Padres Release Jose Cruz Jr

With the 3 newest Padres scheduled to be suited up for the Friars Wednesday night, roster moves were to follow. The other shoe dropped as veteran outfielder Jose Cruz Jr was released following Tuesday night's 4-0 loss to Arizona. The switch hitting outfielder began the season as part of a left field platoon with Termel Sledge (now with AAA Portland). Cruz played his way into the starting lineup and was the club's primary LF until Milton Bradley was brought in. 2 more moves will be made both figuring to be pitchers.

Padres 4 Hit Again, Webb Downs Germano

The Padres managed 4 or fewer hits for the fifteenth time in the 2007 campaign Tuesday night, losing to Brandon Webb and the Diamondbacks 4-0 on a pair of 2 run home runs. Justin Germano allowed 4 hits to go with a walk and 7 strikeouts over 5 innings. It was his sixth loss in his last 7 decisions. Clay Hensley pitched 3 very strong innings in relief with Jim Thatcher and Kevin Cameron closing out the ninth on a pair of strikeouts. From an offensive perspective, the Padres string of luck against reigning Cy Young winning Webb came to end. The lone offensive bright spot was Milton Bradley, who collected 2 hits and a walk to complement a stolen base. By going 0-4 with a strikeout, Adrian Gonzalez saw his 8 game hitting streak come to an end. The two teams are back at it again Wednesday with Micah Owings dueling against Point Loma High School alumni David Wells.

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.

3rd Trade Ships Ring To Braves

The busy Padres have sent SDSU alumni Royce Ring to the Atlanta Braves organization. The Padres left handed relief pitcher split time bouncing between San Diego and Portland this year after coming over from the New York Mets this offseason. In return the Padres obtained Wilfredo Ledezma and minor league pitcher Will Startup.

Morgan Ensberg A Padre

Kevin Towers contiued the total bench make over by trading for the Astros Morgan Ensberg who was designated for assignment by the Astros on Sunday. If you remember the Padres made a late push to aquire Ensberg last year at the deadline and instead opted to bring in Todd Walker to play 3rd.
The bench, and the 3rd base position is starting to get crowded at both the major league and AAA level.

Padres Aquire Mackowiak from White Sox

ESPN's Jayson Stark reports that the Padres have made a deal with the Chicago White Sox to bring IF/OF Rob Mackowiak to San Diego in exchange for Single A pitcher Jon Link.
With under 30 minutes until the non waiver deadline it remains to be seen if Towers can pull the trigger on any additional deals.

Deadline Deals Dictate NL West Champ?

How important will the next 15 hours be in deciding who remains standing between the top 4 teams in the west? The Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Padres, and Rockies are separated by just 3.5 games. The Atlanta Braves landed a big fish today that could shift power in the East ~ it will be interesting to see what happens on the left coast.

The Witching Hour - July 31, 1:00 PM PST

As the non waiver trade deadline fast approaches, the only major Friar-related rumor is a that the Padres' interest in Mark Loretta interest has waned, but consideration of Mike Lamb has increased. Could the Padres use any of their strong AA crop as trade bait?

19

On the day Tony Gywnn, #19, Mr. Padre enters the Hall of Fame the San Diego Padres bang out a season high 19 hits. The Padres exploded for 11 runs in the first inning chasing Jason Jennings after just 2/3 innings as they held on 18-11 in earning the split with Houston.
After Monday's off day (much needed after playing 17 straight days) the Friars host the Arizona Diamondbacks who are currently tied atop the NL West .5 games ahead of SD. Tuesday nights game will feature last years NL Cy Young Brandon Webb against Padres Justin Germano.

Needless to say, T. Gwynn is a Friar Forum Friar-of-the-Day everyday. Congrats again on his election to the Hall of Fame and huge thank you to all the great games.

Are Padre Players Really Confused?

The San Diego Union-Tribune reports that Padre players are confused by GM Kevin Towers' recent spate of moves. This article suggests that players think that the Linebrink deal is more about the future than 2007. They're right - at least in part. Grabbing two highly regarded young pitchers can never be construed as a move for today. However, Jim Thatcher must be viewed as a replacement for Linebrink - not in his typical 8th inning role, but that of a middle reliever. Thatcher seems qualified to fill a middle reliever's role - with a good deal of upside. In the end, this move doesn't seem anymore risky than continuing to look for Linebrink to regain his form from years past.

The Hairston deal might also appear to be a reach, but Russell Branyan was hitting under .200 while striking out in more than 40% of his at bats. While Kevin Koozmanoff may be batting .196 against right handed pitching, the left handed Branyan was hitting at just .191 against righties, making him nearly a wash as a potential platoon mate. Hairston probably isn't the next Tony Gwynn, but he is a speedy option in the outfield who strikes out almost half as much as Branyan.

Shaking things up may yet pan out; the Chris Gomez/John Flaherty trade in 1996 sure wasn't sexy. But it did provide the Friars with a big boost prior to their post season meltdown. We'll find out how well Towers' gambles pay off as the season unfolds.

Rumor Recap

As the non waiver trading deadline approaches, Frair-related rumors are certainly keeping things interesting, especially with KT starting to blend in with former Friar GM "Trader" Jack McKeon. The San Fransisco Examiner mentions the Padres as potential suitors for Adam Dunn and Mike Piazza. While I can see how the Padres would covet Dunn, it is more difficult to see how Piazza would fit into the mix at this point. Of course, there are also the seemingly omnipresent rumors of Mark Loretta and Ryan Klesko, which have been discussed on FF repeatedly over the last few days.

On the flip side of potential trades, Brewers GM Doug Melvin is taking heat for the Scott Linebrink deal. Additionally, the Scott Hairston trade marks the first deal ever between the two clubs.

Padres Collect 4 Hits, Maddux Takes Loss

Both the Padres and Astros did all their scoring in the first inning on Saturday. Greg Maddux rebounded from allowing 3 runs in the first by surrendering just one hit over the next 5 innings. Unfortunately for Maddux, the Padres suffered their 14th game with 4 or fewer hits of the 2007 campaign while succumbing to Roy Oswalt and company 3-1. Newcomer Scott Hairston popped out for Maddux in the 7th.

The Friars look to even the series in their rubber match on Sunday as Tim Stauffer steps into Chris Young's spot in the rotation opposite Jason Jennings. Stauffer has gone 2-0 for the AAA Portland Beavers over his last 3 starts with a 3.00 ERA and 4-1 strikeout/walk ratio. Young was transferred to the 15-day DL, retroactive to July 25, and is eligible to return on August 8.

Padres release Branyan/ Stauffer to start Sunday

To make room for newly acquired Scott Hairston the Padres released IF/OF Russell Branyan. Tim Stauffer (5-4 with a 5.34 ERA for Portland) will make his 2007 debut on Sunday in place of injured starter Chris Young.

Hillenbrand in the fold

In what can only be described as a flurry of moves Kevin Towers, the Padres very active GM, has signed 2 time All-Star Shea Hillenbrand to a minor league contract. The Padres have been extremely successful in making low risk acquisitions and this is another in that line. Hillenbrand is a right handed, power hitting corner infielder who (if called up) can give Adrian Gonzalez a day off at first and can be an alternative to rookie Kevin Kouzmanoff at 3rd.
In Kevin Towers' most active mid-season turnover, he has addressed some problems that have plagued this team in 2007. KT has improved this team at the catching position with Michael Barrett as well as finding a difference making outfielder in Milton Bradley. Towers then filled the needs of speed and right handed batters off the bench with a duo of deals. While Shea Hillenbrand will begin with AAA Portland, Scott Hairston will join San Diego on Saturday. Hairston is a speedy, right handed batter who plays all three outfield positions and broke into the major leagues as a second baseman. If the Padres can't swing a deal for a Mark Lorretta type player, maybe Scott Hairston gets some playing time at 2nd.

Peavy Settles In, Pads Stop Astros

Despite being dinked and dunked in the first inning for 3 hits and a run, Jake Peavy allowed only 1 additional hit over the next six innings to stop the Astros 9-4 Friday night at Minute Maid Park. Peavy added 8 strikeouts against 2 walks while also knocking in the tying run. His two hits raised his batting average to a very respectable .220 for the season. Milton Bradley added a home run and the Padres scored in droves, despite 7 strikeouts from the top four spots in the lineup. Peavy and company received strong support in the field, particularly from Khalil Green, who uncharacteristically flashed his rifle arm on a number of plays. Joe Thatcher succumbed to nerves pitching in his second straight big league game, committing two throwing errors before Heath Bell came in to extinguish the Astros' ninth inning rally as Trevor Hoffman began loosening up in the pen.

Unlike the Thursday night's game, the Houston broadcast team openly discussed the trade rumors surrounding Mark Loretta and the Padres. Unfortunately, there wasn't any new insight provided as they mostly echoed the San Diego Union Tribune's coverage. That said, Loretta's .373 on base percentage this season would rank third on the team among players with at least 50 at bats if he were acquired.

Chris Young to miss start

National League ERA leader Chris Young will officially miss his next scheduled start on Sunday at Houston. The Padres will promote a starting pitcher from AAA Portland to make the start against the Astros.

Pads trade for DBacks Hairston

Prior to ex Padres Woody Williams first pitch on Friday night, Kevin Towers makes yet another trade acquiring speedy outfielder Scott Hairston (hitting .222 in 76 games for the Diamondbacks this season, with three home runs and 16 RBIs. Hairston has a .238 career batting average with 16 home runs and 47 RBIs since making his debut with Arizona in 2004.) from division rival Arizona. The Padres send minor league pitcher Leo Rosales back to the Diamondbacks.

Bob Costas - The 1st Friar-of-the-Day Recipient

FoxSports.com reports that Barry Bonds recently took exception to an episode of "Costas Now" (HBO) in which BALCO and Bonds were discussed. Bonds apparently called Costas a "little midget man who knows (nothing) about baseball". Costas responded, "As anyone can plainly see, I'm 5-6 1/2 and a strapping 150, and unlike some people, I came by all of it naturally". For this response, Bob Costas has become the first Friar-of-the-Day recipient.

Thatcher Impresses, Pads Get Thumped Again

The Padres continued to trudge through July, dropping their series opener to the Astros 7-1. David Wells allowed 7 runs in three innings while walking four. His 28 walks allowed thus far in 2007 exceeds any season total he has allowed since 2002. Clay Hensley pitched three solid innings while side winding newcomer Joe Thatcher and Doug Brocail posted a perfect innings. The Friar's lone run came on Mike Cameron's shattered-bat double in the first frame.

Besides Thatcher's debut, the lone Padre highlight was supplied by Milton Bradley. In the bottom of the second, Lance Berkman squeezed a hot grounder between diving Kevin Kouzmanoff and the third base line. A fan reached over the railing and grabbed the ball, killing the play and giving Berkman a fan interference induced double. While the fan pled his case to security, Bradley came trotting up and grabbed the ball right out of the fan's hands.

Interestingly, the Astros broadcast team made no mention of the rumored trade of Mark Lorreta to the Friars.

Reflecting on KT's Big Day

After a rash of sizable roster moves, the dust is beginning to settle. New southpaw reliever Joe Thatcher looks to be the statistical equivalent of Heath Bell. Both were acquired for their excellent strikeout-to-walk ratios in the minors. In 2006, Bell posted a 4.8 ratio splitting time between the Mets and AAA Norfolk. Thatcher sports a nearly identical 4.7 ratio thus far in 2007 for the AAA Nashville Sounds.

Towers also installed Clay Hensley into the bullpen today, optioning Terrmel Sledge back to AAA Portland. Hensley reports that rest has served him well and Padre fans would all like to see him regain his status as a bullpen stalwart.

FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports that the two prospects obtained with Thatcher are well regarded by Padre brass while continuing to fan the flames of the rumored return of Mark Loretta and Ryan Klesko to Petco Park.

Towers couldn't pass it up

Padres General Manager Kevin Towers is thrilled with the deal he was able to make on Wednesday with the Brewers. Only time will tell how this trade will pan out, but for now the Padres couldn't be happier.

Linebrink to Brewers

After falling in the rubber match to the Rockies in Colorado 10-2, Kevin Towers sends setup man Scott Linebrink packing to Milwaukee for a trio of young pitchers. Kevin Towers showed how to "buy low" in the acqusitions of both Michael Barrett and Milton Bradley; now he has given us an example of of selling low.
In picking up 3 more arms this might point towards a few more moves prior to the non waiver trading deadline just 6 days away.

Black's Lineup Card

Tuesday night's game marked the 76th different lineup that first year skipper has marched out to start a ballgame. I have to say I personally like having Michael Barrett in the 2 hole. He is not the prototypical second hitter, however it allows Milton Bradley and Mike Cameron to hit in more run producing situations.
Another solid change coming from the managers office today was the overdue demotion of Scott Linebrink from the "8th inning set up man". Linebrink has been on a steady decline over the last 2 years and has already matched the total number of HR's (9) he allowed in 2006. It should be interesting to see how this move affects the rest of the bullpen. It may be possible to see Kevin Cameron have a more active role in the 6th and 7th innings of tight ballgames.

Chris Young Listed as Day-to-Day

We can only hope that Chris Young's early exit from tonight's game is due to an abundance of caution. Young came out to pitch in the bottom of the third inning, threw a single warm up pitch and was then yanked. He's currently listed as day-to-day and hasn't spent time on the disable list in his career to date.

Loretta Rumor Persists

The rumored acquisition of Mark Loretta continues getting press. I believe there was a blurb from ESPN's Buster Olney about Loretta in conjunction with the Padres in the most recent The Magazine issue as well. Not sure I see where Ryan Klesko or Mike Piazza fit into the equation at this point...

Mark Loretta to San Diego?

Continued rumblings of Mark Loretta heading back to San Diego may be supported by Astros' GM Tim Purpura, who is looking for help in the bullpen. The San Diego Union-Tribune also hinted at Loretta's return trip last week. While there are some rumblings that Loretta could be dealt in return for Scott Linebrink, it doesn't seem to be in the interest of the Astros to pick up Linebrink unless they can extend him for 2008 or beyond. Loretta will also be a free agent at the end of the season. From the Pads' perspective, one must wonder which player could result in a higher compensation draft pick when they move on for 2008 - an aspect that Kevin Towers and team will surely consider.

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