The good news is we finally made it our of the desert yesterday, and back to America’s Finest City. The players accomplished what they needed to in Peoria, and are on the final stage of the preseason journey – exhibition games. The season opener is essentially just a day away now, with the final tune up game is tomorrow at Fowler Park at USD.
Ok….I’ve avoided the topic of tonight’s exhibition contest against the Indians for as long as I could, but it’s time to dive in. First, let’s just get it out of the way, the score was Indians 16, Padres 4. I know, I do make a lot of typing errors here, but not this time – the score was 16-4. In the process I witnessed something I don’t think I’ve ever seen before which is a batting order batting around twice in consecutive innings to start a game. Nope, don’t think I’ve ever seen that before, and as a former pitcher really don’t need to see it again, to be honest. 14 runs crossed the plate in the first two innings against the Padres…enough said about that.
Some good news (you know me always finding a silver lining) to be extracted is as follows:
- The guys who gave up the booty tonight are not expected to be on the club opening day. They are guys we may see before the end of the year, but hopefully they got that ugliness out of their systems. The guys who are expected to break with the club all threw well. Tim Stauffer, Dale Thayer, Huston Street all pitched fine. Scary moment for Thayer taking a come backer of the right forearm area, but hopefully is ok.
- Yonder Alonso continues to swing the bat well hitting a HR tonight, and a single. Yo looks ready to have a a strong season.
- Yasmani Grandal played 7 again, looking fine with the knee defensively and getting 2 hits. Next test is determining whether he can catch back to back games.
- Nick Hundley lined a double, and continues to swing a hot bat.
- Donn Roach was told he had made the team as the final deliver in the bullpen. Congratulations Donny!
So what is left to figure out during the final day tomorrow?
- Will the Padres determine Grandal ready to compete on a semi daly basis, and are they going to carry 3 catchers or not?
- Will Carlos Quentin start the season on the DL? He has a bone bruise in his left knee and may need the time to recover. If he does then that will open up another spot on the roster for either Tommy Medica, Xavier Nady, and Tommy Medica.
Other quick note Will Venable was a late scratch before the game today because of a stiff back.
Final practice game tomorrow, then it all counts starting Sunday against the Dodgers. Hope you’ll join us at Fowler Park tomorrow, or if not that you’ll join us for the radio broadcast on the Mighty 109o. at 1:00.
Opening night is almost here….YES!!!!!
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