The Rotation

The Padres currently have, give or take a guy, 14 pitchers competing for rotation spots this Spring Training.  That number includes Cory Luebke and Joe Wieland who are recovering from Tommy John surgery and won't be available until mid-summer at the earliest.  The remaining 12 guys are a mix of veterans and youngsters, none of whom are top-of-the-rotation starters.  It could be a long season at Petco Park.

But what if some of the veterans had a season equal to their best season ever.  Then the Padres would have something!  Just look at the numbers:

1.  Jason Marquis - 15-7  3.71  201.1  [2004]

2.  Edinson Volquez - 17-6  3.21  196.0  [2008]

3.  Clayton Richard - 14-9  3.75  201.2  [2010]

4.  Freddy Garcia - 18-6  3.05  238.2  [2001]

5.  Tim Stauffer - 9-12  3.73  185.2  [2011]

6.  Eric Stults - 8-3  2.92  92.1  [2012]  

This could absolutely happen.  In fact, if Freddy Garcia doesn't throw 238 innings, I'll be shocked.

With The Padres At Fenway: Vol. 1

The Padres are playing three games at Fenway this week, and, for better or worse, I decided to take the train up from New York for the series. Today was Game 1 of the series and suffice to say it didn't end well for the Padres.

Most people will forget this when looking at the final score for tonight's game, but other than the Red Sox half of the 7th, it was an evenly played, exciting contest, with both sides threatening to score nearly every inning. Orlando Hudson's bomb was an absolute rocket, and for nearly three full innings Cory Luebke looked unhittable.

But then came the bottom of the 7th and the better team used hustle, elite batting eyes, and just plain skillful hitting to start a rally, and then pile on once the Padres young relief pitchers (well, young, other than Pat Neshek) got flustered.

But despite the end result it was a good night at the ballpark. I had incredible seats, the weather was perfect, and, as Hemingway might say, the Monstah IPA flowed pure and true.

To the photos.

It was weird but I didn't see any Red Sox fans wearing Eric Patterson jerseys.

Here was the view from my seats a few minutes before the first pitch. Apparently the Sox allow some people to stand on the field behind home plate before the game.

The Sox also have installed TVs in the base of the wall facing the expensive seats. They are wholly unnecessary but do allow the Sox to charge more for the seats.

Buddence Black handed over the lineup card before the game to someone who was decidedly not Terry Francona. I think the manager should always be the one to exchange the lineup card. I know managers sometimes allow their coaches to do it as some kind of honor, but I'm not a fan of that tradition.

Adrian roped a line single to left in his first at bat. Seeing Adrian's patented opposite-field swing work so well tonight made me realize that Tony Gwynn would have batted .468 in this ballpark.

Big Papi during his 14-pitch at bat in the first inning. It started 0-2 and Papi fouled off pitch after pitch. The radio guy during my cab ride back to the hotel said it was the most pitches Papi had ever seen in a single at bat.

Anthony Rizzo waits on deck for his first at bat at Fenway Park.

Andrew Miller deals to - I believe - Cameron Maybin. Maybin's a player, though his 0-4 with a walk tonight didn't really show it.

A sweet view to the right field roof deck. I sat up there once during a cold, rainy doubleheader between the Sox and Rangers. Tonight was better.

That for sure is Maybin. I think I took a lot of photos in a row at this point in the game.

And here is Rizzo at the plate. Great stance. Has the Batting Stance Guy done Rizzo yet? Because he should.

Adrian K'd to end the 4th, the first of 5 straight Ks by Luebke. The Padres would tie the game on Orlando's 3-run bomb during that stretch and things were indeed looking up.

This is Luebke during his stretch of Ks. He'll be a starter on the Padres pretty soon, especially if Jed can deal Harang and/or Moseley for some mid-range prospects in the next few weeks.

During the 7th inning stretch, mere minutes before the wheels came off for the Padres, I turned and admired the grandstand and press boxes rising up behind me. One of the best views in baseball.

This is Rizzo's final at bat in the top of the 8th where he hit a high fly ball to J.D. Drew in right. In his previous at bat Rizzo hit the hardest hit ball of the night - yes, harder than O Dog's bomb and harder than Jesus Guzman's triple - that hit the 420 sign on the fly for a double. Rizzo's going to be a very good hitter in this league. (Incidentally, it bears mentioning that the Padres had the three hardest hit balls of the night and still lost by 9 runs).

After the Red Sox opened up the game in the 7th, I'm pretty sure Terry Francona moved up to the Field Boxes to take in the rest of the game with a cool beverage.

Here's Yawkey Way after the game. For those who don't know, Yawkey Way is a street that borders Fenway that is closed off during the game and basically becomes part of the stadium and you can just wander around, booze, eat, shop for baseball gear, and basically live the dream. I've seen worse set ups.

And to close, this was cool. After the game I was standing on Yawkey Way eating a sausage and noticed a group of people standing around all wearing Rizzo shirts. I thought I recognized a couple of them as Rizzo's parents because Channel 4 showed them sitting in the stands about 47 times during Rizzo's first few games at Petco. Sure enough, a few minutes later, I hear the group start cheering and there was Rizzo walking out of the stadium toward them. He gave them all hugs and shrugged as if to say, "Yeah, I did hit that laser off the 420 sign, but we really got pounded. I'd rather get a W."

Anyway, the Rizzos seem like good people who are very proud of their son, and are prepared to support him and the Padres even on nights that don't end up so well for the team. I'm happy to have Anthony and the rest of the Rizzos on board for the inevitable Padres World Series victory in 2015.

My Padres Lineup

I'm fully on board with the recent moves Jed Hoyer has made to prepare the Padres for the 2011 season. In particular I love the Brad Hawpe signing. I fully expect him to approximate his career average line of .279/.373/.490. If he doesn't I'll be shocked.

Here's the lineup I'd like to see for the Drinos on Opening Day 2011, an afternoon tilt in St. Louis on March 31:

1. Will Venable - RF

2. Orlando Hudson - 2B

3. Brad Hawpe - 1B

4. Ryan Ludwick - LF

5. Chase Headley - 3B

6. Nick Hundley - C

7. Jason Bartlett - SS

8. Cameron Maybin - CF

I've seen some suggest that Bartlett should bat #2 with O Dog in the three hole, but I'd like a bit more pop from the #3 spot. If you want to switch Hundley and Bartlett in the six and seven spots, I'm fine with that.

And the rotation:

LHP - Clayton Richard

RHP - Mat Latos

RHP - Aaron Harang

RHP - Tim Stauffer

RHP - Chris Young

It's doubtful the Padres will sign CY, but I'd like to see them give him a two-year deal with choice incentives. CY must know Petco is his best shot at putting up good numbers so he should accept such an offer. If CY goes elsewhere I'd like to see Cory Luebke in the #5 spot. I like how he throws with a downward plane from the left side.

Happy New Year.

Just Hours Away From Cory Luebke's Debut

Good thing my man Cory Luebke is starting tonight in a must-win game against the Rockies.

Otherwise I might be worried.

In all seriousness, though, I think Bud and Jed set this up well, giving Cory his first major-league start at home, in the best pitcher's park in baseball. That fact alone should cover up at least a few mistakes caused by early-inning jitters. The timing of Cory's start also gives the other five Padres starters an extra day of rest, setting them up to finish strong over the remaining games of this critical 10-game homestand.

Another factor working in Cory's favor tonight: the Rockies hitters don't know him or his stuff. Sure, they have scouting reports, but none of them have stepped in against Cory in a major league setting. The element of surprise might be the trick to cool down the potent Rockies bats.

Must-see ballgame. Tonight. At Petco.

Anthony Bass, Bryan Oland ... And Other Top Padres Prospects

Hitters yesterday, pitchers today. And leading the charge of Padre minor league pitchers through July 1 are two beasts, Anthony Bass and Bryan Oland (that's Anthony pictured above, back in his Wayne St. days).

I know, I know. Latos is probably the number 1 guy. But he was at the top of these rankings last month and I want to mix it up a bit. That's the beauty of compiling arbitrary rankings on your blog: you can do whatever you want.

A few changes this month: (1) only guys with 1.20 WHIP are lower made the list; and (2) the list is divided between starters and relievers. Hence, both Bass and Oland get recognition as the top guy in their respective roles.

To the lists.

Starters

1. Anthony Bass, RHP, Fort Wayne: Anthony probably should be in High A but, regardless, his numbers are hard to ignore: 7-3 1.95 ERA, 59/25 strikeout-to-walk ratio, 1.14 WHIP. He's given up 3 earned runs over his last 8 starts which is ridiculous. He's ready for a move.

2. Mat Latos, RHP, FW/San Antonio: Dominated at the Texas League All Star Game last night. I'm stoked for his first start this September as a Padre. I'm hoping it's against the hated Dadgers and he K's Ethier, Manny and Loney in order. Yep, that's probably going to happen. He is currently 7-1, 1.28, 65/12, .78 on the season.

3. Cory Luebke, LHP, Lake Elsinore/SA: Man, isn't Cory is exactly what the Padres need? A reliable lefty starter, maybe the #3 guy in the rotation, who can strike guys out? Picture him slotted behing Peavy and Latos in a couple years, or maybe as the #4 guy behind Peavy-Latos-Young. That could be a nice veteran-youngster mix. Cory is kicking it at 9-2, 2.31, 84/18, 1.02.

4. Tim Stauffer, RHP, SA/Portland: He was roughed up a bit last night, but the Timmy Stauffer comeback this season has been a heartwarmer worthy of Hallmark. You know the tale: shoulder injury out of college, still managed to fight his way to the majors, major surgery last year, and now back for another go 'round. Stauffer could be that mystery #5 starter on a pennant winner. The guy who had top of the rotation stuff once upon a time but could never realize his potential because of injuries. That would be some kinda nice, to borrow Mark Grant's phrase, if it happened. Not counting last night, Tim is 2-0, 2.17, 21/5, .86 on the year.

Relievers

1. Bryan Oland, RHP, LE: Bryan is a big kid, measuring 6'3" 230. As the Lake Elsinore closer on the season, he's racked up 19 saves to go along with his 3-1, 1.29, 38/11, 1.06. I don't know a lot about Bryan's stuff, but I like his potential.

2. Brad Brach, RHP, FW: A big part of Fort Wayne's success this season, Brad has 18 saves to go along with his 3-2, 1.64, 43/7, .70. He's been basically unhittable lately, giving up only 1 hit in 6 appearances since June 9.

3. Evan Scribner, RHP, SA: When the Padres acquired Evan last season, I thought they were going to move him quickly to the bigs to take advantage of the fact he was unknown to Big League hitters (similar to what the D'Backs have done this season with Daniel Schlereth). It wasn't to be but Evan is at AA now and is pitching well. So far on the season he's 4-1, 2.02, 35/9, .93. I bet he gets a long look in Spring Training.

4. Nick Schumacher, RHP, FW: Like Anthony Bass, Nick is a Wayne St. guy, for whatever that's worth. Not sure what kind of stuff he's got, but you've gotta like his 3-0, 1.08 21/1, .96. That 21-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio is especially choice.

5. Mike Ekstrom, RHP, Portland: Mike has seen a little Big League time this year but hasn't yet been able to stick. He will pitch in the upcoming PCL All Star game, which is nice. Mike is 3-1, 2.08, 30/14, 1.02 with 9 holds.

6. Zachary Herr, LHP, FW: The lefty from Nebraska has watched his ERA skyrocket since earlier this season, but his peripheral numbers are still choice. Must be a bit of bad luck for Zach. He's at 4-2, 4.09, 40/10, 1.15.

7. Eduardo Perez, RHP, FW: I'll be honest, I had not heard of Eduardo until I started looking at stats to compile this post. He is a 21-year old Venezuelan who, in 13 games this season, is 2-0, 3.51, 19/8, 1.17. He may not make this type of list again, but for now, well done, Eduardo.

Lake Elsinore Storm Starting Rotation: The K-Men

Dear Lake Elsinore Storm Starting Rotation (Messrs. Kluber, Hefner, Luebke, Pelzer and McBryde),

That's quite a rotation you guys have at Lake Elsinore this season. I was perusing the Internets this morning, reviewing some minor league statistics, when I noticed that you guys have some monster stats down in the Cal League. WHIP, wins, innings pitched, ERA, all that jive.

But what really jumped out at me were the number of Ks you've all amassed. And I'm not talking about just one guy getting a bunch of Ks and carrying the rest of the group. I'm talking about a consistently high number of Ks down the line from each and every one of you.

Let me lay out the numbers though I'm sure you all already know them:

Corey Kluber (pictured above): 93Ks, 1st in the Cal League
Cory Luebke: 80Ks, 3rd in the Cal League
Jeremy McBryde: 76Ks, T6th in the Cal League
Wynn Pelzer: 76 Ks, T6th in the Cal League
Jeremy Hefner: 75Ks, T8th in the Cal League

I'm no mathmetician, but that looks to me like the entire rotation is in the top 8 in Ks in the Cal League. None too shabby.

From this point forward I'm dubbing you the K-Men. It's like the X-Men, except far less creative and interesting.

Good luck in the second half. Perhaps a couple of you will make the move to San Antone.

Best,
Bevormo

[Update: 8:40 PM EST: I was thinking about this some more and I thought of a comparison. You five guys are all in the top 8 in the Cal League in strikeouts. What, I just asked myself, would the Padres rotation look like if they had 5 of the top 8 strikeout pitchers in the NL? The answer? It's these five beasts:

Tim Lincecum: 125 Ks, 1st in NL
Johan Santana: 97 Ks, 3rd in NL
Dan Haren: 96 Ks, 5th in NL
Yovani Gallardo: 93 Ks, 6th in NL
Josh Johnson: 88 Ks, 8th in NL

Yeah, I'd take that rotation.

Incidentally, despite missing a couple starts, Peavy is seventh in the NL with 92 Ks.]

Mat Latos ... And Other Top Padres Minor Leaguers

Wow. June is flying by and I still haven't posted my top 10 Padre pitching prospects based on performances through May. I did the pitcher rankings through April, and I already ranked the hitters through the season's first two months, but the best pitching performances as of May 31 have so far gone unrewarded.

No longer.

Since I'm well past deadline let me just go ahead and list these beasts without comment. Their stats (through May 31) speak for themselves.

1. Mat Latos, RHP, Fort Wayne and San Antonio: 4-0, 36.1 IP, 38Ks, 8 walks, ERA and WHIP well under 1.00.

2. Will Inman, RHP, San Antonio: 4-1, 3.05 ERA, 44.1 IP, 36Ks, 8 walks, .92 WHIP

3. Brad Brach, RHP, Fort Wayne: 3-2, 1.17 ERA, 23 IP, 31Ks, 5 walks, .70 WHIP, 14 saves

4. Bryan Oland, RHP, Lake Elsinore: 0-1, 1.85 ERA, 24.1 IP, 28Ks, 9 walks, 1.15 WHIP, 14 saves

5. Cory Luebke, LHP, Lake Elsinore: 5-2, 2,88 ERA, 59.1 IP, 52Ks, 13 walks, 1.16 WHIP

6. Jeremy McBryde, RHP, Lake Elsinore: 6-1, 3.04 ERA, 53.1 IP, 55Ks, 13 walks, 1.01 WHIP

7. Ernest Frieri, RHP, San Antonio: 5-2, 3.65 ERA, 44.1 IP, 37Ks, 18 walks, 1.26 WHIP

8. Anthony Bass, RHP, Fort Wayne: 3-3, 2.74 ERA, 49.1 IP, 38Ks, 20 walks, 1.40 WHIP

9. Mike DeMark, RHP, San Antonio: 0-1, 1.82 ERA, 24.2 IP, 23Ks, 13 walks, 1.22 WHIP

10. Zach Herr, LHP, Fort Wayne: 3-1, 3.38 ERA, 24 IP, 32Ks, 5 walks, 1.00 WHIP, 7 holds

I'm already looking forward to next month and the possible appearance of Nick Schmidt.

Until then.