268/.271 with zero homers in 141 PA when the Cardinals come to town. Next thing you know, he’s got back-to-back game-winning jacks. I thought the other Hairston did that sort of thing. It’s like he borrowed Scott’s mojo: Jerry: Hey bro, I’m kind of sucking [...]
We Have Assumed Control
Attention, all planets of the Solar Federation: With Wednesday night’s victory in San Francisco, the Padres now own the National League’s best record at 21-12. They have extended their lead in the division to 2 1/2 games and won another series. Thoughts? You know I have a few: Clayton Richard was very efficient. He needed [...]
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.