Most of the 54 players who came to spring training will not be breaking with the major league 25-man roster on opening day, but that doesn’t mean that their time in big league camp is wasted.  For many it’s their first chance, and for all it’s a prime chance, to make a good impression on the coaching staff and front office decision makers. Read the rest of this entry »

Coming into spring training it seemed like the only spot being fought for was the 5^th spot, but now all indications are that both the 4^th and 5^th positions are up for grabs.   Read the rest of this entry »

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 »

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 »

Signing Yorvit Torrealba was an unexpected coup for the Padres, and is a nice addition for several reasons.   Read the rest of this entry »

Padre fans have a lot of questions as their team gets ready for the 2010 season.  But by far the question asked the most…”Are the Padres really going to trade Adrian Gonzalez?”

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