The Dog Days of Spring?

Here we go, into the final week of the spring and the manager Bud Black is aware of the "Dog Days of Spring" and is mixing things up.  He has had different report times to the ballpark, he's changed up the workout routine, he's given guys days off, all in an effort to keep the players fresh, mentally and physically.  As I've discovered over the last 5 plus years, there isn't much Black isn't aware of, or hasn't thought of.  He's good like that.  

Padres and Cubs today in Mesa, we'll have the game on ESPN Radio 1700, I'll be joined by Bob Scanlan starting at 1pm.  

Here's the lineup:

CF - Will Venable

RF - Chris Denorfia

  C - Nick Hundley

1B - Matt Clark

3B - James Darnell

LF - Jaff Decker

SS - Everth Cabrera

2B - Andy Parrino

SP - Tim Stauffer

Stauffer comes in off a solid outing against the Dodgers last week.  Black told us today that during the side session before the LA start, Darren Balsley noticed a slight mechanical flaw in Stauffer's delivery.  The two worked on it and the results were good.  Now it's all about repeating that delivery and having a similar outing today in Mesa.  Although Black hasn't officially announced anything about an opening day starter, all I'll say is do the math.  

News/Notes:

- Orlando Hudson will take grounders today here in Peoria to test out his injured groin.  If all goes well, we may see him in the lineup later this week.   

- Kyle Blanks is better, but still not ready to play in a game.  The window is closing for him to be able to start the season on an active roster.  The Padres will have to determine soon if Blanks will start the year on the disabled list.  

This date in baseball history:

- It was a tough day on this date in 2000 for a young Corey Brock, who had to watch as the Kingdome in Seattle was imploded in less than 20 seconds.  The long time home of the Mariners and Seahawks came crashing to the ground March 26, 2000.

Alright, I'm off to Mesa...have a great day!

Andy