A Few Seasons at the Hot Corner

Though the position has been oft-maligned in the 40-plus years of the franchise - Sean Burroughs, though a monster in my view, comes to mind - the Padres have had some quality single seasons by third basemen.

Leaving out the names for now, how about these lines produced by Padres third basemen:

1.  .286/.376/.498  31 bombs  115 ribeyes

2.  .330/.385/.580  33 bombs  100 ribeyes

3.  .326/.408/.621  40 bombs  130 ribeyes

4.  .286/.310/.472  21 bombs   64 ribeyes

5.  .306/.388/.588  41 bombs  126 ribeyes

6.  .228/.329/.413  20 bombs   65 ribeyes

Granted, this is pretty much all there is worth mentioning (except maybe a Kouz season I left off), but these seasons are pretty solid.  Even the dicey seasons put up by #s 4 and 6 were at least good enough to produce a few runs virtue of the 4-bagger.

You probably know these guys, but here are the names to match:

1.  '12 Chase Headley

2.  '92 Gary Sheffield

3.  '06 Ken Caminiti

4.  '73 Dave Roberts

5.  '01 Phil Nevin

6.  '84 Graig Nettles

Nothing wrong with a trip down memory lane.  The reason I bring these numbers up is because I wonder if Chaser can improve on his monster '12 season and put up a season like Cammy or Nevin did back in the days of "enhanced" numbers.  Though I don't expect Chase to match those numbers, I'm looking forward to watching him try.

Padres Road Splits: A Study In Raking (More Or Less)

It's no secret that Petco Park is a place where hits rarely happen. It is a cavernous place where fly balls stop dead against the dense ocean air. It's a place where hitters go mad, and pitchers careers are saved. It's a place where even the game's best hitters - Adrian Gonzalez for one - beg and plead to leave. You have to feel sorry for hitters who have 81-games worth of at bats in a place like Petco Park. (At least as sorry as you can feel for someone who gets to play big league baseball and spend most of his time in the Diego.)

But what of those hitters when they are out on the road hitting in other, more friendly parks? Do they start raking uncontrollably, putting up monster numbers?

I'm gonna go ahead and say yes.

Here are the road splits for Padres "starters" as of today:

C - Rob Johnson: .247/.293/.365 .658 OPS

1B - Jesus Guzman: .296/.305/.457 .762 OPS (only guy hitting better at Petco)

2B - Orlando Hudson: .270/.391/.351 .743 OPS

SS - Jason Bartlett: .265/.324/.327 .651 OPS

3B - Chase Headley: .333/.404/.470 .874 OPS

LF - Kyle Blanks: .361/.425/.667 1.092 OPS

CF - Cameron Maybin: .320/.367/.485 .852 OPS

RF - Will Venable: .312/.364/.475 .839 OPS

Yes, Blanks is working on a small sample, but even after things even out, I'm certain his numbers will be better on the road than at Petco. (Incidentally, even Ryan Ludwick was almost marginally average on the road: .269/.314/.398 .712 OPS.)

So what I'm seeing is four guys with an OPS north of .800, and three guys with OBPs over .390. I'm particularly impressed by Orlando de la Noche's numbers. A .391 OBP? Who knew? Makes you wonder what kind of season he'd be putting together if he was on, say, the DBacks, Astros, or Brewers, all teams that play in hitters havens.

And how about Headley and Maybin? As my advisor Tam O'Flannell said today, Maybin is putting up near star-quality numbers, but you'd never know it because he plays half his games at Petco. I'd add that Headley also falls into that category. Maybe not "star" category, but certainly a player to be reckoned with.

And come to think of it that's a pretty good way to judge a team. How many guys do they put up there that need to be reckoned with? To put it another way, how many guys do they put up there that can't be ignored? I'd say on the road the Padres have 6-7 of those guys, arguably one or two more. That's a team that can be a winner.

With The Padres At Fenway: Vol. 2

Game 2 of the Padres series in Boston ended a 5-4 Drinos win. Like last night, the game was mostly close, tonight's difference being that the Sox didn't explode for a 10-run inning. I'm telling you, if the Padres played the Red Sox in a 7-game series, and the Sox were forced to start Andrew Miller and Alfredo Aceves in games 1 and 2, the Padres just might pull that sucker out.

Among the notable events tonight was that Rizzo again hit a rocket to the deepest part of the ballpark, nearly 420 feet away from home plate. Tonight, however, Jacoby Ellsbury ran it down so it will read on the scorecard as a measly F8. Rizzo also doubled off the monster in the third and knocked in the winning run in the 7th on a groundout to Adrian Gonzalez. He - Rizzo - is a quality baseball player.

I walked to the game again tonight and passed by the Boston Common. This picture doesn't do it justice, but the Common is a broad green expanse with walking paths, tennis courts, park benches, statues, and what not. A very nice place.

My walk was down Boylston St. toward Fenway Park. I'm a big fan of buildings that reflect other buildings, but then again, who isn't?

Latos striding (lollygagging?) out to the bullpen before his start.

Chase stopped to sign a few autographs on his way out to stretch before the game. The more I learn about Chase, the more I realize that the only real flaw in his character, other than being a Steelers fan, is that he has no home run power whatsoever. Still, he was on base three more times tonight, pushing his season OBP is up to .392.

What on Earth were the Red Sox thinking with their logo in the 1950s?

Wachusett Brewing Company's own Green Monsta IPA. There are worse ways to spend $7.50.

This is the view from the Standing Room Only spots near the Pavilion Boxes along the first base line. I think these run for $20 face and you have a ledge to rest your food and adult beverages.

This Tony Gwynn fan was loving the SRO spot. He was a good guy. He saw I was wearing a Padres shirt of my own at one point - not nearly as beastly as his Gwynn jersey - and said, "Go Padres." To which I said, "You too," which made absolutely no sense then or now.

Latos deals through the sun rays.

I took this photo because I like the colors, but also because I think it says that Chase's career batting average with the bases loaded is .150. Huh? Can that be right? I thought it was easier to hit when the bases were loaded because pitchers have to throw strikes. I think we've found another flaw with Chase Headley!

It's always a bit sad when the sun sets on the longest day of the year. Now every day gets shorter for the next six months. #buzzkill

I was going to make a "why is Adrian doing Blue Steel?" joke, but the more I look at the photo, the less it reminds me of Zoolander, and the more it reminds me of just a scary looking person with an intense glare.

Just a random, poetic shot of the Monster.

The blessed sight (and site) of a Padres victory.

Finally, on my way out of the stadium I stopped and took this photo from behind Grandstand section 16. I really like the Grandstand sections around the infield, especially the last row near the concourse. If you can get a seat in the last row on the aisle you can avoid the tight rows and have easy ingress (and egress) to get beers and food and hit the restrooms during the game. And the views are solid, and old-timey. Baseball at its finest.

"Looking Good, Padres." "Feeling Good, Ryan."

That was the hypothetical conversation I had last night with the Padres. It's based on the famous last line of dialogue from Trading Places ("Looking good, Billy Ray!" "Feeling good, Clarence."). I thought those words were apropos considering the Padres solid start to the season.

Indeed, after the first four games of the 2011 season, the Padres sit at 3-1, highlighted by yesterday's win in the home opener against the San Francisco Giants (with honorable mention to Chase's 4 ribeye game Saturday in St. Louis - pictured above). Aaron Harang overcame some early wildness to shut down the Gints over six innings, paving the way for worry-free relief work from Luke, Mike, and Heath.

The only downside was that I couldn't be there in person to watch Trevor throw out the first pitch. What a moment.

Baseball America's Projected 2011 Padres Lineup ... Made In 2008

I perused my copy of the 2008 Baseball America Prospect Handbook today and came across BA's projection of the 2011 Padres lineup.

Recognizing that it's no easy task to predict a ballclub's lineup three years out, it is still a rather humorous read.

I'll list out the projected lineup and let you know (as if you didn't already know) where they are now:

C - Mitch Canham

Mitch was drafted for his bat and that hasn't really come around. His best year was at Lake Elsinore in 2008 when he hit .285/.382/.434. The last two seasons, however, he's faltered a bit, showing very little pop (.316 slugging % last summer). He'll most likely start the season in AAA and perhaps the hitter-friendly conditions in Tucson will help him find his stroke.

1B - Adrian Gonzalez

In the most marquee deal of the offseason, Jed moved Adrian to Boston for three top prospects and Eric Patterson. Adrian has now taken his talents to the Fens.

2B - Matt Antonelli

In a move that surprised me a bit, the Padres released Antonelli in the offseason. He has since signed with the Nationals and will likely have a shot to make their major league roster out of Spring Training.

3B - Kevin Kouzmanoff

Jed shipped Kouz to the A's last January for Scotty "Bombs" Hairston. The move opened up a spot for Chase Headley at third base.

SS - Khalil Greene

A sad story for young Kal El. His social anxiety disorder has decimated his career. The Padres shipped him to the Cardinals two years ago for Luke Gregerson and Mark Worrell. After spending a rough season with St. Louis, he signed with Texas last January, only to decide he was not well enough to report to Spring Training. The Rangers voided his contract and, as best I can tell, Khalil is still a free agent.

LF - Chase Headley

Moved to third base following the Kouz trade. Only man in this projected lineup who is in the actual lineup.

CF - Drew Cumberland

BA's most interesting projection. Cumberland is a middle infield prospect that may have the athleticism to roam the Petco outfield. He in injury-prone, however, so a move to the outfield seems unlikely. He was having a break out year last summer until an injury ended his season. If he comes out raking in '11 the Padres might not be able to keep him on the farm.

RF - Cedric Hunter

One of the more curious prospects in the Drinos system. He was a high-school draft pick that has over 5 years of pro experience, is still only 22, and has hit at every level. Yet for whatever reason, perhaps an overly complicated swing and/or questionable pop, he is rarely mentioned among the best of the best of the Padres prospects. He hit .287/.342/.397 at AA and AAA last season. He should get a shot in the bigs at some point, maybe later this summer if the Padres are out of the race.

Tomorrow I'll look at BA's projected rotation and closer. It's all very fun to read.

Opening Day For The Padrinos: Headley

Hey Chase,

You third baseman/left fielder/third baseman ... how about having a year, huh?

Today against the Diamantebacks you get to return to your natural position and start focusing your full attention on raking weak sauce pitching to all corners of the field.

Now go out there and start showing what a former #1 Drino prospect can do when fully unleashed from his natural position.

Best,
Bevormo

Looking Ahead To Peoria, AZ (aka Spring Training)

Spring Training approaches, folks, and in anticipation of that glorious time of the year, I recently posted a comment over at Ducksnorts asking Geoff Young, the renowned Padre blogger, what he plans to focus on when the Padres take the field in Arizona next month.

Geoff decided to use the comment as the basis for his post today at Ducksnorts.

It should come as no surprise that Geoff highlights several of the most intriguing issues facing the Padres as they prepare for the season. In addition to Geoff's points, I'd just add the following notes:

1. CY watch. While I am optimistic that the Padres as a whole can exceed expectations this season (85 wins and in the Wild Card conversation as late as mid-September if things break right), I am not overly optimistic as to Chris Young's chances to pitch an injury-free, ace-like season. He's just burned me too many times. I'll be rooting for him, but I'll also be keeping a wary eye open to any more shoulder and back problems that could further impede a return of the old CY.

2. Blanks and Headley. A key part of my optimistic projection for the Padres is that Blanks and Headley mash and, along with Adrian, form an actual, real live, scary heart-of-the-order for the Padres. I'm not sure that's possible - a Padres lineup that actually scares people - but if there is any chance of it happening then Blanks and Headley must perform like the #1 prospects they used to be.

3. Query the Padres bullpen? I have high hopes for these guys - Heath, Mike Adams, Luke Gregerson, Ed Mujica, Joe Thatcher - so high, in fact, that I think they have the potential to be the best in baseball. But other than Heath, there is not a long record of consistency and injury-free baseball from this group. In Arizona, I'll be watching for indications that these guys are for real, and that they won't regress or spend a lot of time this season twiddling their thumbs on the DL.

So that's that. Thanks to Geoff for using my question for the basis of a post, and let's get this season underway.

Jed Hoyer Dispenses With Grady Fuson

Looks like one of Jed Hoyer's first moves as Padres GM is removing Grady Fuson as vice president of scouting and player development. Fuson was on the job for 5 years.

Scouting and player development is probably the most important job on a mid-to-small market team, so I have no problem with Jed bringing in his own guy for the job. I'm also confident that Jed will select someone who will know what he's doing. I have no specific reason to be confident about that, but I am.

For Grady's part, he did an okay job in his 5 years. Successes and potential successes include Kyle Blanks, Will Venable, Mat Latos, Nick Hundley, Wade LeBlanc and Chase Headley. Disappointments and potential disappointments include Matt Antonelli, Cesar Carrillo, Cesar Ramos and Nick Schmidt. That's not a complete list. That's just a list I copied from an article in the U-T.

As with any new hire, it will take a few years to know if Jed is moving the Drinos player development system in the right direction. I like the direction the system moved last year with all the power arms KT traded for, and the development of players like James Darnell and Jaff Decker. Hopefully Jed can do even better.

The Headster Brings His Hit Show To Colorado

Last night Chase "Headster" Headley helped the Padres win a critical series against the Pittsburgh Buccos by going 5 for 6 with a bomb, 3 dobles, a couple runs scored and a couple ribeyes. He had a shot at the cycle when he stepped to the plate in the top of the 11th, but was forced to settle for a go-ahead double because A-Gon was on the basepaths in front of him, and that's like being behind a slow Mexican-American dude.

Now the Padres head to the mountains to take on the NL Wild Card-leading Rockies.

I expect Chase will continue his barrage.

Oh Day Of Days Indeed

Quite a competition yesterday for "Best Moment of the Day":

1. Was it when I read Keyvius Sampson signed just before 1 PM eastern standard time?

2. Was it when Tam O'Flannell e-mailed me that Everett Williams, in my opinion the odd man out in terms of signability, was in the fold?

3. Was it when I heard Donavan Tate was trolling around Petco Park practicing his signature and - as we see in the photo above - getting fitted for a choice outfit?

4. Was it when Chase Headley tied the ballgame in the bottom of the 9th with a rope RBI double?

5. Was it when Kyle Blanks hit a monster 3-run walk off bomb to left center that left Mark Neely speechless?

6. Was it when I found out that my favorite Greek restaurant has take out and my wife kindly volunteered to walk the 12 blocks to pick up our order of lamb shanks, selection of Greek spreads, and a shrimp, orzo, spinach, tomato and feta salad?

7. Was it when I convinced myself, "Bevormo, you don't need to work out today"?

8. Or was it when I took a choice pre-dinner nap from 7:30 - 9 PM?

Man, this one might be too close to call.

The redemption of Cesar Carrillo begins in a few hours.

Kyle Blanks To The Bigs

Kyle,

Word on the street is that the Padres have called you up from Portland and you'll be at Petco this evening with the Big Club.

Congratulations, my good man, on your Major League debut.

Now, if I may be so bold, allow me to give you a bit of advice on some immediate actions to take when you arrive at the Park today. By following this advice you'll announce your presence with authority and immediately let the rest of the team know you're here to stay.

1. Drop a deuce in Brian Giles locker. This is a pre-emptive move because it is certain that Brian will be dropping a deuce in your locker soon. If he hasn't already.

2. Say hello to Chase Headley. Make sure to walk up to Chase and say, "Hey man, thanks for holding down my position for me. But I'm here now so you and your .230 batting average can plan on seeing a lot of pine." I'm sure Chase will appreciate that. It's bonding.

3. Get interview advice from Heath Bell. Heath is the only current Padre who gives good interviews. Seek him out this afternoon and get some tips on how to be interesting and provocative with the media. It's a sure way to get quoted on ESPN. If Heath isn't available, give Phil Nevin a call.

4. Ask to wear #19. Just kidding.

These are just a few things you can do today to take your mind off tonight's game and endear yourself to your new teammates. Feel free to improvise as needed.

Good luck.

Best,
Bevormo

The Adventures Of Headley And The Kouz

Chase, Kev,

We need to have a talk, guys, and tonight seems like the right time. I'm going to throw out a statement and then I'm going to let it hang out there a moment while it sinks in.

Here it is:

You two are the most important players on the San Diego Padres.

...

...

Alright then. Now that that's out there, I'll explain. A couple of nights ago, up in L.A., you and the rest of the guys pulled out a tense 3-1 victory against the hated Dadgers. After the game, I perused the box score and there, right in the middle of the Padres lineup, was some very interesting data.

Kouzmanoff: 4 AB, 1 R, 2 H, 1 RBI, 1 2B
Headley: 3 AB, 0 R, 2 H, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 2B

Basically, you guys produced and the Padres won. And I doubt that was an accident. In fact, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that if you two raise your production from this point on in the season, the Padres lineup is going to be rather peligroso to opposing pitchers.

As of today, Kouz, you are hitting .229 with a .275 OBP, 5 bombs and 28 ribeyes. Chase, you're sitting at .239, .319, 4 and 24. Paltry numbers for middle of the order guys, if I may make an understatement.

But if you guys can get on streaks where you push your batting averages into the .260 - .280 range, and get on pace to hit 20-25 bombs and knock in about 80 ribeyes each, the Padres are going to push quite a few runs across the plate and, by consequence, be pretty tough to beat.

I mean the Padres are only a few games under .500 now and you two have hardly hit.

Bottom line: if you guys get your numbers up, the Padres are going to win games. Just like on Wednesday against the hated Dadgers.

I look forward to you two continuing to hit tonight in Anaheim.

Best,
Bevormo

Numbers Of A Contender

Take a look at these numbers:

.190 2 19 .285
.239 0 14 .318
.326 5 20 .386
.285 18 34 .385
.234 4 19 .290
.237 4 19 .310
.219 1 4 .286
.182 3 6 .262
.095 0 0 .136

What is this list of numbers? It's the batting average, bombs, ribeyes and on-base percentage of the Padres starting lineup in yesterday's 8-5 win over the D'Slacks.

In order:

Giles
Eckstein
Hairston
Adrian
Kouz
Headley
Burke
Blanco
Peavy

What a pack o' beasts.

I smell Wild Card.

Nick, CY Help Padres Sweep Giants

Phil,

Heady front 9 yesterday at Augusta. When you made the turn at 30 I had visions of a 64 and a third green jacket for you dancing in my head. Alas, you put it in the water at 12 and then missed two easy puts on 15 and 17 that would have put you in striking distance of Angel Cabrera, Chad Campbell and Kenny "The Kentuckian" Perry. Instead of joining them in the playoff you were probably already on your third Jack and coke in the clubhouse, trading war stories with Arnie Palmer and Vijay Singh and Freddy Couples. Real tough life you guys lead.

At a minimum yesterday you must have been pleased with the Padres sweep of the Giants. I know you are a Diego boy and, if you haven't had time to notice (I know you've been busy), the hometown team is looking good this young season. Nick Hundley, the team's 25-year old catcher, had four hits and was just a home run away from hitting for the cycle. And CY, the Padres' 6'10" stud pitcher, made the Gints look foolish over his 7 innings of 4 hit ball. Add in a Chase Headley 2-run bomb and the boys looked very good yesterday.

In closing, Phil, nice work at the Masters and I hope you enjoy a few well-earned days off. But don't rest too easy. The U.S. Open is just two months away and I'm already betting this is your year to win it.

Best,
Bevormo

Adrian Tries Sneaky Bunt ... It Fails

Adrian,

Don't be discouraged. I thought that sneaky bunt you tried leading off the bottom of the 9th against Jonathan Broxton last night was brilliant. The Padres needed baserunners at that point and a solo bomb wasn't going to do much to make up the 3-run deficit. Torre had the hated Dadgers in a shift against you and you thought you'd sneak a bunt down the third base line and waltz over to first.

So crafty.

Unfortunately you bunted the ball right back to Fats Broxton and he calmly threw you out. Chase and Kouz then promptly struck out - a common refrain - and that was that. 5-2 Dadgers.

But I'm already over it because it's a whole new day and a whole new ballgame starts in about 15 minutes.

I'll be watching on mlb.tv. Because that's what I do.

Best,
Bevormo

How The Padres Will Be Good in '09

Here is what needs to happen for the Padres to be good in 2009:

1. One of the young players (Venable, Headley, Antonelli) needs to step up and become a feared beast at the plate. Let's take Headley because he seemingly has the most potential, and is the furthest along. Headley needs to hit about .300 24 100.

2. Khalil needs a comeback season. He needs to hit like he did in 2007 or, at a minimum, somewhere between how he hit in 2007 and how he hit from 2004 - 2006.

3. Jody Gerut needs to put up the same numbers he did last season, except this time not get injured and miss the final month.

4. Peavy and CY need to both pitch like aces, and CY can't get injured.

5. Heath Bell needs to be a legit closer and at least one other guy has to emerge from the bullpen as a reliable stopper.

6. A-Gon, Kouz and Giles need to have similar seasons as they did in '08.

And there you have it. The Padres could also use some help from their 3-5 starters, a few more reliable bullpen arms, a decent hitting second baseman and a catcher who can throw guys out and hit over .200, but let's not get greedy. I'm not telling you what the Padres need to win a World Series, I'm just telling you what they need to be good.

Of course this post assumes Peavy, Khalil, Giles, etc. will be Padres come April. And that's a big assumption.

Drinos 4, Metsies 2

Look at that photo. You see that guy in the background on the right side, the figure with his back to us? That's Petey Martinez, future Hall of Famer, known headhunter with his fastball, a Red Sox legend, and currently an oft-injured pitcher for the New York Mets.

And now do you see that other guy in the photo? The one in the foreground, trotting professionally down the third base line towards home plate. That's Brian Giles. He's just hit a first inning bomb off Petey, staking the Drinos to a 2-0 lead over the Metsies.

That was a nice little bomb, Brian. You've been a good Padre. Here's hoping that mystery team that claimed you off waivers last night doesn't pull off a deal to get you on their squad. Or, at a minimum, they give up a choice prospect to do so. Or, failing that, the Drinos use the cash savings to sign Brett Mooneyham. Or, failing even that, use the money to pay off Becky Moores and stop her from filing more papers regarding her divorce from John Moores in public court.

Also, before I forget, those were nice little bombs by Jody and Chase last night too. Chase hadn't left the yard since July 13 against the Bravos. Nice to see him get off the bomb schnied.

The two teams start up again at Shea in less than two hours, under cloudless skies and in 75 degree temperatures. Meanwhile I'm only thirty minutes away but am sitting in an office building hunched over a keyboard in an internet trance having the life drained out of me by overhead flourescent light bulbs.

Love it.