Padres Spring Training Report – Mar. 28, 2015

If there was any question in anyone’s mind about whether Tyson Ross is ready for the season to start, today’s outing should put that to rest. He was brilliant today in helping the Pads defeat the Rangers in Surprise 3-2.

Here’s who shined in the desert sun today…

• Tyson Ross – He went 6 solid inning today, allowing 2 runs while punching out 12.  That’s right 12 strikeouts – his regular season high in his career is 11.  He had the unhitbable slider, and good command of his fastball to both sides of the plate at 94-97 MPH.  A smoooooth and easy 94-97.  The first run scored on a Cactus League hard infield double that was chopped over the head of Spangenberg at 3B, and a seeing eye ground ball single.  The next came on a lost in the sun double, then two wild pitches. In the mean time he was pretty much mowing guys down for six innings. Great next to last outing before it counts.
• Clint Barmes – Came up huge today with two hits, including a double and the 2-run, 2-strike single with the bases loaded that tied the game in the 7th.
• Gustave, Valverde, Vincent – All three relievers posted zeros. Gustave made his Padres debut showing off is 96-97 MPH fastball and a slider with good action.  He is still very rough with control and command, but you see why 3  teams have grabbed him this spring through the Rule V draft, trade, and waivers to test drive him. Pads have a week to kick the tires and see if he does make it through waivers whether the Astros would be willing to trade him in lieu of the $25K they would spend to get him back. Valverde allowed a couple of base runners but escaped. Vincent was surgical with his cutter as usual.

Other than that, honestly a pretty quiet game with the Pads doing a nice job of coming back from behind and getting the clutch Barmes hit when they needed it.

Some more roster moves took place today as Brett Wallace, Cody Decker, and Jake Goebbert were all reassigned to minor league camp.   A tough pill to swallow especially for Wallace who hit .391, and Decker who had 2 home runs and 7 RBIs.  Any of the three could see MLB time during the season.

The other announcement Buddy made was that James Shields would be the Padres opening day starter. It was not a surprise by any means, but always nice to get it confirmed none the less. It will be his 7th opening day nod.

Tomorrow the Friars will match up against the Mariners, of course in Peoria. 1:00 is the start time, with cash on the mound and Uncle Teddy and I bringing you the call on the Mighty 1090. Hope you’ll join us!

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