Saturday, February 26, 2011
Over At The Fro: February of 1936 with the PCL Padres
AJM went to the library. Came up with all sort of good stuff from February of 1936. From naming the team to acquiring players and building a park, see what it was like as San Diegans anticipated their first season of professional baseball. Over at The Fro.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Dear Padres Fans: This Is Curt Flood's Fault...
I have a friend who has lived in San Diego county for over twenty years but who has never come around to following the city's sports franchises. The two teams he follows are found in locations in which he has never lived... and of course both of those teams have won championships so he's a happy fan. He has his father to thank for this bit of indoctrination.
From time to time I will write a post regarding the San Diego Padres' choice in uniform colors. Invariably this friend of mine will joke, "...another piece on fashion. That's all San Diego has to talk about."
But to think that what I'm writing has anything to do with fashion is to ignore your ability as a functioning human. To ignore your capabilities as an evolved member of the species who can read and think critically.
You see, I don't believe in fashion statements...
If I believed in fashion statements you would probably catch me in something other than flip-flops and jeans. I just can't be bothered by fashion.
But when I begin to wax nostalgic about the Padres in brown it has nothing to do with fashion and everything to do with the team's history as a Major League Baseball franchise in the city of San Diego.
Before we talk about the Brown though, we need a little history lesson...
The Padres were but a fledgling MLB one-year old* when the landscape of baseball would be forever altered. In 1970, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Curt Flood decided that it was inherently unfair to be the property of the team who drafted you for your entire career. Flood's decision to challenge Major League Baseball left behind a powerful legacy for players: free agency.
It is free agency that has robbed the smaller markets, like San Diego, of marquis players playing the duration of their careers as Padres. Any player that came along before Curt Flood was an indentured servant of that organization. It sucked for that player but boy did it do a lot for establishing a team's identity. Players who were bound to a team did a great deal to bolster the recognition of that team by compiling Hall of Fame careers in one uniform. Identity tends to breed credibility.
This all began to crumble as the Padres came into existence and consequently the Padres have had very few identifiable players in their history: Randy Jones, Tony Gwynn and Trevor Hoffman.
So where do fans hang their hat absent Cooperstown busts and the flashy names stitched to the back of a jersey?
Imagine this team here in San Diego as a tree. A tree's life is only as good as the strength of its roots and those roots are wrapped up in both the city's name and the team's name. If those two things remain constant an organization can remain operational and identifiable. But there is one additional root that provides the strength, identity, and above all, credibility: the team's uniform.
It matters not what the uniforms look like, only that there is some level of consistency across the years. Teams that achieve this consistency also achieve credibility and with that trait, fans are created and most importantly retained. Absent the faces of recognizable superstars team's must rely on this consistency to provide a credible product.
Would you date someone who has no sense of identity? [rephrase] Isn't it difficult to date someone who lacks their own sense of identity? Yes it is difficult as I'm sure some of you are well aware... and you're probably all Padres fans**.
The Padres have run away from this notion of identity, a tree thinking it can survive without roots. Own who you are and don't change based on the whims of market research that eventually becomes outdated every six seasons. Own who you are and don't apologize for it.
This was all a very long winded way of saying that you should sign the Bring Back The Brown San Diego petition.*** Sign up for your heritage... and own it! Bring Back The Brown also just did an interview over at Gaslamp Ball. Read it.
*One year old as a MLB franchise. But you know your history... that the Padres were in fact born in 1936... which means they were really old, like an old maid... or maybe Reese Witherspoon-ish.
** We're gluttons for punishment aren't we?
*** It was also a long winded way of attacking Curt Flood's legacy, may he rest in piece, and its consequences of preventing recognizable faces in a good many of baseball's modern franchises.
From time to time I will write a post regarding the San Diego Padres' choice in uniform colors. Invariably this friend of mine will joke, "...another piece on fashion. That's all San Diego has to talk about."
But to think that what I'm writing has anything to do with fashion is to ignore your ability as a functioning human. To ignore your capabilities as an evolved member of the species who can read and think critically.
You see, I don't believe in fashion statements...
If I believed in fashion statements you would probably catch me in something other than flip-flops and jeans. I just can't be bothered by fashion.
But when I begin to wax nostalgic about the Padres in brown it has nothing to do with fashion and everything to do with the team's history as a Major League Baseball franchise in the city of San Diego.
Before we talk about the Brown though, we need a little history lesson...
It is free agency that has robbed the smaller markets, like San Diego, of marquis players playing the duration of their careers as Padres. Any player that came along before Curt Flood was an indentured servant of that organization. It sucked for that player but boy did it do a lot for establishing a team's identity. Players who were bound to a team did a great deal to bolster the recognition of that team by compiling Hall of Fame careers in one uniform. Identity tends to breed credibility.
This all began to crumble as the Padres came into existence and consequently the Padres have had very few identifiable players in their history: Randy Jones, Tony Gwynn and Trevor Hoffman.
So where do fans hang their hat absent Cooperstown busts and the flashy names stitched to the back of a jersey?
Imagine this team here in San Diego as a tree. A tree's life is only as good as the strength of its roots and those roots are wrapped up in both the city's name and the team's name. If those two things remain constant an organization can remain operational and identifiable. But there is one additional root that provides the strength, identity, and above all, credibility: the team's uniform.
It matters not what the uniforms look like, only that there is some level of consistency across the years. Teams that achieve this consistency also achieve credibility and with that trait, fans are created and most importantly retained. Absent the faces of recognizable superstars team's must rely on this consistency to provide a credible product.
The Padres have run away from this notion of identity, a tree thinking it can survive without roots. Own who you are and don't change based on the whims of market research that eventually becomes outdated every six seasons. Own who you are and don't apologize for it.
This was all a very long winded way of saying that you should sign the Bring Back The Brown San Diego petition.*** Sign up for your heritage... and own it! Bring Back The Brown also just did an interview over at Gaslamp Ball. Read it.
*One year old as a MLB franchise. But you know your history... that the Padres were in fact born in 1936... which means they were really old, like an old maid... or maybe Reese Witherspoon-ish.
** We're gluttons for punishment aren't we?
*** It was also a long winded way of attacking Curt Flood's legacy, may he rest in piece, and its consequences of preventing recognizable faces in a good many of baseball's modern franchises.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Trying to remember the 2010 Padres: (dragging the fIeld)
Record...
The Padres are 6-2 in the first 8 games I attended in 2010 (Storm 1-1).
Of the 8 games 2 have been played on Throwback Thursdays. The Padres are 1-1
Pitchers Of Note...
Heath Bell pitched in all six wins going 2-0 with 4 saves (O saves blown).
Clayton Richard... 2-1
Mat Latos... 1-0 with 1 no-decision.
Mike Adams... 1-0
Kevin Correia... 1 ND
Wade LeBlanc...0-1
Hitters of Note...
Chase Headley hit the winning HR in my home opener and Scott Hairston got a key insurance 2-run HR in the Beerfest game. Adrian Gonzalez put the Giants on the back foot with a 1st inning HR in game #5.
Albert Pujols and Brendan Ryan each hit monster shots in a Throwback Thursday loss for the Padres in game #7. Adam Jones came back to his hometown and knocked one out for the Orioles in an extraordinarily boring Interleague affair.
Tony Gwynn Jr. seemed to always be laying down a critical sacrifice bunt.
David Eckstein seemed to find his way into the middle of rallies with great frequency.
The Best Games...
Of these 8 games there were three that were monumental. Monumental is a bold statement but I don't care. The Padres rallying back in game #1 and winning it on a Chase Headley HR was a fantastic start to the season. The Latos v. Oswalt pitchers' duel was a game I'll never forget also. But perhaps the most recent game game (#10) played on July 29th, 2010 will be the one that sticks with me the longest:
- Padres win.
- Padres win in walk-off style.
- Padres win in walk-off style against the Dodgers.
- Padres win in walk-off style against the Dodgers for her FIRST ever game attended.
***
The most indelible marks have been left by pitchers. The PENitentiary was lights out for the whole year and it was no different in the games I attended. Pitching match-ups and performances just stood out. I think I can put my finger on it but maybe waiting for the season review would make more sense.
***
The hits are memorable if they are walk-off winners. Not so much if they're not.
***
The 2010 Padres were high on effort. They battled back for a few of their wins and even in the two losses they fought back and gave themselves a chance. A microcosm of the entire Padres season.
***
The most memorable parts of baseball, for me, have been the personal experiences. Whether it was a meaningful game with family or one with friends that aspect of the experience always stood out above all else... well the wins stand out too. But the point is that baseball is a pretty good relationship builder.
***
Trying to think if I made any enemies during the last 8 games of the year... let's find out.
*Here's the series in a nutshell
Monday, February 21, 2011
Trying to remember the 2010 Padres: Game 10 (the most memorable of all games)
I went to 18 baseball games in 2010. Two involving the Lake Elsinore Storm and 16 featuring the Padres. My mind ebbs and flows. If only I had a sure fire way of remembering everything...
For series explanation and previous installments [go here]
GAME 10 of 18
July 29th, 2010
Padres v. Dodgers @Petco Park
(Thursday/ Upper Reserved Section 317... but we sat in the Park at the Park)
WHAT I THINK I KNOW...
On July 29th the time had come. Daughter #2 was about to go to her first Padres game while Daughter #1 was getting her second game. For this treat we offered the Los Angeles Dodgers to the baseball gods. Mat Latos was on the hill for the Padres and I think it was that crazy headhunter for Los Angeles.
***
My buddy Al met the Mrs. and I, along with daughters in tow, at the Park at the Park. We picnicked in the shadow of the greatest Padre of them all, taking pictures, running through the grass and watching as much baseball as little ones will permit.
***
The game extended to a precarious length for children accustomed to a structured bed time routine but we pressed on determined to see a regulation 9 innings. We agreed to leave if it went to extras.
***
Something told me that 9 innings was all it would take and if we could just make it we'd be rewarded. I believe it was Oscar Salazar who would eventually knock home the winning run in the bottom of the 9th and it was there at the Park at the Park that we celebrated a walk-off win dancing to the sounds of Macy Gray playing over the PA system.
Source: A child's first game... and a ticket stub.
RESEARCH SAYS...
The Padres won 3-2.
Mat Latos surrendered two runs as did Dodgers' starter Vicente Padilla (aka Headhunter). Latos (5IP) and Padilla (4IP) had unspectacular starts and did not factor into the decision.
The Padres bullpen pitched 4 scoreless innings giving up only 1 hit and striking-out 6 batters. The relief effort featured Joe Thatcher (1IP), Ryan Webb (1IP), Luke Gregerson (1IP), and Heath Bell (1IP).
***
Heath Bell worked a scoreless 9th and was credited with the win, improving to 5-0. Dodgers' reliever George Sherrill recorded only 1 out in the 9th inning getting the loss (1-2).
***
In the ninth inning Scoot Hairston singled and was sacrificed to 2B by a Tony Gwynn Jr. bunt. Oscar Salazar battled George Sherrill in an 8 pitch AB in which Salazar was victorious, driving a game winning single up the middle to plate Hairston.
***
Padres win. So much beauty in the world...
Attendance: 42,075. Sellout.
NOTABLE OMISSIONS...
Game time: 3 hours and 10 minutes
***
Throwback Thursday. Brown and Yellow '78s
***
Adrian Gonzalez went 2 for 4 lifting his average to .297. Adrian had a notable AB against Dodger reliever Hong Chih Kuo in the 7th inning. I believe that the statistic during this AB was that Kuo, a lefty, had not surrendered a hit to a left handed batter all year... or maybe something ridiculous like the previous 30 ABs. Whatever the exact statistic, the fact remains that Kuo held leftys to an average of .095 in 2010... which is crazy. Adrian banged Kuo for a single.
***
Chase Headley: 1 for 2 with 2BBs. 1 R/1RBI.
***
When Oscar Salazar knocked the game winner he was pinch hitting for Everth Cabrera. Salazar's .237 avg. for Cabrera's .199. Makes sense.
***
Before the start of this game the Padres acquired SS Miguel Tejada for minor league pitcher Wynn Pelzer.
***
The Padres moved to 60-40, 20 games above .500 for the first time in 2010
***
The win pushed them 7 games ahead of the Dodgers and 3 1/2 ahead of the San Francisco Giants.
***
Check out this video and sound taken from a fan in attendance... awesome!
***
Listen/watch to the audio/video at the Padres link below. Vin Scully gives the call on Salazar's game winning hit.
Source: Baseball Reference and Padres.com
LASTING IMPRESSIONS...
The whole reason I started this series was because I couldn't remember the first game I went to as a kid with my dad. This particular game, during a pennant race and against the rival Dodgers, turned out to be the very first game for the daughter. She won't remember it. But if she ever asks, there are pictures, ticket stubs, video, and this modest piece of writing to document when and where it happened.
***
I love walk-off wins. The last three write-ups I've done have all been Padres wins where the winning run was scored in their final AB (1 walk-off and 2 in the 8th).
***
Macy Gray's So Much Beauty In The World has grown on me. While I would prefer Pennywise's Bro Hymn, Gray's song has come to signify wins in San Diego. That's always good.
***
There are only 8 games left to catalog in my 2010 season and since I've recapped 8 Padres games (2 Storm) it's probably time for a mid-season review. I'll save it for Wednesday.
For series explanation and previous installments [go here]
GAME 10 of 18
July 29th, 2010
Padres v. Dodgers @Petco Park
(Thursday/ Upper Reserved Section 317... but we sat in the Park at the Park)
WHAT I THINK I KNOW...
On July 29th the time had come. Daughter #2 was about to go to her first Padres game while Daughter #1 was getting her second game. For this treat we offered the Los Angeles Dodgers to the baseball gods. Mat Latos was on the hill for the Padres and I think it was that crazy headhunter for Los Angeles.
***
My buddy Al met the Mrs. and I, along with daughters in tow, at the Park at the Park. We picnicked in the shadow of the greatest Padre of them all, taking pictures, running through the grass and watching as much baseball as little ones will permit.
***
The game extended to a precarious length for children accustomed to a structured bed time routine but we pressed on determined to see a regulation 9 innings. We agreed to leave if it went to extras.
***
Something told me that 9 innings was all it would take and if we could just make it we'd be rewarded. I believe it was Oscar Salazar who would eventually knock home the winning run in the bottom of the 9th and it was there at the Park at the Park that we celebrated a walk-off win dancing to the sounds of Macy Gray playing over the PA system.
Source: A child's first game... and a ticket stub.
RESEARCH SAYS...
The Padres won 3-2.
Mat Latos surrendered two runs as did Dodgers' starter Vicente Padilla (aka Headhunter). Latos (5IP) and Padilla (4IP) had unspectacular starts and did not factor into the decision.
The Padres bullpen pitched 4 scoreless innings giving up only 1 hit and striking-out 6 batters. The relief effort featured Joe Thatcher (1IP), Ryan Webb (1IP), Luke Gregerson (1IP), and Heath Bell (1IP).
***
Heath Bell worked a scoreless 9th and was credited with the win, improving to 5-0. Dodgers' reliever George Sherrill recorded only 1 out in the 9th inning getting the loss (1-2).
***
In the ninth inning Scoot Hairston singled and was sacrificed to 2B by a Tony Gwynn Jr. bunt. Oscar Salazar battled George Sherrill in an 8 pitch AB in which Salazar was victorious, driving a game winning single up the middle to plate Hairston.
***
Padres win. So much beauty in the world...
Attendance: 42,075. Sellout.
NOTABLE OMISSIONS...
Game time: 3 hours and 10 minutes
***
Throwback Thursday. Brown and Yellow '78s
***
Adrian Gonzalez went 2 for 4 lifting his average to .297. Adrian had a notable AB against Dodger reliever Hong Chih Kuo in the 7th inning. I believe that the statistic during this AB was that Kuo, a lefty, had not surrendered a hit to a left handed batter all year... or maybe something ridiculous like the previous 30 ABs. Whatever the exact statistic, the fact remains that Kuo held leftys to an average of .095 in 2010... which is crazy. Adrian banged Kuo for a single.
***
Chase Headley: 1 for 2 with 2BBs. 1 R/1RBI.
***
When Oscar Salazar knocked the game winner he was pinch hitting for Everth Cabrera. Salazar's .237 avg. for Cabrera's .199. Makes sense.
***
Before the start of this game the Padres acquired SS Miguel Tejada for minor league pitcher Wynn Pelzer.
***
The Padres moved to 60-40, 20 games above .500 for the first time in 2010
***
The win pushed them 7 games ahead of the Dodgers and 3 1/2 ahead of the San Francisco Giants.
***
Check out this video and sound taken from a fan in attendance... awesome!
***
Listen/watch to the audio/video at the Padres link below. Vin Scully gives the call on Salazar's game winning hit.
Source: Baseball Reference and Padres.com
LASTING IMPRESSIONS...
The whole reason I started this series was because I couldn't remember the first game I went to as a kid with my dad. This particular game, during a pennant race and against the rival Dodgers, turned out to be the very first game for the daughter. She won't remember it. But if she ever asks, there are pictures, ticket stubs, video, and this modest piece of writing to document when and where it happened.
***
I love walk-off wins. The last three write-ups I've done have all been Padres wins where the winning run was scored in their final AB (1 walk-off and 2 in the 8th).
***
Macy Gray's So Much Beauty In The World has grown on me. While I would prefer Pennywise's Bro Hymn, Gray's song has come to signify wins in San Diego. That's always good.
***
There are only 8 games left to catalog in my 2010 season and since I've recapped 8 Padres games (2 Storm) it's probably time for a mid-season review. I'll save it for Wednesday.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Great Moments In Bulletin Board Material History: Mike Tyson to Mat Latos
Out of curiosity I took a look at the daily blog of Giants beat reporter Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News. I wanted to see if the Latos #balls story had any legs at the Giants' Spring Training camp in Scottsdale, Arizona. Here's what I found:
I bet the photocopy existed more for the sake of illustrating how the Giants will be a marked team this year rather than motivation to beat Latos and the Padres. In his video blog, Baggarly seemed to suggest a lightheartedness on behalf of the Giants regarding the incident as well. For material to be considered truly Bulletin-board-esque I think it has to be something like this... of course this would definitely do it.
But if the Giants were using it as motivation that would be great too. Then we'd know the Padres have entered their heads.
Any other Great Moments In Bulletin Board Material history? Throw 'em in the comments section.
The other day, I linked to a story about the “I hate SF” balls that Mat Latos autographed for charity. Well, the news found its way into the Giants clubhouse. As I walked through the room today, I noticed a photocopy of the internet photo on one of the tables.Do the World Champs need bulletin board material? Well the #balls photocopy was on a table and not a bulletin board... so I guess not... but that is neither here nor there.
I bet the photocopy existed more for the sake of illustrating how the Giants will be a marked team this year rather than motivation to beat Latos and the Padres. In his video blog, Baggarly seemed to suggest a lightheartedness on behalf of the Giants regarding the incident as well. For material to be considered truly Bulletin-board-esque I think it has to be something like this... of course this would definitely do it.
But if the Giants were using it as motivation that would be great too. Then we'd know the Padres have entered their heads.
Any other Great Moments In Bulletin Board Material history? Throw 'em in the comments section.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Trying to remember the Padres: Game 9 (another pitching duel or a hitter hangover?)
This is a good week for pushing the mind. Today's game 9 occurred precisely 1 day after game 8, the pitchers duel between Mat Latos and Roy Oswalt.
I had said on Monday that this game 9 recap would be finished on Wednesday. Today is Saturday. Where is a flux capacitor when you need one?
For series explanation and previous installments [go here]
GAME 9 of 18
July 3rd, 2010
Padres v. Astros @Petco Park
(Saturday/ Field Pavilion Sec 122)
WHAT I THINK I KNOW...
I absolutely know that this game occurred one day after a really nice pitchers' duel between Mat Latos and Roy Oswalt. Therein lies the problem...
***
I can't recall if this game was a pitchers duel or if it was two average pitchers catching hitters napping from the night before. Maybe it was neither. This game may be similar in that the runs were scored in the bottom of the 8th inning again and then Heath Bell came in for the save. Hmmm....
***
I recall this game being a Friarhood event. In front of me sat a family from Boston visiting relatives in San Diego. I may have spent an unusually long period of time trying to convert the youngsters to Padredom. This may have lead to me missing a good amount of action. The amount of game time I missed may have included me a bit surprised in the 5th or 6th inning when I suddenly realized a higher profile Padre was not in the line-up. Did Adrian get the day off?
***
While my seat wasn't bad it was not nearly as good as the seats my in-laws were sitting in. They went to the game with a higher-up from Bank of America and sat behind home plate. Go get a tour of Petco, it's amazing what you get when you have those seats.
Source: Seat envy... and a ticket stub.
RESEARCH SAYS...
Padres win 1-0. Kevin Correia pitched 7 strong innings as did Houston starter Bud Norris bu neither factored into the decision. The winning pitcher was Mike Adams (2-1) and Gustavo Chacin got the loss (1-1)
***
Heath Bell earned his 23 save after pitching a scoreless 9th inning (2Ks/1 hit).
***
The lone run was scored in the 8th inning after Aaron Cunningham (recalled from Portland that day) doubled to LF and Tony Gwynn Jr. attempted to sacrifice him to 3B. TGj's bunt attempt would be successful as he earned an infield single on the play resulting from a rushed throw by Gustavo Chacin. The throwing error allowed TGj to advance to 2B but most importantly it scored Cunningham for the only run of the game.
I probably could have said all of that with 37 less words. Oh well.
***
Adrian Gonzalez did not play in this game. Like I recalled earlier in this post I'm pretty sure that I figured it out in the 5th inning. As a fan... I'm embarrassed.
***
The Padres hit .185 for the game and the Astros went for an even Mendoza Line (.200).
Attendance: 40,042. Now that's a solid effort, San Diego
NOTABLE OMISSIONS...
Another quick game: 2 hours and 32 minutes
***
The Padres had five hits in the game by Gwynn, Eckstein, JHairston, Salazar, Cunningham. We are not likely to see any of these guys on the opening day roster although Oscar Salazar or Aaron Cunningham could surprise.
***
Lance Berkman went 0-3 with two Ks which is befitting a man of his ugly swing.
***
After this game the Padres record improved to 48-33, tied with the Braves for best record in the NL
***
Major league leading 12th shutout for the Padres.
***
12th win coming in their last AB for the Padres... I think this was leading the majors at the time as well.
***
The Padres were on pace for 96 wins after this game. Oh you miserable pace statistics!
***
Who did I go to this game with? I'm pretty sure it was my buddy Mark. What say you Mark?
Source: Baseball-Reference and Padres.com
LASTING IMPRESSIONS...
I love seeing games won in final ABs whether it comes from scoring in the bottom of the 8th or via the walk-off. I was fortunate to see back to back shutouts with scoring in the 8th followed up with Heath Bell saves.
***
Was it really a pitchers' duel? I think the bats were more hungover from the previous night than anything else.
***
I suppose I did a decent job of remembering some details in this game but I'm going to chalk it up to a social gathering.
***
Let's review this series next week. Perhaps we'll see how integral I am as a fan to the Padres' success... then I can parlay that utility into some Padre perks.
I had said on Monday that this game 9 recap would be finished on Wednesday. Today is Saturday. Where is a flux capacitor when you need one?
For series explanation and previous installments [go here]
GAME 9 of 18
July 3rd, 2010
Padres v. Astros @Petco Park
(Saturday/ Field Pavilion Sec 122)
WHAT I THINK I KNOW...
I absolutely know that this game occurred one day after a really nice pitchers' duel between Mat Latos and Roy Oswalt. Therein lies the problem...
***
I can't recall if this game was a pitchers duel or if it was two average pitchers catching hitters napping from the night before. Maybe it was neither. This game may be similar in that the runs were scored in the bottom of the 8th inning again and then Heath Bell came in for the save. Hmmm....
***
I recall this game being a Friarhood event. In front of me sat a family from Boston visiting relatives in San Diego. I may have spent an unusually long period of time trying to convert the youngsters to Padredom. This may have lead to me missing a good amount of action. The amount of game time I missed may have included me a bit surprised in the 5th or 6th inning when I suddenly realized a higher profile Padre was not in the line-up. Did Adrian get the day off?
***
While my seat wasn't bad it was not nearly as good as the seats my in-laws were sitting in. They went to the game with a higher-up from Bank of America and sat behind home plate. Go get a tour of Petco, it's amazing what you get when you have those seats.
Source: Seat envy... and a ticket stub.
RESEARCH SAYS...
Padres win 1-0. Kevin Correia pitched 7 strong innings as did Houston starter Bud Norris bu neither factored into the decision. The winning pitcher was Mike Adams (2-1) and Gustavo Chacin got the loss (1-1)
***
Heath Bell earned his 23 save after pitching a scoreless 9th inning (2Ks/1 hit).
***
I probably could have said all of that with 37 less words. Oh well.
***
Adrian Gonzalez did not play in this game. Like I recalled earlier in this post I'm pretty sure that I figured it out in the 5th inning. As a fan... I'm embarrassed.
***
The Padres hit .185 for the game and the Astros went for an even Mendoza Line (.200).
Attendance: 40,042. Now that's a solid effort, San Diego
NOTABLE OMISSIONS...
Another quick game: 2 hours and 32 minutes
***
The Padres had five hits in the game by Gwynn, Eckstein, JHairston, Salazar, Cunningham. We are not likely to see any of these guys on the opening day roster although Oscar Salazar or Aaron Cunningham could surprise.
***
Lance Berkman went 0-3 with two Ks which is befitting a man of his ugly swing.
***
After this game the Padres record improved to 48-33, tied with the Braves for best record in the NL
***
Major league leading 12th shutout for the Padres.
***
12th win coming in their last AB for the Padres... I think this was leading the majors at the time as well.
***
The Padres were on pace for 96 wins after this game. Oh you miserable pace statistics!
***
Who did I go to this game with? I'm pretty sure it was my buddy Mark. What say you Mark?
Source: Baseball-Reference and Padres.com
LASTING IMPRESSIONS...
I love seeing games won in final ABs whether it comes from scoring in the bottom of the 8th or via the walk-off. I was fortunate to see back to back shutouts with scoring in the 8th followed up with Heath Bell saves.
***
Was it really a pitchers' duel? I think the bats were more hungover from the previous night than anything else.
***
I suppose I did a decent job of remembering some details in this game but I'm going to chalk it up to a social gathering.
***
Let's review this series next week. Perhaps we'll see how integral I am as a fan to the Padres' success... then I can parlay that utility into some Padre perks.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Over At The Fro: PCL Padres, Flux Capacitors, and DeLoreans
Doesn't the title really just say it all?
Go for the history. Stay for the Back To The Future references. Enjoy it [right here]
Go for the history. Stay for the Back To The Future references. Enjoy it [right here]
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Why The Mat Latos Hullabaloo Is A Good Thing
Mat Latos autographed three baseball with the inscription, I hate SF! These balls were to be sold with 50% of the proceeds earmarked for charity. San Francisco Giants fans were uproarious at the young ace's behavior and a firestorm between fans ensued via Twitter at the prompting of RJ's Fro and Splashing Pumpkins. Earlier this afternoon the story went national.
This is a good thing. Allow me to explain...
Fans are always critical of the players who play the game. It's what fans do best and we pay our hard earned money so by-god you better believe we're going to let 'em have it when we feel it's warranted.
What do we complain about the most? We accuse players of not caring when we see them smile during a losing effort. We condemn them when we get even an inkling that they don't care as much as we do about the outcome of a game. We volley claims of disloyalty when a player holds out for that last penny during negotiations and demonstrates a willingness to defect to an arch-rival to get it.
We get mad at these athletes because that's not how we would play the game. Their passion doesn't quite match-up to what we fans bring to the table.
So along comes Mat Latos with his 96 mph fastball and a rapid ascension to the top of the Padres pitching staff. He nearly throws a no hitter against the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants in 2010 and dominates their line-up on a few other occasions. When the Giants revamped their line-up through the course of the season, young Latos felt compelled to judge the Giants as a collection of players rather than a team like the Padres. That revamped team would go on to defeat Latos 3-0 in game 162 bringing an exciting but overachieving Padres season to an abrupt end.
Nearly five months later Latos signs a few balls for a charitable endeavor and goes on the record as hating the San Francisco Giants. Does he really hate the Giants? Hate is generally reserved for corrupt political ideologies, strong-man dictatorships and late 90s boy bands... not sports teams. Oh, we say we hate our rivals but all that really means is we just really, really dislike the opponent. We call it hate but it's not. Hate burns too much energy.
Could we say that Latos is not a fan of the team who ended his season in October? I think that's fair. So what's the problem? Latos is showing a passion for the game and a general disdain for losing which seems some what rare in sport today. With the transient nature of sports, due to free agency, we rarely see players stick around long enough to develop a dislike for the rivals they compete against.
The players of yesterday, who we all tend to glorify, did not have the luxury of free-agency and the promise of riches at contract's end. They scratched and they clawed to stomp their rivals into the ground and win games because if they didn't it could mean the loss of their job. For the ball players of yesterday, the consequences of not caring passionately about each and every game were to return to their winter jobs... for the rest of their lives. Today's player would scoff at the notion of needing to secure a second source of employment.
With the whole balls affair, Mat Latos has shown that the Giants are very much on his mind in 2011... and I don't know if there are too many better ways of showing that you give a crap than that.
We are beginning to see a rivalry manifest itself in the form of the Padres and Giants... something I never could have imagined up until last year. The Giants, with the exception of Barry Bonds, were in my view a fairly innocuous bunch; fans and players alike. But that began to change last year.
I began to hate the Giants because of their own pitching version of Mat Latos; the young and polarizing Jonathan Sanchez, who actually did throw a no-hitter against the Padres a couple years back. Like Latos, Sanchez is a fine young pitcher who is neither afraid of hitters or opening his mouth to give a sound bite. I hate him.
But let me tip my hat to Jonathan Sanchez... he put himself out there with some of his comments last season and showed a supreme confidence in his team to overtake the Padres... and that folks, shows Jonathan Sanchez also gives a crap.
While it pains me to compliment Jonathan Sanchez, as it would pain Giants fans to compliment Latos, I take solace in knowing the following heading into the 2011 season:
Gaining recognition for teams out west is a nice aside but it all comes back to players like Mat Latos and Jonathan Sanchez showing genuine care for the game, their team and their city.
If there were only more players who convinced fans on a daily basis of their burning desire to compete... that little something that says they give a crap...it would go a long way towards restoring our faith in the modern game.
This is a good thing. Allow me to explain...
Fans are always critical of the players who play the game. It's what fans do best and we pay our hard earned money so by-god you better believe we're going to let 'em have it when we feel it's warranted.
We get mad at these athletes because that's not how we would play the game. Their passion doesn't quite match-up to what we fans bring to the table.
So along comes Mat Latos with his 96 mph fastball and a rapid ascension to the top of the Padres pitching staff. He nearly throws a no hitter against the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants in 2010 and dominates their line-up on a few other occasions. When the Giants revamped their line-up through the course of the season, young Latos felt compelled to judge the Giants as a collection of players rather than a team like the Padres. That revamped team would go on to defeat Latos 3-0 in game 162 bringing an exciting but overachieving Padres season to an abrupt end.
Nearly five months later Latos signs a few balls for a charitable endeavor and goes on the record as hating the San Francisco Giants. Does he really hate the Giants? Hate is generally reserved for corrupt political ideologies, strong-man dictatorships and late 90s boy bands... not sports teams. Oh, we say we hate our rivals but all that really means is we just really, really dislike the opponent. We call it hate but it's not. Hate burns too much energy.
Could we say that Latos is not a fan of the team who ended his season in October? I think that's fair. So what's the problem? Latos is showing a passion for the game and a general disdain for losing which seems some what rare in sport today. With the transient nature of sports, due to free agency, we rarely see players stick around long enough to develop a dislike for the rivals they compete against.
The players of yesterday, who we all tend to glorify, did not have the luxury of free-agency and the promise of riches at contract's end. They scratched and they clawed to stomp their rivals into the ground and win games because if they didn't it could mean the loss of their job. For the ball players of yesterday, the consequences of not caring passionately about each and every game were to return to their winter jobs... for the rest of their lives. Today's player would scoff at the notion of needing to secure a second source of employment.
With the whole balls affair, Mat Latos has shown that the Giants are very much on his mind in 2011... and I don't know if there are too many better ways of showing that you give a crap than that.
We are beginning to see a rivalry manifest itself in the form of the Padres and Giants... something I never could have imagined up until last year. The Giants, with the exception of Barry Bonds, were in my view a fairly innocuous bunch; fans and players alike. But that began to change last year.
I began to hate the Giants because of their own pitching version of Mat Latos; the young and polarizing Jonathan Sanchez, who actually did throw a no-hitter against the Padres a couple years back. Like Latos, Sanchez is a fine young pitcher who is neither afraid of hitters or opening his mouth to give a sound bite. I hate him.
But let me tip my hat to Jonathan Sanchez... he put himself out there with some of his comments last season and showed a supreme confidence in his team to overtake the Padres... and that folks, shows Jonathan Sanchez also gives a crap.
While it pains me to compliment Jonathan Sanchez, as it would pain Giants fans to compliment Latos, I take solace in knowing the following heading into the 2011 season:
- Despite a late season collapse the Padres defeated the Giants 12 times in 18 games last year. It's no World Series Championship but it's our only good leg... and I'm gonna stand on it.
- Fully aware of the Giants true rivalry, I like the back and forth that has developed between both players and fans during the last year.
- Mat Latos gives a crap.
Gaining recognition for teams out west is a nice aside but it all comes back to players like Mat Latos and Jonathan Sanchez showing genuine care for the game, their team and their city.
If there were only more players who convinced fans on a daily basis of their burning desire to compete... that little something that says they give a crap...it would go a long way towards restoring our faith in the modern game.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Choosing the Right Friends and the Procurement of Stuff
A love of taco shops and Padres history has brought together the artists known as AJM and RJ's Fro. The ancillary benefits of this union have allowed AJM to tag along to cool functions like Beers with Bob, Fro on Fro with Jane Mitchell, and last but certainly not least, early entrance into events like last Saturday's Fanfest.
Fanfest was a fantastic time. Let's explore what this means...
Human Interaction Opportunities
It's cool to meet people from Twitter and the other Padre bloggers who were previously clever but faceless humans. I got to meet Geoff... errr, Bip... from Ducksnorts. This was cool because I'm a big fan of Ducksnorts. And Bip Roberts.
There were many others I met for the first time, as well. People starting a brown revolution, the guys from Lob Shots, the Tucson Padres, and a host of others. It's nice to put faces to witty comments and phony avatars.
The Garage Sale: bats
Sometimes I cannot resist purchasing memorabilia and assorted knick-knacks. When I saw people emerging from the Fanfest Garage Sale with baseball bats I could not resist. Of course the line to the sale extended to Imperial Beach so I was left to lament my losses over Twitter. As it turns out, being a crybaby to a large audience can serve as a valuable tool. I was quickly contacted by a Twitter friend who acted on my behalf in procuring an autographed Eric Owens bat.
I now own two bats which have been autographed by the previous owners. One is by the aforementioned Owens and the other is from Mark Kotsay during his time as a Padre. Quick... why is that odd? Discuss amongst yourselves...
The Garage Sale: game worn jerseys
Beautown and I were leaving Fanfest for Lolita's at day's end we passed by the Garage Sale. We could not pass up the opportunity to see what the fuss was about. I thought there was a small chance of a Joe Randa jersey having survived from the autumn of 2005 so in we entered, searching for my Holy Grail.
As I flipped through the alphabetized jerseys (the Holy Grail was not there) I sought a player that would be synonymous with the San Diego Padres. Those who have been in the Garage Sale know that this is no easy task as many of the surviving jerseys tend to be game worn from Spring Training or from those served brief cups of coffee with the Padres. As fans we often have very slim recollections of these players and their time spent in San Diego. But then I found the one... something that would fit my criteria.... it was a #71 Mark Merila game worn jersey.
For those who may have forgotten, Mark Merila was the Padres bullpen catcher up until a brain tumor left him unable to perform his duties. With the recent diagnosis of Darrel Akerfelds having cancer I thought that a tribute to one of these guys would be apropos entering 2011. The Merila #71 jersey in sand won out*.
It's nice to have a jersey with some greater significance... and in a color that the Padres front office has rejected. I'm such an iconoclast with my proclivities for brown and sand.
The Garage Sale: jersey restoration project
I have an awesome brown '84 jersey. But while awesome it is highly problematic. The jersey has the #44 and the name Peavy stitched on the back. I don't like wearing jerseys of guys who get traded. So at the time of Peavy getting dealt I had a moment of, what I shall define as, brilliance**.
I could stand to live with the #44 on the back of the jersey, a nod to Peavy's productive tenure, but I had to remove his name, lest I celebrate a player plying his trade in Chicago. I decided that risking another name in this era of Free agency was a foolhardy plan so I decided to put the following letters on the jersey... PTBNL.
The infamous Player To Be Named Later tag seemed like the perfect idea for my retro '84 jersey. Never again would I have to worry about the comings-and-goings of Padre stars and as a bonus it may be an idea built to elicit a chuckle from fans in the know. But where would I get the gold lettering that wouldn't make it look like a cheap knock off jersey?
The answer to all questions is the Padres Fanfest Garage Sale! The Padres were pedaling all kinds of randomness not the least of which were the gold letters I needed to spell out, P-T-B-N-L.
I feel good. Now I just need to find a seamstress.
The Garage Sale: patches
Another cool thing I bought was the 2003 Commemorative patch celebrating the Padres leaving
Jack Murphy Stadium (The Q) for Petco Park. I bought two. No, I don't know what I'll do with them.
I can't believe that was the first Fanfest I've ever attended. That statement makes me feel like a fool. It was a great time and I didn't even get to walk around and experience everything.
Next year*** I'll be sure to shirk my duties with The Fro so I can get Mat Latos' autograph, unearth the elusive Holy Grail and simply lay down in the grass of shallow center field.
*Maybe I can get a Darrel Akerfelds jersey at next year's Garage Sale. But with all due respect to Akerfelds... I'll first be searching for the Grail... I know it is there.
**We all have different definitions. Leave me be.
*** Next year I need to get Fro'd ...
Fanfest was a fantastic time. Let's explore what this means...
Human Interaction Opportunities
It's cool to meet people from Twitter and the other Padre bloggers who were previously clever but faceless humans. I got to meet Geoff... errr, Bip... from Ducksnorts. This was cool because I'm a big fan of Ducksnorts. And Bip Roberts.
There were many others I met for the first time, as well. People starting a brown revolution, the guys from Lob Shots, the Tucson Padres, and a host of others. It's nice to put faces to witty comments and phony avatars.
The Garage Sale: bats
Sometimes I cannot resist purchasing memorabilia and assorted knick-knacks. When I saw people emerging from the Fanfest Garage Sale with baseball bats I could not resist. Of course the line to the sale extended to Imperial Beach so I was left to lament my losses over Twitter. As it turns out, being a crybaby to a large audience can serve as a valuable tool. I was quickly contacted by a Twitter friend who acted on my behalf in procuring an autographed Eric Owens bat.
I now own two bats which have been autographed by the previous owners. One is by the aforementioned Owens and the other is from Mark Kotsay during his time as a Padre. Quick... why is that odd? Discuss amongst yourselves...
The Garage Sale: game worn jerseys
Beautown and I were leaving Fanfest for Lolita's at day's end we passed by the Garage Sale. We could not pass up the opportunity to see what the fuss was about. I thought there was a small chance of a Joe Randa jersey having survived from the autumn of 2005 so in we entered, searching for my Holy Grail.
As I flipped through the alphabetized jerseys (the Holy Grail was not there) I sought a player that would be synonymous with the San Diego Padres. Those who have been in the Garage Sale know that this is no easy task as many of the surviving jerseys tend to be game worn from Spring Training or from those served brief cups of coffee with the Padres. As fans we often have very slim recollections of these players and their time spent in San Diego. But then I found the one... something that would fit my criteria.... it was a #71 Mark Merila game worn jersey.
For those who may have forgotten, Mark Merila was the Padres bullpen catcher up until a brain tumor left him unable to perform his duties. With the recent diagnosis of Darrel Akerfelds having cancer I thought that a tribute to one of these guys would be apropos entering 2011. The Merila #71 jersey in sand won out*.
It's nice to have a jersey with some greater significance... and in a color that the Padres front office has rejected. I'm such an iconoclast with my proclivities for brown and sand.
The Garage Sale: jersey restoration project
I have an awesome brown '84 jersey. But while awesome it is highly problematic. The jersey has the #44 and the name Peavy stitched on the back. I don't like wearing jerseys of guys who get traded. So at the time of Peavy getting dealt I had a moment of, what I shall define as, brilliance**.
I could stand to live with the #44 on the back of the jersey, a nod to Peavy's productive tenure, but I had to remove his name, lest I celebrate a player plying his trade in Chicago. I decided that risking another name in this era of Free agency was a foolhardy plan so I decided to put the following letters on the jersey... PTBNL.
The infamous Player To Be Named Later tag seemed like the perfect idea for my retro '84 jersey. Never again would I have to worry about the comings-and-goings of Padre stars and as a bonus it may be an idea built to elicit a chuckle from fans in the know. But where would I get the gold lettering that wouldn't make it look like a cheap knock off jersey?
The answer to all questions is the Padres Fanfest Garage Sale! The Padres were pedaling all kinds of randomness not the least of which were the gold letters I needed to spell out, P-T-B-N-L.
I feel good. Now I just need to find a seamstress.
The Garage Sale: patches
Another cool thing I bought was the 2003 Commemorative patch celebrating the Padres leaving
Jack Murphy Stadium (The Q) for Petco Park. I bought two. No, I don't know what I'll do with them.I can't believe that was the first Fanfest I've ever attended. That statement makes me feel like a fool. It was a great time and I didn't even get to walk around and experience everything.
Next year*** I'll be sure to shirk my duties with The Fro so I can get Mat Latos' autograph, unearth the elusive Holy Grail and simply lay down in the grass of shallow center field.
*Maybe I can get a Darrel Akerfelds jersey at next year's Garage Sale. But with all due respect to Akerfelds... I'll first be searching for the Grail... I know it is there.
**We all have different definitions. Leave me be.
*** Next year I need to get Fro'd ...
Monday, February 14, 2011
Trying to remember the 2010 Padres: Game 8 (the pitching heavyweights)
I had a schedule for the "Trying to remember..." series that dictated the completion of two game synopsis per week prior to the start of the 2011 season. Last week I only wrote one. I was busy but even more than that... game 8 needed to be discussed during the same week as game 9.
Why? Same opponent in back to back days... let's FLY!!!
For series explanation and previous installments [go here]
GAME 8 of 18
July 2nd, 2010
Padres v. Astros @Petco Park
(Friday/Field Box Infield 108)
WHAT I THINK I KNOW...
The Padres defeated the Astros in what was a great pitching match-up between Mat Latos and Roy Oswalt. Final score 3-2 or 4-3.
***
I believe Latos got the win after being lifted in the bottom of the 8th for a pinch hitter when the Padres were down by one. They scored 2 runs and took the lead after Tony Gwynn Jr. (?) and David Eckstein (?) helped scrape together a couple runs. Or something like that..;
***
Heath Bell entered to get the save in the 9th.
***
Both Latos and Oswalt were superb in their efforts.
I am near certain that it was Latos that faced Oswalt. Pretty sure that I already had tickets for the Saturday night game (Friarhood event) which leads me to believe that I told the Mrs. that I ABSOLUTELY HAD TO GO AND see this epic pitching duel. The higher priced ticket I purchased also leads me to believe that I wanted the close up view of potential greatness.
***
My buddy Al and I attended this game together.
Source: A desire for an epic pitchers' duel... and a ticket stub.
RESEARCH SAYS...
The Padres won 3-0. Latos got the win and improved to 9-4. Latos pitched 8 shutout innings (7K/7BB) giving up 4 hits. In a word he was... ridiculouslyawesomeandoverwhelminglydominant.
***
Roy Oswalt was fantastic as well in receiving a no decision that night. Oswalt went 7 shutout innings (7K/2BB) giving up 3 hits. He left the game after 7 innings and a 0-0 tie.
***
So I was wrong about the score which is cool. It's nice to remember a game as a pitchers' duel only to look back and find out it was an even more outstanding performance from each pitcher. Latos would show why he was one of the up and coming young pitchers in the league and Oswalt would show why contenders would be clamoring for his services within a few short weeks.
***
Tony Gwynn Jr. would start the two out rally in the 8th inning with a single to LF. David Eckstein would drive him home with an RBI double for a 1-0 lead and all the runs the Padres would need. For good measure Scott Hairston drove in 2 more runs to hand a comfortable 3-0 lead to Heath Bell who would enter in the 9th.
***
Heath Bell recorded his 22nd save on 13 pitches after striking out 2 Astros.
Attendance: 30,691. Friday night and fourth of July weekend with Latos and Oswalt pitching... still lacking in believers.
NOTABLE OMISSIONS...
This game was recorded in a blistering 2 hours and 17 minutes. Nice.
***
The first three batters in the Padres line-up (Gwynn, Eckstein, Gonzalez) scored the game's only three runs. None of these gentlemen are Padres anymore. Does this mean anything?
***
The two Padres pitchers (Latos and Bell) who combined to record a 4 hit shutout with 9 Ks and 0BBs will both be pitching for San Diego in 2011. Does this mean anything?
***
The Padres won without stealing a base but it wasn't for a lack of trying... Yorvit Torrealba was gunned down in the 7th after getting on via walk. Yorvit?
Source: Baseball Reference and Padres.com
LASTING IMPRESSIONS...
I love a good pitching contest and I'm glad I got out to see Mat Latos and Roy Oswalt get after it. I think it was 2005 or 2006 when Jake Peavy and Roger Clemens were scheduled to pitch and I didn't make it down to the park to watch it... as you can see, I still think about it. If you're a baseball fan you have to get to games where the pitching heavyweights square off because you never know what you might see.
***
David Eckstein is pretty amazing. He has no business coming up so big with such frequency yet he does. I wish he would just sit on the bench and pinch hit for the Padres this year... but for free.
***
Might have been my first time seeing Mat Latos pitch in person. He's pretty good.
***
Watching a left handed stroke is generally a sweet thing to witness (Ted Williams, Will Clark, Don Mattingly, Tony Gwynn, Josh Hamilton, to name but a few).
Lance Berkman however is the ugliest lefty I have ever seen. His righty stroke is horrible too. I cannot stand watching Lance Berkman play the game of baseball. Lance Berkman is the worst.
***
I'll be back on Wednesday from Ground Control for some more Astros.
Why? Same opponent in back to back days... let's FLY!!!
For series explanation and previous installments [go here]
GAME 8 of 18
July 2nd, 2010
Padres v. Astros @Petco Park
(Friday/Field Box Infield 108)
WHAT I THINK I KNOW...
The Padres defeated the Astros in what was a great pitching match-up between Mat Latos and Roy Oswalt. Final score 3-2 or 4-3.
***
I believe Latos got the win after being lifted in the bottom of the 8th for a pinch hitter when the Padres were down by one. They scored 2 runs and took the lead after Tony Gwynn Jr. (?) and David Eckstein (?) helped scrape together a couple runs. Or something like that..;
***
Heath Bell entered to get the save in the 9th.
***
Both Latos and Oswalt were superb in their efforts.
I am near certain that it was Latos that faced Oswalt. Pretty sure that I already had tickets for the Saturday night game (Friarhood event) which leads me to believe that I told the Mrs. that I ABSOLUTELY HAD TO GO AND see this epic pitching duel. The higher priced ticket I purchased also leads me to believe that I wanted the close up view of potential greatness.
***
My buddy Al and I attended this game together.
Source: A desire for an epic pitchers' duel... and a ticket stub.
RESEARCH SAYS...
The Padres won 3-0. Latos got the win and improved to 9-4. Latos pitched 8 shutout innings (7K/7BB) giving up 4 hits. In a word he was... ridiculouslyawesomeandoverwhelminglydominant.
***
Roy Oswalt was fantastic as well in receiving a no decision that night. Oswalt went 7 shutout innings (7K/2BB) giving up 3 hits. He left the game after 7 innings and a 0-0 tie.
***
So I was wrong about the score which is cool. It's nice to remember a game as a pitchers' duel only to look back and find out it was an even more outstanding performance from each pitcher. Latos would show why he was one of the up and coming young pitchers in the league and Oswalt would show why contenders would be clamoring for his services within a few short weeks.
***
***
Heath Bell recorded his 22nd save on 13 pitches after striking out 2 Astros.
Attendance: 30,691. Friday night and fourth of July weekend with Latos and Oswalt pitching... still lacking in believers.
NOTABLE OMISSIONS...
This game was recorded in a blistering 2 hours and 17 minutes. Nice.
***
The first three batters in the Padres line-up (Gwynn, Eckstein, Gonzalez) scored the game's only three runs. None of these gentlemen are Padres anymore. Does this mean anything?
***
The two Padres pitchers (Latos and Bell) who combined to record a 4 hit shutout with 9 Ks and 0BBs will both be pitching for San Diego in 2011. Does this mean anything?
***
The Padres won without stealing a base but it wasn't for a lack of trying... Yorvit Torrealba was gunned down in the 7th after getting on via walk. Yorvit?
Source: Baseball Reference and Padres.com
LASTING IMPRESSIONS...
I love a good pitching contest and I'm glad I got out to see Mat Latos and Roy Oswalt get after it. I think it was 2005 or 2006 when Jake Peavy and Roger Clemens were scheduled to pitch and I didn't make it down to the park to watch it... as you can see, I still think about it. If you're a baseball fan you have to get to games where the pitching heavyweights square off because you never know what you might see.
***
David Eckstein is pretty amazing. He has no business coming up so big with such frequency yet he does. I wish he would just sit on the bench and pinch hit for the Padres this year... but for free.
***
Might have been my first time seeing Mat Latos pitch in person. He's pretty good.
Watching a left handed stroke is generally a sweet thing to witness (Ted Williams, Will Clark, Don Mattingly, Tony Gwynn, Josh Hamilton, to name but a few).
Lance Berkman however is the ugliest lefty I have ever seen. His righty stroke is horrible too. I cannot stand watching Lance Berkman play the game of baseball. Lance Berkman is the worst.
***
I'll be back on Wednesday from Ground Control for some more Astros.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Never tell me the odds...of the 2011 Bobblehead Line-up
I'm not HUGE into the SGAs but I do like to accumulate bobbleheads so as to properly clutter my work environment. I make no apologies for this.
Two weeks ago it was revealed by Tom Garfinkel that Manager of the Year, Buddy Black, would have a bobblehead promotion in 2011 so that's one that we don't have to guess.
But what about the other four bobbleheads for the year? Running under the assumption that the Padres will put out a total of five bobbleheads as they did in 2010 then we've got some odds to make.
Han Solo hated to hear the odds. Well, Han ain't here...
Here's how I see it:
Bud Black: Off the board
Because Garfinkel said so! Dude's killer with the odds. Should have seen him with a March Madness bracket last year. I'm talking about Garfinkel not Black. Garfinkel should probably have a bobblehead.
Mat Latos: Even
This is a virtual lock. Based on his breakout season in 2010 and his controlability it would be ridiculous not to sell him as the face of the franchise. Of course, there's the whole "name on the front of the jersey, not the back" mantra expressed by Moorad and company... still a lock.
Heath Bell: 6/5
Another great "face of the franchise" pick. Could this spell a run on a PENitentiary theme for bobbleheads in 2011?
Orlando Hudson: 3/1
They've been selling the O-Dog hard since he was signed. Here for two years. I like his chances.
Will Venable: 9/2
He'll get his ABs again this year. It's nice to see a player actually play when he has his bobblehead promotion night. That's what you would get with a Venable promotion.
Cameron Maybin: 5/1
This is a good bet. Make some money here and put it on Maybin. Young, toolsy, controllable, newcomer.... that's a trifecta +1 of adjectives.
Nick Hundley: 8/1
How could I have forgotten Nick Hundley? I'm stooopid! Jump on this one. The odds are in your favor... although with few catchers in the pipeline to San Diego I'm guessing he's slated for 2012 after he establishes himself as the #1 receiver. Remember last year? It was mostly Yorvit's staff.
Ryan Ludwick: 15/1
PR machine in place to build fans' confidence in Luddy? He doesn't deserve one but I could see it happening.
Chris Denorfia: 20/1
It won't happen but I'd love to see Deno get one. He plays hard. He's gritty. He's David Eckstein and Eric Owens rolled into one... except he weighs a lot less than those two combined.
Jason Bartlett: 25/1
Similar to O-Dog. He's a newcomer signed for two years but unlikely.
Dick Enberg: 25/1
The Padres are paying him more than most players. Why not?
Mike Adams: 35/1
Part of a PENitentiary theme? That would be awesome. They could be wearing Department of Corrections uniforms and be guarding a cell full of Dodgers. Or Dodger fans.
Luke Gregerson: 35/1
See Mike Adams.
Tim Stauffer: 50/1
Great story. The one 1st round pick who has contributed a fair amount since 2003. Long shot.
Joe Thatcher: 50/1
Thatcher would be an awesome bobblehead with that funky lefty delivery. He is part of the PENitentiary... even though he pitches an average of 2/3 of an inning.
Ernesto Frieri: 75/1
These odds will plummet if a Bull Pen/ Penitentiary theme is explored... which it should be.
Cory Leubke: 1000/1
Will he even make the rotation? Part un.
Wade Leblanc: 1000/1
Will he even make the rotation? Part deux.
Aaron Harang: 4000/1
Local boy. Patrick Henry HS. SDSU. No chance. Big year places him as a dark horse contender in 2012.
Chase Headley: 5000/1
Bobblehead in 2010. Not likely. But he does deserve the opportunity at getting a left handed hitting bobblehead. The right handed version sunk him last year!
Clayton Richard: 5000/1
Bobblehead in 2010. Not likely. The ladies like Clayton though. Odds should be lower.
Kyle Blanks: 10000/1
Bobblehead in 2010. Starting in Tucson. Elbow de Tomasito Juan.
Everth Cabrera:15000/1
Bobblehead in 2010. There's literally no chance of this happening so the odds might as well be 100,000/1. He'll be in Tucson figuring things out in 2011.
I can't believe I just wrote this post...
Over at the Fro: PCL Padres and the Birth of an Interleague Rivalry
Have you ever wondered why the San Diego Padres get the Seattle Mariners as their "Natural Rival" during Interleague play? Excellent, because I have the answer for you...
The Padre/Mariner match-up is a rivalry that traces its origins back to 1936 in the Pacific Coast League. Bet you didn't know that! Check out the rich histories of each city and the sordid speculation that has brought each fan base to incomparable hatred towards one another... check it out over at RJ's Fro.
The Padre/Mariner match-up is a rivalry that traces its origins back to 1936 in the Pacific Coast League. Bet you didn't know that! Check out the rich histories of each city and the sordid speculation that has brought each fan base to incomparable hatred towards one another... check it out over at RJ's Fro.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Every baseball has a story...
It's important to pause and give ample reflection on any matter in life... especially where baseball is concerned.
Due to this personal credo I have chosen to take close to a fortnight to respond to the Padres Town Hall Meeting of January 27th, 2011. The Town Hall Meeting is the lifeblood of any democracy as citizens of the past and present will surely attest; as such it bears special comment.
But I'm not here to talk about the Town Hall Meeting itself; it is something others have already evaluated. I don't care to discuss the tolling of the bells* as Trevor Hoffman graced the stage with the rest of the Padres brass. Nor do I intend to touch upon the fervor** with which Vice Chairman Garfinkel is pursuing an All-Star game for San Diego. Jed Hoyer's greatness***? A topic for another day...
Instead, I'd prefer to tell you about the Official Major League Baseball I came away with on the evening of the 27th. Now I didn't steal this baseball, you see. I found it fair and square like any fan would have if sitting in the bleachers of Petco Park.
So the logical question becomes, "How did you get it, Chief?"
I'm glad you asked: "It's all about positioning, anticipation and a proper jump. Like Tony Gwynn Jr. playing a Petco Park centerfield."
As the Padres Front Office completed their own little version of the State of the Union I anticipated the forthcoming invitation to move the meeting from the bleachers to the field and I sprang from my seat.
I meandered through the obstacles**** and made my way to the front row of seats in Section 113 where there existed an open gate offering entry to the plush San Diego diamond. The lucky season ticket holders of this row have ample leg room and the convenience of cup holders bolted to the concrete retaining wall which separates athlete from fan. It was in that cup holder, with the eyes of a hawk, I spied the Official Major League baseball.
Clearly it was gathered by an usher at some point during the day and placed inside of the cup holder... left for discovery like an egg on Easter morning. In mid stride and with the most fluid of motions I scooped it and deftly transferred it to my back pocket. I walked out on to the grounds followed by the remainder of Town Hall attendees.
Why was the ball there and why did it look as though it had been struck squarely on the label before its use ended? This is an excellent question but one that can be difficult to answer... especially when I've decided to write this column nearly two weeks after the fact. But those with baseball fever will tell you that only a few short hours before the Padres' Town Hall Meeting began, the future of the organization spent the afternoon working out and gaining much needed perspective in preparation for their futures as Padres.
In fact the entire week had included the most heralded prospects in the organization gathering to listen to the likes of Tony Gwynn, Dave Winfield, Mark Loretta, and Brad Ausmus discuss the subtleties of being a professional ball player as part of the Padres' winter development program. By afternoon these organizational saviors plied their trade as youthful apprentices with varied tools. They hit, ran, fielded, and threw their way into the consciousness of someone who's opinion mattered. Someone who would eventually decide their fate as a Padre.
Names like Casey Kelly and Simon Castro hurled the ball through the park while hitters like Anthony Rizzo, Donavan Tate, James Darnell and Jaff Decker smacked the ball around a place they might one day call home.
Imagine that...
A ball used and abused by the future of the San Diego Padres is currently in my possession. How long was its life? Was it brief... maybe a towering HR to right or a lazy foul ball bouncing through vacant aisles early in the day? Or did it make the rounds all afternoon connecting with every bright spot of San Diego's baseball future?
I'm certain that scuffed-up ball could capture one's imagination with a tale or two of its own...
*Awesome!
**Really?
*** He is great isn't he!
****Seats, railings, and the ubiquitous albeit ill advised yellow caution tape containing the throngs of Padre fans from mucking up every section in the park.
Due to this personal credo I have chosen to take close to a fortnight to respond to the Padres Town Hall Meeting of January 27th, 2011. The Town Hall Meeting is the lifeblood of any democracy as citizens of the past and present will surely attest; as such it bears special comment.
But I'm not here to talk about the Town Hall Meeting itself; it is something others have already evaluated. I don't care to discuss the tolling of the bells* as Trevor Hoffman graced the stage with the rest of the Padres brass. Nor do I intend to touch upon the fervor** with which Vice Chairman Garfinkel is pursuing an All-Star game for San Diego. Jed Hoyer's greatness***? A topic for another day...
Instead, I'd prefer to tell you about the Official Major League Baseball I came away with on the evening of the 27th. Now I didn't steal this baseball, you see. I found it fair and square like any fan would have if sitting in the bleachers of Petco Park.
So the logical question becomes, "How did you get it, Chief?"
I'm glad you asked: "It's all about positioning, anticipation and a proper jump. Like Tony Gwynn Jr. playing a Petco Park centerfield."
I meandered through the obstacles**** and made my way to the front row of seats in Section 113 where there existed an open gate offering entry to the plush San Diego diamond. The lucky season ticket holders of this row have ample leg room and the convenience of cup holders bolted to the concrete retaining wall which separates athlete from fan. It was in that cup holder, with the eyes of a hawk, I spied the Official Major League baseball.
Clearly it was gathered by an usher at some point during the day and placed inside of the cup holder... left for discovery like an egg on Easter morning. In mid stride and with the most fluid of motions I scooped it and deftly transferred it to my back pocket. I walked out on to the grounds followed by the remainder of Town Hall attendees.
Why was the ball there and why did it look as though it had been struck squarely on the label before its use ended? This is an excellent question but one that can be difficult to answer... especially when I've decided to write this column nearly two weeks after the fact. But those with baseball fever will tell you that only a few short hours before the Padres' Town Hall Meeting began, the future of the organization spent the afternoon working out and gaining much needed perspective in preparation for their futures as Padres.
In fact the entire week had included the most heralded prospects in the organization gathering to listen to the likes of Tony Gwynn, Dave Winfield, Mark Loretta, and Brad Ausmus discuss the subtleties of being a professional ball player as part of the Padres' winter development program. By afternoon these organizational saviors plied their trade as youthful apprentices with varied tools. They hit, ran, fielded, and threw their way into the consciousness of someone who's opinion mattered. Someone who would eventually decide their fate as a Padre.
Names like Casey Kelly and Simon Castro hurled the ball through the park while hitters like Anthony Rizzo, Donavan Tate, James Darnell and Jaff Decker smacked the ball around a place they might one day call home.
Imagine that...
A ball used and abused by the future of the San Diego Padres is currently in my possession. How long was its life? Was it brief... maybe a towering HR to right or a lazy foul ball bouncing through vacant aisles early in the day? Or did it make the rounds all afternoon connecting with every bright spot of San Diego's baseball future?
I'm certain that scuffed-up ball could capture one's imagination with a tale or two of its own...
*Awesome!
**Really?
*** He is great isn't he!
****Seats, railings, and the ubiquitous albeit ill advised yellow caution tape containing the throngs of Padre fans from mucking up every section in the park.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Trying to remember the 2010 Padres: Game 7 (oh, God no... not interleague play?)
You have entered a site engaged in a highly complex experiment... an experiment designed to test the parameters of my mind... to determine how quickly I can dump the memory of interleague games from my brain's hard-drive. Seriously... there's little worth remembering about this Seligian concoction.
For series explanation and previous installments [go here]
GAME 7 of 18
June 19th, 2011
Padres v. Orioles @Petco Park
(Saturday/Right Field Lower Reserved 131)
WHAT I THINK I KNOW...
I know the Padres lost this interleague clash against the vaunted Orioles in what was a close and low scoring affair. Wait... the Orioles haven't really be vaunted since the early 70s. An epic 70s battle would have had way more cache. Actually, the Padres REALLY sucked in the 70s, what am I talking about?!
***
This was a Friarhood meet-up and I rolled solo. It might have been a bobblehead give-away. Maybe Blanks? By this time Blanks was either figuring things out in Portland or shelved for the season. Of course... maybe there wasn't a bobblehead promotion.
***
The Orioles don't do too much to excite me. They have local products Adam Jones and Brian Matusz from USD as well as the highly regarded Matt Wieters but outside of that there isn't too much to get excited about. Since I remember nothing I can only assume that these guys didn't do too much.
***
Like I said; I'm pretty sure this was an uneventful and mostly forgettable match-up in which the pitchers and hitters did very little to shape the minds of the fans on the fence over the whole sport of baseball.
Source: Fond recollections of Inter-league clashes... and a ticket stub.
RESEARCH SAYS...
The Orioles defeat the Padres 5-4 to even the series at 1 game a piece. I was BOTH very right and very wrong. Ahhh, where to begin...
***
The Padres DID lose but the game should have left a more indelible mark on my baseball consciousness. Once again Clayton Richard got the start in a game I attended in 2010 but he was a loser on this Saturday night. Richard fell to 4-4 after pitching 6 innings and giving up 5 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits. His K/BB ratio was 5/1... which is nice.
***
Kevin Millwood was the winning pitcher for the Orioles improving his record to a deceiving 1-8 after giving up 3 runs in 6 innings. Just kidding. There's nothing deceiving about Millwood's record.
***
The Orioles' Adam Jones hit a 2-run HR (2 for 4) and Luke Scott went 3 for 4 (1 RBI). Luke Scott recently made some sort of asinine political statement but I don't recall what it was.... could you look it up? Thanks.
***
Jerry Hairston went 1 for 3 (BB/2 RBI/ 1 R).
***
Chase Headley... a cool 0 for 5 with 2 Ks. With the tying run on third in the 9th, Headley K'd in a 5 pitch AB to end the game.
***
Attendance: 28,138
NOTABLE OMISSIONS...
Tony Gwynn Jr. went 2 for 4.... which is a fragment sentence you don't hear every day. He also threw out Corey Patterson at the plate. Because he's a real good CF.
***
Clayton Richard's relief help came in the form of Ryan Webb and Edward Mujica. Both struck out 2. Both live in Florida now.
***
Remember those crazy stats about the Padres' record win they steal a base and how the record was astronomically good? Yea... the Padres didn't steal any bases during this game.
***
Speaking of a Kyle Blanks bobblehead: Cory Brock reported that same afternoon that Blanks was returning to San Diego for an MRI on his elbow.
Source: Baseball Reference and Padres.com
LASTING IMPRESSIONS...
All-in-all this wasn't that bad of a game. A bit of drama in the 9th is always good. I'm sorry for being mean to you Orioles.
***
I'm never a fan of 6 innings of a work by the starting pitcher and it is the 6 inning war that Clayton Richard often finds himself waging. CR's inability to make his way through 7 innings can usually be attributed to walking too many batters. The nice thing about tonight though was CR only walked 1 after 5 Ks. So maybe this wasn't that bad of a start... even though it was terrible.
***
Jerry Hairston. Jerry Hairston carries himself with an AMAZING level of confidence considering how unremarkably average he is as a player. It is a confidence to behold in a player but also a confidence that can be very deceiving if you try to evaluate him without numbers right in front of you. Having said that, I don't think it's a coincidence that the Padres fell a part once Jerry's legs failed him. He was a heckuva important average Joe... er, Jerry.
***
I really like the Saturday 5:30 start time. It just works. For me anyway.
***
Interleague games suck.
***
Chase Headley as the last Padres hitter of the night seems to be revealing itself as a trend for my attendance in 2010.
The Padres have slipped to 3-2 (1-1 Storm) with me hangin' around. I've got 11 games to right the ship.
For series explanation and previous installments [go here]
GAME 7 of 18
June 19th, 2011
Padres v. Orioles @Petco Park
(Saturday/Right Field Lower Reserved 131)
WHAT I THINK I KNOW...
I know the Padres lost this interleague clash against the vaunted Orioles in what was a close and low scoring affair. Wait... the Orioles haven't really be vaunted since the early 70s. An epic 70s battle would have had way more cache. Actually, the Padres REALLY sucked in the 70s, what am I talking about?!
***
This was a Friarhood meet-up and I rolled solo. It might have been a bobblehead give-away. Maybe Blanks? By this time Blanks was either figuring things out in Portland or shelved for the season. Of course... maybe there wasn't a bobblehead promotion.
***
The Orioles don't do too much to excite me. They have local products Adam Jones and Brian Matusz from USD as well as the highly regarded Matt Wieters but outside of that there isn't too much to get excited about. Since I remember nothing I can only assume that these guys didn't do too much.
***
Like I said; I'm pretty sure this was an uneventful and mostly forgettable match-up in which the pitchers and hitters did very little to shape the minds of the fans on the fence over the whole sport of baseball.
Source: Fond recollections of Inter-league clashes... and a ticket stub.
RESEARCH SAYS...
The Orioles defeat the Padres 5-4 to even the series at 1 game a piece. I was BOTH very right and very wrong. Ahhh, where to begin...
***
The Padres DID lose but the game should have left a more indelible mark on my baseball consciousness. Once again Clayton Richard got the start in a game I attended in 2010 but he was a loser on this Saturday night. Richard fell to 4-4 after pitching 6 innings and giving up 5 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits. His K/BB ratio was 5/1... which is nice.
***
Kevin Millwood was the winning pitcher for the Orioles improving his record to a deceiving 1-8 after giving up 3 runs in 6 innings. Just kidding. There's nothing deceiving about Millwood's record.
***
***
Jerry Hairston went 1 for 3 (BB/2 RBI/ 1 R).
***
Chase Headley... a cool 0 for 5 with 2 Ks. With the tying run on third in the 9th, Headley K'd in a 5 pitch AB to end the game.
***
Attendance: 28,138
NOTABLE OMISSIONS...
Tony Gwynn Jr. went 2 for 4.... which is a fragment sentence you don't hear every day. He also threw out Corey Patterson at the plate. Because he's a real good CF.
***
Clayton Richard's relief help came in the form of Ryan Webb and Edward Mujica. Both struck out 2. Both live in Florida now.
***
Remember those crazy stats about the Padres' record win they steal a base and how the record was astronomically good? Yea... the Padres didn't steal any bases during this game.
***
Speaking of a Kyle Blanks bobblehead: Cory Brock reported that same afternoon that Blanks was returning to San Diego for an MRI on his elbow.
Source: Baseball Reference and Padres.com
LASTING IMPRESSIONS...
All-in-all this wasn't that bad of a game. A bit of drama in the 9th is always good. I'm sorry for being mean to you Orioles.
***
I'm never a fan of 6 innings of a work by the starting pitcher and it is the 6 inning war that Clayton Richard often finds himself waging. CR's inability to make his way through 7 innings can usually be attributed to walking too many batters. The nice thing about tonight though was CR only walked 1 after 5 Ks. So maybe this wasn't that bad of a start... even though it was terrible.
***
Jerry Hairston. Jerry Hairston carries himself with an AMAZING level of confidence considering how unremarkably average he is as a player. It is a confidence to behold in a player but also a confidence that can be very deceiving if you try to evaluate him without numbers right in front of you. Having said that, I don't think it's a coincidence that the Padres fell a part once Jerry's legs failed him. He was a heckuva important average Joe... er, Jerry.
***
I really like the Saturday 5:30 start time. It just works. For me anyway.
***
Interleague games suck.
***
Chase Headley as the last Padres hitter of the night seems to be revealing itself as a trend for my attendance in 2010.
The Padres have slipped to 3-2 (1-1 Storm) with me hangin' around. I've got 11 games to right the ship.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Over at the Fro: the PCL Padres and taking stock of history
Avenging Jack Murphy and RJ's Fro are teaming up (Avenging Jack Jones' Fro?) this season for an in depth look at the history of the Pacific Coast League's San Diego Padres. Perhaps, "in depth", is a bit of a reach on our part... but hey, we'll give it a try.
So check out our introduction, which in a fit of logic, was designated the third installment of the PCL series. You see, first we discussed how FDR's New Deal helped bring the Padres to San Diego and then we hailed the first batter in Padres history.
Naturally, the introduction and statement of purpose would come third... because that's where you'll find the most awesome hitters and other things of awesomeness... third!
So check out our introduction, which in a fit of logic, was designated the third installment of the PCL series. You see, first we discussed how FDR's New Deal helped bring the Padres to San Diego and then we hailed the first batter in Padres history.
Naturally, the introduction and statement of purpose would come third... because that's where you'll find the most awesome hitters and other things of awesomeness... third!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Trying to remember the 2010 San Diego Padres: Game 6 (Ludwick comes up HUGE... just not for the Padres)
You have entered a site engaged in a highly complex experiment... an experiment designed to test the parameters of my mind as well as yours... because you're like me... a dummy who forgets the important things in life, like baseball games.
Allow this series to be a catalyst to your Great Awakening
For series explanation and previous installments [go here]
GAME 6 of 18
May 27th, 2010
Padres v. Cardinals @Petco Park
(Thursday/Field Reserved 120)
WHAT I THINK I KNOW...
This was the first defeat I suffered at Petco Park in 2010. That's right. The Padres didn't lose... I did. And it wasn't a very close game but then it was. Weird, I know. I think the Padres were losing 7-0 at one point but battle back late to get it to 7-4 with runners on base. To no avail it was a defeat. I went with my buddies Al and Nate (me thinks)
***
Who pitched? No idea. Something tells me it was Wade LeBlanc but I can't be certain. I do know that Brendan Ryan hit a HR. How do I know? Because he has a bad looking mustache... and I remember stuff like that. I think Pujols jacked one out also. He does that from time to time.
How did the Padres score? Not very memorable details are these. But I do know that they made a battle of it. The Padres lost but I recall walking away from the game and remarking that they definitely have fight in them.
***
It was Throwback Thursday but for some strange reason many Padres fans dressed in red. I know, I know.... you think they were Cardinals fans... but they weren't. They were wearing Padre hats coupled with red shirts. It was odd. I guess they didn't get the memo that Cardinal Nation descends upon its opponent in a sea of red.
***
This is what I remember... and it doesn't feel like much.
Source: Disdain fro Padres fans dressed in red... and a ticket stub.
RESEARCH SAYS...
The Padres lost 8-3. Wade Leblanc was the losing pitcher for San Diego. He gave up 4 runs on 9 hits (2Ks/2 BB) in 5 2/3 innings of work. After a fast start to the season LeBlanc fell to 2-3 after this Thursday afternoon decision.
***
Check out the post-game video with Bud Black. It's interesting to hear Black give his analysis on LeBlanc's recent pitfalls... but then you have to keep watching the video... it's difficult to hear the questions being asked but Black's response is priceless: he just laughs. I think it was the UT's Tim Sullivan who asked about the team's perception of the sparse attendance up to that point in the season. Black laughed... and kept laughing... until he was crying... and then he fell down. It was great.
***
The winning pitcher was some guy named PJ Walters whose record improved to... wow... 1-0!!! Mr. Walters salutes you, San Diego Padres.
***
It was Throwback Thursday. The Padres wore their 1978 Away jerseys (Brown/Gold) and the Cardinals were decked out in their traditional gray road uniforms. Love that gray.
***
Brendan Ryan and Albert Pujols each hit HRs and there was no question they were clearing the fence in LF. Albert Pujols don't mess around.
***
The Padres were down 6-0. They were getting it handed to them by St. Louis. As the bottom of the 7th rolled around, San Diego decided to stage a rally. They banged it back to 6-3 but with a couple runners on the inning ended on a Chris Denorfia ground-out (6-4).
***
The game was put out of reach when CHRIS LUDWICK WENT CRAZY!!!! He had his best game at Petco on May 27th, 2011... unfortunately he was parading as a Cardinal that afternoon.
Luddy banged a 2 run single in the top of the 8th, capping off a 3 for 5 performance (2RBI/1Run), and putting the game out of reach. You see? Ryan Ludwick is capable of great things! I don't care if he did have Albert Pujols and Matt Holiday hitting after him!
***
Padres reliever Adam Russell pitched 2 innings and surrendered 4 runs on 6 hits. Eat your heart out Tampa Bay. Eat your heart out.
***
Attendance: 20, 583. Meh...it was Thursday afternoon.
NOTABLE OMISSIONS...
San Diego lost the game but had already clinched the series after taking the first two games of the series. Amazingly, the Padres scored a lowly six runs in the series yet still came away victorious twice.
***
Their record stood at 28-19 at day's end. Good for 1st place (I presume???)
***
Will Venable looked good hitting lead-off (2 for 4 with 1BB/1R).
***
These were the days when both Chase Headley (.275) and David Eckstein (.297) had higher batting averages than Adrian Gonzalez (.268). Something about stuff averaging out over 162 games.
***
Kyle Blanks had missed his 9th straight game... something about a sore elbow. Do tell!
***
Here's a notable quote from Albert Pujols:
Source: Baseball Reference and Padres.com
LASTING IMPRESSIONS...
I said it earlier and I'll say it again: at times it was very difficult to watch the Padres offense (in)action but there was no doubt that they always continued the fight. Kind of a nice thing to be able to hang your hat on.
***
Throwback Thursdays should rock the home 1978s versus the away 1978s. That's one jerk's opinion on the color brown.
***
I'm 3-1 as a fan at Petco Park in 2010. That's .750 baseball. That's 120-42! The Padres really should have put me on the payroll. Clearly... AJM is a talisman.
That's six games in the books and 12 more to go. And I believe it's Groundhog day so go revisit the previous 5 games.
Allow this series to be a catalyst to your Great Awakening
For series explanation and previous installments [go here]
GAME 6 of 18
May 27th, 2010
Padres v. Cardinals @Petco Park
(Thursday/Field Reserved 120)
WHAT I THINK I KNOW...
This was the first defeat I suffered at Petco Park in 2010. That's right. The Padres didn't lose... I did. And it wasn't a very close game but then it was. Weird, I know. I think the Padres were losing 7-0 at one point but battle back late to get it to 7-4 with runners on base. To no avail it was a defeat. I went with my buddies Al and Nate (me thinks)
***
Who pitched? No idea. Something tells me it was Wade LeBlanc but I can't be certain. I do know that Brendan Ryan hit a HR. How do I know? Because he has a bad looking mustache... and I remember stuff like that. I think Pujols jacked one out also. He does that from time to time.
How did the Padres score? Not very memorable details are these. But I do know that they made a battle of it. The Padres lost but I recall walking away from the game and remarking that they definitely have fight in them.
***
It was Throwback Thursday but for some strange reason many Padres fans dressed in red. I know, I know.... you think they were Cardinals fans... but they weren't. They were wearing Padre hats coupled with red shirts. It was odd. I guess they didn't get the memo that Cardinal Nation descends upon its opponent in a sea of red.
***
This is what I remember... and it doesn't feel like much.
Source: Disdain fro Padres fans dressed in red... and a ticket stub.
RESEARCH SAYS...
The Padres lost 8-3. Wade Leblanc was the losing pitcher for San Diego. He gave up 4 runs on 9 hits (2Ks/2 BB) in 5 2/3 innings of work. After a fast start to the season LeBlanc fell to 2-3 after this Thursday afternoon decision.
***
Check out the post-game video with Bud Black. It's interesting to hear Black give his analysis on LeBlanc's recent pitfalls... but then you have to keep watching the video... it's difficult to hear the questions being asked but Black's response is priceless: he just laughs. I think it was the UT's Tim Sullivan who asked about the team's perception of the sparse attendance up to that point in the season. Black laughed... and kept laughing... until he was crying... and then he fell down. It was great.
***
The winning pitcher was some guy named PJ Walters whose record improved to... wow... 1-0!!! Mr. Walters salutes you, San Diego Padres.
***
It was Throwback Thursday. The Padres wore their 1978 Away jerseys (Brown/Gold) and the Cardinals were decked out in their traditional gray road uniforms. Love that gray.
***
Brendan Ryan and Albert Pujols each hit HRs and there was no question they were clearing the fence in LF. Albert Pujols don't mess around.
***
The Padres were down 6-0. They were getting it handed to them by St. Louis. As the bottom of the 7th rolled around, San Diego decided to stage a rally. They banged it back to 6-3 but with a couple runners on the inning ended on a Chris Denorfia ground-out (6-4).
***
 | |
| "I own Petco Park!"~Ryan Ludwick on 5/17/2010 |
Luddy banged a 2 run single in the top of the 8th, capping off a 3 for 5 performance (2RBI/1Run), and putting the game out of reach. You see? Ryan Ludwick is capable of great things! I don't care if he did have Albert Pujols and Matt Holiday hitting after him!
***
Padres reliever Adam Russell pitched 2 innings and surrendered 4 runs on 6 hits. Eat your heart out Tampa Bay. Eat your heart out.
***
Attendance: 20, 583. Meh...it was Thursday afternoon.
NOTABLE OMISSIONS...
San Diego lost the game but had already clinched the series after taking the first two games of the series. Amazingly, the Padres scored a lowly six runs in the series yet still came away victorious twice.
***
Their record stood at 28-19 at day's end. Good for 1st place (I presume???)
***
Will Venable looked good hitting lead-off (2 for 4 with 1BB/1R).
***
These were the days when both Chase Headley (.275) and David Eckstein (.297) had higher batting averages than Adrian Gonzalez (.268). Something about stuff averaging out over 162 games.
***
Kyle Blanks had missed his 9th straight game... something about a sore elbow. Do tell!
***
Here's a notable quote from Albert Pujols:
"That's a good team," Pujols said. "It's a talented ballclub, and they play hard. They've got good pitching, a good bullpen. There's nothing to be surprised, that's why they're leading the West."I recall Pujols saying something similar about the PENitentary and how it was the best in baseball.
Source: Baseball Reference and Padres.com
LASTING IMPRESSIONS...
I said it earlier and I'll say it again: at times it was very difficult to watch the Padres offense (in)action but there was no doubt that they always continued the fight. Kind of a nice thing to be able to hang your hat on.
***
Throwback Thursdays should rock the home 1978s versus the away 1978s. That's one jerk's opinion on the color brown.
***
I'm 3-1 as a fan at Petco Park in 2010. That's .750 baseball. That's 120-42! The Padres really should have put me on the payroll. Clearly... AJM is a talisman.
That's six games in the books and 12 more to go. And I believe it's Groundhog day so go revisit the previous 5 games.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Baseball Game Attire: 1930s style
Over at Ducksnorts, Geoff Young discussed the highlights of the SABR* meeting he presented at over the weekend. In the post Geoff provided some links to other articles including the one about the Pacific Coast League Padres I wrote over at RJ's Fro.
Beside the link GY commented on the accompanying picture (found by SDPads1) and the game attire for the 1930s baseball fan. The 1930s fan was stylish. There were no replica jerseys. There were no New Era hats with the Lids sticker still on 'em. Attending a ball game was an event and people dressed for it.
So what's my point? I've often thought about dressing up for a game. Not like Barney Stinson where I look like I just walked out of some downtown financial monolith but instead like an actual fan from the 30s or 40s... it would be like retro-suiting-up, if you will.
I wear flip-flops and generally dress like a slob at a game so pulling this off would be difficult... unless, of course... you did it too... moral support, ya know.
Maybe I'm just writing out loud.
*SABR is an acronym for The Society for American Baseball Research.
Beside the link GY commented on the accompanying picture (found by SDPads1) and the game attire for the 1930s baseball fan. The 1930s fan was stylish. There were no replica jerseys. There were no New Era hats with the Lids sticker still on 'em. Attending a ball game was an event and people dressed for it.
So what's my point? I've often thought about dressing up for a game. Not like Barney Stinson where I look like I just walked out of some downtown financial monolith but instead like an actual fan from the 30s or 40s... it would be like retro-suiting-up, if you will.
I wear flip-flops and generally dress like a slob at a game so pulling this off would be difficult... unless, of course... you did it too... moral support, ya know.
Maybe I'm just writing out loud.
*SABR is an acronym for The Society for American Baseball Research.
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