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Monkeys on Roller Skates

Thursday, April 24, 2008
by Geoff Young

Thanks to reader Lance for hooking us up with seats two rows behind the visitors dugout on Wednesday night. First time I've been anywhere near that close at Petco Park, and it's a whole different experience. For a guy like me who lives in nosebleed, just, wow. Also, belated welcome to all the folks at Gaslamp Ball who came over and hung with us while GLB was unavailable. Good to see so many familiar names as I browsed through the IGD.The national story will be that Trevor Hoffman blew a save. Hooray for the media. Here are some other stories that won't get as much play: Brian Giles struck out ...

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Posted in Game Recaps | 73 Comments »

None More Epic

Saturday, April 19, 2008
by Geoff Young

I'm late to the party -- blame a lack of sleep and previously scheduled interview (Jim returned the favor and interviewed me at AZ Snakepit) -- but here are some observations from Thursday's epic 22-inning battle with the Rockies: Jake Peavy dominated. Yeah, the game went another 14 innings after Peavy departed, but he was brilliant. Trevor Hoffman can thank Petco Park for killing two thunderous fly balls and keeping the game alive in the ninth. I'm still not ready to give up on baseball's all-time saves leader, but Hoffman's margin for error has slipped ...

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Posted in Game Recaps | 17 Comments »

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Random Roster Notes

Tuesday, March 18, 2008
by Geoff Young

Brian Giles saw his first action this spring on Monday. He went 0-for-2 against the Diamondbacks in Tucscon, but who cares? The important thing is, he was in the lineup and able to play right field. Quoth Giles: This was a pretty good test. I know it was only three innings, but the conditions weren't that good out there. It's a little wet in the outfield, and it's windy and cold. Meanwhile, Rule V draftee Callix Crabbe is pushing hard to make the Padres' Opening Day roster. Batting eighth and starting at third base on Monday, Crabbe singled twice and doubled in three trips to the plate. He's hitting .415 this spring, which doesn't tell us as much as his career .369 OBP ...

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Posted in Roster Notes, Spring Training | 41 Comments »

Friday Links (29 Feb 08)

Friday, February 29, 2008
by Geoff Young

Happy Leap Day. If you haven't participated in the Opening Day Roster contest, what's up with that? The winner receives a copy of the Ducksnorts 2008 Baseball Annual. Meanwhile, we've got links: SI.com reports that Brian Giles is feeling good. So is his surgically repaired right knee. [Kevin] John Walsh at Hardball Times is searching for baseball's best pitch. The fastballs of Heath Bell, Chris Young, and Jake Peavy get some love, as do the slider of Peavy and Young (!). [Masticore317] Rich, Sully, and friends are doing their annual Two on Two over at Baseball Analysts. As always, their commentary makes for an entertaining read, and this year's take ...

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Posted in Notes and Links | 114 Comments »

Spring Training Notes (19 Feb 08)

Tuesday, February 19, 2008
by Geoff Young

I kind of run on autopilot around here sometimes and forget to ask y'all what you want. Let me know if there's anything specific you'd like me to focus on this spring or whatever. I'm open to suggestions, but if I don't hear anything, I'll just assume all is well and keep doing whatever the heck it is I do around here. Meanwhile, back to our February optimism: Jim Edmonds underwent an insane workout regimen this past off-season (hat tip to Coronado Mike). Quoth personal trainer Jim Moss, a member of the Los Angeles County SWAT team: I told him that just because we're 38 doesn't mean we're over the hill. ...

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Posted in Notes and Links, Spring Training | 57 Comments »