It's been a long few weeks for the San Diego Padres, a few weeks they would rather forget they even played. When their offense put up runs, their pitching was giving up runs. When their pitching finally came around, it was their offense that fell apart.
Jake Peavy and Chris Young did their jobs on Friday and Saturday nights, but the Padres' offense decided to take both nights off, scoring just one run combined in the two losses, both were decided by just one run.
On Sunday afternoon, it was a completely different story. This time, the pitching and offense both couldn't get anything started. Padres' starter Chad Gaudin, after a good first start in his debut, got shelled by the Dodgers' offense. Gaudin gave up six runs on eight hits in just five and two-third innings in a 7-3 loss, getting only an RBI double from Edgar Gonzalez in the second inning in support. The other two runs came late in the game on solo home runs from Brian Giles and Jody Gerut.
So, the Padres will limp back to San Diego having lost nine of their last eleven games, included five straight. A team that was one of the surprises early on, jumping out to a 9-3 record and were sitting on top of the National League's Western Division, have now dropped back to earth with a resounding thud, currently holding an 11-14 record.
This team can't point fingers, both sides have been at fault for their free fall, both sides haven't done their jobs. Their bullpen is overworked, starters have only gone more than seven innings a few times this season and their closer, Heath Bell, has only pitched once in the last eight days. His last appearance was April 28th against the Colorado Rockies, a game the Padres won 4-3. You have to wonder why you don't bring this guy into a close game, he may be the only one that can shut a team down and keep the Padres in a game they can still win.
Instead, guys like Edwin Moreno, Edward Mujica, Luke Gregerson and Duaner Sanchez have been brought into close games, all four guys unable to hold leads, and those games eventually slip away.
The question now becomes, when will this frustration boil over for the players that have been here the longest. We all know the rumors about Jake Peavy being traded out of town, will it go from the Padres shipping him somewhere, or will Jake be the one to ask out of San Diego? What about Adrian Gonzalez? When will enough be enough for the Gold Glove first baseman? Can the Padres survive without one or both of these guys, because it could be a very real scenario of this free fall continues.
After being swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Padres will return home to begin a four game home stand against the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks before going back on the road for six games against the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs.
It could be very possible that the Padres could be a lot further out of the NL West race after the next 10 games than a lot of us want to even think about.
Don't be surprised that, if this free fall continues, the Padres may start to bring up some of their pitchers and position players from Triple-A Portland. We may see guys like Will Venable, Chad Huffman and maybe Kyle Blanks. Blanks would be the biggest surprise to see in San Diego after only a month of the season complete. But as well as the big first baseman is playing the Padres may not have a choice if they're wanting to keep themselves within striking distance of the front running Dodgers.
Showing posts with label Will Venable. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Will Venable. Show all posts
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
San Diego Padres: Is a Shakeup Needed in San Diego?
After the Padres slit a four game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers to start the 2009 season, they went on a run that included winning seven of their next nine games. That's where the fun has ended.
Since they're 9-4 start, they have dropped six of their last seven that have included back-to-back bad starts for Jake Peavy, giving up six runs in just five innings in his last start against the Pirates. Not to mention Chris Young's worst outing of his career, giving up eight runs in just three innings of work on Monday night in Colorado against the Rockies.
With the Padres currently sitting at 10-10, fans becoming more and more frustrated with this team, could it be time for a shakeup in San Diego?
Padre fans remember all the rumors that were flying around about Jake Peavy being traded to Atlanta and then to the Chicago Cubs, both trade possibilities fell by the wayside. As much as I hate to admit it, but I've started to wonder who the Padres would have gotten in return had they shipped Peavy to Chicago and gotten that deal done during the off season.
With Peavy struggling in his last two outings, is he doing this team more harm than good by keeping him around only because this is where he got his start?
I have to admit that I was one of the those fans who thought it was diplorable that Kevin Towers and the Padres' brass were even looking into the possibility of trading the young right hander. Now, I'm not so sure they shouldn't have made that move.
This team has the offense to win games, they've proved that time and time again this season and they continue to put up runs, but it's their pitching that continues to lose leads and lose games. Padres' closer Heath Bell seems to be the only one that has been effective over their first twenty games, saving seven of those games in seven chances. The only other guy out of the bullpen that has the same kind of effectiveness is sidewinder Cla Meredith, although Luke Gregerson has really impressed over his ten relief appearances, sporting a 2.25 ERA.
The problem with trading Peavy now is this, the Padres won't get near as much back for him now as they would have in November or December, especially not after his back-to-back rough starts. The Braves and Cubs openly stated that the Padres were asking for too much in return, reportedly asking for 5 or 6 prospects, something they won't get close to now.
One team that is desperate for pitching is the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. If Kevin Towers is smart, I'd be on the phone working a deal to send Peavy just an hour up the freeway from San Diego to Anaheim in return for possibly infielder Brandon Wood, currently riding the pine in Anaheim, outfielder Reggie Willits in Triple-A Salt Lake or maybe Gary Mathews Jr if the Angels will pick up most of his remaining salary. Although, I doubt the Padres would bring on Mathews unless they can send one or both of Scott Hairston and Brian Giles somewhere.
The Angels need pitching, the Padres need to shake up their roster and keep themselves in the race. It's a great fit for both sides.
If the Padres want to make a big splash and make big changes, changes that might actually make them better right now without going the trade route, they need to promote some of the young players in Triple-A, guys like Kyle Blanks, Will Venable and Chad Huffman just to name a few.
This team does have something to look forward to on their own roster however, something that may bring them out of this funk that they're currently in. They do have players expected to return to the team from the disabled list, starters Cha Seung Baek and Walter Silva sometime in May as well as reliever Mike Adams, due back in June.
Baek has yet to make his first start for San Diego after an injury prior to the start of this season.
Silva was injured a few starts into the 2009 season and could be back by the start of next month. Both pitchers could be a huge lift for this pitching staff that is already decimated by injuries.
Mike Adams missed the 2008 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery but he's due back with the Padres sometime in June if everything goes as planned. He'd be a definite breath of fresh air if he can pitch like he showed in 2007.
If San Diego continues to lose games like they have, Kevin Towers and Padres' management needs to step in to rectify the situation and do it quickly, not wait until they fall so far behind that they have no choice but to wave the white flag on the season. This team won't be able to get themselves out of a free fall, they couldn't do it last season and they won't be able to do it this season. Fix it now before it gets out of hand.
Since they're 9-4 start, they have dropped six of their last seven that have included back-to-back bad starts for Jake Peavy, giving up six runs in just five innings in his last start against the Pirates. Not to mention Chris Young's worst outing of his career, giving up eight runs in just three innings of work on Monday night in Colorado against the Rockies.
With the Padres currently sitting at 10-10, fans becoming more and more frustrated with this team, could it be time for a shakeup in San Diego?
Padre fans remember all the rumors that were flying around about Jake Peavy being traded to Atlanta and then to the Chicago Cubs, both trade possibilities fell by the wayside. As much as I hate to admit it, but I've started to wonder who the Padres would have gotten in return had they shipped Peavy to Chicago and gotten that deal done during the off season.
With Peavy struggling in his last two outings, is he doing this team more harm than good by keeping him around only because this is where he got his start?
I have to admit that I was one of the those fans who thought it was diplorable that Kevin Towers and the Padres' brass were even looking into the possibility of trading the young right hander. Now, I'm not so sure they shouldn't have made that move.
This team has the offense to win games, they've proved that time and time again this season and they continue to put up runs, but it's their pitching that continues to lose leads and lose games. Padres' closer Heath Bell seems to be the only one that has been effective over their first twenty games, saving seven of those games in seven chances. The only other guy out of the bullpen that has the same kind of effectiveness is sidewinder Cla Meredith, although Luke Gregerson has really impressed over his ten relief appearances, sporting a 2.25 ERA.
The problem with trading Peavy now is this, the Padres won't get near as much back for him now as they would have in November or December, especially not after his back-to-back rough starts. The Braves and Cubs openly stated that the Padres were asking for too much in return, reportedly asking for 5 or 6 prospects, something they won't get close to now.
One team that is desperate for pitching is the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. If Kevin Towers is smart, I'd be on the phone working a deal to send Peavy just an hour up the freeway from San Diego to Anaheim in return for possibly infielder Brandon Wood, currently riding the pine in Anaheim, outfielder Reggie Willits in Triple-A Salt Lake or maybe Gary Mathews Jr if the Angels will pick up most of his remaining salary. Although, I doubt the Padres would bring on Mathews unless they can send one or both of Scott Hairston and Brian Giles somewhere.
The Angels need pitching, the Padres need to shake up their roster and keep themselves in the race. It's a great fit for both sides.
If the Padres want to make a big splash and make big changes, changes that might actually make them better right now without going the trade route, they need to promote some of the young players in Triple-A, guys like Kyle Blanks, Will Venable and Chad Huffman just to name a few.
This team does have something to look forward to on their own roster however, something that may bring them out of this funk that they're currently in. They do have players expected to return to the team from the disabled list, starters Cha Seung Baek and Walter Silva sometime in May as well as reliever Mike Adams, due back in June.
Baek has yet to make his first start for San Diego after an injury prior to the start of this season.
Silva was injured a few starts into the 2009 season and could be back by the start of next month. Both pitchers could be a huge lift for this pitching staff that is already decimated by injuries.
Mike Adams missed the 2008 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery but he's due back with the Padres sometime in June if everything goes as planned. He'd be a definite breath of fresh air if he can pitch like he showed in 2007.
If San Diego continues to lose games like they have, Kevin Towers and Padres' management needs to step in to rectify the situation and do it quickly, not wait until they fall so far behind that they have no choice but to wave the white flag on the season. This team won't be able to get themselves out of a free fall, they couldn't do it last season and they won't be able to do it this season. Fix it now before it gets out of hand.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Padres-Pirates: Giles' Walkoff Single Lifts Padres Over Pirates
Brian Giles has been in one of his biggest slumps and in the position of the batting order that he currently occupies, it's created offensive trouble for the Padres.
But on Friday night, Giles picked the right time to come through for San Diego. In the eleventh inning, with Chris Burke on second base and David Eckstein on first, Giles ripped a Matt Capps fastball to right field, scoring Burke and sending the Padres and their fans home happy with a 4-3 victory. That win snapps the Padres' three game losing streak and also slowed the Pirates fast start, winning five of their first six including a sweep of the Florida Marlins.
Pirates' starter Ian Snell wasted no time in helping his own cause, hitting an RBI single in the second inning to give the Pirates an early 1-0 lead.
That lead was short lived as Padres' first baseman Adrian Gonzalez hammered a first pitch fastball from Snell over the left center field wall for a solo home run. It was his sixth home run of the year and third in his last five games. Gonzalez is currently riding a six game hit streak and even more impressive than that, has at least one hit in fourteen of the Padres' sixteen games, going hitless just twice all season long.
Padres' starter Kevin Correia looked like he was going to give his bullpen a break after all the work they've had to do lately. His pitch count was a lot lower than his previous two starts and was given a 3-1 lead, but Correia couldn't hold it as the Pirates would come back to tie the game at 3-3 with two runs in the sixth inning. Correia would end his night pitching five innings and giving up three runs on just three hits, but walks got him trouble as the right hander issued four on the night.
The game would stay 3-3 into the eleventh inning. Padres' Chris Burke would draw a pinch hit walk and would steal second after Jody Gerut popped out. Padres' second baseman David Eckstein would also draw a walk and that brought up Brian Giles.
Pirates' reliever Matt Capps had already thrown Giles three straight fastballs, two of which Giles could only foul off. On the fourth one, Giles got all he needed of it, lining past Pirates' right fielder Eric Hinske, scoring Burke from second with the game winner.
It was a hit that Giles, who came into last night's game hitting .159, desperately needed. Time will only tell if this will be the start of the Brian Giles that Padre fans know or if this slump will continue. If it does, it may not be long before the Padres look to Triple-A outfielders Will Venable or Chad Huffman to take over.
The two teams will continue their three game set tonight at Petco Park. The Padres will have right hander Shawn Hill (1-0, 3.60) on the mound against Pirates left hander Zach Duke (2-1, 2.95). First pitch will be 7:05pm.
But on Friday night, Giles picked the right time to come through for San Diego. In the eleventh inning, with Chris Burke on second base and David Eckstein on first, Giles ripped a Matt Capps fastball to right field, scoring Burke and sending the Padres and their fans home happy with a 4-3 victory. That win snapps the Padres' three game losing streak and also slowed the Pirates fast start, winning five of their first six including a sweep of the Florida Marlins.
Pirates' starter Ian Snell wasted no time in helping his own cause, hitting an RBI single in the second inning to give the Pirates an early 1-0 lead.
That lead was short lived as Padres' first baseman Adrian Gonzalez hammered a first pitch fastball from Snell over the left center field wall for a solo home run. It was his sixth home run of the year and third in his last five games. Gonzalez is currently riding a six game hit streak and even more impressive than that, has at least one hit in fourteen of the Padres' sixteen games, going hitless just twice all season long.
Padres' starter Kevin Correia looked like he was going to give his bullpen a break after all the work they've had to do lately. His pitch count was a lot lower than his previous two starts and was given a 3-1 lead, but Correia couldn't hold it as the Pirates would come back to tie the game at 3-3 with two runs in the sixth inning. Correia would end his night pitching five innings and giving up three runs on just three hits, but walks got him trouble as the right hander issued four on the night.
The game would stay 3-3 into the eleventh inning. Padres' Chris Burke would draw a pinch hit walk and would steal second after Jody Gerut popped out. Padres' second baseman David Eckstein would also draw a walk and that brought up Brian Giles.
Pirates' reliever Matt Capps had already thrown Giles three straight fastballs, two of which Giles could only foul off. On the fourth one, Giles got all he needed of it, lining past Pirates' right fielder Eric Hinske, scoring Burke from second with the game winner.
It was a hit that Giles, who came into last night's game hitting .159, desperately needed. Time will only tell if this will be the start of the Brian Giles that Padre fans know or if this slump will continue. If it does, it may not be long before the Padres look to Triple-A outfielders Will Venable or Chad Huffman to take over.
The two teams will continue their three game set tonight at Petco Park. The Padres will have right hander Shawn Hill (1-0, 3.60) on the mound against Pirates left hander Zach Duke (2-1, 2.95). First pitch will be 7:05pm.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Chad Gaudin Looking Strong in Portland
The Padres may not keep right hander Chad Gaudin down in Triple-A much longer, especially with the way he pitched last night for the Beavers in their 3-0 win over Sacramento.
Gaudin held Sacramento scoreless on just two hits while striking out seven during his five innings of work.
Gaudin hasn't given up a run on just four hits and striking out ten through his first two starts (8.2 IP), good for a 0.69 ERA.
I would expect him to get at least one more start in Portland before San Diego decides to call him up. They will probably want him to pitch deeper into a game than five innings as they currently have two pitchers (Correia, Hill) who have only pitched five innings in each of their two starts. They need a pitcher who will lessen the workload of the bullpen.
Speaking of the bullpen, the Padres may want to look at Portland's bullpen if Edwin Moreno and Edward Mujica continue to struggle. Jon Ellis pitched two scoreless innings for his second win of the season and closer Greg Burke closed out the ninth inning for his third save of the season.
In other notes from the Beavers' game last night. Outfielder Will Venable hit his fourth home run of the year, his third in the last three games, a two run shot in the sixth inning after a lead double from Emil Brown. Brown also had an RBI single in the seventh inning.
Gaudin held Sacramento scoreless on just two hits while striking out seven during his five innings of work.
Gaudin hasn't given up a run on just four hits and striking out ten through his first two starts (8.2 IP), good for a 0.69 ERA.
I would expect him to get at least one more start in Portland before San Diego decides to call him up. They will probably want him to pitch deeper into a game than five innings as they currently have two pitchers (Correia, Hill) who have only pitched five innings in each of their two starts. They need a pitcher who will lessen the workload of the bullpen.
Speaking of the bullpen, the Padres may want to look at Portland's bullpen if Edwin Moreno and Edward Mujica continue to struggle. Jon Ellis pitched two scoreless innings for his second win of the season and closer Greg Burke closed out the ninth inning for his third save of the season.
In other notes from the Beavers' game last night. Outfielder Will Venable hit his fourth home run of the year, his third in the last three games, a two run shot in the sixth inning after a lead double from Emil Brown. Brown also had an RBI single in the seventh inning.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Seven players optioned to the minors
The Padres made seven more roster moves this afternoon, optioning players to Triple-A Portland to their minor league camp.
Pitchers Josh Geer, Scott Patterson and Joe Thatcher, catcher Jose Lobaton, infielder Matt Antonelli and outfielder Will Venable were all optioned to Triple-A Portland.
In addition to those six, outfielder Chad Huffman was re-assigned to the Padres' minor league camp.
Pitchers Josh Geer, Scott Patterson and Joe Thatcher, catcher Jose Lobaton, infielder Matt Antonelli and outfielder Will Venable were all optioned to Triple-A Portland.
In addition to those six, outfielder Chad Huffman was re-assigned to the Padres' minor league camp.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Blanks showing no signs of slowing down
Leave it to Kyle Blanks to keep making his case for a spot with the San Diego Padres, unfortunately that's probably not going to happen until he can prove he can play the outfield without being a liability, because first base just isn't an option with Adrian Gonzalez already there.
Yesterday, in a 9-4 loss to the Rangers, Blanks would double and score in the fifth inning on Will Venabl's RBI single.
Blanks is going to force the hand of Kevin Towers if he keeps this up. But, again, Blanks will probably start the year in AAA and get some time in the outfield. If he shows that he can do that with no problem at all, don't think it's going to be long before he gets the call up to San Diego, especially if this team struggles offensively.
Yesterday, in a 9-4 loss to the Rangers, Blanks would double and score in the fifth inning on Will Venabl's RBI single.
Blanks is going to force the hand of Kevin Towers if he keeps this up. But, again, Blanks will probably start the year in AAA and get some time in the outfield. If he shows that he can do that with no problem at all, don't think it's going to be long before he gets the call up to San Diego, especially if this team struggles offensively.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Estes roughed up, Padres rally not enough against KC
Left-hander Shawn Estes was looking forward to facing live hitters for the first time since 2006 and to be doing it in a Padres uniform.
Estes might have been a little too excited. The Padres' left-hander lasted only 2/3 of an inning, giving up 6 earned runs on 4 hits to go with 2 walks, though the defense behind him botching 2 potential double plays didn't help matters as the Padres lost the first game of spring training 13-9 against the Kansas City Royals of the AL Central.
Offensively, there were some bright spots. Jim Edmonds just missed a HR in the first inning and had an RBI double in the 3rd. Young prospects Will Venable and Matt Antonelli both connected on HR's for the Padres. Rule 5 pick Callix Crabbe also had himself a double and reached base twice. Edgar Gonzalez, older brother to Padres's 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez, had himself a good day at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a walk and 2 RBI's
On Saturday, the Padres will face the Seattle Mariners at the Peoria Sports Complex. The start will go to left-hander Randy Wolf, who will be followed by right-hander Justin Germano who is scheduled for 2 innings.
Estes might have been a little too excited. The Padres' left-hander lasted only 2/3 of an inning, giving up 6 earned runs on 4 hits to go with 2 walks, though the defense behind him botching 2 potential double plays didn't help matters as the Padres lost the first game of spring training 13-9 against the Kansas City Royals of the AL Central.
Offensively, there were some bright spots. Jim Edmonds just missed a HR in the first inning and had an RBI double in the 3rd. Young prospects Will Venable and Matt Antonelli both connected on HR's for the Padres. Rule 5 pick Callix Crabbe also had himself a double and reached base twice. Edgar Gonzalez, older brother to Padres's 1st baseman Adrian Gonzalez, had himself a good day at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a walk and 2 RBI's
On Saturday, the Padres will face the Seattle Mariners at the Peoria Sports Complex. The start will go to left-hander Randy Wolf, who will be followed by right-hander Justin Germano who is scheduled for 2 innings.
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