Padres Spring Training Report – Mar. 6, 2014

Kelly throws a rehab bullpen as Buddy watches.

Dang…no wining streak yet as the Padres lose to the visiting Rangers today 8-4.  Ian Kennedy started for the Friars, made some mistakes up in the zone early, and paid for it.  He allowed 2 to cross in the first, but after that looked better each inning, looking downright sharp in his third and final frame.

He was followed by Joaquin Benoit, who once again looked fairly strong with his FB, CH combo.  He was followed by who is for me one of the more intriguing young arms in camp, Jesse Hahn.  This guy has a strong arm, big frame to generate downward angle, and showed a late breaking and deep curveball today as well in posting a goose egg.  I’m looking forward to seeing how this newcomer from the Rays progresses this summer.

The other player that Hahn arrived with, lefty Alex Torres, also pitched today making his Padres debut.  It did not go quite as planned as he allowed 3 hits and 5 runs, with a little help from the bullpen.  He made a lot of mistakes up and had trouble putting away batters that he did get ahead of.  It’s only his first outing, so I’m looking forward to seeing how he settles in as the spring goes on.  Tim Stauffer, Blaine Boyer, and Anthony Carter also posted zeros today in their innings of work.  Blaine Boyer has looked strong in his outings as he tries to return to the big leagues after retiring after the 2011 season.

At the plate Rene Rivera had two hits today including a 2B, and Tommy Medica continued on his tear of the Cactus League hitting a 3-run HR, his second bomb this spring to go with his .550 batting average.  The Padres have now hit 7 long balls in the past 4 games.

Other news in camp today:  Cameron Maybin came and went yesterday as he returned from funeral services in N.C. for a family member, and headed to San Diego to consult with Dr.’s about what measures to take to help his torn biceps tendon to heal.  MLB.com’s Corey Brock, and the UT’s Dennis Lin are now reporting that after looking at the diagnostic information of Cam’s tendon, the team Dr.’s and he have decided not to have surgery and allow it to heal on its own.  It’s possible according to GM Josh Byrnes that he could be back as soon as 4-6 weeks, although there is still no definitive time line for his return.

Chase Headley continues to progress hitting from both sides, and Huston Street played catch today as he recovers from a slight groin strain.

Finally, Casy Kelly threw another bullpen in is rehab program, this time firing 45 pitches total.  What was most interesting was that he threw his first curveballs since his TJ surgery.  After the first one he threw Buddy and Darren Blasley both reminded him to back off and just spin a few first before throwing some out of a full windup.  He reminded them that he had been spinning some curves during is flat ground work so he should  be fine, but followed their request anyway, spinning a few to the catcher standing up first, then throwing several from a full delivery.  It was cool to see him take that next step in his return, and he looked good with his FB’s as well, throwing seemingly pain free, and keeping them at the knees almost the entire workout as has been usual for him.

Tomorrow the Friars will take on the Brewers at Maryvale.  Game time is 12:05 PST as usual and you can listen to the game on the Padres.com webcast where Jesse Agler and myself will bring you the call.  Hope you’ll join us!

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