Joyner Replaces Rettenmund

Capping off their flurry of moves Tuesday, the Padres fired Merv Rettenmund and replaced him with former Padre first basemen Wally Joyner. The decision reportedly came down from the front office rather than via Bud Black. With the Padres on base percentage nearly 25 points lower than Tony Gwynn's lifetime batting average (.312 vs. .338), this move doesn't come as much of a surprise. Rettenmund seems to be taking it well, in contrast to Dave Magadan, who faced the same situation last year. In both cases, quality hitting coaches couldn't shake the hits out of Padre bats. Joyner, who was known as the kind of line drive hitter that would have been well suited to Petco Park, will probably preach a more patient approach at the plate. If not, the front office may need to summon Jobu and start providing hats for bats.