Seth Smith with a double and single tonight is now hitting .346 this spring.
For the fourth game in a row the Padres played solid ball, this time taking down the Cubs 7-1 in front of over 15,000 at the new Cubs Park tonight. So let’s get right to the highlights of the night.
- Eric Stults had his best outing of the spring tonight, going 5 2/3 1-run innings. He started off a little shaky giving up a 3B, HBP, and 1B resulting in a run in the 1st…but after that he was in command the rest of the way. The big difference as I saw it tonight, was the use of his change up. He missed up with some FB’s early, but then got the ball down better, but his very effective change up was what really gave him some breathing room to not have to be pin point perfect with the #1. Good to see him getting the feel, and the swing and miss reaction on the change just as the season is about to start.
- Chase Headley had his 3rd RBI double in the last two days. The FB bat speed is definitely there – good news! But more important than that, in my opinion, was that he was tested on the defensive side on several different plays and looked mobile on all of them. He had two charging plays on swinging bunts, and charged them both without hesitation or incident. He also had a play to his right behind the bag that required some stress on the right calf, on the acceleration and deceleration getting to the ball, and then the bag leg load for the across the diamond throw. So far so good in all the tests the live games have put on his calf.
- Seth Smith has 3 hits in the last 2 games including two doubles. Tonight he showed some pro batsmanship pulling on off speed pitch away from the slow throwing Villanueva, then lining opposite field a FB from the harder throwing Veras.
- Eeverth Cabrera had two hits tonight. His glove work has been less than smooth in the night games lately…not sure what that’s all about.
- Tommy Medica silenced the crowd with a 2-run HR driven over the left-center power alley over 398′ away.
- Nick Hundley has now it safely in his last 4 games, and his double tonight raised hi spring average to .344.
- Tim Stauffer, Dale Thayer, and Huston Street all looked good in their relief work.
The other news in camp was the reassignment of 9 players in the last 24 hours to minor league camp, and Patrick Schuster is going through waivers to be returned to the Diamondbacks per the Rule V requirements. (see articles #1 and #2 giving details). With only 5 days left until opening day, there are still some tough decisions to be made.
Tomorrow the Pads will take on the Cubs again, this time at Peoria sport Complex. Gem time is again 7:05, and our Uncle Teddy, Ted Leitner, will be with me to bring you the action on the Mighty 1090. Hope you’ll join us.
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