Around the Mission: 2/23 Padres Links

PADRES: Ludwick trying to lose sour taste
"I came over with the reputation of being a hard-nosed player and I feel like, at times, I just didn't get the job done," Ludwick said. "I'm excited about starting from Day 1 and starting from zero and hopefully I can prove to the Padres fans that I'm going to give it my all. "I think they were a little down on me last year."

PADRES NOTES: Moseley makes his pitch for No. 5 spot in rotation
"I think I can be a value and help," Moseley said. "Right now, my mindset is to go after that rotation spot. I've been a starter most of my life. But if not, I'll fall into the 'pen. I'm a team guy. I'll do whatever I'm asked to do really with no argument. I like to get out there and pitch and do whatever they want me to do."

Unfinished Business: First Rant of the Season 2011
"We're not even two weeks into Spring Training, and already, the Padres odds of winning the World Series are 100-1."

Weekend Roundup: Aztecs at #4 after Air Force Win
"I don’t see Jed Hoyer committing long term to Bell, who’s already 33 years old, but unless the Padres stumble dramatically out of the gate they need Bell’s fire, leadership and positivity in the clubhouse. Oh, and they could also use his 95 MPH heater and wicked curveball…"

Padres in no hurry to name Opening Day starter | padres.com: News
San Diego manager Bud Black said Tuesday that he's not quite ready to name his Opening Day starter -- even though the nod figures to go to 22-year-old Mat Latos, who last season was the Padres' most dominant starter.

Kevin Frandsen embracing utility infielder role with Padres | padres.com: News
Kevin Frandsen, in Padres camp as a non-roster invitee who will try to make the team as a utility infielder, has come to terms with his parting from the Giants.

Would the Padres have been better off not signing Donavan Tate?
"And because of the system depth, I think taking a chance on an athlete like Tate, with his upside, makes a lot of sense – then and now."

Woe, Doctor!: ...And Everyone Showed Up On Time
The bottom line lies in that the team appears to be on the same page with Bud Black and the front office. They have a collective goal of not just lasting until the last game of the season, as was the case in 2010. The overall sense of focus and determination are prominent amongst the players and I cannot wait to see what happens this year.

The "Almost" Awards: 1972 | February
In 1972, Padres first baseman Nate Colbert was coming off a fine season hitting a team high 27 homers and 84 RBIs, as well as earning his first All-Star appearance.

Avenging Jack Murphy: Dear Padres Fans: This Is Curt Flood's Fault...
"The Padres have run away from this notion of identity, a tree thinking it can survive without roots. Own who you are and don't change based on the whims of market research that eventually becomes outdated every six seasons. Own who you are and don't apologize for it."