In a game that offered a little bit of everything except a clear cut winner, the Padres and Mariners played to a 5-5 tie tonight in 9 innings at the Peoria Sports Complex. Lead changes, home runs, great defensive plays, costly errors, and even an ejection were all part of the show. But through it all what, if anything, was really of significance tonight for Padres fans?
- Josh Johnson threw 4 1/3 innings allowing 3 hits and 1 run, which crossed on an HR. The other two hits were and infield single and a bunt, with only 2 other hard hit balls beside the HR. Once again he looked solid generally locating his FB down, and the slider that has traditionally been his out pitch, but that he had to abandon last year with the elbow issues, is back and looking tight.
- Huston Street made his spring debut, and pitched a scoreless inning while striking out 2, and issuing 1 free pass. The command was pretty darn good for a first outing, especially to the glove side which is crucial for Huston. Plenty of reason to believe that he will be ready to close out games starting opening night.
- Carlos Quentin hitting in the DH spot came through with 2 doubles, including his 6th inning gapper that drove in 2 runs to give the Pads the lead. His playing time has been limited in an effort to save the knees as best as possible for the regular season, so the extra base hits tonight were an encouraging sign that with limited AB’s he can still be ready to drive in runs when the bell rings March 30th.
- Alex Torrres struggled tonight throwing strikes walking 3, and launching 2 wild pitches, in allowing a run to cross. He’s run hot, or cold every other outing. If the pattern continues his next outing should be a clean zero, but he needs to then break the pattern and string a few good ones together heading into the season.
- Tony Sipp entered the game having not allowed an earned run in any of his previous 6 outings, and making a strong bid for the lone open bullpen spot. Things looked good as he retired the 7th and 8th batters of the lineup, but the 9 batter, Brad Miller (who already homered in this game, and is hitting over .400 for spring) started a 2-out rally with a double. 2 singles and a costly 2-base error by the Padres defense evaporated his unearned run streak and the Padres lead. It was a shame to see his unblemished streak marred, but he finished the inning. He still has a body of work this spring that warrants consideration for that final spot, but will need to keep adding on to it until the end.
What other news to report? Well…Chase Headley will play in a minor league game tomorrow, and assuming all goes well with make his Cactus League debut on Thursday night. Joe Wieland received a cortisone shot in his triceps area to help reduce an inflammation induced impingement. This sounds like the same thing that had intruded upon his recovery from TJ surgery twice before. He’ll be out for 7-10 days, then hopefully have this behind him. At least it doesn’t appear to be an issue with his ligament transplant. Blaine Boyer, who took a come backer off the ankle in his last outing, should be ready to pitch again. He, like Sipp, is opening eyes as a non-roster invite through a series of strong outings. Alex Dickerson has a classic grade 2 ankle sprain and will be out for a little while.
Tomorrow is a day off for the fellas. They’ll be back at it Thursday evening against the Giants at Peoria. First pitch will be at 7:05, and the radio broadcast will be on the Mighty 1090. Look forward to talking ball with you!
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