Heath Bell on Twins Radar

Written by Steve Adler | 10 March 2010

In case you have heard enough of the Adrian Gonzalez trade rumors, you will be refreshed to know that the focus for the time being has now shifted to Padres closer Heath Bell.  Although I realize that I may be in the minority, I have been in favor of moving Heath since last July.  If you are not a championship team, why do you need a closer?  I know that may sound short sided, but I’m serious, a closer is a luxury.  This Padres team is young and in the middle of a rebuilding phase.  A 32 year old closer with one more year of arbitration is not exactly a great fit for this team.

Bell has played well for the Padres at home and away, which makes him an excellent trade candidate.  Affectionately nick named “Heat” by fans, Bell boasts a fastball consistently in the mid 90’s and a mean curveball to keep hitters off balance.  Heath did not miss a beat after future Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman left the team to sign with the Brewers.  Bell converted 42 of 48 save opportunities in route to winning the Rolaids Relief Man Award.

Starting rotation looking strong in Peoria

Written by Jeff Creps | 10 March 2010

A season ago it was tough for most Padres fans to name the potential starting rotation without cringing at some of the names.  This year, it’s a whole different ball game for the Padres.

Looking at some of the Padres’ leaders in starts in 2009, the names and results aren’t pretty: Chad Gaudin (4-10, 5.13 ERA), Josh Geer (1-7, 5.96), and Walter Silva (0-2, 8.76) just to name a few.

But this season things certainly are looking up.  The Padres have gone from a thrown together group of inexperienced starters, to a group of quality young starters with solid major league experience.  More importantly, the Padres have options.

Although they will go into 2010 without the best pitcher in franchise history, Bud Black will have no complaints about depth this season.

Twitter users win tickets to Opening Day!

Written by Administrator | 08 March 2010

Want to attend the Padres Opening Day game vs. the Braves on April 12th?

You can win tickets to go to the game for simply spreading the word about the Friarhood!