Have we heard enough about the contributions of Chase Headley, Jody Gerut and Callix Crabbe this spring yet? Well if you haven't, Headley hit a game tying HR, Gerut and Crabbe both drove runs in. I can't imagine these guys not joining Tony Clark and Michael Barrett on the bench when the season starts.
Justin Germano had probably one of his roughest outings of the spring as he gave up 3 ER and 6 hits in 5 IP, but he also struck out 3.
Showing posts with label 2008 Spring Training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2008 Spring Training. Show all posts
Friday, March 21, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Spring Training Game 21 Preview: Mariners vs. Padres
At Peoria Sports Complex, 7:05 p.m. PT
Starters: Miguel Batista (Sea) vs. Justin Germano (SD)
Germano and company are back from China just as roster moves are being made and Randy Wolf is getting extra time throwing in minor league games on days off. The competition for starting spots is getting fierce and this game could go a long way in deciding who will fill in for Mark Prior while he makes his way back from injury.
Starters: Miguel Batista (Sea) vs. Justin Germano (SD)
Germano and company are back from China just as roster moves are being made and Randy Wolf is getting extra time throwing in minor league games on days off. The competition for starting spots is getting fierce and this game could go a long way in deciding who will fill in for Mark Prior while he makes his way back from injury.
Spring recap No. 20: Padres 5, White Sox 0
You can tell we are getting close to the regular season as guys struggling to make the roster are putting up solid performances, making it harder to determine who actually belongs in SD.
Wil Ledezma set the tone for the Padres with 4 scoreless innings, giving up 2 hits, walking 2 and striking out 3. No pitcher gave up more than 2 hits.
On offense, Paul McAnulty hit his 4th HR of the spring while going 2-for-3. He also scored 2 runs. Tony Clark also went 2-for-3, the only other Padre to pick up more than 1 hit.
Wil Ledezma set the tone for the Padres with 4 scoreless innings, giving up 2 hits, walking 2 and striking out 3. No pitcher gave up more than 2 hits.
On offense, Paul McAnulty hit his 4th HR of the spring while going 2-for-3. He also scored 2 runs. Tony Clark also went 2-for-3, the only other Padre to pick up more than 1 hit.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Spring Training Game 20 Preview: Padres at White Sox
At Tucson Electric Park, 1:05 p.m. PT
Starters: John Danks (Chi) vs. Wil Ledezma (SD)
Still working short handed, SD will give Ledezma his 1st start of the spring as he battles for a coveted spot in the 12 man pen. Spring is winding down quickly and this is the point where performances start to count as they will determine who will stick with the big club.
Starters: John Danks (Chi) vs. Wil Ledezma (SD)
Still working short handed, SD will give Ledezma his 1st start of the spring as he battles for a coveted spot in the 12 man pen. Spring is winding down quickly and this is the point where performances start to count as they will determine who will stick with the big club.
Spring recap No. 19: Diamondbacks 8, Padres 4
Shawn Estes had another rough outing, this time giving up 5 ER and 10 hits in 4 2/3 IP while striking out 3. In contrast, Glendon Rusch tried to keep pace with Justin Germano as he pitched 2 scoreless innings, giving up 2 hits, walking 1 and striking out 2.
Offensively it was the Callix Crabbe show for SD as Crabbe went 3-for-3 with an RBI. Jody Gerut hit the only SD HR of the game, his 3rd of the spring. It appears the competition for the final bench spots are just as close as the ones for the rotation.
Offensively it was the Callix Crabbe show for SD as Crabbe went 3-for-3 with an RBI. Jody Gerut hit the only SD HR of the game, his 3rd of the spring. It appears the competition for the final bench spots are just as close as the ones for the rotation.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Spring Training Game 19 Preview, take two: Padres at Diamondbacks
At Tucson Electric Park, 1:05 p.m. PT
Starters: Edgar Gonzalez (Ari) vs. Shawn Estes (SD)
Estes still gets his turn in the rotation and Brian Giles officially returns to the lineup, just in time for the season to start. Estes will be followed by Glendon Rusch, weather permitting the games to be played at all. Those of you in Tucson, make sure you have an umbrella.
Starters: Edgar Gonzalez (Ari) vs. Shawn Estes (SD)
Estes still gets his turn in the rotation and Brian Giles officially returns to the lineup, just in time for the season to start. Estes will be followed by Glendon Rusch, weather permitting the games to be played at all. Those of you in Tucson, make sure you have an umbrella.
Spring recap No. 18: Padres 6, Dodgers 3
Alright, so the Padres leave China with a winning record over the Dodgers after beating them 6-3 sometime while most of us slept Saturday night/Sunday morning.
A bunch of minor league pitchers with no shot at making the major league roster held the Dodgers to 3 runs while Scott Hairston knocked in 2 runs, Kevin Kouzmanoff knocked in another and Adrian Gonzalez went 3-for-4 at the plate.
Stateside, the game against the Rockies was rained out which in turn pushed back Brian Giles' 1st appearance this spring.
A bunch of minor league pitchers with no shot at making the major league roster held the Dodgers to 3 runs while Scott Hairston knocked in 2 runs, Kevin Kouzmanoff knocked in another and Adrian Gonzalez went 3-for-4 at the plate.
Stateside, the game against the Rockies was rained out which in turn pushed back Brian Giles' 1st appearance this spring.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Spring Training Game 19 Preview: Padres at Rockies
At Hi Corbett Field, 1:05 p.m. PT
Starters: Jeff Francis (Col) vs. Shawn Estes (SD)
Padres are everywhere as Estes leads a split squad against the Rockies, Jake Peavy starts a minor league at the Peoria Sports Complex (also at 1:05 p.m. PT) and the China Team also took on the Dodgers sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning, with Cesar Ramos starting.
Peavy, Chris Young and Greg Maddux are all scheduled to stay behind as the Padres travel through Tucson, instead relying on minor leaguers to power what remains of the team. Apparently the China Team will get back Monday night but may not see action until Thursday so they can get over the jetlag from the long trip.
Of course even that may not be enough time as my in-laws recently went to Malaysia on a business trip/vacation and they've been back a couple of weeks and are still getting over the traveling. Let's just hope this doesn't ruin our opener.
Starters: Jeff Francis (Col) vs. Shawn Estes (SD)
Padres are everywhere as Estes leads a split squad against the Rockies, Jake Peavy starts a minor league at the Peoria Sports Complex (also at 1:05 p.m. PT) and the China Team also took on the Dodgers sometime between Saturday night and Sunday morning, with Cesar Ramos starting.
Peavy, Chris Young and Greg Maddux are all scheduled to stay behind as the Padres travel through Tucson, instead relying on minor leaguers to power what remains of the team. Apparently the China Team will get back Monday night but may not see action until Thursday so they can get over the jetlag from the long trip.
Of course even that may not be enough time as my in-laws recently went to Malaysia on a business trip/vacation and they've been back a couple of weeks and are still getting over the traveling. Let's just hope this doesn't ruin our opener.
Spring recaps Nos. 16 and 17
So our bitter rivals to the North took us on in an exhibition game in China and how did it turn out? A 3-3 tie. Isn't that supposed to be like kissing your sister? Not that I would know what that's like but after this I might actually have an idea.
But enough rambling, looking at the box a couple of things stand out the biggest being that it looks like Justin Germano should get the opportunity to start while Mark Prior is still on the mend. He continued to be sharp in MLB's China debut, giving up 1 ER, 5 hits and 1 BB in 5 IP while striking out 5. Trevor Hoffman also found it easier to pitch in China, striking out 2 and giving up 1 BB, no hits and no runs in 1 IP.
Stateside, Wade LeBlanc didn't fare too terribly well in his first start, giving up 5 runs (2 earned) and 7 hits in 2 2/3 IP. LeBlanc showed some control as he struck out 5 while walking none but the A's picked up the win 9-3.
Tony Clark continues to have a hot spring as he went 2-for-3 with an RBI (his spring BA is now .429) and Chip Ambres hit his first HR of the spring.
But enough rambling, looking at the box a couple of things stand out the biggest being that it looks like Justin Germano should get the opportunity to start while Mark Prior is still on the mend. He continued to be sharp in MLB's China debut, giving up 1 ER, 5 hits and 1 BB in 5 IP while striking out 5. Trevor Hoffman also found it easier to pitch in China, striking out 2 and giving up 1 BB, no hits and no runs in 1 IP.
Stateside, Wade LeBlanc didn't fare too terribly well in his first start, giving up 5 runs (2 earned) and 7 hits in 2 2/3 IP. LeBlanc showed some control as he struck out 5 while walking none but the A's picked up the win 9-3.
Tony Clark continues to have a hot spring as he went 2-for-3 with an RBI (his spring BA is now .429) and Chip Ambres hit his first HR of the spring.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Spring Training Game 17 Preview: A's at Padres
Game 17: At Peoria Sports Complex, 1:05 p.m. PT
Starters: Lenny DiNardo (A's) vs. Wade LeBlanc (Padres)
I didn't get up a preview for the game in China but I will have a recap later tonight. In Arizona, LeBlanc makes his first start of the spring for the big club while the guys not in China continue to hold things down.
Starters: Lenny DiNardo (A's) vs. Wade LeBlanc (Padres)
I didn't get up a preview for the game in China but I will have a recap later tonight. In Arizona, LeBlanc makes his first start of the spring for the big club while the guys not in China continue to hold things down.
Spring recap No. 15: Brewers 6, Padres 2
I will keep this one short because it took me so long to get to. Chase Headley hit his 3rd HR of the spring, Callix Crabbe also went yard and Randy Wolf gave up 3 runs (2 earned) in 4 IP.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Spring Training Game 15 Preview: Brewers at Padres
At Peoria Sports Complex, 7:05 p.m. PT
Starters: Claudio Vargas (Mil) vs. Randy Wolf (SD)
I hear we lost half of our team in China. Did anyone check the Great Wall? Ok we didn't really lose them, they just aren't here. The ones who are here however, will take on the Brew Crew under the "Friday Night Lights."
Alright, I'm getting off this thing now, too many bad puns hurt my head and I know, I brought it on myself.
Starters: Claudio Vargas (Mil) vs. Randy Wolf (SD)
I hear we lost half of our team in China. Did anyone check the Great Wall? Ok we didn't really lose them, they just aren't here. The ones who are here however, will take on the Brew Crew under the "Friday Night Lights."
Alright, I'm getting off this thing now, too many bad puns hurt my head and I know, I brought it on myself.
Spring recap No. 14: Cubs 3, Padres 2
So far we've been able to avoid the injury bug, but Greg Maddux's start was cut short Thursday after taking a hit off his thigh. The injury isn't a big deal but it did cut the start short.
Offensively Callix Crabbe went 3-for-4, probably strengthening his case to remain with the team a little and Marshall McDougall hit his first HR of the spring.
Offensively Callix Crabbe went 3-for-4, probably strengthening his case to remain with the team a little and Marshall McDougall hit his first HR of the spring.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Spring Training Game 14 Preview: Padres at Cubs
At Mesa, 1:05 p.m. PT
Starters: Jason Marquis (Chi) vs. Greg Maddux (SD)
The obvious storyline here is that Maddux faces his old team. And while I hate to go with the obvious, it works for the spring.
Starters: Jason Marquis (Chi) vs. Greg Maddux (SD)
The obvious storyline here is that Maddux faces his old team. And while I hate to go with the obvious, it works for the spring.
Spring recap No. 13: Padres 11, Giants 5
Apparently the offense decided to get going again today and guys like Chase Headley, Tony Clark, Paul McAnulty and Jody Gerut once again led the charge.
Headley only had 1 hit but it was a three-RBI, two-out double. Clark actually got the scoring started by singling home the first run and finished 2-for-2. McAnulty, who is fighting for one of the few bench spots, hit his 3rd HR of the spring while Gerut (who is also fighting for a bench spot) hit his 2nd.
With Bud Black's insistence on keeping 12 arms in the pen, the fight for the bench is already that much tougher. With 5 spots on the bench, we already know Michael Barrett will fill 1 as he and Josh Bard split time. So who will the final four hitters be? I think it's safe to say Clark was signed with a specific role off the bench in mind and if you are to go off of performance so far, Headley, McAnulty and Gerut would seem to be the front runners to fill those spots along with the versatile Callix Crabbe (who as a Rule V pick has to remain on the roster to stay in the organization).
So if Crabbe has done enough to earn his stay, does that mean Headley heads back to the minors for more seasoning because he is the one that can be sent back? It seems like a shame but I feel that is the way things are playing out. What do you think? Drop me a comment and let me know who is on your bench if you run the team.
Headley only had 1 hit but it was a three-RBI, two-out double. Clark actually got the scoring started by singling home the first run and finished 2-for-2. McAnulty, who is fighting for one of the few bench spots, hit his 3rd HR of the spring while Gerut (who is also fighting for a bench spot) hit his 2nd.
With Bud Black's insistence on keeping 12 arms in the pen, the fight for the bench is already that much tougher. With 5 spots on the bench, we already know Michael Barrett will fill 1 as he and Josh Bard split time. So who will the final four hitters be? I think it's safe to say Clark was signed with a specific role off the bench in mind and if you are to go off of performance so far, Headley, McAnulty and Gerut would seem to be the front runners to fill those spots along with the versatile Callix Crabbe (who as a Rule V pick has to remain on the roster to stay in the organization).
So if Crabbe has done enough to earn his stay, does that mean Headley heads back to the minors for more seasoning because he is the one that can be sent back? It seems like a shame but I feel that is the way things are playing out. What do you think? Drop me a comment and let me know who is on your bench if you run the team.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Spring Training Game 13 Preview: Padres at Giants
At Scottsdale Stadium, 1:05 p.m. PT
Starters: Tim Lincecum (SF) vs. Chris Young (SD)
With half the team on the way to China for an exhibition against the Dodgers, we are effectively a split squad against the Giants. Does that really matter? Not against the Giants and not in the spring.
Starters: Tim Lincecum (SF) vs. Chris Young (SD)
With half the team on the way to China for an exhibition against the Dodgers, we are effectively a split squad against the Giants. Does that really matter? Not against the Giants and not in the spring.
Spring recap No. 12: Angels 8, Padres 4
Who cares if it's spring, apparently you don't challenge Jake Peavy's manhood. Being touched up for 4 runs while doing what all good pitchers should do, trying new things out to see how they work, apparently Peavy had enough and pitched 2 scoreless innings after that.
Glendon Rusch produced a solid outing, giving up only 1 hit and 1 BB in 3 innings while striking out 4. With his ERA now at 1.35, I could see Rusch earning a spot at least in the Pen.
Glendon Rusch produced a solid outing, giving up only 1 hit and 1 BB in 3 innings while striking out 4. With his ERA now at 1.35, I could see Rusch earning a spot at least in the Pen.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Spring recap No. 11: Rangers 5, Padres 2
Justin Germano and Shawn Estes both pitched in Monday's late game and Germano seemed to answer the performance Randy Wolf had the night before. Germano pitched 4 innings of scoreless ball, giving up only 2 hits in the process.
Estes didn't have such a good performance though, giving up 4 runs (only 1 earned) in 2 2/3 innings. Estes also gave up 3 hits and walked 1 while striking out no one.
Here are the current spring stats for the four guys vying for the last two spots in the rotation:
Offensively, not much stood out other than Jody Gerut was the only hitter to pick up multiple hits (he went 2-for-2).
Estes didn't have such a good performance though, giving up 4 runs (only 1 earned) in 2 2/3 innings. Estes also gave up 3 hits and walked 1 while striking out no one.
Here are the current spring stats for the four guys vying for the last two spots in the rotation:
- Estes: 4 1/3 IP, 20.77 ERA, 11 hits, 4 BB, 1 K
- Germano: 9 1/3 IP, 3.86 ERA, 9 hits, 1 BB, 3 K
- Glendon Rusch: 3 2/3 IP, 2.45 ERA, 2 hits, 2 BB, 2 K
- Wolf: 4 1/3 16.62 ERA, 11 hits, 3 BB 6 K
Offensively, not much stood out other than Jody Gerut was the only hitter to pick up multiple hits (he went 2-for-2).
Monday, March 10, 2008
Spring Training Game 11 Preview: Rangers at Padres
Texas vs. San Diego
at Peoria Sports Complex, 7:05 p.m. PT
Justin Germano tries to improve his shot at getting a starting spot the day after Randy Wolf posted his best outing this spring. Germano will also start the game against the Dodgers in China. Texas counters with Jamey Wright, who starts in place of Kevin Millwood. According to the Rangers website, Millwood will throw a simulated game instead.
at Peoria Sports Complex, 7:05 p.m. PT
Justin Germano tries to improve his shot at getting a starting spot the day after Randy Wolf posted his best outing this spring. Germano will also start the game against the Dodgers in China. Texas counters with Jamey Wright, who starts in place of Kevin Millwood. According to the Rangers website, Millwood will throw a simulated game instead.
Spring recap No. 10: Padres 12, White Sox 3
Rather than the normal game treatment, I decided to look at what Ron Shandler and his 2008 Baseball Forecaster had to say in regards to Chase Headley, who has been having a solid spring.
One of the things Shandler seems to emphasize is the theory of drafting skills when playing fantasy baseball, and not paying for stats that don't tell the whole story. Looking at stats like contact rate (ct%, AB-K/AB), walk rate (bb%, BB/AB+BB) and power index (PX), Headley definitely has a strong skill set that once he adjusts to the majors, he should be a consistent hitter with good power.
What I like most are Shandler's latest projections for Headley (released at the end of Feb.). He estimates Headley will get 323 AB while posting a .273/.371/.463 line while hitting 10 HR, 24 2B and 48 RBI. Not bad for a guy that may not quite have a home with this year's team but may be playing himself into a role.
I know, I am sounding like I am getting too excited over some spring stats but it just seems like Headley is using the spring to put it all together.
On a side note, Randy Wolf had a better outing Sunday, giving up 2 runs in 3 IP. And while he may have given up 5 hits he also struck out 5 without giving up a walk. After Justin Germano starts tomorrow, I will post an updated chart looking at the candidates for the final rotation spots.
One of the things Shandler seems to emphasize is the theory of drafting skills when playing fantasy baseball, and not paying for stats that don't tell the whole story. Looking at stats like contact rate (ct%, AB-K/AB), walk rate (bb%, BB/AB+BB) and power index (PX), Headley definitely has a strong skill set that once he adjusts to the majors, he should be a consistent hitter with good power.
What I like most are Shandler's latest projections for Headley (released at the end of Feb.). He estimates Headley will get 323 AB while posting a .273/.371/.463 line while hitting 10 HR, 24 2B and 48 RBI. Not bad for a guy that may not quite have a home with this year's team but may be playing himself into a role.
I know, I am sounding like I am getting too excited over some spring stats but it just seems like Headley is using the spring to put it all together.
On a side note, Randy Wolf had a better outing Sunday, giving up 2 runs in 3 IP. And while he may have given up 5 hits he also struck out 5 without giving up a walk. After Justin Germano starts tomorrow, I will post an updated chart looking at the candidates for the final rotation spots.
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