Padres Spring Training Report – Mar. 5, 2015

For the second day in a row the Padres came up short against their complex mates, the Mariners, this time by a sore of 9-4. The game was actually closer than that through the first 7 innings, but a 4 run M’s 8th blew it open.

So, let’s get down to it, and look at who did what for the Friars today. Well her were some positive performances….

• Alexi Amarista – Excellent day at the plate going 3 for 3, with three singles.  Two of them were up the middle and required an inside out approach, which is exactly what the Little Ninja has said he wants to work on this spring, and executed perfectly in those plate appearances.
• Will Venable – His 2-run line drive shot over the right filed wall further emphasized what I’ve seen out of him all spring – a focused, in shape, confident athlete.  Despite coming of a very difficult season last year, and knowing his playing time is in jeopardy with all the off season additions to the outfield, he has really looked as calm and confident in the early part of camp as I’ve seen him this year.  He seems to be at ease with himself, and embracing of the situation, and it’s shown in his focused workouts on the field and at the plate here in the early going.  Hope it continues.
• Brett Wallace – The big corner infielder reached base safely twice today, with a 2B and 1B.  One challenging chance came his way on defense at 1B and he handled it calmly.
• Taylor Lindsey – The young, offensively touted second baseman launched one over the right field wall in the 9th to leave a favorable impression on the coaches.
• Joaquin Benoit – Out of all the pitchers today he looked the sharpest in his one inning of work, walking the first batter but then striking out the side with some nasty change ups.  He looked ready for opening day.

Good news came from Buddy this morning about Casey Kelly, who is apparently expected to throw  a bullpen on Friday,  and hopefully can start going in the right direction again after straining his groin last week.

Speaking of medical reports, you may recall our “Ugly” play of the day yesterday, featuring Ji-Man Choi breaking his leg on a strange mini-collision at first base with Tayler Lindsey.  Wish I had better news to report, but sounds as though he will miss the next 4-6 months after having surgery to repair his fibula today. May he have a  as quick and complete a recovery as possible.

Tomorrow it will be Odrisamer Desapigne’s and Brandon Morrow’s turns to make their 2015 Cactus League debuts Both are fighting for the 5th spot in the rotation.  They will face the White Sox, a team that made several off season improvements.  Hope you’ll join Uncle Teddy and myself for the action tomorrow on the radio at ESPN 1700 AM, with first pitch at 12:05 PST.

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