Fire Bud Black!

Monday May 11, 2009

Fire Bud Black!

Yes I know I have said that before, but I have just finished reading Geoff Young's post today on his blog Ducksnorts.com and I am hopping mad at Black right now.

What got me so angry? This:

Meredith entered the game with one out and the bases loaded, which as I noted in the Ducksnorts 2009 Baseball Annual is not when you want to use him. Here’s an updated look at his numbers in those situations through May 10, 2009:

When Not to Use Cla Meredith, 2007-2009

	PA	BA	OBP	SLG
*Includes third base only, first and third, second and third, and bases loaded.
Runner at third*	111	.446	.477	.565
High-leverage	203	.354	.399	.519
Overall	693	.297	.345	.391

As you can see, Meredith becomes a very different pitcher in pressure situations.

If Black does not know what Meredith's tendencies are he has no business being a manager in the major leagues.

If Black DOES know Meredith's rendencies, WHY would he bring Meredith into 8 games THIS SEASON with runners in scoring position and another 2 in high leverage situations?

Either way Black does not belong in a position where he has to make those calls.

Fire Bud Black! Do it today!

Lopez sent down, Macias called up.

Monday May 11, 2009

Reliever Arturo Lopez was sent down to AAA Portland and outfielder Drew Macias was called up to San Diego after yesterdays game in Houston.

The left handed Lopez had a 19.29 ERA in 4 appearances as a Padre and had given up 7 hits, 3 walks and 5 earned runs in 2.1 innings.

Macias is joining the Padres for his third time this season. He must feel like a yo-yo. Macias, who is known for his exceptional defensive skills, has hit .259 in 25 games for Portland so far this season.

Padres Farm System Update

Sunday May 10, 2009

San Diego Padres Farm System Update

According to Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union Tribune, Kyle Blanks will begin playing left field for AAA Portland on Monday.

If Blanks is successful at this experiment in left field, Kevin Kouzmanoff may be traded to make room for Chase Headley at third base.

Headley is the template for the Padres move of an infielder to a corner outfield position. Headley made a successful transition from 3B to LF last season and his defense has improved this season. Blanks has superior speed to Headley, though at 6'6" and 285 he is far from the prototypical LF.

Blanks hitting .291/.391/.527/.918 with 7 hr in 31 games is forcing the Padres hand in finding a place for him to play on the big league squad.

Elsewhere in the Padres farm system,

• Kellen Kulbacki is made his first start of the season on Saturday for the AA San Antonio Missions after shoulder surgery in the off season.
• 2003 1st round draft pick Tim Stauffer is throwing well in extended spring training and should be ready to join the Missions later this week.
• Mat Latos has not allowed a run in 3 starts and 11.2 innings with the low A Ft Wayne Tincaps so far this season and may soon be promoted to High A Lake Elsinore.

In unrelated news, Padres beat writer Tom Krasovic was let go by the Union Tibune as part of a waive of layoffs by the new ownership group. In all 192 people were let go.