Monday, March 23, 2009

Padres make more roster moves

Monday March 23, 2009

Padres made more roster moves today sending down 7 players.

Of those 7 players, 3 pitchers (Josh Geer, Joe Thatcher & Scott Patterson) and 2 position players (Will Venable and Matt Antonelli) saw time on the Padres big league squad during an injury plagued 2008 season.

Geer had been a front runner to fill the #5 slot in the rotation, but injuries and a loss of velocity on his pitches made him ineffective in spring training. Look for him to be called back up at some point in the 2009 season.

Thatcher was ineffective as a reliever in 2008 and in 2009 spring training, and unless injuries once again devastate the Padres bullpen, he may have made his last appearance in a Padres uniform.

Venable and Antonelli were both late season call ups in 2008. Expect both to be back in San Diego this season. Neither would see much playing time in San Diego to start the season and they will get regular at bats in AAA. Venable should see time as a #4-5 outfielder and if Antonelli can regain his hitting stroke, he should be the 2010 starting 2B for the Padres.

The Padres also sent down catcher Jose Lobaton and left fielder Chad Huffman.

The right hand hitting Huffman was having a good spring and his power numbers should benefit from playing in AAA Portland this season.

1 comment:

  1. Nice Blog.

    You my friend have way too much time on your hands.

    After seeing how bad Geer was this spring and his 83-84 mph fastball, do you really think he will make it back to the Padres or do you think he still has something wrong with his arm? I hope thatcher is traded away. That boy just don't get the job done. WAY too many runner score when he comes in. He just isn't a stopper.

    I made a bet with a buddy that Antonelli would be the opening day starter for the Pads in 2010. Sounds like you are in on that one. Now he better hold up his end of the deal or I gotta wear a Dodgers jersey to opening day 2011. Go Anto!

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