Around the Mission: 8/5 Padres Links, Late Afternoon Edition

Bell a tower of strength for Padres | padres.com: News
Heath Bell, second in the National League in saves, anchors what may be the best bullpen in baseball and is a key reason why the Padres boast the best record in the Majors.

Baseball activities next step for Eckstein | padres.com: News
Padres infielder David Eckstein saw the question coming, because it's the one he's been asked often for the last week or so. When is he coming off the disabled list?

Padres monitor workload of young starters | padres.com: News
Until the Padres add a pitcher, either externally or from their Minor League system, they will continue to lean on a rotation that, with the exception of Jon Garland and Kevin Correia, hasn't pitched a full season at the Major League level.

Hoyer ponders adding arm to Padres' staff | padres.com: News
Now that the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline has come and gone, Padres general manager Jed Hoyer has moved on to other pursuits -- like finding an arm for the starting rotation.

Padres in tough against Dodgers tonight - SignOnSanDiego.com
"The Padres need a win to get a split in the series. But they haven't even been able to score in two previous games against Dodgers right-hander Chad Billingsley this season. "

Padres chat with U-T columnist Bill Center
"But the Padres cannot afford to lose series inside the division like they could do tonight in LA. And they have to dominate their remaining 19 games against teams with losing records. The Padres are 27-12 against sub.-500 teams this year. Better sweep the Pirates at Petco Park next week. "

Dodgers blank Padres again; nemesis looms - SignOnSanDiego.com
"That game tonight was all about Padilla," said Padres manager Bud Black

Denorfia’s strong throwing arm a good sign - SignOnSanDiego.com
"Mechanically, I felt different. At first, it was painful to use the top-heavy style of bat I had always used. I had to relearn my swing. My strength took longer than I expected to fully return."

PADRES NOTES: Frieri is getting the hang of things 
"Bell is always playing around with me," Frieri said with a smile Wednesday. "Obviously, he's having fun with me, but I'll take it. I know I'm the rookie, and if this is the price that I have to be here, that's fine with me."

PADRES: Not much to remember about this stinker in L.A. 
"We were within slam range until the end," manager Bud Black said.

It Might Be Dangerous... You Go First: Two Items
Waiver Rules and Mariano Rivera

MadFriars.com Trade Analysis: What the Padres Gave Up
"San Diego was able to acquire veteran talent without subtracting from the major league team or losing players whom the organization believes will play a significant role in their future."

Trade Deadline Reflections: Where Is My Mind?
"Around the middle of last week I found myself pondering the prospect of Roy Oswalt as a Padre. Could it be the move to bring San Diego a championship?"

Manhandled by Mediocrity/Get Your Own Song – Ducksnorts
"The Giants embarrassed the Dodgers, who are now taking it out on the Padres."

insidethepadres: The flip side
"If the trend continues, Bud Black could be confronted with a ticklish decision. Does he platoon Ludwick?"

What's a Picture Worth?: What Are You Nodding At?!
"I didn't count all of them but as you can see he has a pretty good cache built up."

Unfinished Business: WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY PADRES?!?!?!?!?!!!!!
"Something is seriously wrong here and I don't like it!"