Padres Spring Training Report – Mar. 26, 2015

It happened 6 times last spring to the Padres, but it took all the way until game 23 this spring for the Padres to play to a Cactus League tie.  3-3 was the the final today against the D’Backs.  Not a whole heck of a lot of action, as the score can attest to, but as always some positive performances that are worth noting.

• Odrisamer Despaigne – Pitched 5 solid innings of 1-run ball.  What really stood out to me was how he used his fastball today. From the very first batter he seemed to be more committed to using it, and did so effectively to record the majority of his outs.  His breaking ball was inconsistent, but that only helped in reinforcing his need to use the #1.  This is something that in my opinion he needs to do more consistently as it is clear that the opposing batters are looking for the off speed which makes it a lot more difficult to get guys to chase it. There were a lot of late swings on the heater, and hopefully it emboldens him to use that pitch more moving forward. Good outing for him as the team tries to make a final decision between him and Morrow for the 5th spot in the rotation.
• Torres & Rearick – The two lefties both looked good posting goose eggs for a frame each. Torres has looked more consistent his last few outings, although did not face a lefty today in his inning, which is the crucial question about his effectiveness as the lefty in the ‘pen.  Rearick did exactly what he’s done all spring – hit his spots with his fastball, mixed in some good sliders that he commanded to the glove side, and retired the lefties he faced.  Torres it out of options which makes him the favorite to make the opening day roster, but Rearick and Garces have shown that they can get lefties out consistently.
• Yonder Alonso – 3 hits today, two line drives and a blooper, but good at bats all round. He also made an excellent under the radar play on a high chopper towards him with a runner on first where he leaped, caught, spun and fired a strike to second base to get the lead runner.  Goes down as a simple fielder’s choice but in a tie game that was an aggressive play that could have ultimately saved a run, and one that many first basemen would not even try because of the need to be quick and precise with the throw. He’s underrated on the defensive side, but others are finally starting to take notice.
•  Derek Norris – 2 more hits today, and 5 now in his last three games. After a slow start he appears to be getting his timing locked in, and not a moment too soon with a week and a half left before opening day.
• Brett Wallace – Hit the game tying 2-run HR in the 8th., and made a nice play on a hot shot at 3B.  He’s made the most of his late inning playing time this spring, and will be on the radar screen if the need for a lefty bat off the bench arises during the season.
• Tommy Medica – He did not hit the ball hard today.  I repeat, did not hit the ball hard.  In fact he struck out in his only plate appearance.  This in truth is good because it proves that he is actually human and not a hitting cyborg that could be ruled ineligible for the regular season…phew!

So with 7 Cactus League games left, here are the questions still to be answered.

• Shields, Ross, Cashner, & Kennedy are the starting four in that order, but is the 5th starter Morrow or Despaigne? Morrow’s the front runner as far as I can see, but that blister on his pitching hand ring finger could become a factor in determining that decision.
• Who will be the opening day starter at 3B?  Seems like Middlebrooks has played excellent defensively and has more potential power than Solarte who has also had a good spring. My guess is Middlebrooks gets the nod, and Solarte makes club as utility player and switch hit bat off bench.
• Who makes up the 7-man bullpen? Benoit is the only lock that I would bet my life on.  Thayer, Vincent, and Quackenbush are all worthy based on last year’s performances.  However, Kelley, and Maurer have been throwing great as well.  That would make 6 before even discussing which of the 3 lefties if any mentioned above make it, whether Valverde (who was all the talk early, but who’s stock has not been rising allowing runs in 4 of his last 5 outings) is still in the hunt, and whether the odd man out of the 5th starter battle goes to the ‘pen as the long man.  If Torres makes it as the lone lefty (he has no options left), then maybe they go without a traditional long man, but with no days off early and an early road trip to CHC and COL there could be a need for innings.  Some tough decisions ahead.
• How does the 5-man bench come together?  Barmes/Amarista (whichever isn’t playing that day), and the back up catcher (Nieves as of right now) are locks. That leaves 3 spots for Venable, Maybin, Quentin, Medica, Solarte, all of whom are MLB players.  Spangenberg wants in too, along with Almonte, Decker, etc..   Having had a solid spring, along with his ability to switch hit and play multiple infield positions I have Solarte making the club.  That leaves 2 spots. With a right hand dominant starting outfield, and his ability to play all 3 outfield positions I would guess Venable to be the next safest bet to make it.  That leaves one spot for Q, Maybin, and Medica (who has options left).
• Is Nieves the back up catcher?  He’s the most logical in house candidate today….

Yes, there are questions still to be answered in the next ten days, and I would suspect that as I type this AJP is trying to work a trade to move some of his outfield excess, along with possibly a bullpen arm.

It will be interesting to see what happens down the stretch in what has already been an exciting preseason for the Friars!

Pads did make one roster move yesterday in claiming Jandel Gustave off waivers from KC. Young RHP that throws a billion…ok maybe only 100 MPH but still, worth the risk. To make room on roster Federowicz was moved to the 60-Day DL.

Tomorrow it will be Shields on the hill for the Friars agains the Rockies at Peoria.  First pitch at 7:05. Uncle Teddy and I will bring you the action on The Mighty 1090.  Look forward to you joining us!

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