Rob Neyer's take on the newest addition to the chip n dales clubhouse..

Maybe somebody can explain Mike Piazza and the Padres to me. At one time, Piazza was a premier hitter, both for power and average. From 1993 through 2001, Piazza batted .326 and averaged 34 home runs per season. Now, though, about all that's left is the power. So the Padres, who play in the only ballpark that's tougher on power hitters than Shea Stadium, think Piazza will help them? Just as weird: Piazza supposedly will catch 90-100 games ... even though he can't throw, and that big ballpark is well-suited to the running game? All things considered, I think I'd rather give the regular job behind the plate to Doug Mirabelli.