Time to Celebrate the many lives of Jerry Coleman...

Colonel Coleman was buried Monday with full military honors.  It was, if a funeral can be incredible,  an incredibly dignified and moving service.  The Marines did their retired Lieutenant Colonel proud. A 21 gun salute, the playing of Taps, and an F-18 flyover, with missing man formation.  There was not a dry eye among the close to 200 gathered friends, family and loved ones.  Again, just proving what we already knew, our friend Jerry Coleman was larger than life.  Larger than he ever portrayed himself or gave himself credit for.

I want to encourage you, the fans of the San Diego Padres, to come out to Petco Park Saturday.  Show the Colonel how much he meant to you as we celebrate his life in a free public memorial.  The gates will open at 9:30am, and please use the East Village or Park Blvd gates.  There will be free parking in the lots adjacent to the ballpark.  The ceremonies will begin at 10:30am, and I imagine will last a while.  I hope that there is not an empty seat in the place.  I hope that those of you that were unable to come down the park and pay respects, will do so on Saturday.  If you can, please attend.  Many dignitaries will be there, and some surprises along the way.  Expect an emotional roller coaster.  As I mentioned before, the Colonel would be upset if he were here, the way we are memorializing him, and remembering him.  But as I asked him last spring on a car ride from Tempe, to Peoria, "Jerry do you realize, WHO YOU ARE?  Do you realize the impact you have had on so many people?  Are you aware that you're a HERO?"  He looked at me as if he wanted to punch me, but instead, in typical Jerry style, chuckled, and said, come on just keep your eyes on the road.  He then softly said, thank you, and we never broached the subject again.  Such an amazing human being.  They broke the mold when they made this man.

I would also like to add, that for those who would like to make a donation in Jerry’s memory, the Coleman family suggests the Semper Fi Fund (www.semperfifund.org). The Semper Fi Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was created by a group of Marine Corps spouses nine years ago to provide immediate financial assistance and lifetime support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.  

Hope to see you Saturday.  

We Miss You Already Jerry...

As I stood by the statue of Jerry Coleman tonight, I watched, as fan after fan, laid flowers at it's base, placed t-shirts, hats, pictures, and yes, even a star on a string appeared.  It hit me hard after watching a gentleman walk up to the broad bronze likeness, and shake its hand as if to say, "thank you, and it's been a pleasure knowing you".  I mentioned to someone at that moment, "this is how you know you've had an impact on people's lives".  His was the voice many San Diegans grew up listening to, he was San Diego Padres baseball to them.  He was that friendly, lovable guy on the radio.  Jerry touched people he never met, and never got close enough to him to actually shake his hand.  Its an amazing dichotomy isn't it?

But that wasn't what made Jerry Coleman go.  In fact, I know he'd be screaming (in his playful angry voice) at us, "what are you standing around here for, go out to dinner, go do something, move it move it".  I heard his voice echoing in my head as a smile came across my face.  So many great memories filled my head, and heck, I only knew the man for 7+ years.   Watching him interact with people was truly amazing.  Charging everyone that mythical nickel for his autograph, asking them if they wanted to call the game that day.  Seeing little kids, who never had seen him play, or knew anything about his war record taking pictures with him.  The kids parent's beaming with pride, because they knew about the slick fielding 2nd baseman for the Yankees, and the man who served our great country, not once but twice.  Jerry had a way about him.  Dodging every single compliment that would come from these complete strangers, choosing instead to make them feel welcome in our booth, making sure the kids studied first and played sports later, and most of all, making every single person that came into contact with him felt special, and good upon leaving the interaction.  Jerry was truly one of a kind.

I mentioned he dodged compliments.  Our first time together on the air, I got a first hand private showing of that humility.  I was the new guy, trying to fit in that March 2007 Spring day.  It was time to go on the air, and introduce the Colonel who would be taking over the play-by-play.  "And now for the play-by-play here in the fourth, please welcome in the Hall of Famer, Mister Jerry Coleman."  Jerry thanked me and went on to do the top of the inning. The final out was made, and he looked at me, and said, "thank you for that introduction, but don't do that again, please, I'm just Jerry Coleman".  I thought to myself, wow and from then on he was Jerry Coleman.  The Colonel.

I almost felt guilty every time I'd say something like, "the hero of the game today..." knowing what I did about Jerry's military record.  A highly decorated pilot who flew numerous combat missions in World War II and the Korean War.  He did make it known that he won both of those wars single handedly, but that was his way of getting you off topic, deflecting any future praise you may want to heap on him.  Jerry Coleman was an American Hero.  I looked up the definition of 'hero' and his picture should be right beside the words:

he·ro

\ˈhir-(ˌ)ō\

: a person who is admired for great or brave acts or fine qualities

: a person who is greatly admired

: the chief male character in a story, play, movie, etc.

Bravery, check.  Greatly admired, check.  The male protagonist, in the story, of his life, as the description is written behind his statue, the Teammate, the Marine, the Voice.  How fitting huh?  How impressive that a man could live basically 3 lifetimes in one?  A truly amazing man.   One I feel extremely fortunate and blessed to have known.

The past 3 years I worked with Jerry on the air on many occasions. We shared the microphone for most of the Sunday home games and some of the weekday home games too.  I looked so forward to those games.  I never quite knew what would happen, it was like a free form gabfest, and it was always interesting.  I learned early on from Ted Leitner that Jerry was an icon in San Diego.  While he made some mistakes during games, Ted always protected the Colonel, like a good partner.  Ted respected the heck of Jerry, thats why.  I would read email after email from listeners thanking Ted for taking care of Jerry.  Later when I began to work with him more frequently it was my turn.  I took that turn very seriously. The more I learned about the man, my respect level grew exponentially for him.   He made me laugh, sometimes unintentionally, but he did it.  Some of the things he said, just caused me to pause and think, "did he really just say that?" and all I could do was giggle, but with the utmost respect.  Jerry just loved being on the air.  He loved bringing Padres games to you at home.  Jerry loved the players, and coaches, but most of all he loved the game.  He had that old time baseball player mentality, the "if I'm not in the lineup, I can't possibly help the team" thought process.  It was admirable.

Its going to be hard for all of us when Spring Training rolls around, and Jerry isn't with us.  It's going to be difficult to start a baseball season in San Diego knowing that we will not be hearing the Colonel's voice again.  It's not going to be the same.  It's going to be strange to walk through the press box and not hear him with a friendly put down, then immediately laugh because he can't keep a straight face.  No more hot dogs being held in a napkin, no coffee cups on the brink of complete spillage, no more of those great lines I heard many times, and that deeply saddens me.   I think it saddens all of us to think about the future without Jerry.  It will be different no doubt.  But we have memories, vivid memories of a wonderful man, even without him here, he's with us, and he always will be.

On your next trip downtown whether it be for a game or just a visit to the Gaslamp, visit Jerry's statue.  Say thank you, salute, or even shake his hand.

Please keep Jerry's family in your thoughts during this difficult time.

America lost a true hero today, and San Diego lost a good friend.  It's truly a sad day.

Rest In Peace Colonel Coleman, you will never be forgotten.

Gerald Francis "Jerry" Coleman (September 14, 1924 – January 5, 2014)

Many look to sports after tragedy...

Let me start by saying, I hate the fact that another senseless, and cowardly act, that resulted in tragedy,  made me think about this topic.  I hate that again, some idiot(s) think so little of life, would take innocent lives and affect hundreds of families for no reason.  But it happened, and this act turned a marathon into a battle zone.  It tore apart families.  Why?  Well that's a bit out of my knowledge zone and nobody at least yet, knows why this act was perpetrated in Boston.  

This latest act of terrorism, got me thinking about 9/11, and how the United States bounced back.  I also starting to think about other tough times our country has been through, like the 1979 seizing of the United States Embassy in Iran, and the subsequent taking of American hostages.  You're probably saying, huh?  Well it seems like there is a common bond in how the US healed from those two catastrophic events, sports.  Yes, sports.  The athletic accomplishes of some, meant so much to many and really seemed to help those directly affected a chance to escape, and heal.  It's not a magic elixir. It won't bring back those who were taken from us, it won't help find those responsible, but it is something that unites us.  

In the late 70's and early 80's, America was in a dark place.  There was a gas shortage.  Russia had invaded Afghanistan.  Iranian students overtook the US Embassy and took American hostages.   President Jimmy Carter spoke to the American people in July of 1979, even before the events in Iran, and said:

It's clear that the true problems of our Nation are much deeper -- deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation or recession. And I realize more than ever that as president I need your help. So I decided to reach out and listen to the voices of America.

The threat is nearly invisible in ordinary ways. It is a crisis of confidence. It is a crisis that strikes at the very heart and soul and spirit of our national will. We can see this crisis in the growing doubt about the meaning of our own lives and in the loss of a unity of purpose for our nation.

The erosion of our confidence in the future is threatening to destroy the social and the political fabric of America.

I'm not a political person, so please don't look at this as a political statement.  It was bad, morale was low and there was no end in sight to the crisis.  That was until a rag tag bunch of college kids assembled under the direction of a fiery hockey coach Herb Brooks, began an historic run thru the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.   "American Pride" returned when they faced and then defeated the Soviet Union team, 4-3 on February 22, 1980.  Again, I'm not saying that this event alone healed our nation but it started the rally.  For 3 hours on that February night, nobody was thinking about inflation, about energy shortages, or gas shortages.  The chants that night of USA! USA! USA! were deafening and once again it seemed as though we were the UNITED States of America.

In the wake of 9/11, both the NFL and Major League Baseball shut down.  I remember covering a Chicago Bears practice the day after the attacks.  Standing out on the practice field talking to players, and being interrupted by the sound of a fighter jet flying over head.  It was a new world.  It was kind of eerie with all commercial airlines grounded a normally busy sky was silent.  

I also remember things getting back to "normal".  I remember the electric atmosphere at Wrigley Field when the Cubs got back to playing baseball.  I'll also never forget the signs that I saw that night.  "We Love You New York", "Tonight We Are All New Yorkers" and "Chicago and New York Stand Together".  Powerful.  Considering that in sports these two cities (like San Diego and Los Angeles) are rivals, not friends, nobody in one city roots for the other, but this tragedy brought the country together.  It's kind of like if you have a sibling, it's cool if you want to pick on your brother or sister, but the minute an "outsider" does the same, you take issue and defend.   

Such was the case with the latest tragedy caused by the bombs set off at the Boston Marathon.  The pure evil in the hearts of two idiots, took 4 lives and changed hundreds more with this one act.  Boston has always had a reputation of being strong, and wow, did it ever live up to that billing.  Strangers helping strangers, offering shelter, rides, medical assistance and pure compassion.  It tugged at my heart strings as I'm sure it did yours.  

The outpouring of support from again, rival cities was great to see. 

Even a Phoenix Coyotes Hockey player, Keith Yandle, who hails from Boston, showed his true colors, honoring the memory of the little boy that was killed in the blast...

 Saturday, the Boston Red Sox got back to work.  They honored the memories of the four people that were killed.  They honored the first responders at the race, the multiple agencies of law enforcement that eventually caught "suspect #2".  The team saluted the governor, the mayor and the police chief.  Heck, even Neil Diamond showed up to lead the crowd in the singing of his hit "Sweet Caroline".  But for all of those that were looking for some healing, some distraction or some sense of normal, Red Sox DH, David Ortiz addressed the crowd, wearing the word "BOSTON" across the chest of his home jersey (normally the home jersey says Red Sox) and uttered a profanity, but man was it on point... 

“This is our [expletive] city, and nobody is going to dictate our freedom. Stay strong.”

He later apologized for using a profanity, but in the moment, it was what everybody in Fenway Park was thinking, and for that matter what we were all thinking.  Well done Big Papi.

Sports in general get a bad rap at times.  Athletes being payed millions to play kids games.  Scandals involving gambling, drug use and violence.  Ok, I get it and there's no denying that the industry has its faults.  But look at the evidence, sports unites us, it provides us an escape from our everyday problems.  3 hours a day at a ballpark, stadium or sports venue is never a bad way to spend that time.  I feel so fortunate to work in the industry and while sometimes I feel desensitized because its my life, I look to the examples I've provided, and realize how important sports is.   If you don't believe me...

I always turn to the sports pages first, which records people's accomplishments. The front page has nothing but man's failures.
Earl Warren
Chief Justice of the United States.

Here's to hoping I never have to write something like this again.  I don't want to have to update how a baseball game or football game provided us with an opportunity to heal after another tragedy.  Terrorists are cowards.  Terrorists are weak.  The United States is strong.  

I know one "team" that won't win....The Terrorists.  They will not win.  

Quentin and the aftermath

Last night was not a normal night at the ballpark.  Generally speaking there is an unwritten "code" that players stand by when it comes to the HBP.  Carlos Quentin felt that previous history and some "expletives" from Zach Greinke, meant it was time to go...


Quentin knows the game tipping point

The history I spoke of, was two HBP's when Quentin was with the White Sox and Greinke was on Kansas City.  Quentin felt that in the 2009 incident, Greinke threw at his head before nailing Quentin in the shoulder.  Carlos said it only hit the shoulder but was aimed towards his head. 

At the same time during his almost 10 minute session with the media today, Quentin said that the objective was certainly not to injure Greinke, and is sorry about the result of the brawl...


Quentin unfortunate situation the mound

He knows that these things are part of the game, but there certainly are drawbacks to the focus it puts on him...


Quentin brings unwanted attention

Quentin spoke of John Baker, who was accused by Jerry Hairston Junior of the Dodgers as causing the 2nd incident, by taunting Dodgers players about Greinke's misfortune.  Baker told me today that he feels "sick" about the finger being pointed at him.  Baker went on to tell me that he is one of the most positive people in the game, and that he was actually "the one pulling Greinke out of the pile to avoid what happened to him" and that "nobody knew how hurt he was".  

Back to Quentin, he knows that the Dodgers have been hyped this year as a top contender in the west, spending 140+ million on Greinke, and he also knows how he's being portrayed in the national media, as the villain...


Quentin on being villianized

What Quentin saw before his eyes as he left the ballpark last night was Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, the two had words and had to be separated.  Quentin talks about that incident as well...



Quentin w Kemp it at that

Clayton Richard and ballpark security broke up the heated chat before it escalated any further.  Of course if you look at your schedule you plainly notice that the Padres will be in Los Angeles on Monday to start a three game series.  We may learn of the punishments as early as today.  If Quentin is suspended (and he likely will be) will he appeal and decide to play in the series, or will he just accept what comes his way and be done with it?   Buddy Black was pressed by the media to wonder, if Quentin is able to play, will there be another incident.  Buddy said, "I suspect we'll play those games there (LA) and there might be no incidents at all".   As we say in the radio business, Stay Tuned.

Other News:
Padres 3B, Chase Headley is going to start his rehab assignment tonight at Lake Elsinore.  He's expected to get a few at bats as the DH tonight.  Headley will then return to San Diego, as it's his bobble-head night tomorrow and he will receive his Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards in a pre game ceremony.  Headley then is expected to play the field for the Storm Sunday and then be evaluated.  Bud Black was asked if we could see Headley active in Los Angeles, "that would be cutting it close...but I won't rule it out".

Padres made a roster move today, they have selected the contract of RHP Thad Weber from Triple-A Tucson and have designated infielder Cody Ransom for assignment.  Weber was added to provide a fresh arm in the bullpen which has been taxed by some short outings in the starting rotation. Wber was claimed off waivers by the Padres from the Detroit Tigers last season. 

****UPDATE****
MLB just announced (6:48PM PDT) that Carlos Quentin has been suspended for 8 games, and Jerry Hairston Jr was suspended 1 game.  Each was fined.  Both players have appealed.  No word on a suspension for Matt Kemp.  MLB must still be looking at the tape and gathering information about the incident that took place in the hallway after the game. 

Alright that's a lot to digest.  Enjoy the night.

Andy

Time for the Opening Act

I have to admit, every time Opening Day rolls around, I feel like a little kid.  I’ve always said that the first game of the baseball season should be considered a National Holiday.  Banks, Government offices, and yes, schools should be closed to honor the NATIONAL pastime.  

The first game of a baseball season always takes me back to my childhood in the Suburbs of Chicago.  Luckily in my grade school, teachers knew that the attention span of many of us in class was even lower than normal.  So they’d roll in the big 19-inch black and white TV and we would watch baseball instead of doing our multiplication tables.  I would say (even back then I was a bit of a smart aleck) we are still doing math, with that hit Bill Madlock is batting 1.000 for the season!

Baseball has such a special relationship with its fans.  The season is long, but it seems like the winter (even in San Diego) is longer. There’s an emptiness that can’t be filled by one football game a week, by a couple of NBA or NHL games, some NCAA games, no sir.   The only thing that can fill the void is the next season.

I have been so fortunate to have witnessed many openers, as a viewer/listener, spectator and broadcaster.  The game is so special to me and in any capacity I love the opener. 

As a kid, I couldn’t wait to see my heroes return from their long winter away from the game.  There was an air of anticipation, of feeling “this is the year” for my team. Like a kid told he would be going to Disneyland the next day, I couldn’t ever sleep the night before game one.  Baseball insomnia.  I’m sure I’m not alone in that affliction.

As a fan, there was the buzz in the stadium when the team is introduced and lines up on the foul line.  Some guys we know, some we don’t, some we expect a lot from, some we don’t, but the one thing every fan knows his or her team is tied for 1^st place and has a chance to win it all!

I’ve been to only a couple of opening days as a fan.  The first was in 1985.  Growing up a Cubs fan, the ’85 season, was one of “healing” if you know what I mean, and I think you do.  I was with my best friend and his dad, my dad, and yes my High School English teacher.  Scratching your head?

My English teacher, who we’ll call Mr. Wilson to protect the guilty in this case, actually allowed my friend and I to miss the first four periods of school the day tickets went on sale.  The only catch, was to make sure he got a ticket as well.  My friend and I camped out at the local Sporting Goods store and when the metal cage rolled up at the ticket counter, we were among the first to buy ours.  Deciding on the bleachers, we were all set and Mr. Wilson was pleased with our decision and our tenacity. 

The game in 1985 was something else.  It was actually sunny which wasn’t always the case in April in Chicago.  I couldn’t believe my eyes, the color of the grass was so green, the park was ready for the upcoming season.  The red, white and blue bunting was hanging from the façade of the upper deck, seeing that I knew this was a special occasion.  It was, for goodness sake, Opening Day!  I watched as the Cubs beat the Pirates 2-1 on a Keith Moreland (yes he would later become a Padre player) 2 run homer off of Rick Rhoden in the 4^th inning.  Rick Sutcliffe was the starter for the Cubs that day.  We had a blast.  It’s a game my dad and I still talk about because of the fun we had just hanging out. 

The other game I attended as a fan was the 1998 opener at Wrigley Field.  It was a moving day, the first without Harry Caray, who had passed away in February of ’98.  That was the day they first started having guest “conductors” for the 7^th inning stretch.  Again, I was with my friend from the ’85 game, but this time, since I was 31, parents were not allowed.  I have to admit that sitting in the bleachers that game took on a different meaning than it did in 1985.  I was able to “enjoy” myself a little more, despite the 38 degree day.  I have to be honest, I know the Cubs won that game, but that’s about all I actually remember.  Remember I “enjoyed” myself.   My friends that were with me, still talk about that game as well. 

The next season, was my first as a broadcaster.   Opening day takes on new meaning when you’re behind the microphone.  It’s time to go to work.  Time to make the experience great for those that couldn’t be at the park for that special day.  We try to take those fans to the game with us, by describing the tremendous sights and sounds to them at home or in their cars.  That first one as an announcer is a blur to me.  I hosted the pre-game show, and interviewed countless players that day.   One stands out, but not for the reasons you might think.

Glenallen Hill was coming off a 3 for 4 performance the night before in the opening series at Pittsburgh, so I decided he was the target.   I couldn’t understand why at the moment, but Hill was dropping “F” bombs and other expletives during the taping of the interview.  I tried to get thru it, but Hill who is an imposing figure, wasn’t breaking ‘character’.  It wasn’t until I saw, my long time colleague Ron Santo, laughing and pointing, that I realized I had been “punked”.   Once we started for real, it hit me how special the home opener is to players.  Hill was eloquent when he talked about how players really get amped for the first game.  He told me that other than the first game of a playoff series, this was the biggest moment for a player.  Getting introduced to the crowd, running out to the foul line, seeing a packed house and all the energy in the stadium, was enough to overwhelm some players. 

Over the years, I have seen rookies making their first ever appearance in the big leagues, go out there on opening day.  I’ve witnessed pitchers making their first career opening day starts.  There have been some lopsided scores on opening day during my time as a fan and broadcaster.   Among the most memorable to me as a broadcaster:

2003 Cubs at Mets:  Cubs win 15-2, Corey Patterson 4x6, 2 HR, 7 RBI

2005 Cubs at Dbacks: Cubs win 16-6, Derek Lee 4x6, HR, 5 RBI

2007 Padres at SF: Padres win 7-0, Jake Peavy over Barry Zito, Bud Black’s 1st win

2010 Padres v. ATL: Padres win 17-2, Kyle Blanks 3x6, HR, 5 RBI, Corriea 1st opening day start.

So I guess what I’m saying is, cherish the day.  Realize what it means to players, coaches, broadcasters and yes for fans as well.  For some parts of the country it means the deep freeze of winter is over, for others it means their favorite team is back in business.   For me it means, time to get a suit pressed, it’s a tradition I started for myself back in 2004, wearing a suit on opening day (usually at home).  Yes, the day still has cache for me and it means as much to me know as it when I was a little boy.  After all baseball brings out the little boy or girl in all of us.  As Brad Pitt said in “Moneyball”, “it’s hard not to be romantic about baseball”…so true.

So as the new season approaches, sleep well, if you can. You’ll need your strength for the 162 game marathon we all love so much. 

2013 Season Preview - Padres

In a little less than a week the Padres will begin the 2013 season in the city so nice, they named it twice, New York, NY.   Citi Field, the same park the Padres opened in 2009 with Jody Gerut hitting a home run on the game's 3rd pitch from Mike Pelfrey in a 6-5 win.  

What will the team look like this time around in New York?  Let's dive in and take a look. 

Rotation

Edinson Volquez 

There are a few things that are certain, Edinson Volquez will start the opening game.  This will be the second straight season, Volquez will start the opener for the Padres, and the third time in his career.  He pitched well for the Dominican Republic team in the WBC, and after throwing in a minor league game when he returned to Padres camp, Bud Black had seen what he needed to and named "Eddie" the starter in game one.   He was 11-11 with a 4.14 ERA in 32 starts last season.  

Clayton Richard was tabbed to pitch in game 2 against the Mets.  Richard became the Padres most dependable starter last season.  He got off to a slow start, but rebounded nicely after a few minor tweaks from pitching coach Darren Balsley, and finished 14-14, with a 3.99 ERA in 33 starts, which was tops on the team.  Richard is the only piece left in the Padres system left from the 2009 Jake Peavy trade with the White Sox.  During his time with San Diego, Richard is 38-34, with a 3.90 ERA. 

Jason Marquis and Eric Stults will be the 3 and 4 pitchers in the rotation.  This we know.  We don't know officially the number 5 starter, as the competition heats up with Andrew Cashner, and Tyson Ross left in the competition.   My thought (only my opinion), is that Cashner wins the 5th spot, with Ross starting out in the bullpen. 

1. Volquez
2. Richard
3. Marquis
4. Stults
5. Cashner

Bullpen

Huston Street

3 spots to me are "no brainers", with Huston Street anchoring things as the closer.  23 saves last year in 24 chances made him one of the most effective in baseball.  The only problem was injuries.  A lat muscle cost him time on the DL as did a calf problem.  He was limited to 40 appearances, but was very good, and with that he earned a contract extension.  The other two in the "no brainer" conversation, are Luke Gregerson and Joe Thatcher.  

So that's 3 of the probable 7 man pen for Bud Black.  The other four, again in my opinion, will be Dale Thayer, Brad Brach, Anthony Bass and Tyson Ross.  The latter two giving Black some flexibility in their roles as long men, or in Bass' case the talent to pitch an inning in back to back days or give the Padres a spot start. 

Street
Gregerson
Thatcher
Thayer
Brach
Ross
Bass

Position Players
This is where it could get interesting.  There will be plenty of familiar faces from last season and a few new ones heading into 2013.  This is how I see the lineup looking come opening day vs. LHP Jonathan Niese of the Mets. 

1. Everth Cabrera - SS
2. Chris Denorfia - RF
3. Yonder Alonso - 1B

Yonder Alonso

4. Carlos Quentin - LF
5. Nick Hundley - C
6. Cameron Maybin - CF
7. Jedd Gyorko - 2B
8. Cody Ransom - 3B

Ok let's dissect. Cabrera will be given the first crack at the leadoff spot.  He has the talent. Cabrera seems like he wants to lead off, and has embraced the job, by trying to bunt, and is trying to be more selective at the plate.  If he gets on he's off to the races.   Denorfia will likely start in right against the lefty.  The combo platter of "Deno" and Will Venable last year went very well, allowing each to excel in their roles.   Alonso has been killing the ball lately in spring.  Especially to his pull side.  The home run he hit last Sunday in Peoria was quite impressive.  9 homers a year ago, and to me more than that (significantly) this season.  Quentin says he'll be ready and it's hard to argue with him.  16 homers in 248 AB's last year. Hundley will do the bulk of the catching early with Grandal on the suspended list.  Hundley suffered through a tough injury plagued season last year.  He fought it and the more he tried to come out of the slump, the worse it got.  Hundley is relaxed and in good shape this spring and is hitting well this spring.  Maybin showed signs of putting things together midway thru last season.  He did away with the high leg kick and it paid immediate dividends.  Not sure how many fans realize how difficult it is to make that type of change during a season.  It's not easy.  Gyorko looks ready, but again we are seeing his results in spring training.  Every conversation I have with him, I think, wow, this kid is special.  He gets it.  Let's hope it translates to the big leagues.  Ransom, is the guy I think they'll tab early to make the roster while both Headley and Forsythe recover from injury.  He's a serviceable big league fielder and in the opportunities he got last year, had some pop in the bat.  

Bench
Here is my thought on the bench:
Mark Kotsay
Jesus Guzman
Alexi Amarista
Will Venable
John Baker


Injury news 2013 is getting off to a painful start for the Padres.  Injuries have been a big story in Spring Training and could affect the final roster.  

Chase Headley
Undoubtedly the biggest blow is the early loss of Headley.  This guy burst onto the scene after the trade deadline and went on to win the NL RBI crown with 115, hitting a career high 31 homers.  Headley finished 5th in the NL MVP voting, he won a Silver Slugger and took home a Gold Glove Award last season.   But it was March 17, St Patrick's day when there was no luck for the Padres, as Headley slid into 2nd to try and break up a double play. In the process he fractured the thumb on his left hand and is out 4-6 weeks.  I caught up with him and he described how he may have dodged a big bullet with where the injury occurred on his thumb...

Headley describes injury placement

Headley plans to stay in shape and be ready when his time on the DL is up.  I guess it's better to have this kind of thing happen (if it has to happen) now, rather than in the middle of the season. 

Logan Forsythe
The guy tabbed to fill in for Headley, is also likely to start the season on the disabled list.  Forsythe played in his first spring game Tuesday and got two at bats, then left.  After the game he told reporters that his foot flared up during the game, and that he had a set back.  This news is not good.  Forsythe really came into his own a year ago with the bat, and proved to be a very good major league defender.  He was also the Padres insurance policy at SS behind Everth Cabrera and now that will likely fall on Alexi Amarista. 

Carlos Quentin
Limited to only 86 games last season with the bad knee, Quentin contributed mightily, smacking 16 homers in only 284 at bats.  This guy wants to be on the field.  Last year he worked his tail off to rejoin the team after the knee flared up. He's a fierce competitor and really wanted to be on the field for the good times in the 2nd half of the season.  I have no doubt that he will find a way to get on the field for Opening Day.  His performance in Tuesday's game in Scottsdale is an indication he and the organization feel that Quentin will be ready to go in New York. 

Alright, that's what I think.  We should find out fairly soon what the actual roster will look like. How do you think the NL West will shape up?  Many are predicting the Padres to finish 4th, behind the Dodgers, Giants and Diamondbacks and ahead of the Rockies.  I personally think the Padres could finish 3rd if the team stays healthy.   Or in the Padres case, gets healthy. 

As always feel free to leave a comment.  

Have a great night!

Andy

Posting from Peoria 3.20.13

Ok, it's been too long since my last post.  I apologize to those that check my blog only to see that nothing has been written or posted in months.  Sometimes you just don't feel it, nothing rubs you the wrong way, no breaking news, or I'm just lazy.  It's a little bit of "all of the above". 

Anyway, enough about that, here are some random observations from my brief time at Padres camp so far...

Jedd Gyorko
I'm really impressed by this kid.  He has a great attitude toward making the switch from 3B to 2B in an effort to contribute to the big league club.  Gyorko can hit. I mean flat out rake. That's never been the issue, it's been defense.  Is he going to be a "plus" defender at second, probably not.  He won't be a guy he's been compared to, Dan Uggla, either.  He'll find a middle ground and be a dependable guy up the middle.  The versatility he has, will only help him, since he can play third if needed. 

He told me in the clubhouse the other day that he's been really working hard with infield coach Glenn Hoffman, picking Hoffy's brain about where to play hitters and how to get a better jump on the ball off the bat.  Gyorko said that at third "it's all reaction and using my body to get in front of a ball and then using my arm to get the guy at first base.  Second base is all about positioning and where you play a hitter to make it easier to get to the ball quickly"

I think fans are really going to like Gyorko. 

Carlos Quentin
I know that there is panic in "mudville" over the availability of the left fielder this season, but I know one guy that isn't in that state, Carlos Quentin.  The San Diego native went on a rigid off season diet and exercise program to take a little pressure off his surgically repaired knee. 

He has "technically" not appeared in an "A" game, although he did get two plate appearances in a game washed out by rain.  He told me that "if this was five or six years ago, I would be concerned (over not playing yet), but now, it's such a long season, and everybody goes thru ups and downs, there's no guarantee that with 20 at bats I'd start the season hot.  I just want to get to the point where I feel comfortable in the box and go from there."  

Q will play the field in a minor league game today and will hopefully be back in the "A" games shortly. 

Chase Headley
What an unfortunate turn of events for the Padres third baseman.  He broke the tip of his left thumb sliding into second base Sunday, in an effort to break up a double play.  Headley will be out anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks.  He was pragmatic about the situation saying, "obviously not the way I'd hope to start the season, but injuries are part of the game...". Headley said he is going to stay in shape and then when it's "go" time he'll be ready. It could have been a whole lot worse though, the injury didn't affect any tendons or ligaments which would have required surgery.

Just a few thoughts, must get ready for the web broadcast of today's game against the Giants in Peoria. I'll have the call on www.padres.com so please join me.

Take it easy!