A Sixto Mention Is Always Welcome

Watching the Marlins' TV feed of tonight's Marlins-Padres game and the Fish announcers have already mentioned Sixto Lezcano and Kurt Bevacqua during the broadcast.

I don't know who these announcers are, but I like their style.

In other news, I have to roll out of town for the next ten or so days and may not have a lot of time to blog. I may get a few posts up in the interim, but look for my return on August 3.

The Return of Tim Stauffer

The Return of Tim Stauffer, a.k.a. "Stauffer's Return," continues tonight against the Marlins.

I will be pleased if the Padres win.

The Debut of Mat Latos

Today is Mat Latos' debut as a Padre.

Some other notable debut starts by Padre pitchers:

Jake Peavy: June 22, 2002 v. the Yankees at Qualcomm: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 4 K, 2 BB
Andy Benes: August 11, 1989 v. the Braves at Qualcomm: 6 IP, 6 H, 6 ER, 7 K, 4 BB
Randy Jones: June 16, 1973 v. the Mets at Shea: 1.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 0 K, 0 BB
Clay Kirby: April 11, 1969 v. the Giants at Qualcomm: 4.0 IP, 3 ER, 2 K, 2 BB

Good luck, Mat.

The Padres Have Diapers And May Still Be Breastfeeding

The Padres are really rolling out the youngins this evening against the Rockies.

Here is tonight's lineup and their respective ages:

SS - Everth Cabrera (22)
CF - Tony Gwynn, Jr. (26)
1B - Adrian Gonzalez (27)
3B - Kevin Kouzmanoff (27)
RF - Will Venable (26)
LF - Kyle Blanks (22)
C - Eliezer Alfonzo (30)
2B - Edgar Gonzalez (31)
P - Kevin Correia (28)

I'm no mathemetician, but that's an average age of 26.5. That may not seem too young on first glance, but when you delve a bit deeper you can see the inexperience in this lineup. The two oldest dudes - Edgar and Eliezer - are journeyman who have never held down regular jobs. Edgar, in fact, was a 30-year old rookie just last season. Then you have Venable, a 26-year old rookie, and Gwynn, who at 26 has never spent a full season in the Bigs. Blanks and Cabrera are wee babes. Only Kouz and Adrian have legitimate big league track records.

Query if Bud Black has any passafires in the dugout.

"Josh Geer is living on the side of a mountain."

That's what the Rockies announcer said a few minutes ago anyway, a reference to Josh's working behind in the count to nearly every Colorado hitter. That's usually not a good sign for a pitcher. Sure enough, Josh has given up 3 runs to the Rockies through 3 innings tonight.

Josh's changeup has a big 12-to-6 break tonight and he's been throwing it for a strike on 2-0 and 3-0 counts. That's a nice ability to have in the arsenal. Unfortunately it's an ability that matters little when you can't locate your 88 mph fastball, as Josh can't tonight.

Gaudin = The One

The fate of the free world - or at least tonight's baseball game between the San Diego Padres and Colorado Rockies - rests on the capable shoulders of Chad Gaudin.

I like the world's chances.

Heath Takes the All-Star L

No worries, Heath. Upton should have caught that Granderson triple anyway.

Now let's focus on playing .600 ball in the second half.

Two Bombs Is Better Than One Bomb

Adrian,

Go ahead and knock another one tonight.

Best,
Bevormo

F

Padres 0 0 1
Giants 8 12 1

Padres: It Would Be Nice If You Win Tonight

C'mon, Padres.

Win one tonight for ... Jessica Simpson.

It is, after all, her birthday.

Padres: Win Today, Please

C'mon, Padres.

Win one today for ... the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified on this date in 1868.

(That should work.)

Losing Is A Disease, As Contagious As Polio ...

James Van Der Beek,

I know how you feel, man. That's the same face I made today when I saw the Padres had blown yet another late lead and lost once again to the lowly Arizona Snakenbacks.

Just a heinous set of games the last few days.

Check out this string of shyte:

Sunday: Down all game to the hated Dadgers, the Padres score five runs in the bottom of the 9th only to have the potential game-winning run thrown out at third and then to lose in the 13th on a James Loney bomb. Pads lose 7-6.

Monday: Padres lead 5-3 heading into the 8th until Luke Gregerson gives up two tying runs - punctuated by a Chad Tracy bomb - and Cla Meredith gives up the game winning single to Mark Reynolds, made possible by a 2-out walk to Justin Upton. Pads lose 6-5.

Tuesday: Padres make 3 errors in the third inning and are down 4-1 but manage to close the gap to 1-run before falling short after leaving the tying run on second with nobody out in the 8th. Pads lose 4-3.

Today: The Padres are up 2-1 going to the bottom of the 8th after a sterling start by Chad Gaudin. Unfortunately a disgusting 5-run 8th by the DBacks - set up in part by, of all things, an Adrian error - leads to yet another poor poor pitiful ending. Pads lose 6-2.

James, what would Dawson do in this situation?

I'll take ideas from anyone at this point.

Best,
Bevormo

Seau Is Such A Monster

I still find it hard to forgive Junior for his red zone tackle on Michael Turner during the 2007 AFC Championship Game, but let's be honest, he's such a beast.

And apparently he may make another comeback this season.

Best of luck with that, Junior. Seriously.

Just promise me you won't ever take a photo like this again.

Au Revoir Scotty Bombs

Scotty,

The Padres traded you tonight to the Oakland A's for a couple minor league pitchers. I understand the reasoning behind the decision - the Padres want to free at-bats for young outfielders like Blanks, Venable and Macias and they want to add power-arms to increase minor league pitching depth - but I'm trying to hard to keep my composure here. For one, I just saw Up tonight and my emotions are already overextended. But even more so, I realized when I read about the trade that you had become one of my favorite players over the past couple years. I guess I knew that in the back of my mind, but now that you are gone it really hits home.

I don't know what else to say here so I've decided to pay you a brief tribute by listing my favorite bombs you've hit as a Padre since your arrival in July 2007.

What a beast you've been.

1. August 3, 2007: your first bomb as a Padre, a game-tying 2-0ut, 3-run bomb in the bottom of the 8th off the Giants' Vinnie Chulk;

2. August 3, 2007: your second bomb as a Padre, a walk-off bomb in the bottom of the 10th off the Giants' Jack Taschner;

3. September 14, 2007: a lead-off, solo shot in the bottom of the 9th to start a rally leading to a 5-4 10-inning Padres win;

4. September 19, 2007: a 2-out, walk-off 3-run bomb off Matty Capps of the Buccos;

5. October 1, 2007: the one-game playoff against the Rockies, you hit a go-ahead two-run bomb off Jorge Julio in the top of the 13th that had me off the edge of the sofa and high-fiving everyone in my apartment (my wife) ... alas;

6. May 25, 2008: a solo shot off Francisco Cordero to tie the Reds in the bottom of the 9th, leading to a Padres win in 18 innings;

7. June 7, 2008: a walk-off bomb off Pedro Feliciano in the bottom of the 10th;

8. July 27, 2008: a go-ahead bomb in the top of the 8th at PNC Park leading to a Padres win (I was in attendance);

9. April 17, 2009: at Philly, a 5th-inning bomb off Cole Hamels to start a miraculous Padre comeback; and

10. May 30, 2009: a go-ahead bomb off Huston Street of the Rockies in the top of the 9th.

I'm never going to forget any one of those bombs.

If I shed a single tear tonight, please don't think any lesser of me as a man.

Best,
Bevormo

Ben Franklin Was Likely A Padres Fan

While there is no objective historical evidence that Ben Franklin was a Padres fan, there is also no objective historical evidence he was not.

Don't worry. I just blew my own mind too.

Anthony Bass, Bryan Oland ... And Other Top Padres Prospects

Hitters yesterday, pitchers today. And leading the charge of Padre minor league pitchers through July 1 are two beasts, Anthony Bass and Bryan Oland (that's Anthony pictured above, back in his Wayne St. days).

I know, I know. Latos is probably the number 1 guy. But he was at the top of these rankings last month and I want to mix it up a bit. That's the beauty of compiling arbitrary rankings on your blog: you can do whatever you want.

A few changes this month: (1) only guys with 1.20 WHIP are lower made the list; and (2) the list is divided between starters and relievers. Hence, both Bass and Oland get recognition as the top guy in their respective roles.

To the lists.

Starters

1. Anthony Bass, RHP, Fort Wayne: Anthony probably should be in High A but, regardless, his numbers are hard to ignore: 7-3 1.95 ERA, 59/25 strikeout-to-walk ratio, 1.14 WHIP. He's given up 3 earned runs over his last 8 starts which is ridiculous. He's ready for a move.

2. Mat Latos, RHP, FW/San Antonio: Dominated at the Texas League All Star Game last night. I'm stoked for his first start this September as a Padre. I'm hoping it's against the hated Dadgers and he K's Ethier, Manny and Loney in order. Yep, that's probably going to happen. He is currently 7-1, 1.28, 65/12, .78 on the season.

3. Cory Luebke, LHP, Lake Elsinore/SA: Man, isn't Cory is exactly what the Padres need? A reliable lefty starter, maybe the #3 guy in the rotation, who can strike guys out? Picture him slotted behing Peavy and Latos in a couple years, or maybe as the #4 guy behind Peavy-Latos-Young. That could be a nice veteran-youngster mix. Cory is kicking it at 9-2, 2.31, 84/18, 1.02.

4. Tim Stauffer, RHP, SA/Portland: He was roughed up a bit last night, but the Timmy Stauffer comeback this season has been a heartwarmer worthy of Hallmark. You know the tale: shoulder injury out of college, still managed to fight his way to the majors, major surgery last year, and now back for another go 'round. Stauffer could be that mystery #5 starter on a pennant winner. The guy who had top of the rotation stuff once upon a time but could never realize his potential because of injuries. That would be some kinda nice, to borrow Mark Grant's phrase, if it happened. Not counting last night, Tim is 2-0, 2.17, 21/5, .86 on the year.

Relievers

1. Bryan Oland, RHP, LE: Bryan is a big kid, measuring 6'3" 230. As the Lake Elsinore closer on the season, he's racked up 19 saves to go along with his 3-1, 1.29, 38/11, 1.06. I don't know a lot about Bryan's stuff, but I like his potential.

2. Brad Brach, RHP, FW: A big part of Fort Wayne's success this season, Brad has 18 saves to go along with his 3-2, 1.64, 43/7, .70. He's been basically unhittable lately, giving up only 1 hit in 6 appearances since June 9.

3. Evan Scribner, RHP, SA: When the Padres acquired Evan last season, I thought they were going to move him quickly to the bigs to take advantage of the fact he was unknown to Big League hitters (similar to what the D'Backs have done this season with Daniel Schlereth). It wasn't to be but Evan is at AA now and is pitching well. So far on the season he's 4-1, 2.02, 35/9, .93. I bet he gets a long look in Spring Training.

4. Nick Schumacher, RHP, FW: Like Anthony Bass, Nick is a Wayne St. guy, for whatever that's worth. Not sure what kind of stuff he's got, but you've gotta like his 3-0, 1.08 21/1, .96. That 21-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio is especially choice.

5. Mike Ekstrom, RHP, Portland: Mike has seen a little Big League time this year but hasn't yet been able to stick. He will pitch in the upcoming PCL All Star game, which is nice. Mike is 3-1, 2.08, 30/14, 1.02 with 9 holds.

6. Zachary Herr, LHP, FW: The lefty from Nebraska has watched his ERA skyrocket since earlier this season, but his peripheral numbers are still choice. Must be a bit of bad luck for Zach. He's at 4-2, 4.09, 40/10, 1.15.

7. Eduardo Perez, RHP, FW: I'll be honest, I had not heard of Eduardo until I started looking at stats to compile this post. He is a 21-year old Venezuelan who, in 13 games this season, is 2-0, 3.51, 19/8, 1.17. He may not make this type of list again, but for now, well done, Eduardo.

Beamer Weems ... And Other Top Padres Prospects

I'm fully on board with the Beamster. Normally I don't get too excited about dudes from Baylor, but I'm officially in Beamer's camp, if you'll pardon the mixed metaphor.

I've never actually seen Beamer play, but no matter. He tops this month's list of Padres hitting prospects as of July 1. As you may remember from past monthly prospect posts, this is a ranking based on peformance to-date this season. That's why guys like Ced Hunter and Kellen Kulbacki, beasts of yesteryear, are not on the list.

Something new this month, only dudes with .400 OBP or higher were eligible for the list. And because I didn't want to leave anyone out, if you had a .400 OBP or higher, you made the cut.

On to the list:

1. Beamer Weems, SS, LE: Beamer is playing a slick SS - traditionally my favorite position - and rolling with a .302 2 26 and .471 OBP line. That works for me.

2. Logan Forsythe, 3B, LE, SA: Quickly becoming the beast of the entire Drino minor league system. The .480 OBP is sick, not to mention the .332 8 32 at two levels. He's actually hitting better since moving up to AA. September cup o' coffee?

3. James Darnell, 3B, LE: The OBP is slightly down his first week in High A but the power numbers are still there: two bombs already. His overall line is a pretty .324 9 44 .457.

4. Jaff Decker, LF, FW: He's been sitting out a lot lately with some back issues but that's okay, no need to rush young Jaff. He may be the prize of the system, after all. When he's not nursing his back he's raking to the tune of .298 8 30 .462.

5. Sawyer Carroll, RF, FW, LE: Another hitter who earned a recent promotion, Sawyer went 4-4 in the Midwest League All-Star game and is now playing in High A. Overall he's a steady .316 6 47 .408.

6. Mike Baxter, RF, SA, Por: Still hitting nicely after the move to AAA Portland. One wonders what the Padres are thinking with this guy. Probably at least a couple at bats this September in the Diego, one would think. He's hanging in at .349 5 54 .422.

7. Craig Cooper, 1B, SA: Still smokehousing the Texas League, Craig is at .339 6 56 .424. He may make a run at Texas League Player of the Year. That's got to get him some notice with the higher ups, you'd think.

8. Lance Zawadzki, SS, LE, SA: Rated a sleeper pick by Baseball America this season because of his power from both sides of the plate, Lance has raked steadily since an early power explosion to start the season. He's currently holding ground at .316 13 55 .402.

9. Daniel Payne, CF, LE: Surprise, surprise. Daniel is one of the least regarded of the Padres slew of 2007 Supplemental First Round picks (a group that included Payne, Kulbacki, Cumberland, Canham and Luebke), but he is putting together a moderately strong season. Apparently he is a legitimate CF and, if you ignore the .254 batting average which smacks of some bad luck, and focus on his 6 bombs, 25 ribeyes and .416 OBP, you realize Daniel has a discerning eye and some pop. I'm keeping an eye on him.

10. Allan Dykstra, 1B, FW: Quietly starting to learn his modified, wooden bat swing. The eye is still there, as his .400 OBP attests. His .212 4 27 other numbers should start to improve soon.