Aug, 19 2010

Tony Gwynn Jr. is headed back to San Diego with what is believed to be a "fractured right hamate bone". Ryan Webb will rejoin the team according to MLB's Corey Brock @FollowThePadres (Via twitter). I guess that means Scott Hairston/Venable and Denorfia will be getting all a bit more playing time instead of calling upon Luis Durango or Aaron Cunningham until the roster expansion September 1st. Jerry Hairston Jr. could also find himself playing some OF seeing as Eckstein is close to coming off the DL while Jerry has been playing so well. Eckstein went 0-4 last night in his rehab assignment at Eugene. The only problem with JHJ playing the outfield in replacement (in a way) of Gwynn, is when Eck comes off the DL, Cabrera is the likely candidate to be sent down, so JHJ would likely return to his utility back up role. 

Aug 16, 2010

The Padres have been getting very solid play out of Jerry Hairston since Dadid Eckstein has been on the shelf with a "calf strain". However, the Padres so miss the Captain's presence in the infield like another coach on the field. Everth Cabrera would be the likely candidate to go down until the Padres expand the Roster Sep. 1 and he would be right back up. According to @FollowThePadres (via twitter) The "new plan for Padres Eckstein. He'll play in 3 games with Fort Wayne in Grand Rapids, Michigan starting on Wednesday." With the new additions of Tejada, Ludwick already paying dividends, getting 'Eck' back would be like a waiver wire acquisition. He is the catalyst of this team. "THE X FACTOR", Mr. Captain Clutch (all year) is almost back when it matters most, down the stretch, playoff time!

July 14, 2010

The Padres claimed 25-year-old outfielder San Diego Native Quintin Berry from the Phillies, according to Dan Hayes of the North County Times (via Twitter). Berry has a .606 OPS at AA so far in 2010. Another SD. native claimed in less than a month along with Kyle Phillips. Quintin Berry is another outfielder that seems to fit Jed Hoyer and co. philosophy of "playing Petco. into an advantage". Berry also played at San Diego State. (05' and 06') I would imagine Tony Gwynn Sr. would be familiar with his "tools".  For more fantastic Padres info and up to date coverage, you can follow Dan Hayes via twitter @NCTPadres

The Baseball Cube:

 In 2009 BaseballAmerica.com: Berry as the Phillies fastest base runner. He has plus plus speed. He is what you would call a "burner"!

July 7th, 2010

Pitcher Sean Gallagher was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for cash.  This will be a great chance for Sean to start games, we at the Friarhood with Sean and his fiance Jen the best of luck. 

July 3, 2010

The Padres OF Will Venable is going on the DL with "lower back stiffness". Aaron Cunningham was recalled and is back from Portland. Its a nice opportunity for Aaron but its a shame for Will because it seemed since he had adusted his stance with the Padres hitting coach Randy Ready, he had been on a tear. 

July 1, 2010

The Padres have made several moves today. According to Dan Hayes of the North County Times, the San Diego Padres have designated right-handed pitcher Sean Gallagher for assignment. They will have 10 days to trade, release or waive him. I believe there will be a team desperate for pitching depth would be interested, possibly the Brewers.  Gallagher's roster spot is being taken by Tim Stauffer, who was activated from the disabled list.

 Matt Stairs has also been reactivated thursday and the Padres (as expected) sent Aaron Cunningham back to Portland. I agree with the over all consensus about younger players/prospects like Aaron, that he needs to play every day. Cunningham looked very comfortable with the Padres while struggling a bit in AAA-Portland this year. However, the brief effective stint should have been a confidence builder for the young promising prospect. Cunningham was impressive in spot starts making some fantastic clutch plays in the outfield along with an impressive hitting line. .290 1 HR/ 4 RBI . Matt Stairs has hit .191/ 1 HR with 7 RBI hitting a meager .214 with RISP this year as the primary pinch hitter off the bench.

June 25, 2010

As speculated, the Padres (made it official) reinstating Everth Cabrera. Cabrera is in the starting lineup today against the Florida Marlins. Hopefully Cabrera's "hammy" is at 100 percent! Jerry Hairston has filled in quite nicely at SS however, the Padres could use Cabrera's speed and defense and hopefully some improving production. 

June 24, 2010

Today the Padres Officially made yet again another roster move. This one not a surprise at all. Catcher Dusty Ryan is heading back to Portland. The team will reinstate Catcher Yorvit Torrealba tomorrow and will be avalable for the series opener against Florida. As for Cabrera, the Padres SS will fly from Portland to meet the team in Florida for the start of the three game series against the Marlins on Friday. No official roster move for him quite yet, but the word is he will in fact be activated on Friday. 

June 22, 2010

The Padres made it official, Padres C Yorvit Torrealba has dropped the appeal of his 3-game suspension. It starts today. Dusty Ryan has been recalled and Lance Zawadzki has been optioned back to Portland. 

In other news, Everth cabrera started his rehab assignment yesterday going 0-3 playing in the field at SS. He could also be reinstated in a few days, it looks like he could be joining the Padres (baring any set back) on the 25th to open the series against Florida. Cabrera has been on the disabled list since May 28 (retroactive to May 24) with a strained right hamstring. .

"He'll play three (games), and then we'll re-evaluate after that," Black said. "But he feels good. He's very confident with where his leg is right now. He's ran well the last couple times he's been out there. Mentally, he's ready to go. I don't think there's any apprehension."

June 11, 2010

The Padres place pinch hitter Matt Stairs on the DL (right knee) he had MRI and he is waiting for the results. Aaron Cunningham is here in San Diego.  Cunningham was hitting .239 with four home runs and 22 RBIs in 53 games at AAA Portland. He was taken out of the Beavers game prior to the 4th inning after going 0-1.  Cunningham came over in the deal along with Scott Hairston, that sent Kevin Kouzmanoff and Eric Sogard to the Athletics. Before yesterday's game, Cunningham was hitting .360 this month with a .448 OBP for Portland.

In 21 Spring training games and in 42 AB's, Cunningham had two doubles, one triple 6 RBI with 7 stolen bases while only getting caught twice. Aaron also hit .286 and played a very impressive outfield.  For more information of Cunningham's spring check out "Aaron Cunningham heads to Portland but not without leaving his mark"

Last year Cunningham was the 55th best over all prospects in all of baseball ranked by the most respected prospect handbook, Baseball America.

With the Padres struggling outfield woes, maybe Aaron can impress and surpass one of Tony Gwynn Jr., Denorfia and possibly even Will Venable and provide some very needed production.

As expected, Padres reinstated Catcher Yorvit Torrealba and optioned Dusty Ryan back to Portland. Torrealba had been away from the team, and was reported that he would miss three days beginning last Monday for what were called, "personal matters.". Torrealba will be available to play in their series opener on Friday against Roy Halladay, Ryan Howard and "the fightin Phils".

Welcome Back Yorvit!

June 2, 2010 Roster update:

Padres have activated Scott Hairston from the DL. Scott Hairston on Wednesday was reinstated off the disabled list by the Padres, who opened a roster spot for him by optioning Luis Durango to Triple-A Portland.

Not much of a surprise there, great to have Scotty back in the lineup and it was also very intriguing to see Luis Durango impress on the MLB level in his 2nd brief stint.

Scott Hairston before going on the DL was hitting, .247 with 6 HR and 14 RBI.

"The Padres C Yorvit Torrealba will be away from the team for three days beginning Monday for "personal matters." C Dusty Ryan will join team. According to @FollowThePadres via twitter:"

Ryan is not producing much at all in Portland. He's hitting a meager .118/ 3 HR/ 46 K's in 110 Ab's. However, Ryan does have assets. Ryan was picked up this winter before the Padres FO  aquired FA veteran catcher Yorvit Torrealba.  Torrealba was aquired for further depth which the Padres felt was a "priority". In two brief stints with DET. Ryan hit .257/ .338/ .396 in 27 games with 70 Ab's(08-09). Its not his first cup of Joe.  He should fill in adequately while Yorvit is gone and Hundley has picked it up as of late becoming a very solid duo.

Scouting Report: Tremendous defensive catcher with plus-plus arm and light-tower power at the plate. Obviously pitch recognition/contact and strikeouts have hindered Ryan from Advancing in the minors. Ryan will have to adjust to minor league pitching, let alone MLB pitching if he wants to advance to the next level furthering his development.

Scott Hairston will play for Lake Elisinore on Sunday/Monday, hopes to be activated Tuesday, According to @FollowThePadres via twitter: