Padres Spring Training Report – Mar. 29, 2015

For the 6th time in the last 9 games the Padres came out victorious in their Cactus League contest, this time 8-5 over the Mariners. Goodness on both sides of the ball to report.

• Andrew Cashner – 6 1/3 innings of 4-hit, 1-run ball.  He punched out 6 with a sharp moving 2-seam fastball, and some really good changeups and sliders. Very efficient work throwing only 83 pitches getting into the 7th on a hot desert day.
• Will Myers – Did his best Rickey Henderson imitation homering to lead off the game for the Pads. Had 2 RBIs on the day, and even played some first base.  He played only 2 games there in the last 2 years, but handled himself fine in his limited action.
• Matt Kemp – Homered and drove in 2. Continues to hit well, run hard on the bases, and play hard in the field.  This veteran leader is walking the walk and setting a great example of how to go about your business like a major leaguer who’s hungry to kick some @$$.
• Justin Upton – 3 for 3, with a  double and two runs scored.  Also killing the ball and busting his tail in every aspect of the game.
• Derek Norris – 2 more hits today, and an RBI. Has 8 hits in his last 5 games, and is showing the offensive capability that made him an A.L. All-Star last year.

Not a great day for the bullpen that allowed 4 runs over the final 2 2/3 innings.  Rearick had his first rough outing of the spring giving up 3 runs.  Bad timing as he tries to find a spot as a lefty in the ‘pen, but as Buddy always says it’s the overall body of work that is evaluated in these decisions.

Good news on the TJ rehab front as Cory Luebke threw his first bullpen since his second surgery, and Josh Johnson threw a bullpen as well.  The Pads are hopeful that both of these previously successful arms can be a factor for the second half.

Only four spring games and one exhibition contest left to make the final roster decisions.  There are 40 players still in camp.

Friars take on the Reds tomorrow at Goodyear, at 1:05.  Game will be on ESPN 1700. Hope you’ll join Uncle Teddy and myself for the action.

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