Padres Spring Training Report – Mar. 3, 2015

The sun returned to Peoria today, and the Friars got in their last full workout before the start of Cactus League competition tomorrow.  Another good day of energy amongst the troops, and good work accomplished on the field.

Both the positive energy and work focus were on display during the morning drills.  First came a full infield practice – truly a thing of beauty to watch when done correctly and with enthusiasm, and the Pads did both.  Not only was it fun to see all the new faces on the field at the same time in their presumed positions showing off their gloves, guns, and wheels, but also the previews of some of the competitions that will be taking place this camp as well.  Specifically watching Solarte and Middlebrooks showing off their range and arms at 3rd; Maybin trying to out do Myers in center field charging and throwing as well as I’ve seen him do in a Padres uniform; Venable and Kemp not competing against each other but pushing each other to see who could make the most on the money throws to the plate from right; Alonso working the 3-6-3 double play with mid season intensity and form with Medica, and Quentin also taking their turns at first base.  It was good baseball, with an unspoken healthy competitive edge in the air.

To add to the energy of the athleticism taking place on the field, all the pitchers lined up on the first base side and cheered their teammates on after each throw, each scoop, each smooth turn. Eevery player received applause, cheers, and some “ooohs!” from the pitchers as fun encouragement and camaraderie. Great team spirit shown all the way around!

No live batting practice today, but plenty of swings off the coaching staff, and machines.  In fact Kotsay pushed some of the extra hitters at the end of the day with a machine that was cranked up apparently to resemble Aroldis Chapman. After he broke the bats of the first four hitters that dared enter the cage, he backed it off a little to mere mortal velocity, but it was fun watching the boys try to catch up to the “104” as one of the batters put it as he gathered the splintered pieces of his bat off the ground.

Several pitchers threw bullpens today including three of the four candidates for the 5th spot in the rotation.  Despaigne, Morrow, and Erlin were all throwing their bullpens at the same time as Darren Balsley, Willie Blair, and other coaches observed.

Also observing the infield practice and bullpen sessions were some of the Padres prospects brought in early to spring for some extra work and training.  Good for those kids to see what goes in to MLB workouts, and to envision themselves being there some time soon.

Young Friar farmhands soaking in a big league infield practice.

Mark Prior (right) with some of his young charges observing big league bullpen sessions.

All is going well, and everyone is ready to compete against someone wearing a different uniform tomorrow.  Jason Lane will get the start for the Pads, with Taijuan Walker getting the call for the Mariners. First pitch is at 1:05, and you’re invited to join us to hear all the action on Padres.com with Jesse Agler and myself bringing you the call.

No more spring training reports on practices. Nope, now they’ll be on games, and I can’t wait!

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