MLB: San Diego Padres Today

2008-11-25T11:56:00.000-08:00

Man, this recession or downturn or whatever it's called right now is affecting everyone! Even the Padre's are cutting back on expenses. Article is here.

2008-10-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

Get out there and vote next Tuesday, November 4th, San Diego!

2008-10-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

The 2009 World Baseball Classic is coming to San Diego!!! Get your tickets and be there when San Diego hosts six games at PETCO Park!

#521? Nope.

2008-09-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

We had seats at the Dodgers-Padres game last night. While it sucked to watch the Padres lose, we did have a fun moment when the crowd around us thought Manny Ramirez had hit #521 and it turned out to be a foul ball. From our angle, it really did look like a homer. So everyone was up cheering and screaming, and then it sort of drifted into confusion, then utter disappointment. Yes, it’s petty of me, but it felt good for a few minutes. Just a little laugh, I promise, baseball karma gods!

Like the Stock Market?

2008-06-20T09:41:00.000-07:00

In our country, it seems like the economy is tied to everything. Like, if the Padres and Chargers aren't doing well, a lot of businesses are affected. Only diehard fans want to wear Chargers hats when they're on a losing streak. San Diego ticket brokers, and more specifically sports ticket brokers, sell tickets at a loss. Even the concession stands at Petco Park don't sell as much.

I guess what I'm saying is, our Padres need to win in order to keep San Diego going. It would make them better Americans, too. Win and spend, the American dream! :)

Beautiful Moment

2008-06-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

You've probably heard this story by now, but I just came across the video on Youtube and had to share it. These girls have the right idea about winning. They sacrificed their game to do what was right. Very cool!

My favorite moments in sports are often unrelated to that exact game. It's more about the spirit of it.

Laying Bricks

2008-05-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

I needed to find some Petco Park seating information, and I stumbled across the brick finder. You know how you can donate money and get your name on a brick? For some reason, I've always found that intriguing.

It's like a Hollywood Walk of Fame for people with no fame. Plus, it gives you something to look at when you're waiting to get into a venue. Maybe I'll do that when I'm building my next house. Anyone want to sponsor my toilet?

So sad...

2008-05-13T09:36:00.001-07:00

12 to 3? That isn't a baseball game, it's slaughter! Painful. I turned the game off in the 5th inning. Obviously my watching wasn't helping. I thought maybe my NOT watching would be more useful.

Roller Coaster season - a good article

2007-10-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

Sigh. It *was* a strange season. I'd write out why, but when it's so easy to link... well... here you go. Worded better than I could.

For Padres, '07 was a roller coaster

For sure it was!

What am I missing here?

2007-06-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or does Bocachica not really add much to the San Diego Padres? Sure, he had a nice history with the Montreal Expos, but he doesn't really offer much to the Padres that we didn't already have. He misses a lot more than he should, and he has never earned playing time in more than 75 games in a season.

Sure, it's good to have him considering the number of injuries keeping others off the field, but still... I'd love to see him really earn his keep.

2007-01-17T08:14:00.000-08:00

Rumors are still floating around that the San Diego Padres may lose David Wells to the Giants--if they can afford him after signing Barry Zito. Most "in the know" are betting that GM Kevin Towers will work it out to keep Wells.

Walker Comes Back for One More

2006-12-11T07:23:00.000-08:00

Todd Walker accepted the salary arbitration offer from the San Diego Padres just before the deadline thursday night. If Walker had not accepted the deal the an arbitration hearing would have been held and he could have stood to make less money. Walker is expected to play 3rd base and little of 2nd base as well.

A Padres Father Passing

2006-12-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

Here's a little bit of trivia for you guys to keep your baseball thirst quenched. John 'Doc' Mattei, the first employee of the San Diego Padres, died Wednesday, November 29. In the Padre community Mattei was looked as a legend. Mattei worked as the traveling secretary and trainer from 69-78, and continued as the traveling secretary till 1994. We'll miss Doc Mattei.

What Recharged the Chargers?

2006-11-15T10:59:00.000-08:00

With things kinda slow on the MLB baseball scene, I found myself half watching the San Diego Chargers playing the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday. Rather, I was half watching the first half, which looked pretty pathetic with San Diego managing only 7 points to Denvers' 28.

Then came the second half, which even a baseball fan (from San Diego anyway) could love! Forty-two more points to Cinci's thirteen more. Final score was San Diego 49, other guys 41!

A famous saying

2006-10-31T13:34:00.000-08:00

As a baseball fan first and foremost, I knew the name Red Auerbach without really knowing the man or the role he played in professional sports. Since the former Boston Celtics coach/GM passed away last Saturday at 89, I've seen a lot written about him and his impact on the NBA. Evidently, he practically created it, and he definitely hastened its racial integration.

Auerbach is also supposed to have been the guy who first said, "Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser." That sounds similar to Vince Lombardi's "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing." Except that saying never quite made sense to me, plus it sounds too harsh, as if he were talking about a battle. Auerbach's saying sounds more like a humorous quip, and fits a little better with the idea of playing games.

A quick MLB agreement, for once

2006-10-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

This time Major League Baseball fans won't be treated to all the griping in the media and threats of having America's Favorite Pastime shut down while owners and players haggle over a new contract. They actually got one hammered out a couple of months ahead of time. And it is supposed to last until 2011. So for five whole years all those people get to do what they're meant to do -- Play ball!

Which MLB Teams Will Be Lucky This Friday the 13th?

2006-10-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

Seeing as my San Diego Padres are all finished with bad luck for the 2006 season, I was just messing around on the internet looking to see how the MLB Playoffs were being discussed. I came across this for all you paraskevidekatriaphobes to think about at mlb.com.

This article by Mark Newman goes into the history of postseason games that were played on Friday the 13^th. Of course, every game seems lucky for one team and unlucky for the other, so this adds to the evidence that superstitions like this are a lot of crap. But they can be fun crap.

BTW, the American League game is over now, and I bet the A’s would like to blame the outcome on the date. They’d be better off to credit the terrific pitching of the Tigers’ Kenny Rogers.

Peavy on the Mound

2006-10-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

Looks like Peavy’s going to take the mound against the Cards in Game 1. We know he can play through pain, but being in at full-strength is going to be the key to this game. I think it will ultimately determine whether we make it to the NLCS.

Padres dig deep in the bullpen and come up with no answers.

2006-06-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

Nobody in the NL West is having a spectacular season. In fact quite a few teams in the league are sitting neck-and-neck with the San Diego Padres and LA Dodgers.

The San Diego Padres have been doing pretty well at the plate but are still getting outscored about half the time. Mike Cameron, Ben Johnson and Khalil Greene all homered in today’s unfortunate loss to the Seattle Mariners. The Padres loss can be attributed to many factors. There was an unlucky error committed by Mike Thompson in the third inning and between him and Jon Adkins the Mariners managed five earned runs.

I may be wrong, but I think San Diego could benefit from shifting their focus to pitching and improving our defense all around. We know we can score five or more runs in a game. The trick is keeping our opponent from doing the same. Our pitching has not been impressive lately. What changes or efforts should this team make to improve our skill set and win some games?

Padres moving on up!

2006-05-15T17:45:00.000-07:00

The Arizona Diamondbacks are hosting my San Diego Padres tonight and Chan Ho Park is going to get a chance to extend his no-hit run to more than 15 innings. I can’t wait to see this game and our eventual rise to the top spot in the National League. We trail only the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals.

Padres go 2-2 against Mets

2006-04-26T11:13:00.000-07:00

The San Diego Padres had a rough week after playing the New York Mets, which was understandable. San Diego won two of the four games in the series against the NL East leaders and looked primed to take on the Arizona Diamondbacks this week. We’ve got plenty of talent on the team but they haven’t shown off much this season. Who do you guys think will be the MVP for our team this year?

Not half bad and on the way to pretty good.

2006-04-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

Jake Peavy is set to play in the San Diego Padres home opener on Monday. He started for the US in the World Baseball Classic and has done a lot of preparing for the 2006 season. The Padres did really well in the pre-season so I have very high hopes for the regular season.

The Return of Something Very Good

2006-03-10T15:14:00.000-08:00

San Diego Padres pitcher Dewon Brazelton showed some moxy in the Padres game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Brazelton has thrown five scoreless innings and he has only started twice. We haven’t seen this kind of momentum and precision from him since college. Is this the old Dewon Brazelton returned?

Some Pre-preseason Baseball

2006-02-20T13:58:00.000-08:00

Baseball season seems a long way off right now with the all those Winter Games and the NBA All Star stuff. But we’ll only have to wait until March 12^th for a baseball fix, if we decide to drive up to Angel Stadium in Anaheim for Round 2 of the World Baseball Classic. Or we can just sit tight and wait for the semifinals and finals right here at Petco Park. I’m still a little confused about which countries are playing in which pools, but they’re all places that have a baseball tradition and some talented guys that will love some big time competition. Any guesses about which teams will make it all the way to San Diego?

Home Run Specialist Piazza Comes Home

2006-01-30T17:55:00.000-08:00

The San Diego Padres are expected to sign a one year deal with Mike Piazza from the Mets. He will be our full time catcher for the 2006 season and will share time with Doug Mirabelli. Many are excited about Piazza’s returning to California. Are you?

Not Good

2005-06-16T11:38:00.000-07:00

Adam Eaton was not his normal self last night against the Tigers. In just 2 1/3 innings Eaton was charge 6 runs, which is the worst he has done all season. He was given the loss and is now 9-2. It just doesn’t add up since his ERA is a solid 3.42. The reason being for his poor performance was because of a swollen middle finger.

"He didn't have his good stuff, and in the second inning, he felt something in his middle finger. I could tell that he wasn't the same out there in the next inning." - Padres manager Bruce Bochy

Stopped in Tracks

2005-06-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

The National League West division has to love the Cubbies right now. The Padres played a four game series against the Chi-town team, dropping 3 out of 4. That gave the Diamondbacks and Dodgers a couple of games to catch up. It seemed like the surging Padres were on a roll, but hit a brick wall with the Cubs, who have seemed to grabbed the momentum from the Padres.

Up to the Challenge

2005-05-31T16:59:00.000-07:00

In the world of sports athletes always get injured and back-ups take over in there absence, sometimes even permanently. Such could be the case for the Padres Geoff Blum. Blum has been playing in place of injured Sean Burroughs at third base. Blum has aslo been play very well and it will end up being a battle at third when Burroughs returns from his injured hamstring along side his quad problems.

So Close

2005-05-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

In the absence of pitcher Woody Williams, Darrell May had stepped up very well in previous starts. He was looking to fight Tim Stauffer for a spot on the starting rotation, but last night against the Arizona Diamondbacks May gave up six runs and eight hits in just 4 1/3 innings that he pitched. With that type of performance I wouldn’t expect May to break into the rotation.

The Rumor Mill

2005-05-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

So I heard from a little bird that the Mets and Padres are going to make a trad that would send first baseman Phil Nevin to the Mets for center fielder Mike Cameron who now rides the pine, since Beltran took over. Although Padres General manager Kevin Towers attempted to dismiss the notion of the trade.

Sometimes Overlooked

2005-05-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

from Foxsports.com

RHP Rudy Seanez, 36, is enjoying his best season. His control of his mid-90s fastball and off-speed stuff has been nearly flawless as he serves as a link between starters and the closer, RHP Trevor Hoffman. Manager Bruce Bochy thinks Seanez has become more of a pitcher as he has aged, and he hasn't lost heat.

The Pitching Game

2005-05-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

From Foxsports.com

A subtle adjustment by RHP Brian Lawrence has enabled him to regain his command after several shaky starts. Lawrence moved his thumb position on his grip, enabling him to control his sinker better and paint the outside corner.

2.33 is the nunber through 14 home games, the Padres' team ERA at home was second only to Florida in the major leagues, indicating the pitchers and defense are finding creature comforts in their second season at PETCO Park.

A New Fit

2005-05-02T10:35:00.000-07:00

Now that Xavier Nady has made his first major league start at third base, the question is: How many starts will he get there? It could depend on how 3B Sean Burroughs performs, particularly at the plate. Burroughs is a superior defender to Nady, who is reacquainting himself to the position he played in college. But Nady's power bat has to go somewhere, and Burroughs could stand to upgrade his production by driving the ball more

Loretta ignites Padres' seventh-inning rally

2005-04-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

(AP), from Espn.com

Dave Roberts gave the San Diego Padres just the spark they were looking for.

Coming off a dreadful three-game sweep at the hands of the rival Los Angeles Dodgers, the Padres welcomed Roberts back from the disabled list and benefited from his hustle in a 7-2 win over the San Francisco Giants on Monday night.

Roberts beat out an infield single to keep alive a five-run seventh inning and scored on Mark Loretta's go-ahead, bases-loaded double with two outs.

Still, Phil Nevin pointed to Roberts' bunt single an inning earlier, when he slid headfirst into first base.

"Obviously, everyone's going to point to the balls that were hit that drove in runs tonight, but I go back to that bunt single by Dave that kind of added some adrenaline to us," Nevin said.

"Just to see him cross first base diving and pumping his fist, we just haven't had much excitement around here lately."

Roberts was erased by Loretta's grounder in the sixth, but the Padres managed to tie the game at 1.

Roberts missed the first 12 games with a strained groin.

"It was just a lot of pent-up adrenaline," Roberts said. "You're out there for the first two weeks of the season being a cheerleader, and to finally get out there and have an opportunity to contribute and get my uniform dirty, it's a good feeling.

"To come away with a victory and turn things around, I'm really excited. We've just got to keep building on it."

Roberts' hustle and Loretta's big hit were precisely what the Padres lacked for several games. They were embarrassed in a weekend sweep by the Dodgers, who outscored the Padres 18-3 and threw two complete-game shutouts.

Loretta's hit down the left-field line in the seventh came off Brett Tomko (0-3).

"I made a good pitch -- fastball in -- and got beat on it," Tomko said. "That's where I wanted the pitch."

With the game tied at 1, Ramon Hernandez started the rally with a one-out single to right and pinch-hitter Mark Sweeney drew a two-out walk. Roberts kept the inning alive with a chopper up the middle that shortstop Omar Vizquel couldn't handle for an infield single.

"He came up with a big at-bat," Nevin said. "He puts pressure on a defense. He made Omar come in and force him into a bad hop, and that kept that inning going."

After Loretta's hit, Brian Giles was intentionally walked before Nevin hit a two-run double to right-center to make it 6-1 and chase Tomko.

Tomko took a four-hitter into the seventh. The only run he'd given up was an RBI groundout by Nevin in the sixth. Tomko allowed six runs on eight hits in 6 2/3 innings, walked three and struck out none.

Giants rookie Lance Niekro hit his first career homer, a solo shot into the second deck in left in the sixth inning off Jake Peavy (2-0). Niekro, the son of Joe Niekro and nephew of Hall of Famer Phil Niekro, was called up on April 8 after Moises Alou went on the disabled list.

Niekro entered Monday's game after first baseman J.T. Snow left with a strained groin in the fifth. Niekro, who had five major league at-bats coming into this year, added an RBI double in the eighth.

Peavy struck out nine and allowed one run on six hits in seven innings. He walked one.

"He made very few mistakes. It was hard to get a feeling for what he was trying to do," Vizquel said. "Every time up, he worked you in a different way. He's pretty smart."

San Diego's Sean Burroughs hit a sacrifice fly in the eighth.

Healthy for April

2005-04-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

Healthy and with more than 100 starts under his belt, RHP Adam Eaton, 27, needs to take the next step this season. A mechanical adjustment he has made could do the trick. This spring, he worked to straighten his delivery and tighten his curveball, and the results could elevate his game and lower his ERA. In the past, he had a tendency to throw across his body, which caused his curve to loop rather than break sharply.

Healthy now and stronger than he was a year ago with a full offseason of weightlifting behind him, Ryan Klesko is primed for a return to his powerful form. He has traditionally been a strong starter, even last season. He has a chance to really make the team go from the No. 5 spot.

Nady ready to start Opening Day

2005-03-30T11:14:00.000-08:00

By John Schlegel / MLB.com

Well before Xavier Nady sent a towering three-run homer over the fence at Peoria Stadium to win Tuesday's game, he had made a powerful impression on Padres manager Bruce Bochy.

Enough of an impression, in fact, that Bochy can't help but think he'll be writing Nady's name on his Opening Day lineup card against Colorado lefty Joe Kennedy come April 4 at Coors Field.

"He didn't have to hit that home run," Bochy said. "He's played well and had a good spring. I'd say he's going to be in the lineup somewhere Opening Day."

Bochy had hinted at the possibility of the right-handed Nady facing the Rockies' lefty in the opener, but Tuesday he made it clear it's a done deal, just pending where he might play in the field -- center field in place of Dave Roberts, third base in place of Sean Burroughs or perhaps even left field in place of Ryan Klesko.

Nady leads the club with five homers, with Tuesday's walk-off shot to left in the Padres' 13-12 win over the Rangers that followed a pair of well-struck doubles to center. After going 3-for-6 with five RBIs on Tuesday, Nady is batting .357 (20-for-56) and also leads the club with 14 RBIs.

"I feel good at the plate, and relaxed up there," Nady said. "I'm just trying to have fun and do the job when I get the opportunity."

Nady has produced all that offense while at the same time learning the ropes as a utility player. He has been covering all three outfield positions and both corner infield spots, re-learning third base after not playing there since his college days.

"I think it's helped me," Nady said of the utility role. "I've been so busy with my defense, taking grounders and as many fly balls as I can. Obviously, I try to work on everything, but I take a lot of pride in defense, so I've been getting in a lot of work at third, and also getting into the outfield, making sure I still feel comfortable out there.

"Maybe mentally, after running around so much on defense, when it comes to hitting, I'm so drained I can relax and enjoy it."

Nady credits his close friend Burroughs for helping him out with tips at third base, even though the better Nady gets at third, the more at-bats he might take from Burroughs.

"I haven't been over there for a while, and he's an excellent third baseman," Nady said. "Anything he can help me with, I'll take advantage of it."

Offensively, Nady has shown improvement in his swing, which all too often last year got into a loop that affected his effectiveness at the plate. Bochy said Nady has lengthened his stride and cut back on his leg kick.

"I'm just trying not to be so violent toward the ball, and make it a daily routine to try and stay short and sweet," Nady said. "Last year, I had a tendency to create some bad habits, and I'm trying to avoid those as much as possible now."

There is an element of injury that's making it clear Nady's a choice for the lineup for the opener. Roberts still isn't 100 percent after his groin injury, Klesko has a sore wrist that has kept him out the last couple of days, and Burroughs still isn't going full speed while recovering from being hit by a pitch in the right knee a week ago.

As of Tuesday, it appeared the most likely place for Nady to start Opening Day was center field, with Roberts not feeling comfortable cutting it loose and running full-speed. Nady likely would slot in as the No. 6 hitter in that case, with either Burroughs or Khalil Greene taking the top spot.

"There's some concern with Dave Roberts now, so there's a real good chance he'll be in center," Bochy said of Nady.

But Roberts still could get back in form for the opener, and if he does then it's quite possible third is where Nady would get the start. Then again, if Klesko's wrist is still acting up, left field is a possibility as well.

About the only thing certain at this point is that Bochy intends to put his hottest hitter somewhere in the lineup Opening Day.

"He's earned that," Bochy said. "He's swinging it as well as anybody."

Camp Surprise

2005-03-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

Xavier Nady came into camp knowing he'd be in a utility role, but he may be showing even more aptitude than expected. Nady will be asked to play both corner infield positions and perhaps each outfield spot. Third base was the focus in the offseason, with the Padres sending him to instructional league to relearn the position he played at Cal. He quickly showed that he can pick it by making a sharp diving play in the team's first scrimmage of camp. Sean Burroughs remains the incumbent there, but Nady gives the Padres another viable option.

Soft Spot

2005-02-22T12:49:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

The Padres looked to improve the bench and added Eric Young, Geoff Blum and Mark Sweeney. Xavier Nady is the fourth outfielder and Miguel Ojeda is the backup catcher. Although Young can back up second in the event that Mark Loretta suffers an injury, there is no pure reserve shortstop. Nady replaces veteran Terrence Long in the outfield but must show he can hit consistently beyond Class AAA. Sweeney is a big league pinch hitter, but he provides minimal depth as an extra fielder. The key is to rest the starters, none of whom is fighting for a job, and get to opening day healthy.

A change that doesn't Fit

2005-02-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

The Padres essentially swapped veteran pitchers when they were unable to re-sign David Wells and then landed free-agent righthander Woody Williams. After spending three-plus seasons with the Cardinals, Williams returns to the Padres and should have success at Petco Park, but he will unlikely match the fire that Wells brought to the rotation. Wells was at his best in big games and with the Padres eyeing a run at the postseason, and having Wells in the fold would have helped tremendously in the playoffs. Williams does bring less risk to the club than the potentially volatile Wells, but it remains to be seen if he'll be able to challenge the Padres' younger starters as Wells did.

Steve Sparks signed to minor league team.

2005-01-26T17:16:00.000-08:00

From sports.yahoo.com:

Right-hander Steve Sparks agreed to a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres on Friday and was invited to spring training.

Sparks would make $550,000 if he makes the big league roster, and can make another $200,000 in performance bonuses. If he's in the minors, he'll make $15,000 a month.

The 39-year-old went 3-7 with a 6.04 ERA in 29 games with Arizona last year, including 18 starts.

The knuckleballer spent his first eight big league seasons in the American League, highlighted by his 2001 season in Detroit when he won 14 of 35 starts, pitched 232 innings and led the league with eight complete games.

Over parts of nine major league seasons, Sparks is 59-76 with a 4.88 ERA.

Infielder Analysis

2005-01-24T16:04:00.000-08:00

from Foxsports.com

The Padres defense is anchored by second baseman Mark Loretta and Khalil Greene. Loretta is steady and overcomes a lack of speed by positioning and anticipation. Greene uses athleticism and accuracy to provide solid defense at short. Loretta is an offensive threat with the ability to hit to all fields and Greene, who has surprising power, will see better numbers after a solid rookie season. Burroughs has improved at third and is a natural hitter, but he needs to find the gaps and tap into his power. Phil Nevin at first remains the weak link of the infield, but he can have an impact on the club as he improves at picking the ball. Nevin is forced to look for homers to left and doubles to right given Petco Park's dimensions.

San Diego gets a Snow Day

2004-12-20T09:25:00.000-08:00

By Sandy Burgin / Special to MLB.com

The sounds of the season were alive as 2,500 youngsters and oldsters alike took part in the San Diego Padres' "Downtown for the Holidays" program at PETCO Park's Park at the Park Saturday morning.

The Padres turned "Picnic Hill" into a sledding area by bringing in some 30 tons of snow for the occassion, with the white stuff lasting well past noon as sunny skies and 75-degree temperatures replaced the slight chill and fog of the morning.

Carolers sang songs of the season while animated classic holiday shows aired on the FriarVideo board. Holiday theme food was served as "Santa Friar" and his elf face-painters entertained the young children.

Guests were asked to bring canned goods for the San Diego Food Bank.

Youngsters from the Monarch School, predominantly children of homeless people, gained early entrance to the Park at the Park and got a head start on the sledding that was the main attraction of this Snow Day event.

"I have seen snow before, but most of the kids here have never seen snow because they live here in California," said 13-year-old Sauna Johnson, who is originally from Kentucky. "The reasons the Padres picked us to come here was because they are a big sponsor of our school. They donate money for our school because the school is for the homeless kids of San Diego. It was great for them to say, 'You can come see snow for once.'"

Five-year-old Gianna Geiler was one of the first sledders when the hill opened up to the public.

"I thought the snow would be a lot drier than it was," said Gianna. "I've seen snow on TV, but never saw it close up."

"The first time I saw snow was at Snow World at Sea World," said Gianna's mother, Rebecca Gieler. "I think I was about 12. So I wanted them to see it a little sooner than that. All our family here lives in San Diego, so it's not like we can go see family and see some snow for the holiday."

Padres right fielder Brian Giles and his family, bullpen catcher Mark Merila and his wife, Wendy, and daughter Brooke and Padres third-base coach Rob Picciolo were on hand for the special event, as were Padres owner John Moores, his wife, Becky, and a couple of their grandchildren.

Erik Judson, the Padres' vice president of ballpark development, put his own stamp of approval on the Snow Day event.

"We had our Winter Caravan last week where we went out to the Naval and Children's Hospital," said Judson. "So we thought this was a great way for the Padres to work with the city to celebrate the holiday season downtown.

"Now that we have the ballpark downtown, it's great for baseball games, but we want to show how the Park at the Park and other venues here at PETCO are useable for the general public on non-baseball days. In the spirit of giving, we were able to give a little back to the community."

"This is my first time on snow," said 16-year-old Karina Meza. "It's really cool and a lot of fun. I just want to thank the Padres for everything and hope we have this again next year."

Patience will be key for Padres

2004-11-15T10:48:00.000-08:00

By Mike Scarr / MLB.com

Monday's trade with the Royals was a quick snapshot of what the offseason will look like for the Padres.

A trade, possibly multiple players but not necessarily big names, that addresses needs and creates roster opportunities.

When general manager Kevin Towers obtained left-handed starter Darrell May and right-handed reliever Ryan Bukvich from Kansas City, he added experience to the rotation and depth to the back end of the bullpen. Sending Terrence Long back to the American League opened the door to Xavier Nady, and possibly Freddy Guzman, for more playing time.

Through a combination of payroll constraints, contractual obligations and a basic philosophical distaste for overspending on players, the Padres will take smaller steps this offseason, as opposed to big leaps, while attempting to add pieces to a club that last season was plus-23 in the win column over the previous year.

What needs are marked as priorities? Solve the fifth starter puzzle, bolster the bullpen and add depth to the bench, hopefully with a left-handed bat. And accomplish these goals through trades as opposed to the free agent market.

Monday's trade was the first evidence of the Padres' strategies during the Hot Stove season this winter.

"I plan to sit down with each and every club while I'm here (at the GM meetings in Florida) and explore trades and see if we can address some of our needs through trades," Towers said. "I'd rather do it through trades than through free agency, because sometimes with free agents, you have to overspend or give them too many years."

In his first move of the offseason, Towers was able to take aim at what he feels are the club's weaknesses.

"We were looking for some pitching depth," Towers said. "With Terrence, he was more of fourth-type outfielder for us. We wanted to create some playing time for Xavier Nady. We had a crowded outfield and we felt by moving Terrence we'll allow more playing time for someone like Nady."

At $4.7 million for next season, Long was an expensive option as a bench player. Monday's deal will save the club about $500,000 and get Nady involved on a regular basis as the primary reserve outfielder, adding some punch to the club and also giving the club an option in the infield.

"I see him [spelling] Ryan [Klesko] in left," Towers said of Nady. "I see him playing some left, playing some center. He can play all three outfield positions, as well as first and third."

One free agent they will focus on this offseason is David Wells.

Once seen as a gamble by many observers, the veteran left-hander is now seen as a solution to a number of pitching staffs. A year ago, the Yankees offered Wells a minor league contract and the Padres were able to steal him away with the relatively modest base salary of $1.25 million, which escalated to about $6 million via incentives based on starts.

Wells made 31 starts on the year for a 12-8 record and a 3.73 ERA, missing three weeks in midseason for a non-baseball related injury when he cut his hand at home. Wells would like a higher guaranteed base salary, while the Padres are hoping to sign him to a similar deal as last year's. But both sides agree that they'd like to see him finish his career in a Padres uniform.

"I want to pitch one more year and then I'll decide what I'm going to do," Wells said at the end of the season. "But if I'm going to do anything, I want it to be with San Diego. It's a great opportunity and I'm from there and I'm going to be living there and residing there again.

"I don't know the budget and I don't know what's going on. I'd like to sit down and hash things out and try to convince them that I want to come back, because I do. I don't think I'd be as happy anywhere else as San Diego."

Towers has not taken the next step with Wells, but indicated his interest level in re-signing the 41-year-old is high. He hopes to move the process forward when he's back from Florida.

"We haven't had any dialogue," Towers said of having meaningful conversations with Gregg Clifton, Wells' agent. "That is something I'll probably start working on once I get done with these meetings."

With Wells back in the fold, the Padres would be set in the rotation. Right-handers Jake Peavy, Brian Lawrence and Adam Eaton would have a pair of left-handed bookends in May and Wells, something Towers believes is an advantage in the NL West.

"I just think that left-handed starters really flourish in this division," Towers said of the acquisition of May, who was 9-19 last season but 10-8 in 2003. "Usually when you look at most pitchers going from the AL to the NL you can usually knock a half a run off of their ERA just by changing leagues, and by changing parks you can probably knock off another half a run."

Another free agent the Padres have been expected to bring back is right-hander Andy Ashby, who appeared in two games in September. Ashby rehabbed with the club last season from ligament replacement surgery to his right elbow but recently suffered a setback. Towers said Ashby had surgery just last week to repair some bone that had been pulled away by a tendon. The Padres would like to re-sign Ashby, but Towers said he won't be ready until April or May.

The Padres would also like to see Rich Aurilia return, but the 10-year veteran hopes to find a starting gig again and the club has Khalil Greene at shortstop and Sean Burroughs at third base.

Aside from a third-place finish in 2004, Towers believes the Padres are close and need just a few adjustments, and small steps, to get there.

Padres Announce Roster Moves

2004-10-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

By Sandy Burgin / Special to MLB.com

SAN DIEGO -- On Thursday, the San Diego Padres released right-handed pitcher Jay Witasick, and outrighted outfielder Kerry Robinson and right-handed pitchers Steve Watkins and Ricky Stone to Triple-A Portland.
With the moves, the Padres' 40-man roster is at 36.

Witasick, 32, appeared in 44 games out of the bullpen in 2004, going 0-1 with a 3.21 ERA. He walked 26 and struck out 57 while holding opponents to a .244 average.

Witasick, who signed as a free agent on Dec. 24, 2002, was in his second stint with the club. He also pitched for the Padres in 2000 and part of 2001.

Robinson, 30, batted .293 (27-for-92) with four doubles, five RBIs and a team-leading 11 stolen bases in 80 games this past season. Originally acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for outfielder Brian Hunter on March 29, he was outrighted to Portland on July 4, where he hit .297 (49-for-165) with two home runs, 19 RBIs and 24 stolen bases in 41 games.

Watkins, 26, was 0-0 with a 6.28 ERA in 11 relief appearances for the Padres last season. In 32 games (16 starts) between Portland and Double-A Mobile, he posted a 9-6 record and a 3.37 ERA. Watkins was originally selected by the Padres in the 16th round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft.

Stone, 29, made 43 relief appearances for the Padres in 2004, going 1-1 with a 6.89 ERA. He began the season with the Houston Astros, posting a 1-1 record and a 5.68 ERA in 16 games before being claimed off waivers by San Diego on June 18.

Padres Remain in Wild Card Chase

2004-09-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

By Mike Scarr / MLB.com

SAN DIEGO -- One thing is certain: The Padres aren't going down easily.
A night after being eliminated from the National League West race, the Padres kept their postseason hopes alive with an extra-inning win, and in pure Friars fashion that will encapsulate this season, they did it the hard way.

Mark Loretta hit a game-winning sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th to pull out a 4-3 win over the Giants in front of 38,398 on Wednesday...

With Kerry Robinson on third, Loretta lifted a fly ball dow the right-field line. Mohr charged and caught the ball in foul territory but stumbled over the mound in the visitors' bullpen. Robinson scored easily for the game winner, but Mohr stayed down for several minutes and left the ballpark for the hospital with his left knee in a brace.

The winning rally was set up when third baseman Edgardo Alfonzo made a throwing error on a ground ball by Ramon Hernandez, allowing him to reach base. Catcher Yorvit Torrealba then followed with a throwing error on a sacrifice in front of the plate by pinch-hitter Robinson, putting runners on second and third.

After Ramon Vazquez received the intentional pass to load the bases, Jay Payton hit into a fielder's choice with pinch-runner Freddy Guzman out at the plate, and Loretta followed with the game winner.

In the crazy race that is the National League Wild Card, the win pulled the Padres within 2 1/2 games of the Astros with four games to play on the season...

Batting Around with Brian Giles

2004-09-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

By Scoop Malinowski / Special to MLB.com

The vitals: 5-foot-10, 205 pounds
DOB: January 20, 1971, in El Cajon, CA
Childhood hero: "Superman."
Nickname: "BG."
Hobbies/interests: "I like to tan. Golf. Shave [smiles]."
Favorite movies: "'Three Amigos,' 'Bad News Bears' ... what's that one movie on Lifetime, Nev (Brian asks Phil Nevin's sitting at the next locker), the one I really liked and we started getting emotional? (Nevin answers "Brian's Song.") Yeah, 'Brian's Song.'"
Musical tastes: "Pearl Jam, Chili Peppers, Eminem."
Favorite TV shows: "'Three's Company' -- I really liked that a lot. Then, 'The Brady Bunch.'"
Early baseball memory: "When I used to pee in my pants and I'd do a head-first slide, then it'd be all muddy, so they couldn't see I'd wet my pants [smiles]."
Favorite meal: "Sushi."
Favorite breakfast cereal: "It's either Fruity Pebbles or Lucky Charms, toss-up."
Favorite ice cream flavor: "Chocolate."
First job: "Pumping concrete in San Diego (age 16)."
First car: "Was a Jeep (black)."
Pregame feeling: "(Pause)... Win."
Greatest sports moment: "Probably when I was six, I hit a game-winning home run in Little League."
Most painful moment: "'97 (actually it was '96), losing in 12 innings to the Marlins, World Series (with Cleveland)."
Funny baseball memory: "Funny one? Spring Training -- my first Spring Training with San Diego. After a game, Nevin was washing my back in the showers, that was kind of funny [laughter]."
Favorite uniforms: "I like Barry Sanders, Oklahoma State. Oh, baseball uniforms ... I don't know. I don't really have any favorite uniforms. I wish we didn't wear shirts on day games, so it wouldn't mess our tans up."
Favorite ballpark: "Wrigley Field."
Closest baseball friends: "David Bell, Phil Nevin and Babe Ruth ... I read a lot about him. And the owner ... because he writes my check out."
Funniest players: "Nev's pretty funny. Khalil Greene's funny too. He's quiet but he's funny."
Toughest competitor: "Marcus Giles. (Why?) That was just my brother. So he's gotta be tough."
Favorite vacation spot: "Maui."
People qualities most admired: "Personality."

Go Padres!

Padres Win

2004-09-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

By Owen Perkins / Special to MLB.com

If there's one thing better than timely hitting, it's timely pitching. The Padres got buckets of both at Coors Field in the finale of their four-game set with the Rockies on Sunday.

Jake Peavy's first-rate pitching combined with a flood of runs in the ninth inning turned a one-run nail-biter into a category five blowout.

Peavy (12-5) gave the Padres everything they asked for on Sunday, taking the mound with command and silencing the bats that had thundered through the park a day earlier. Peavy scattered seven hits and fanned eight over eight innings, holding the Rockies to a pair of runs, one unearned, en route to a 15-2 victory.

Go Padres!!!

Ashby Lane

2004-09-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

The Padres purchased the right arm of Andy Ashby again. Ashby played with the Padres from 1993-1999 with a record of 70-62 and a 3.60 ERA. Ashby was an All-Star in both 1998 and 1999, helped the Padres to a NL West title in 1996, and also helped in 1998 when the Padres won the pennant. Although, last Oct. 30 he had surgery on his right elbow. Now he has just come off his rehab and is ready to play again. The coaches plan on using him out of the bullpen. Since his last couple of stints outside of San Diego were not to promising with a 28-48 record. Lets try to go back to Ashby Lane.

Go Padres!!

Friars turn to Eaton

2004-09-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

So much for a few solid wins, eh? The loss in St. Louis was humbling, for sure. With five more shots at the Cards this season, the Padres are sending Adam Eaton to the mound tonight. He'll face Chris Carpenter of the Cards, a decent matchup on the mound. Eaton better keep his game together better than last time, else the Padres are bound to fail. Every game counts now, so let's make it a win, ok?

Padres hit the road

2004-08-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

It's not often you find a team looking forward to a three-city, 10-game road trip.
But after going 2-4 on their last home and losing five straight home series, the Padres certainly had to be looking for positive vibes on the road, where they are 32-25.

"We need to pick it up," said Padres manager Bruce Bochy. "It doesn't matter whether here (in San Diego) or on the road we have to play better than we did the last two days if we think we're a contending club."

The Padres have fallen 2 1/2 games behind the San Francisco Giants in the National League Wild Card race and 1 1/2 games behind the Cubs, who are second to the Giants. They are also seven games in back of the Dodgers in the NL West.

San Diego turns to ace Jake Peavy on Tuesday when it faces the Mets and rookie Aaron Heilman in the first of a four-game series in New York. The Padres will face three of the Mets' best pitcher in Kris Benson (10-9, 4.52 ERA), Al Leiter (9-4, 2.62) and Tom Glavine (8-10, 3.10) in the final three games.

A three-game series in Montreal next weekend followed by three more games in St. Louis will conclude what manager and players are calling a crucial road trip.

Hitchcock to make 2nd start

2004-08-11T14:38:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

If it's the road, then the Padres must be swinging the bats with authority.
After suffering through a 5-8 homestand, the Padres used a pair of big innings to take the opener of their three-game series with the Cubs and pull within a game of them in the National League Wild Card race.

Sterling Hitchcock will take the hill on Wednesday in his second start of the season for the Padres. The left-hander was activated from the disabled list last week and allowed three runs and four hits in a no-decision against the Phillies.

Hitchcock will be going for his first win since Sept. 27, 2003.

The Cubs will counter with right-hander Carlos Zambrano, who will be making his first start since serving a five-game suspension for intentionally throwing at a batter in a game against the Cardinals on July 19.

Pads host Bucs

2004-08-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

The Padres will be hosting Pittsburgh tonight to start off a weekend series at home. After dropping 5 of our last 6 games, it's really time to pull our heads out and play some baseball. Jake Peavy will answer that call tonight, so wish him luck and watch the game!

GO PADRES!!

Padres host Phillies

2004-08-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

The Phillies will make their first visit to PETCO Park and conclude their season series with the Padres in a three-game set that begins Tuesday.
Considered by some to be the preseason favorite in the NL East, the Phillies trail division leader Atlanta by 5 1/2 and are five games behind the Padres in the NL Wild Card.

The Phillies are fourth in the NL with 133 homers paced by Jim Thome's league-leading 31, but are 13th in the league in staff ERA at 4.51.

Brian Lawrence will start Tuesday's opener, looking to even his record against the Phillies this season. The right-hander allowed four runs over five innings in a loss earlier this season in Philadelphia.

The rotation following Lawrence has not been set, but Adam Eaton and left-hander Sterling Hitchcock are likely to follow. Hitchcock has not pitched for the Padres this season.

Right-hander Brett Myers, left-hander Eric Milton and right-hander Kevin Millwood are the scheduled starters for Philadelphia.

Weekly blog?

2004-07-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

It seems I'm so busy these days that I can only manage to post once or twice a week instead of daily :-( It'd be easier except I only have a computer at work, so I'm doing the best I can. Bear with me :-)

A little info on last night from MLB.com:

David Wells allowed six runs and 10 hits over six innings and the Padres stranded 11 runners as the Giants topped San Diego, 6-4, Tuesday before 40,068 at PETCO Park.
The loss means the Padres and Giants remain 3 1/2 games behind first place Los Angeles in the National League West. The Dodgers lost, 7-2, at Colorado on Tuesday. Jason Schmidt (13-3) recorded the victory and Wells (6-6) took the loss. Matt Herges recorded his 23rd save.
The 41-year-old Wells, making his fourth start this season against San Francisco, labored from the get-go, allowing back-to-back singles to Ray Durham and Deivi Cruz to start the game. One batter later, Barry Bonds doubled to left field, scoring Durham and Cruz.

Here's the scoop on tonight:

With the four-game series deadlocked at 1, the Padres send 10-game winner Brian Lawrence to the mound against the club's former No. 1 pick, Dustin Hermanson, and the Giants on Wednesday.
After taking game one of the series, 3-2, the Giants scored six runs off David Wells on Tuesday to win, 6-4, despite a late ninth-inning rally attempt by the Padres. Former Padre Matt Herges recorded his 23rd save for the Giants, retiring Brian Giles and Jay Payton with the bases loaded and nobody out in the ninth to preserve the victory. Both clubs enter Wednesday's game tied for second place in the National League West behind Los Angeles, which maintains a 3 ½ game lead.

Good luck to Brian Lawrence tonight against the Giants!

GO PADRES!!!

Since the all-star game...

2004-07-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

Spectacular 13-6 victory last night in Denver for the Padres! Congrats on your 9th win, Ismael Valdez! Adam Eaton will start tonight, looking for his first win against the Rox. The win tonight will give us a sweep if we can overcome Jason Jennings - he's had a great season against us so far. Should be a doozy - hope you all get a chance to watch!!

NL drops All-Star game

2004-07-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

From MLB.com:

The crowd had barely calmed itself from the buzz created by the appearance of ceremonial first-pitch honoree Muhammad Ali when Clemens put the National League in a quick six-run hole, which led to a 9-4 American League win.

An Ivan Rodriguez RBI triple and two-run homer by Manny Ramirez gave the AL an immediate 3-0 lead. With two outs, Jason Giambi reached on a Jeff Kent error, and after Derek Jeter singled to left, game MVP Alfonso Soriano cleared the bases with a first-pitch homer to left field that gave the AL a six-run advantage.

Mark Loretta, our only representative in the game, singled to RF in the sixth:

[Loretta] dumped a single to right field at Minute Maid Park on his second pitch of his first at bat -- a pinch-hit appearance for Jeff Kent against left-hander Ted Lilly with a runner on first and no one out in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Way to go, Mark! You made us proud!
Don't forget to catch the game against the Astros tonight!!!

GOOD LUCK PADRES!!!

Another Padres Post

2004-07-12T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hey San Diego!!

I'm a long-time Padres fan and I'm starting this blog in homage to the only baseball team that matters! We're at 47-41 right now (.534) and we're looking strong going into the All-Star break. Ismael Valdez was looking great last night - not his fault we lost the series with Colorado 1-3. Thanks for the win, Ismael! That's about all I have for now - I welcome all comments, questions, or whatever you got :-) Have a good week everyone, and let's bring the heat to Houston on Friday!!!

GO PADRES!!!