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“What I See-What I Think”

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PADRES…Just when you think it is the beginning of another awful season, the Padres do a complete U-Turn, with impressive and dominant pitching performances in Houston, and then Colorado. In what could have been a disastrous road trip that might have left them at (1-12), they win in Houston, then reel off two straight victories in Denver against the Rockies. It’s early in the season, but if this is the type of pitching we see, then maybe they might be the (81-81) team I predicted.

JOEY LUCHESSI….That’s three strong outings in a row for the first prospect generated from the farm system developed by GM-AJ Preller. His numbers are impressive, a (1.79-ERA), strikeouts in bunches, few walks, and the ability not to get rattled.

THE KIDS….Luchessi was the third of the three arms the Padres picked in the first Preller draft two years ago. Young lefty Eric Lauer is likely the next in line, cut from the same cloth as Luchessi, crafty, and sneaky fast. Surprisingly Cal Quantrill, the top pick, has been slowed by bases on balls issues, and is at AA-San Antonio.

GOLD GLOVE….We all know Eric Hosmer’s ability with bat and glove. The glue guy has made a bunch of big plays two weeks into the season, talking about shortstop Freddy Galves. He’s a grinder too, so he will be tough to pull off the field, for he wants to play every inning of every game. It makes you wonder why the Phillies let him go.

BULLY-BULLY….Brad Hand is back to being Brad Hand, bouncing back from his one bad outing. and the bullpen is settling into quality roles now. Crag Stammen continues his strong showing for a second year in a row, and the kid sidearmer, Adam Cimber, and Kaz Makita, the submariner, has been dominant with his unique style. Robbie Erlin has now had 4-good outings in a row, out of the pen, rather than in the rotation. Suddenly strength in numbers.

WIL IS OUT…Wil Myers elbow injury merits concern, because it has been ten days, and he is not starting baseball activity yet, swinging a bat or throwing a ball. It’s the second episode with his elbow in a couple of years.

MIA…Chase Headley isn’t playing and isn’t hitting yet. He is making 13M a year and he’s frustrated, wanting to earn his money. He’s had old spells and long hot streaks the last three years, so time will tell when he gets back in the lineup, and what he does when he does. Tough to find your stroke while sitting. We’ll see if the rookie Christian Villanueva will continue to hit, or if pitching will catch up to him.

LONG REHAB LAMET….Soft toss and long toss is a long way from being ready to take the ball and jumping back into the rotation, so this rehab for Dinelson Lamet will take an extended period of time. The fact the Padres have not informed the media of he MRI on his elbow scares you, that it is more than just a strain. Can you say out till June, at the earliest?

SCHEDULE NOTICE…The Giants and Dodgers come to town starting Thursday. San Francisco is a mess with 4-starters and their closer on the disabled list. The Dodgers arrive, but take notice, Padres ownership gave up a 3-game series later in the season at home with LA. Those are the games transferred to Mexico. I don’t agree with giving up home dates that could have drawn you 130,000 fans, to go play in Mexico.

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