And then there were 8… Eight pre-season games remain before the season opener on March 30th. Eight games left to put the finishing touches on swings and breaking balls. Eight games left to push the legs to playing a full nine in the field, and get the focus muscle locked in. It’s the home stretch to being ready to answer the opening bell, and the final push for those trying to make the team. The next nine days are going to be really interesting to watch.
So what happened today? Padres lost to the Giants 11-3. Before the game Andrew Cashner was officially announced by Buddy to be the opening night starter. It was somewhat of a formality as there really was no other serious consideration for the appointment once the starting assignments were aligned on the first day of Cactus League games. Based on his strong finish last year, Cashner has rightfully been on this path since the first day of spring, and he has done nothing to dissuade Buddy from making this uncharacteristically early (for Buddy) announcement. And despite a rough outing tonight where Cash allowed his first runs of the spring, and in grand fashion letting 8 cross, 4 earned, on 9 hits in 3 2/3 before reaching his 90 pitch limit, he is the best choice to be the point man of this rotation. So what happened tonight? Velocity was there but command in the zone was not, with Buster Posey dealing the big blow, a grand-slam in the 2nd. The mulligan is behind him, and he’ll likely pitch again Tuesday in preparation for Opening night 5 days later.
Four Padres played a full nine innings tonight. Everth Cabrera, Jedd Gyorko, Tommy Medica, and Kyle Blanks each stretched it out for the full game. For hitters it’s helpful to get four consecutive at bats in, and they are starting to see the tougher pitching as well, with managers using the back end of their bullpens more closely to regular season format. Medica had two hits, and Blanks a 2-run HR as they both battle for one of the last spots on the bench.
Donn Roach threw 2 1/3 solid innings, while Jesse Hahn continued to impress posting his 5th scoreless outing, this time for two frames. Blaine Boyer, on the other hand had his second rough outing in a row, allowing 3 runs, and possibly eliminating himself from contention for the final spot in the bullpen for which he was in the hunt. Whatever happens these last nine days he’s already made a generally favorable impression, and could be called upon to help the bullpen during the season.
Maybe the best news of the night came from Chase Headley, simply for being on the field. Making his first appearance of the spring since injuring his calf before the start of games, he appeared to be able to move uninhibited, both in the field and at the plate. He struck out and flew out, but his FB bat speed looked fine, now it will be adjusting to the breaking pitches, and building up his stamina, both of which he can do by the opener.
More cuts any day, with the tougher decisions still a week away.
Baseball under the lights again tomorrow against the Mariners at 7:05. Broadcast will be on the Mighty 1090 with Jesse Agler and myself bringing you the action. Hope you’ll join us!
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