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“The Padres-Only a Small Sample Size”

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So they are starting this season, like they have started so many seasons lately, with a lousy record, a struggling starting rotation, some guys hitting,others not, and the typical number of injuries.

This (8-15) start is not the end of the world, because there is so much to look forward to….we think.

Yes it is a small sample size.

Christian Villanueva has had a really strong start, hitting homes runs, slashing extra base hits. So far so good. We’ll see if the scouting reports catch up to him. And the standing joke, will he drive in more runs than he allows on defense.

Manny Margot has had a rugged start, hitting in the sub-200’s, after a rock solid season last year from start to finish.

Franchy Cordero gives you a flash moment, but lots of strikeouts. The misplay of the flyable that cost Tyson Ross his no-hit opportunity in Arizona, is typical of his aggressiveness that leads to either a big play, massive homer, or bad play, end of no hitter.

Tyson Ross looks likeTyson Ross looked the year he went to the All Star game. This is a fierce competitor who has battled back from blood clot surgery. His velocity, his slider, his approach in that game at Arizona was outstanding.

Craig Stammen continues to rack up shutout innings in hold situations for the lead in guy to Brad Hand.

Chase Headley is in a stunning slump, hitting .100 as we head to the 5th week of the season. He’s not getting at-bats except as a pinch hitter. You wonder if he has lost some bat speed.

Joey Luchessi has heen dazzling. In four starts, only two bad innings so far. Of course he has hurt himself with bad throws to the bases, but his diverse stuff is fun to watch, his maturity on the mound equally impressive.

Eric Lauer appears to be the next one on the horizon, the next AJ Preller draft pick to get a chance to start a major league game. Most impressive among his numbers in El Paso, strikeouts to walks ratio.

Freddy Galves catches everything in the middle of ht infield. He wants to play every inning, so we will have to see if the wear and tear takes a toll on his offensive output.

El Paso has some good starts, some bad stuff early in the season, though that (12-5) record in the PCL is a great start. Brett Kennedy has a (1.04-ERA) in 3-starts, in a hitters league. Javy Guerra, who struggled for two years in the lower minors, is hitting (.276), and Diego Goris, another infielder, is slashing at (.382). Hard throwing relief pitcher Trey Wingenter has a bloated (11.01-ERA). Hot prospect Luis Urias is batting (.250)

San Antonio’s 1st baseman Josh Naylor has been All-April, with a (.379) month, with 6-homers and 15RBIs out of the gate. Pitcher Matt Strahm is likely the next arm to be called up, with a (3.68-ERA) as they flip him back into a starting pitcher, stretching him out. Former 1st round pick Calvin Qunatrill has a (1.23-ERA) but walks are still an issue. Not an easy debut at Double A-for Fernando Tatis. Hs hitting (.187) wit 20-striekouts in 66-sat bats.

Lake Elsinore has had a slow start. Cuban phenom pitcher Adrian Morejon has found the jump to High Class A-pretty tough, an (0-2) record with a 5.11-ERA, allowing 21-bae runners in his first 12-innings. Ditto for young pitcher Ron Balona, an (0-2) mark and a 7.29-ERA.

Fort Wayne is impressed with young SS-Esteury Ruiz, with a (.273) average, but Gabe Arias is struggling at (.216). On the mound, last years first round pick MacKenzie Gore has blister problems and is on the Midwest League disabled list. Fellow pitching prospects Mason Thompson (10.80-ERA) and Osvaldo Hernandez (4.73) have found roughage going early.

It’s early season, and this is a small sample size. But for the Padres and their prospects, some good games, and a bunch of bad ones too..

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