A much needed day off for the Padres…well most of them. Two important pieces got some work in today in some minor league games against the Mariners on their side of the complex.
Chase Headley saw his first live game action today getting some at bats in against both some AAA and AA pitching. His first few AB’s were in the AAA game that featured Willie Bloomquist and Corey Hart among others on the Mariners side, so it wasn’t just a couple of Padres big leaguers looking for some tune up time. So how did Chase do? He did absolutely fine. Struck out in his first at bat on a nasty change up. Then proceeded to rope a long single into left that under normal conditions he could have stretched into a double, but because it was his first time running the bags in a game since his calf strain wisely played it cool and took the single. Then in his next plate appearance again ripped a line drive to the right side, this time further into the gap obliging him to make the turn around first and into second with a slide. Timing looked good not eh hard stuff, and seemed to be able to move unbothered by the calf albeit guardedly. He did not play in the field. All seemed to go really well, and now he and Pads just wait to see how it feels tomorrow after being pushed a little today. If all continues as expected he feels he will be ready for opening day….huge!!!
Eric Stults also got some work in today to stay in his five day routine, against some of the big league Mariners names mentioned above. The recipe for his success is pretty easy to lay out – FB down to get ahead then work back and forth, and in and out. When he does that he’s fine. When he doesn’t keep his FB down it’s not fine. Simple as that. Hopefully when the bell rings, and the games count he will have his sights locked in and ready to mow some guys down using his finesse formula.
11 exhibition games left…then it’s show time!!!
The boys will com back tomorrow night for a Cactus League contest against the division rival Giants. Game time is 7:05, with the Mighty 1090 broadcast starting at 7:00 with Jesse Agler, and my damn self bringing you the call. Hope you’ll join us!
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