This is the final part of the 2010 Padre “IF’ list, but certainly not the least important.  In fact, this Padre bench may be the most versatile and competent group that Buddy Black has had to work with, and could play an important role in any Padres success.  There aren’t many “IFs” for this bench to be a useful tool, so let’s get to it. Read the rest of this entry »

Here’s the good news…no, the GREAT news for the 2010 Padres lineup – NONE of their “IFs” include an aging veteran!   Read the rest of this entry »

What a difference a year makes! This time last year the “if” about the Padre bullpen was pretty straightforward. The bullpen would be fine IF Kevin Towers could find 6 new faces to fill it. Read the rest of this entry »

Every team has its “If” list as it gets ready for the season, for that team to be competitive.  “If” we stay healthy, “if” that player can come back from his surgery, “if” the young phenom can translate his gaudy minor league stats into similar big league numbers, “if” the aging veteran can do it for just one more year, etc.  The Padres are no exception, especially when it comes to their starting rotation.  Here is the Padre “if” list for their starting rotation in my perceived order of importance. Read the rest of this entry »

It never gets old.  This is the 26th time I’ve been to spring training, and it still brings forth in me feelings of anticipation, optimism, and curiosity as to what untapped potential will be revealed. Read the rest of this entry »

Where is Randy Johnson when you need him? It was payback time for the Brewers for the embarrassing home plate celebration they choreographed last year following a Prince Fielder homerun, and the best the Giants could call upon to exact revenge was Barry Zito’s 82 MPH heater. Read the rest of this entry »

Ok, we’re done Poppin’ our P’s, but the question remains is Jake Peavy’s reported efforts to get White Sox GM, Kenny Williams, to trade for his former teammate, Adrian Gonzalez, in any way out of line? Read the rest of this entry »

Mr. Scanlan, Throughout the off season and even more in Spring Trainng I keep hearing that Tim Stauffer and Sean Gallagher are out of minor league options.  So that brings me to my questions what exactly is an option, how many does a player get, and how many options can a player have before they run out?  I appreciate if you can clarify this for me. – Robert Read the rest of this entry »