Thursday April, 2010
The Hecklers Corner
Welcome to our first column.
Today's issue is a collaboration of Hecklers from Left and Right Field. Each home stand you are going to be privileged to hear from a couple of the most dedicated hecklers in Padredom. For today their names have been withheld to protect the guilty and I will let them introduce themselves in articles to come.
Without further ado, please welcome - The Muskrat and The Mustache.
The Fine Art of Heckling
Heckling is about getting in the players head. To get them thinking of what you are saying instead of the game at hand.
Humor generally works best. If the player is laughing at you, he is listening to you and not paying as much attention to the game.
Do your homework on players. A comment about his 3rd grade teacher is much more effective than a simple you suck. Something like "Mrs Moreland from 3rd grade throws better than you do!" or "did you learn how to hit from Mrs Moreland in 3rd grade" will get the players attention every time.
What you simply cannot do is cuss at the players, regardless of language. Baseball is a family sport and there are kids in the stands all around you. While we may be giving the player a hard time, it is never worth it to cuss.
For my first post I want to start with a few chants that all hecklers should know and then go on to give you more information about the players you will be seeing, especially the outfielders.
Every home stand we are going to try to give you a few more heckles and tips, maybe even a page you can print out and take to the games with you.
Lets start with the chants.
This one is a standard that takes a chorus of fans.
It starts with a one or more persons chanting:
What the matter with Ryan/Carlos/Corey?
(With the Brewers the OF will be Ryan Braun, Carlos Gomez and Corey Hart)
The chorus answers:
Hes a bum!
Repeat this series 3 or more times.
If your tastes run to the Politically incorrect, maybe you end that chant with:
He likes boys! (instead of hes a bum!)
A couple of good chants for rookies and platoon players:
Back on the Bus, you're one of us. (repeat 3 times)
Hope you like batteries, cause you're on your way to triple A!
Another chant to use when a player is struggling with the bat against the Padres and has not had a hit is:
Ryan's on the collar, Ryan's on the collar.
Here are a few decent heckles for outfielders:
Get Ryan Onstar! He looked lost on that play!
Hey Ryan, I've seen better hoses in a garden!
Hey Ryan, Bozo Called. He wants his shoes back!
Rag Arm (Not real funny, but effective after a bad throw and best done while shaking your throwing arm like a rag)
Hey Ryan, you couldn't make that play in the video game!
You may have noticed that I am using the players first name. We tend to notice when our first name is called out, so use their first name whenever you have the chance.
If its a quiet night and the opposing team brings in a reliever a good chant to use is:
Bullpen Bozo, Bullpen Bozo, Bullpen Bozo.
This Home Stand
The Padres will be facing the Milwaukee Brewersto begin tonight.
Their starting outfielders are LF - Ryan Braun, CF - Carlos Gomez, RF - Corey Hart.
Left Fielder Ryan Braun is from Southern California and he went to college in Miami. So questions about missing Southern Cal or warmth are good.
Hey Ryan, do you miss Carne Asada?
Where do you go to get good Mexican food in Milwaukee?
Hey Ryan, what did you do the first time you saw snow in Milwaukee.
Braun went 2 for 13 in 3 games at Petco last season with no walks and just 2 singles. That is a .154 average. For his career Braun has hit just .242, 70 points lower than career average against the Padres. His average is fair game to a heckler.
We may also see former Padres Jody Gerut and Jim Edmonds.
Edmonds used to be called Superman, so a good heckle for him might be:
Hey Superman, what happened to your cape? or
Hey Jim, San Diego must be your Kryptonite. You only hit .169 here.
Following the Brewers, the Padres will be hosting NL West division foes, the Colorado Rockies.
Our writers will start chiming in for this column for the Colorado Series. Keep an eye out for more.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
So who can afford to trade for Adrian Gonzalez?
Wednesday April 28, 2010
The bar has been set, the writing is on the wall and an Adrian Gonzalez trade is inevitable.
The question now isn't whether he will be traded or whether the Padres will get a massive haul of prospects for him, the question is who could sign Gonzalez if they trade for him.
No team is going to trade away 4 or 5 of their top 10 prospects, the future of their franchise, unless they are extremely certain that they can sign Gonzalez to a long term deal.
He has to give them mucho value to offset the loss of the prospects they have to give up to get him and two pennant drives at a cheap price is not enough.
So who can afford Gonzalez long term?
The obvious teams are the Yankees and the Red Sox. Both teams have shown both the financial ability and the predilection to sign players to contracts with huge annual sums & for long terms.
Will they be in the mix for Gonzalez?
The Yankees can be dismissed from the discussion before it even begins.
They already have Gonzalez-lite in Mark Teixeira, a gold glove winning, 40 home run hitting 1B who is under contract for 6 more years after 2010 and $135 million. They really have no pressing need for Gonzalez and the team that signs him will have a pressing need.
So at the top of our list we have the Red Sox. They have the Prospects, the money and a desire to trade for Gonzalez that has been well documented in the media.
Who else?
The Mets. The Mets are one of the top 2-3 revenue earning ballclubs in baseball. They can certainly afford Gonzalez. They have some intriguing, if not exceptional, prospects they can send back in return for Gonzalez including Ike Davis, Fernando Martinez and Jenrry Mejía. A package built around those 3 with couple of other good prospects that are further away from competing in the major leagues would probably get the job done.
The Cubs. The Cubs are a top 5 team in revenue, have a new ownership group that will be looking to make a splash, and with Derrek Lee being a free agent at the end of the 2010 season, they would certainly be a team that would be in the mix for Gonzalez. The Cubs would have to give up two of a group of 4 players they really have not been willing to part with so far in Starlin Castro or Hak-Ju Lee and Andrew Cashner or Jeff Samardzija.
The Giants. The Giants are a top 10 team in revenue and play in the 6th largest market in baseball. They can afford to maintain a $100 payroll that would be needed to sign a player like Gonzalez. The bigger question is whether they would be willing to part with either Posey or Bumgarner, because other than those 2 guys they really do not have the depth in the top 10 or so prospects to interest the Padres without one of them at the top of the trade package.
The White Sox. Kenny Williams LOVES to make a big splash with his personnel moves. Without including Beckham the White Sox don't have the high ceiling prospects that will be needed to make the trade happen, but that does not mean that Kenny won't just ship off a coveted player like closer Bobby Jenks to a third team to come up with enough to satisfy the Padres asking price.
The Mariners. They have the money, the pitching and the outfield defense, now all they need is a big banger. Gonzalez fits the bill. And the Mariners also have the prospects even without including Ackley. Saunders, Triunfel, Mores and two out of a group including of Noriega, Pineda, Cortes, and Franklin. A definite possiblity there.
The Astros. The Astros? Yes. A $100 million payroll is right in line with their $190 million in revenue. But don't they have Berkman at 1B? Berkman threatened to retire if the Astros dont get an extension signed before this season started so buying out his 2011 option for $2 million and bringing in Gonzalez makes sense. Shift Berkman back to the OF for half a season and make a run at the playoffs this year. Berkman is gone after the season as well as Matsui, Feliz, Myers, and several other veteran bandaids. The Astros top prospect is at a position, catcher, the Padres are hurting for and he is ML ready. Do not count them out of the running.
The biggest surprise on this list?
The Nationals. The Nationals are aching to get some identity as something other than the biggest losers in the game. They have been in the running for several big name FA who chose winning over money in signing elsewhere. They are not going to resign Dunn and several other bad contracts for
Guzman, Taveras and Willingham are coming off the books. They have a catcher near the top of their prospects list and a couple of other good looking prospects in Storen and Espinosa that may interest the Padres. In order to get a trade done without including Strasburg, they may have to include a third team.
Well there it is. If the ration I got from Web is any indication, I am sure there will be many of you who will disagree with me on this. So bring it on! Tell me who you think will be in the running for Gonzalez and why.
- Vic Power
Monday, April 26, 2010
Final Nail in the Coffin?
Monday April 26, 2010
The Twins signing of Joe Mauer earlier this year to an 8 year, $23 million per season extension was one major nail in the coffin of the Padres chances of retaining Adrian Gonzalez beyond 2010.
The final nail may have been struck today with the Philadelphia Phillies signing of Ryan Howard to a 5 year, $125 million extension.
The low budget Padres (even the team record $73 million payroll in 2008 would still rank the Padres 19th or 20th in baseball in 2010) simply cannot afford to sign Gonzalez to an extension that according to media and GM's around baseball would fall somewhere between Mark Teixeira's $21 million per season and Howard's $25 million per season.
From a scouts perspective Gonzalez is the most intriguing player that may come available in the NL. He hits for what amounts to a high average and exceptional power in any other park while playing TRUE Gold Glove caliber defense at 1B.
Gonzalez plays his home games in Petco, so you really only need to look at his road numbers, .301/.370/.572/.943 for his career, when making comparisons to other players around the league. Overall, only Pujols and Fielders number compare favorably to Gonzalez at 1B, which puts him in very elite company.
So unless Gonzalez is willing to take an enormous San Diego discount, think something like $4-8 million per season discount on a deal like Holiday's 7yr/$120 million contract to stay a Padre, chances are the signing of Mauer, a catcher, to $23 million per year and now Howard to $25 million per year has ended any chances the Padres have of signing him to an extension.
Enjoy him while you can Padres fans. Regardless of how well the Padres play in 2010, and so far they have played pretty well, Gonzalez will not be a Padre in 2011.
- Vic Power
The next discussion? Which of 8 or 9 teams can afford to sign Adrian Gonzalez long term?
The Twins signing of Joe Mauer earlier this year to an 8 year, $23 million per season extension was one major nail in the coffin of the Padres chances of retaining Adrian Gonzalez beyond 2010.
The final nail may have been struck today with the Philadelphia Phillies signing of Ryan Howard to a 5 year, $125 million extension.
The low budget Padres (even the team record $73 million payroll in 2008 would still rank the Padres 19th or 20th in baseball in 2010) simply cannot afford to sign Gonzalez to an extension that according to media and GM's around baseball would fall somewhere between Mark Teixeira's $21 million per season and Howard's $25 million per season.
From a scouts perspective Gonzalez is the most intriguing player that may come available in the NL. He hits for what amounts to a high average and exceptional power in any other park while playing TRUE Gold Glove caliber defense at 1B.
Gonzalez plays his home games in Petco, so you really only need to look at his road numbers, .301/.370/.572/.943 for his career, when making comparisons to other players around the league. Overall, only Pujols and Fielders number compare favorably to Gonzalez at 1B, which puts him in very elite company.
So unless Gonzalez is willing to take an enormous San Diego discount, think something like $4-8 million per season discount on a deal like Holiday's 7yr/$120 million contract to stay a Padre, chances are the signing of Mauer, a catcher, to $23 million per year and now Howard to $25 million per year has ended any chances the Padres have of signing him to an extension.
Enjoy him while you can Padres fans. Regardless of how well the Padres play in 2010, and so far they have played pretty well, Gonzalez will not be a Padre in 2011.
- Vic Power
The next discussion? Which of 8 or 9 teams can afford to sign Adrian Gonzalez long term?
Big Changes coming at Websoulsurfer
Monday April 26, 2010
There are some big changes coming at Websoulsurfer.com
1st the Good News:
In the coming days you will have the pleasure of reading two and possibly several more new writers.
Our first new writer, Vic, has been around professional baseball for more than 30 years as a player, coach, and scout. Baseball's loss in his retirement for health reasons, is our gain. He will bring a unique viewpoint to the articles he posts. If we can figure out the logistics, you will see his first article today.
Our second new writer is a well known fan and I will let him introduce himself when he begins his posts with the next home stand. All I can say is these will the only articles of their kind in Padredom.
The new look for the site is coming. I got great comments about the preview we posted, although we may make a move to WordPress to make multiple authors easier.
Now for the Bad News:
I will not be writing articles for Websoulsurfer in the near future. Well, some of you may take that as a good news. LOL
The reason? One Padres blogger took it upon himself to reveal my identity to one of my company's clients, who asked me not to post on this blog to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.
I have been very careful about keeping any knowledge gained from my professional interactions separate from the things I have posted about, but I have to make our clients view of this situation my primary consideration and stop posting about baseball and the Padres in particular.
My thanks goes out to Geoff at Ducksnorts, Steve at Friarhood, and Daniel at Friar Forecast, who despite my sometimes contrarian viewpoint, have encouraged me to write.
Don't think this means you are getting rid of me for good though, in my best Terminator impersonation, I'll be back.
Go Padres!
- Web
There are some big changes coming at Websoulsurfer.com
1st the Good News:
In the coming days you will have the pleasure of reading two and possibly several more new writers.
Our first new writer, Vic, has been around professional baseball for more than 30 years as a player, coach, and scout. Baseball's loss in his retirement for health reasons, is our gain. He will bring a unique viewpoint to the articles he posts. If we can figure out the logistics, you will see his first article today.
Our second new writer is a well known fan and I will let him introduce himself when he begins his posts with the next home stand. All I can say is these will the only articles of their kind in Padredom.
The new look for the site is coming. I got great comments about the preview we posted, although we may make a move to WordPress to make multiple authors easier.
Now for the Bad News:
I will not be writing articles for Websoulsurfer in the near future. Well, some of you may take that as a good news. LOL
The reason? One Padres blogger took it upon himself to reveal my identity to one of my company's clients, who asked me not to post on this blog to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.
I have been very careful about keeping any knowledge gained from my professional interactions separate from the things I have posted about, but I have to make our clients view of this situation my primary consideration and stop posting about baseball and the Padres in particular.
My thanks goes out to Geoff at Ducksnorts, Steve at Friarhood, and Daniel at Friar Forecast, who despite my sometimes contrarian viewpoint, have encouraged me to write.
Don't think this means you are getting rid of me for good though, in my best Terminator impersonation, I'll be back.
Go Padres!
- Web
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Why are we force fed the Yankees and Red Sox?
Saturday April 10, 2010
I turn on MLB on Fox for the national game and what team do I see? If I turn on ESPN networks what teams will I see most often?
Well the odds are that I will see either the Yankees or the Red Sox or both of them.
Those two teams were seen on national games (Fox, ESPN & TBS) more times last season than any other division in baseball with all their teams combined.
This year they are currently scheduled for more appearances than any other division in baseball this season. NOT including the Opening Day game on ESPN a day before any other team got to play, there are 18 scheduled for the Yankees so far, 18 for the Red Sox of 109 total games.
Of the 7 TBS games currently scheduled, 5 include either the Yankees or Red Sox. 71.4% of the games!
National Broadcast Schedule
ESPN only schedules their Sunday Night games into July and after that they can pick any teams they want. Last season more often than not that was the Yankees or the Red Sox.
You wonder why those two teams have more money than other teams to spend on players and scouts and the other things that make you a consistent winner? Wonder no more.
They get paid for each of these appearances. If they get more of them than all the other teams, how is that creating an even playing field?
All the national games also means more Yankees and Red Sox merchandise being sold because all those people not living in the 30 cities that have MLB teams are buying the stuff of the teams they see on TV most. How is that creating an even playing field?
How many times were the Padres on national TV last season? Twice. (They were scheduled for 3 games just as they are this season, but only made two broadcasts)
How many times were the Yankees on national games last season?
15 games against the Red Sox (of 18?). 26 games against other opponents. For a total of 41 games.
How many times were the Red Sox on National Games last season?
15 games against the Yankees. 26 games against other opponents. For a total of 41 games.
How many games were broadcast nationally on ESPN, Fox and TBS total?
As far as I could find - 108.
You may have noticed I have not included MLB Network. I did that because its viewership is too small to be called national.
I turn on MLB on Fox for the national game and what team do I see? If I turn on ESPN networks what teams will I see most often?
Well the odds are that I will see either the Yankees or the Red Sox or both of them.
Those two teams were seen on national games (Fox, ESPN & TBS) more times last season than any other division in baseball with all their teams combined.
This year they are currently scheduled for more appearances than any other division in baseball this season. NOT including the Opening Day game on ESPN a day before any other team got to play, there are 18 scheduled for the Yankees so far, 18 for the Red Sox of 109 total games.
Of the 7 TBS games currently scheduled, 5 include either the Yankees or Red Sox. 71.4% of the games!
National Broadcast Schedule
| Sat, Apr 10 | 3:10 PM | New York Yankees | Tampa Bay Rays | FOX |
| Sat, Apr 10 | 3:10 PM | Seattle Mariners | Texas Rangers | FOX |
| Sat, Apr 10 | 3:10 PM | St. Louis Cardinals | Milwaukee Brewers | FOX |
| Sun, Apr 11 | 1:40 PM | New York Yankees | Tampa Bay Rays | TBS |
| Sun, Apr 11 | 8:05 PM | St. Louis Cardinals | Milwaukee Brewers | ESPN |
| Mon, Apr 12 | 4:10 PM | Boston Red Sox | Minnesota Twins | ESPN |
| Wed, Apr 14 | 8:15 PM | Houston Astros | St. Louis Cardinals | ESPN2 |
| Sat, Apr 17 | 4:10 PM | Chicago White Sox | Cleveland Indians | FOX |
| Sat, Apr 17 | 4:10 PM | San Francisco Giants | Los Angeles Dodgers | FOX |
| Sat, Apr 17 | 4:10 PM | New York Mets | St. Louis Cardinals | FOX |
| Sun, Apr 18 | 1:35 PM | Tampa Bay Rays | Boston Red Sox | TBS |
| Sun, Apr 18 | 8:05 PM | New York Mets | St. Louis Cardinals | ESPN |
| Mon, Apr 19 | 7:10 PM | Chicago Cubs | New York Mets | ESPN |
| Sat, Apr 24 | 4:10 PM | Seattle Mariners | Chicago White Sox | FOX |
| Sat, Apr 24 | 4:10 PM | New York Yankees | Los Angeles Angels | FOX |
| Sun, Apr 25 | 2:10 PM | Chicago Cubs | Milwaukee Brewers | TBS |
| Sun, Apr 25 | 8:05 PM | Atlanta Braves | New York Mets | ESPN |
| Mon, Apr 26 | 7:10 PM | Los Angeles Dodgers | New York Mets | ESPN |
| Sat, May 1 | 3:10 PM | Houston Astros | Atlanta Braves | FOX |
| Sat, May 1 | 3:10 PM | New York Mets | Philadelphia Phillies | FOX |
| Sat, May 1 | 3:10 PM | Texas Rangers | Seattle Mariners | FOX |
| Sun, May 2 | 1:05 PM | Chicago White Sox | New York Yankees | TBS |
| Sun, May 2 | 8:05 PM | New York Mets | Philadelphia Phillies | ESPN |
| Mon, May 3 | 7:10 PM | Los Angeles Angels | Boston Red Sox | ESPN |
| Sat, May 8 | 3:10 PM | Atlanta Braves | Philadelphia Phillies | FOX |
| Sat, May 8 | 3:10 PM | New York Yankees | Boston Red Sox | FOX |
| Sun, May 9 | 1:35 PM | Atlanta Braves | Philadelphia Phillies | TBS |
| Sun, May 9 | 8:05 PM | New York Yankees | Boston Red Sox | ESPN |
| Mon, May 10 | 7:05 PM | New York Yankees | Detroit Tigers | ESPN |
| Sat, May 15 | 4:10 PM | Seattle Mariners | Tampa Bay Rays | FOX |
| Sat, May 15 | 4:10 PM | Philadelphia Phillies | Milwaukee Brewers | FOX |
| Sat, May 15 | 4:10 PM | Houston Astros | San Francisco Giants | FOX |
| Sun, May 16 | 1:05 PM | Minnesota Twins | New York Yankees | TBS |
| Sun, May 16 | 8:05 PM | Philadelphia Phillies | Milwaukee Brewers | ESPN |
| Mon, May 17 | 7:05 PM | Boston Red Sox | New York Yankees | ESPN |
| Sat, May 22 | 7:10 PM | Boston Red Sox | Philadelphia Phillies | FOX |
| Sat, May 22 | 7:10 PM | Chicago Cubs | Texas Rangers | FOX |
| Sat, May 22 | 7:10 PM | Detroit Tigers | Los Angeles Dodgers | FOX |
| Sat, May 22 | 7:10 PM | New York Yankees | New York Mets | FOX |
| Sun, May 23 | 1:35 PM | Boston Red Sox | Philadelphia Phillies | TBS |
| Sun, May 23 | 8:05 PM | New York Yankees | New York Mets | ESPN |
| Mon, May 24 | 7:10 PM | Boston Red Sox | Tampa Bay Rays | ESPN |
| Sat, May 29 | TBD | Seattle Mariners | Los Angeles Angels | FOX |
| Sat, May 29 | 4:10 PM | St. Louis Cardinals | Chicago Cubs | FOX |
| Sat, May 29 | 4:10 PM | Texas Rangers | Minnesota Twins | FOX |
| Sun, May 30 | 2:20 PM | St. Louis Cardinals | Chicago Cubs | TBS |
| Sun, May 30 | 8:05 PM | Texas Rangers | Minnesota Twins | ESPN2 |
| Tue, Jun 1 | 7:10 PM | Philadelphia Phillies | Atlanta Braves | ESPN |
| Sat, Jun 5 | 4:10 PM | Los Angeles Angels | Seattle Mariners | FOX |
| Sat, Jun 5 | 4:10 PM | Florida Marlins | New York Mets | FOX |
| Sat, Jun 5 | 4:10 PM | Milwaukee Brewers | St. Louis Cardinals | FOX |
| Mon, Jun 7 | 7:05 PM | Boston Red Sox | Cleveland Indians | ESPN |
| Sat, Jun 12 | 4:10 PM | Chicago White Sox | Chicago Cubs | FOX |
| Sat, Jun 12 | 4:10 PM | Philadelphia Phillies | Boston Red Sox | FOX |
| Mon, Jun 14 | 8:15 PM | Seattle Mariners | St. Louis Cardinals | ESPN |
| Sat, Jun 19 | 4:10 PM | Los Angeles Dodgers | Boston Red Sox | FOX |
| Sat, Jun 19 | 4:10 PM | Minnesota Twins | Philadelphia Phillies | FOX |
| Mon, Jun 21 | 9:40 PM | New York Yankees | Arizona Diamondbacks | ESPN |
| Sat, Jun 26 | 7:10 PM | Boston Red Sox | San Francisco Giants | FOX |
| Sat, Jun 26 | 7:10 PM | Chicago Cubs | Chicago White Sox | FOX |
| Sat, Jun 26 | 7:10 PM | New York Yankees | Los Angeles Dodgers | FOX |
| Sat, Jul 3 | 4:10 PM | Florida Marlins | Atlanta Braves | FOX |
| Sat, Jul 3 | 4:10 PM | Milwaukee Brewers | St. Louis Cardinals | FOX |
| Sat, Jul 3 | 4:10 PM | Tampa Bay Rays | Minnesota Twins | FOX |
| Sun, Jul 4 | 8:15 PM | Kansas City Royals | Los Angeles Angels | ESPN |
| Mon, Jul 5 | 7:10 PM | Boston Red Sox | Tampa Bay Rays | ESPN |
| Sat, Jul 10 | 4:10 PM | Chicago Cubs | Los Angeles Dodgers | FOX |
| Sat, Jul 10 | 4:10 PM | Minnesota Twins | Detroit Tigers | FOX |
| Sat, Jul 10 | 4:10 PM | Atlanta Braves | New York Mets | FOX |
| Sun, Jul 11 | 8:05 PM | Chicago Cubs | Los Angeles Dodgers | ESPN |
| Sat, Jul 17 | 4:10 PM | Los Angeles Dodgers | St. Louis Cardinals | FOX |
| Sat, Jul 17 | 4:10 PM | Tampa Bay Rays | New York Yankees | FOX |
| Sun, Jul 18 | 8:05 PM | Philadelphia Phillies | Chicago Cubs | ESPN |
| Mon, Jul 19 | 8:15 PM | Philadelphia Phillies | St. Louis Cardinals | ESPN |
| Sat, Jul 24 | 4:10 PM | Colorado Rockies | Philadelphia Phillies | FOX |
| Sat, Jul 24 | 4:10 PM | Minnesota Twins | Baltimore Orioles | FOX |
| Sat, Jul 24 | 4:10 PM | New York Mets | Los Angeles Dodgers | FOX |
| Mon, Jul 26 | 7:05 PM | New York Yankees | Cleveland Indians | ESPN |
| Sat, Jul 31 | 4:10 PM | Los Angeles Dodgers | San Francisco Giants | FOX |
| Sat, Jul 31 | 4:10 PM | Seattle Mariners | Minnesota Twins | FOX |
| Sat, Jul 31 | 4:10 PM | Detroit Tigers | Boston Red Sox | FOX |
| Mon, Aug 2 | 7:10 PM | New York Mets | Atlanta Braves | ESPN |
| Sat, Aug 7 | 4:10 PM | San Francisco Giants | Atlanta Braves | FOX |
| Sat, Aug 7 | 4:10 PM | Boston Red Sox | New York Yankees | FOX |
| Mon, Aug 9 | 7:10 PM | St. Louis Cardinals | Cincinnati Reds | ESPN |
| Sat, Aug 14 | 4:10 PM | Chicago Cubs | St. Louis Cardinals | FOX |
| Sat, Aug 14 | 4:10 PM | San Diego Padres | San Francisco Giants | FOX |
| Sat, Aug 14 | 4:10 PM | Baltimore Orioles | Tampa Bay Rays | FOX |
| Wed, Aug 18 | 7:05 PM | Detroit Tigers | New York Yankees | ESPN |
| Sat, Aug 21 | 4:10 PM | Atlanta Braves | Chicago Cubs | FOX |
| Sat, Aug 21 | 4:10 PM | Texas Rangers | Baltimore Orioles | FOX |
| Sat, Aug 21 | 4:10 PM | Los Angeles Angels | Minnesota Twins | FOX |
| Sat, Aug 28 | 4:10 PM | Philadelphia Phillies | San Diego Padres | FOX |
| Sat, Aug 28 | 4:10 PM | Florida Marlins | Atlanta Braves | FOX |
| Sat, Aug 28 | 4:10 PM | Minnesota Twins | Seattle Mariners | FOX |
| Wed, Sep 1 | 7:10 PM | New York Mets | Atlanta Braves | ESPN |
| Sat, Sep 4 | 4:10 PM | Los Angeles Angels | Oakland Athletics | FOX |
| Sat, Sep 4 | 4:10 PM | New York Mets | Chicago Cubs | FOX |
| Sat, Sep 4 | 4:10 PM | Texas Rangers | Minnesota Twins | FOX |
| Wed, Sep 8 | 7:10 PM | Tampa Bay Rays | Boston Red Sox | ESPN |
| Sat, Sep 11 | TBD | Seattle Mariners | Los Angeles Angels | FOX |
| Sat, Sep 11 | 4:10 PM | St. Louis Cardinals | Atlanta Braves | FOX |
| Sat, Sep 11 | 4:10 PM | Philadelphia Phillies | New York Mets | FOX |
| Wed, Sep 15 | 8:15 PM | Chicago Cubs | St. Louis Cardinals | ESPN |
| Sat, Sep 18 | 4:10 PM | Atlanta Braves | New York Mets | FOX |
| Sat, Sep 18 | 4:10 PM | Colorado Rockies | Los Angeles Dodgers | FOX |
| Sat, Sep 18 | 4:10 PM | Detroit Tigers | Chicago White Sox | FOX |
| Wed, Sep 22 | 7:05 PM | Tampa Bay Rays | New York Yankees | ESPN |
| Wed, Sep 29 | 8:10 PM | Boston Red Sox | Chicago White Sox | ESPN |
ESPN only schedules their Sunday Night games into July and after that they can pick any teams they want. Last season more often than not that was the Yankees or the Red Sox.
You wonder why those two teams have more money than other teams to spend on players and scouts and the other things that make you a consistent winner? Wonder no more.
They get paid for each of these appearances. If they get more of them than all the other teams, how is that creating an even playing field?
All the national games also means more Yankees and Red Sox merchandise being sold because all those people not living in the 30 cities that have MLB teams are buying the stuff of the teams they see on TV most. How is that creating an even playing field?
How many times were the Padres on national TV last season? Twice. (They were scheduled for 3 games just as they are this season, but only made two broadcasts)
How many times were the Yankees on national games last season?
15 games against the Red Sox (of 18?). 26 games against other opponents. For a total of 41 games.
How many times were the Red Sox on National Games last season?
15 games against the Yankees. 26 games against other opponents. For a total of 41 games.
How many games were broadcast nationally on ESPN, Fox and TBS total?
As far as I could find - 108.
You may have noticed I have not included MLB Network. I did that because its viewership is too small to be called national.
Richard on target. Padres batters are not.
Saturday April 10, 2010
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Clayton Richard showed why the Padres had enough confidence in him after a mediocre showing in spring training to give him the #4 slot in the rotation.
Even in a losing cause, Richard kept the Padres in the game with 7 innings of effective pitching. He gave up 7 hits and 3 runs while striking out 4 and walking 3 in the thin Colorado air.
Meanwhile the Padres batters could manage just 1 hit off Colorado Rockies starter Jorge De La Rosa. Other than a single by Everth Cabrera, the Padres seemed baffled by De La Rosa's change up, often swinging at pitches a foot or more out of the zone.
The Padres batters didn't fair any better off the Rockies bullpen, getting just one hit in the final two frames off Rafael Betancourt and rookie Esmil Rogers.
Sean Gallagher sealed the Padres fate by coming in and surrendering 5 hits and 4 runs including a 3 run blast to Clint Barmes in the 8th inning.
Although he was once one of the most promising pitching prospects in baseball and has seen time in the major leagues for parts of 4 years, Gallagher showed today why the Padres felt he was not ready to be a starter.
The final score was 7-0 Colorado and the Padres dropped to 1-3 on the season.
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Clayton Richard showed why the Padres had enough confidence in him after a mediocre showing in spring training to give him the #4 slot in the rotation.
Even in a losing cause, Richard kept the Padres in the game with 7 innings of effective pitching. He gave up 7 hits and 3 runs while striking out 4 and walking 3 in the thin Colorado air.
Meanwhile the Padres batters could manage just 1 hit off Colorado Rockies starter Jorge De La Rosa. Other than a single by Everth Cabrera, the Padres seemed baffled by De La Rosa's change up, often swinging at pitches a foot or more out of the zone.
The Padres batters didn't fair any better off the Rockies bullpen, getting just one hit in the final two frames off Rafael Betancourt and rookie Esmil Rogers.
Sean Gallagher sealed the Padres fate by coming in and surrendering 5 hits and 4 runs including a 3 run blast to Clint Barmes in the 8th inning.
Although he was once one of the most promising pitching prospects in baseball and has seen time in the major leagues for parts of 4 years, Gallagher showed today why the Padres felt he was not ready to be a starter.
The final score was 7-0 Colorado and the Padres dropped to 1-3 on the season.
Good News and Bad News, which do you want first?
Saturday April 10, 2010
The Good News
Chris Young will probably not be traded this season.
The Bad News
The reason Young won't be traded is he is injured already.
The San Diego Padres announced yesterday that Young will not make his scheduled start on Monday for the Padres home opener because of "tightness" in his surgically repaired right shoulder.
Young threw 6 innings of 1 hit, shutout ball in his first start of the season on Tuesday in Arizona, but felt tightness on Wednesday. He was pulled from the start after just 86 pitches, but Black and Young both said it was just being cautious since it was his first start since June of 2009 and the Padres had a 5 run lead at the time. Many who were watching his velocity decline sharply during the game wondered if something was wrong. I guess we now know it was more than just cautiousness.
In 2009 Young went on the DL to stay on June 14th after having been held out of several starts earlier for extra rest because of tightness in the same shoulder that he is experiencing tightness in now. He eventually had debradement surgery on the shoulder.
Grrrrr. Looks like another injury filled season is coming for Chris Young and the Padres.
The Good News
Chris Young will probably not be traded this season.
The Bad News
The reason Young won't be traded is he is injured already.
The San Diego Padres announced yesterday that Young will not make his scheduled start on Monday for the Padres home opener because of "tightness" in his surgically repaired right shoulder.
Young threw 6 innings of 1 hit, shutout ball in his first start of the season on Tuesday in Arizona, but felt tightness on Wednesday. He was pulled from the start after just 86 pitches, but Black and Young both said it was just being cautious since it was his first start since June of 2009 and the Padres had a 5 run lead at the time. Many who were watching his velocity decline sharply during the game wondered if something was wrong. I guess we now know it was more than just cautiousness.
In 2009 Young went on the DL to stay on June 14th after having been held out of several starts earlier for extra rest because of tightness in the same shoulder that he is experiencing tightness in now. He eventually had debradement surgery on the shoulder.
Grrrrr. Looks like another injury filled season is coming for Chris Young and the Padres.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Links from around the Padres system
Friday April 9, 2010
Links from around the Padres Minor League System
Counting the Pitches
Lamond Page of the Ft Wayne Journal Gazette reports that Tin Caps Manager Jose Flores is holding pitchers to 75 pitches for the 1st few weeks of the Midwest League season. In tonight's game one of my favorite draft picks, Jerry Sullivan threw 78 pitches in 5 innings of 1 run ball, while striking out 9 and walking 1.
Decker, Cumberland drive Storm to opening day win
Matt Null of the North County Times brings us a recap of the Storm's 4-3 opening day win over the High Desert Mavericks. Storm clean up hitter Cody Decker and lead off hitter Drew Cumberland each contributed home runs and drove in 2 runs. Anthony Bass threw 5 innings giving up 3 hits and 1 run while striking out 3. Aaron Breit got the win and a blown save by giving up a game tying run in the 7th inning.
Errors doom Missions in opener
Richard Polikoff of the San Antonio Express News wrote earlier today that errors on two of the first 3 batters doomed the Missions chances against the NW Arkansas naturals in yesterdays season opener. The Missions lost the game 5-3. Logan Forsythe made his professional debut at 2B.
Tonight the Missions putting on a hitting clinic beating the Naturals 13-1.
Bevos drop PCL opener
The Portland Beavers dropped their season opener to the Sacramento River Cats 6-2. Wade LeBlanc took the loss.Chris Denorfia and Aaron Cunningham had two hits apiece and Dusty Ryan homered in his team debut.
Links from around the Padres Minor League System
Counting the Pitches
Lamond Page of the Ft Wayne Journal Gazette reports that Tin Caps Manager Jose Flores is holding pitchers to 75 pitches for the 1st few weeks of the Midwest League season. In tonight's game one of my favorite draft picks, Jerry Sullivan threw 78 pitches in 5 innings of 1 run ball, while striking out 9 and walking 1.
Decker, Cumberland drive Storm to opening day win
Matt Null of the North County Times brings us a recap of the Storm's 4-3 opening day win over the High Desert Mavericks. Storm clean up hitter Cody Decker and lead off hitter Drew Cumberland each contributed home runs and drove in 2 runs. Anthony Bass threw 5 innings giving up 3 hits and 1 run while striking out 3. Aaron Breit got the win and a blown save by giving up a game tying run in the 7th inning.
Errors doom Missions in opener
Richard Polikoff of the San Antonio Express News wrote earlier today that errors on two of the first 3 batters doomed the Missions chances against the NW Arkansas naturals in yesterdays season opener. The Missions lost the game 5-3. Logan Forsythe made his professional debut at 2B.
Tonight the Missions putting on a hitting clinic beating the Naturals 13-1.
Bevos drop PCL opener
The Portland Beavers dropped their season opener to the Sacramento River Cats 6-2. Wade LeBlanc took the loss.Chris Denorfia and Aaron Cunningham had two hits apiece and Dusty Ryan homered in his team debut.
Tuesday, April 06, 2010
New Logo and Layout coming to Websoulsurfer
Tuesday April 6, 2010
There is a new look coming to Websoulsurfer and I want to get your input.
I have posted a sneak peek at http://thepadresblog.blogspot.com/
Please take a look and let me know what you think.
Should we keep the current look, or make the change?
There is a new look coming to Websoulsurfer and I want to get your input.
I have posted a sneak peek at http://thepadresblog.blogspot.com/
Please take a look and let me know what you think.
Should we keep the current look, or make the change?
Padres Win! Padres Win! Padres Win!
Tuesday April 6, 2010
The San Diego Padres evened up their season record with 6-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field tonight.
Chris Young, in his first start since June 14 of last season, was in complete control allowing just 1 hit and 3 walks in 6 shutout innings
Everth Cabrera provided all the offense Young would need going 3-4 with a single, double and triple and driving in a career high 4 runs. Cabrera also added a stolen base to the Padres total of 3 SB in the game.
Chase Headley added his 2nd error in two games, but also had his 2nd straight 2 for 4 night at the plate, scoring a run on Cabrera's double in the 2nd inning.
Will Venable and Adrian Gonzalez added solo shots to the Padres 10 hit attack. It was Gonzalez 2nd home run in two games. A 162 home run pace? LOL
This was a much more satisfying result than last nights game. I drove the rental car 6 hours back to Phoenix in time to catch the game and found out that even though I had shown up, 2,000 or so Diamondbacks fans and the San Diego Padres bats had neglected to show up. In fairness the Padres bats did show up in the 7th inning, but by that time it was too late. Padres lost by an identical, but reversed, score to tonight's game.
It is really sad how bad the baseball fans are in Phoenix. Its opening day folks. There isn't that much going on in Phoenix on a Monday night. You bought the tickets, you may as well show up at the game.
Well the Padres are .500 right now. If they can continue to play .500 ball into July, we may just get to see Adrian Gonzalez in a Padres uniform in August.
We can always hope.
Tomorrow Kevin Correia takes the mound versus Ian Kennedy at 6:40 PDT.
In related news:
The Colorado Rockies lost 7-5 at the MilwaukeeBraves Brewers
The San Francisco Giants shutout the Houston Astros 3-0 for their 2nd win and the NL West lead.
The Los Angeles Dodgers had the night off after getting blown out by the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-5 yesterday.
The San Diego Padres evened up their season record with 6-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field tonight.
Chris Young, in his first start since June 14 of last season, was in complete control allowing just 1 hit and 3 walks in 6 shutout innings
Everth Cabrera provided all the offense Young would need going 3-4 with a single, double and triple and driving in a career high 4 runs. Cabrera also added a stolen base to the Padres total of 3 SB in the game.
Chase Headley added his 2nd error in two games, but also had his 2nd straight 2 for 4 night at the plate, scoring a run on Cabrera's double in the 2nd inning.
Will Venable and Adrian Gonzalez added solo shots to the Padres 10 hit attack. It was Gonzalez 2nd home run in two games. A 162 home run pace? LOL
This was a much more satisfying result than last nights game. I drove the rental car 6 hours back to Phoenix in time to catch the game and found out that even though I had shown up, 2,000 or so Diamondbacks fans and the San Diego Padres bats had neglected to show up. In fairness the Padres bats did show up in the 7th inning, but by that time it was too late. Padres lost by an identical, but reversed, score to tonight's game.
It is really sad how bad the baseball fans are in Phoenix. Its opening day folks. There isn't that much going on in Phoenix on a Monday night. You bought the tickets, you may as well show up at the game.
Well the Padres are .500 right now. If they can continue to play .500 ball into July, we may just get to see Adrian Gonzalez in a Padres uniform in August.
We can always hope.
Tomorrow Kevin Correia takes the mound versus Ian Kennedy at 6:40 PDT.
In related news:
The Colorado Rockies lost 7-5 at the Milwaukee
The San Francisco Giants shutout the Houston Astros 3-0 for their 2nd win and the NL West lead.
The Los Angeles Dodgers had the night off after getting blown out by the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-5 yesterday.
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Padres decide on lefty for pen
Sunday April 4, 2010
According to Dan Hayes of the North County Times, the San Diego Padres have decided on a lefty for the pen to take the place of the injured Joe Thatcher.
The lefty? Cesar Ramos. Ramos got a taste of the major leagues in 5 appearances late last year for the Padres, 2 as a starter. Now he will be the loogy coming out of the pen until Thatcher returns from the DL.
Ramos was a 1st round draft pick by the Padres in 2005, but has largely been a disappointment as a starter in 5 seasons in the minors. He impressed the Padres staff in a relief role in spring training this year giving up just 2 hits in 17 at bats to left handed hitters.
To make room for Ramos the Padres optioned Adam Russell to AAA Portland.
To make room for Matt Stairs, the Padres will have to drop a pitcher from the 40 man roster and expose that player to waivers.
According to Dan Hayes of the North County Times, the San Diego Padres have decided on a lefty for the pen to take the place of the injured Joe Thatcher.
The lefty? Cesar Ramos. Ramos got a taste of the major leagues in 5 appearances late last year for the Padres, 2 as a starter. Now he will be the loogy coming out of the pen until Thatcher returns from the DL.
Ramos was a 1st round draft pick by the Padres in 2005, but has largely been a disappointment as a starter in 5 seasons in the minors. He impressed the Padres staff in a relief role in spring training this year giving up just 2 hits in 17 at bats to left handed hitters.
To make room for Ramos the Padres optioned Adam Russell to AAA Portland.
To make room for Matt Stairs, the Padres will have to drop a pitcher from the 40 man roster and expose that player to waivers.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
April is Autism Awareness Month
Thursday April 1, 2010
April is Autism Awareness Month
I am new to Autism activism, but I am going to try to make up a little for lost time.
For a fan like me, with baseball season coming up in a few days, it’s easy to forget what is really important.
To me, family is what is most important and my godson has Autism. He is a beautiful and smart boy of 9. I don’t get to see him near enough, but I make sure my wife flies out to see him every few months.
But he is far from alone. 1 in 70 boys are on the Autism spectrum according to the CDC. 1 in 70! Think about that. 1 boy in every 3 classrooms across America.
It’s an epidemic, but parents and grandparents of children (and adults) with Autism are not looking for pity or even an immediate cure. Mostly they are just looking for understanding and acceptance. They are looking for Awareness.
My hope and prayer is that awareness will lead to more money for research and for the care of those afflicted.
The article below was borrowed from Biz of Baseball. I hope Maury doesn’t mind, its for the best of causes.
If any of the logos I have added to this post infringe on a trademark, I apologize. Please let me know so I can credit your organization and post an appropriate link.
The main point of the autism awareness campaign is for you to spread the word, and reach a better understanding of the developmental disorder.
Here is how the Autism Society of America describes autism:
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a "spectrum disorder" that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.
Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.
Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:
- Lack of or delay in spoken language
- Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling objects)
- Little or no eye contact
- Lack of interest in peer relationships
- Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play
- Persistent fixation on parts of objects
The following information is provided by Autism Speaks:
Did you know ...
- Autism now affects 1 in 110 children and 1 in 70 boys
- Autism prevalence figures are growing
- More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes & cancer combined
- Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.
- Autism costs the nation over $35 billion per year, a figure expected to significantly increase in the next decade
- Autism receives less than 5% of the research funding of many less prevalent childhood diseases
- Boys are four times more likely than girls to have autism
- There is no medical detection or cure for autism
Prevalence vs. Private Funding
- Leukemia: Affects 1 in 1,200 / Funding: $277 million
- Muscular Dystrophy: Affects 1 in 100,000 / Funding: $162 million
- Pediatric AIDS: Affects 1 in 300 / Funding: $394 million
- Juvenile Diabetes: Affects 1 in 500 / Funding: $156 million
- Autism: Affects 1 in 110 / Funding: $79 million
National Institutes of Health Funds Allocation
- Total 2009 NIH budget: $35.9 billion
- Of this, only $196 million goes directly to autism research. This represents 0.5% of total NIH funding.
IF YOU ARE WITHIN THE MEDIA, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO JOIN THE CAMPAIGN, AS WELL AS AUTISM SPEAKS EFFORTS. LINK OR REPURPOSE THIS MATERIAL TO HELP THE CAUSE.
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