In times of suck

by Dex on Jul 24, 2007 8:05 AM PDT in News

So the Padres have found themselves mired in a world of suck. Happens to the best teams. I'm not gonna bother figuring out when it's happened to other teams, but trust me it does. Sometimes, things just suck. Think about when things suck for you. Are you a failure because of it? Hell no! You stick your chin up and you do something constructive! Or you just mope and wait for the suck to pass and when things are good you worry constantly about when things'll suck again.

Something constructive. Let's figure out how ~~Bochy~~ Black should be using his bullpen. Here's how I'd do it. Tell me how you'd do it. This is based on what we're working with right now. Hampson's up and Snacks is down. Haven't looked to see who's on the farm.

Closer: Hoffman
Setup: Heath Bell

If the starter comes out in the middle of an inning, I think Cla needs to be our holder. Strikeout type of guy who also throws a crazy number of ground balls. I know that some people would like to see him in a setup role, but I think he should be used as a setup only if a starter has managed to get to the 7th inning on his own. At that point, Cla's crazy delivery would be most effective. I don't ever want Cla to see a team for more than 25 pitches total in a series.

As far as Linebrink goes, I can't blame anybody for being hard on him, but I'll stop just short of turning his name into a dirty word. I guess I don't mind if you do, but it's not his fault he can't get guys out. I don't ever see pictures of him partying and boozing it up the night before sucking ass. Also, I have trouble blaming Bud Black for using the bullpen that way. I've said it over and over again. I think Black's getting word from above that Linebrink needs to be used as the 8th inning guy. Also, I have trouble blaming the offense because, frankly, I'm not keen on upgrading any position players except maybe Marcus Giles. Sorry, Marcus.

Go ahead and vent. A nice little losing streak gives us the opportunity and I promise not to chastise anybody for being negative.

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Comments

I've been struggling with this question

since the 8th last nite. At what point do we start worrying? Is there any point in worrying?

We've had a horrible July. While our offense has mildly improved, our pitching has all but disappeared. When we do get a strong outing, it seems like we're one pitch away from a tie game.

I agree with you Dex that I'm not really keen on upgrading any position players. For the most part, our position players are doing just fine (expect Marcus, and so far in July, Cameron).

I'm very worried about Jake. For some reason, he's just not half as sharp as he was in the beginning of the year. My parents speculate that he might be trying to pitch too finely (given our offensive woes). While I think that might be the case, I still am worried about his health. Jake has always been susceptible to arm issues, and I hope if he is suffering, that he takes some time and gets right in a hurry.

I like the Bell/Trevor 8/9 combo, and I support the idea of Meredith coming in immediately after a starter (unless it's the 8th). Cla doesn't usually give up gopherballs and the immediate change from a standard pitcher to a submariner could definitely mess up some people.

I'm really down today because I believe in this team. But this team hasn't played like they should. Not even close. Our offense is showing signs of improving, but then our pitching fails. I just wish we could get both sides firing at the same time.

We live and die by our pitching. Until recently, I wouldn't have worried about that.

by Phantom on Jul 24, 2007 8:20 AM PDT reply actions

I'm worried

I thought a big problem is that are offense sucks. This is effecting the pitching. Are pitchers are thinking to themselves "If I give up one run, that's it! I've lost the game."
I was hoping that trips to Colorado and Houston would change that. As of last night I guess I'm wrong...so now I'm real worried. Are hitting will always suck, and our pitching isn't lights out anymore. I think this might be a sign of how are season will play out.
Also, I wouldn't be surprised if there is something going on with Peavy that we don't know about.

by Jonny Dub on Jul 24, 2007 8:47 AM PDT up reply actions

Who do you get rid of?

Who sucks so bad right now, besides Marcus, that you get rid of them and try somebody new?

by Dex on Jul 24, 2007 8:49 AM PDT up reply actions

Get rid of in the following order...

M.Giles
Kooouz
Sledge
Cruz
Branyan
Greene
Cameron
and A-Gone if he keeps striking out.

by Jonny Dub on Jul 24, 2007 9:04 AM PDT up reply actions

Big fan of Geoff Blum are you?

"At the end, excitement maintained its hysteria." - Jerry Coleman

by TheGrandHatching on Jul 24, 2007 9:07 AM PDT up reply actions

His Wife

If we got rid of Blum, that means we'd be getting rid of his hot wife.

by Jonny Dub on Jul 24, 2007 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions

Options?

Maybe we could trade Blum, but retain the rights to Kory?

by teemcee on Jul 24, 2007 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions

now I realize...

That you stop watching games after the second inning, but really? Kouzmanoff?

by Dex on Jul 24, 2007 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions

Koooooz

Kouz is a .200 hitter. He had a bit of a hot streak to get him .230ish. But now he's hitting where he belongs...sub .200.

by Jonny Dub on Jul 24, 2007 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions

No way

Giving up on Kouz after a half a season would be a bad idea. We traded away a starter to get him. He's young and his bat has showed signs of life. Trading him away for some aging bat that might help for half a season is irresponsible.

by Winfield's Ghost on Jul 24, 2007 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm tired of waiting

If it meant getting some big bat that lasted half a season and got us to the World Series, that's fine by me. I don't see our team going anywhere with these hitters. (My list I made is only how I feel right now.)

by Jonny Dub on Jul 24, 2007 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions

And then the problem starts all over again next yr

I just don't think one bat - as much as everyone is clamoring for one - is going to make a difference when the other 7 aren't getting it done on a regular basis. I don't buy that picking up someone like Troy Glaus would make any difference when the rest of the lineup fails to produce. That's what they brought Bradley in for. He's only going to make a difference - like he did last night - if the guys around him get their act together.

You can't overhaul the roster the last week of July. These are the guys that have to get it done.

by Winfield's Ghost on Jul 24, 2007 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions

And I still think

that the guys we have now CAN get it done. As much as we're down on Linebrink, he's in the same funk many of our hitters are in. It's just that your slumping is highlighted when you happen to be a pitcher. However, these guys led us into first place (okay, a tie) going into the All-Star break, so they are definitely capable. They just need to start firing on all cylinders. Maybe if Milton keeps slamming the ball out of the park like he's been doing lately, he will end up being the spark we need AND the big bat we're looking for. Or at the very least, a plus-sized bat, which is better than nothing.

by Mr Meadows on Jul 24, 2007 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions

Totally agree

They can get it done. We saw how AG hit the first two months of the season. Cameron and Khalil came around in June and BG has been pretty damn good since he came back. If those four guys do their thing and you mix in Bradley, I'd feel pretty good.

by Winfield's Ghost on Jul 24, 2007 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions

next year

Whatever happens with this team, I think next year will be the same, like the past two years have been. It's probably just me, but I can't get excited about this team as much as I got for '98 or even '96. It's probably just me.

by Jonny Dub on Jul 24, 2007 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions

Really?

Can't get excited about what would then be a 4 year streak of division titles?

by Dex on Jul 24, 2007 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Nope

by Jonny Dub on Jul 24, 2007 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions

It's not just you

I don't think we're anywhere near the caliber of that '98 team, but, with respect to the rest of the league, no one has looked anywhere near as good as the '98 Yanks. There are alot of "if's" on the current roster and I think both the front office and the fans have alot of faith in those "if's" coming through.

"At the end, excitement maintained its hysteria." - Jerry Coleman

by TheGrandHatching on Jul 24, 2007 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions

i agree 100%

about Black being handcuffed by management to throw Linebrink out there in the 8th. is it possible Linebrink is freaking out seeing scouts in the stands whenever he comes in?

by John Gennaro on Jul 24, 2007 8:45 AM PDT reply actions

So management wants to lose?

That's not the mindset I was hoping for.

by teemcee on Jul 24, 2007 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Cameron

Yes, I think Cookie Monster should be the 8th inning guy who leads to Trevor in the 9th. And I'm in favor of seeing "The Barber" (or is he "SportClips" after last night?) in middle inning hold spots.

But I'd rather see Cameron be given a shot at being the 7th innning guy when our starters are done after six. The ERA is 0.52. It's absurd that he's not being used. Meredith makes more sense as a middle of the inning replacement because Cameron has given up a lot of walks. But if the starter is pulled after six, I wanna see Cameron in the 7th.

And whatever the reasoning is for using Linebrink on a regular basis, I don't care. It's dumb. This is exactly what we saw in the second half last year and it seems like it's gonna get worse in a hurry.

by Winfield's Ghost on Jul 24, 2007 8:48 AM PDT reply actions

It's interesting Dex,

that you come off as anti-upgrading position players.

Why would not want an upgrade, if one was available? Hell, I say, upgrade them all if we can! Are you that attached to Brian Giles and his naked shennanigans that you wouldn't prefer someone better?

by pjbno4 on Jul 24, 2007 9:18 AM PDT reply actions

Yes

But it's also a matter of cost considerations, needs and what's available. Would I rather see Ichiro playing right field than Brian Giles? Yes.

Would I rather see Kenny Lofton? Ummmm.... Maybe... Errrrr....

Would I rather see Albert Pujols playing first base over A-Go? Yes. I definitely think maybe.

I dunno. Who specifically would you be looking to upgrade right now?

by Dex on Jul 24, 2007 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions

I don't know about Dex

but I wouldn't upgrade 1st base (Gonzalez) or short (Greene). 3rd is debatable, but I like what I'm seeing out of Kouz, who is hitting .283/.338/.500 since May 1st. He's young, and my gut tells me he's only going to get better. And as of right now, there aren't too many LFs playing better than Uncle Milty.

"At the end, excitement maintained its hysteria." - Jerry Coleman

by TheGrandHatching on Jul 24, 2007 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions

Milton Bradley

In case I need to qualify some of my remarks, Uncle Milty (in 12 games with the Padres) is hitting .356 with three homers and nine RBI in 45 at-bats. Over his past four games, Bradley is 8-for-17 with two homers and five RBI.*

*from today's UT

"At the end, excitement maintained its hysteria." - Jerry Coleman

by TheGrandHatching on Jul 24, 2007 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions

Agreed

Adrian will hit again. Hopefully its sooner rather than later. For the complete package that Khalil gives you, there's no viable upgrade available. His HR, RBI, and defense make him invaluable to this team.

I would also say we should hold onto Kouz. I think he'll work out wonderfully in the long term, and he's not exactly killing the team on offense. He typically has strong ABs and he still suffers from bad luck since he hits the ball so damn hard.

Bradley has been a great acquisition. There's no upgrade for Cameron. I'd trade Giles for X in a heartbeat, but then we don't have a lead-off guy.

I'd like to see us upgrade at second. Loretta would provide more conistent offense at the cost of some range. Bard/Barrett are an acceptable platoon, and I'm not sure something better is available (although rumor has it the Yankees might be looking to dump Posada).

I'd like a credible fifth starter. What the means is anyone's guess.

by Phantom on Jul 24, 2007 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions

Linebrink

Last year, it was the Curse of The Run. One run. Usually a solo shot. Those, I can handle to a certain extent because he was otherwise getting outs. What concerns me this time is the wildness. 4 pitch walks, hit batsmen. Combine with his tendency to leave a breaking ball up in the zone and now we are getting the 2 and 3 run home runs.

He needs to be moved out of the setup role to work on his control issues. I really cannot blame the offense on his woes - this is his own doing. I also think that the way Buddy uses the bullpen is contributing to these yips. He sticks with Scotty for reasons beyond any fan, and pretty much blows it for the whole bullpen. They get mentally down, they all lose their ability to locate their pitches and now they are all struggling. We can't even GET to Trevor!!

The starters are in trouble thanks to the lack of offense. So much pressure. Allow one run and mentally you think loss. The bats inspire no one. I agree that Jake is probably hiding something.

What to do? Well, I do like the idea of switching the lineup order as he did last night. That did actually work - Scotty just blew it. Step 1 is to demote Scotty before Maddux takes a gun to his head! Keep tweaking the lineup. Put in Blum as much as possible if he has managed to get himself hot with the bat finally. Get Loretta. I would love that.

I know, you are all expecting me to jump all over the Piazza rumor. He did get a huge round of cheers when they showed video of him talking about Tony on Sat night. I loved yelling out "MiKEY". But...the three headed catcher thing again? I don't know. I really still think it is best for Mike to be in the AL and primarily DH. OTOH, due to his injury he had a lot of time off this season. He might just be fresh for a stretch run. However...I would choose Loretta over Piazza right now.

Christina

by Christina on Jul 24, 2007 9:20 AM PDT reply actions

Offense

We actually showed decent--not stellar, but at least improved--offense last night. Unfortunately is was our pitching that failed us. I can only hope for a stellar performance by CY tonight, but I'm starting to worry that he's the only starting pitcher of ours that I have 100% faith in right now. (Although Maddux has had 2 strong outings in a row, but, well...LINEBRINK!)

I love Mike Piazza, but I'm afraid he's done. He swings a big bat (occassionally) but as a catcher, he was pretty weak even in his prime. I don't think he would be a benefit to the Padres defensively anymore.

I would like to keep Kouz. Sure, he's not exactly uprooting trees for us right now, but you can see him steadily improving both at the plate and on the field. I think he has the potential to be a great asset to the Padres. Plus, he's got power, and every time he comes up to bat there's that anticipation that he MIGHT actually get ahold of the ball and drive it out (at least for me, I get that feeling with Kouz more often than I do with A-Gon these days.)

Finally, I would have passed on Sledge and held on to Girl Mouth. I think that was a bum move.

PS: I can't back up anything I say with actual stats. These opinions are based solely on my irrational gut feelings. This is why I do not manage a baseball team. :-)

by Mr Meadows on Jul 24, 2007 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions

Jake

The question is: What is Jake hiding?

by Jonny Dub on Jul 24, 2007 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions

As much as I don't like him

...any chance we could get Chad Billingsley?? I had my doubts about this guy (I thought he was the Dodgers' version of Germano), but he's now 7-0 after last night. Guess he's the real thing. The good news is the Dodgers' bullpen is in chaos right now.

By the way, check out this quote from Greg Maddux on Padres.com, about last night's fiasco:

<<"I feel bad for Liney and Cla," Maddux said. "I feel bad for the guys and the team.">>

Talk about diplomatic! If I were Maddux, I'd feel bad for Liney, too...because I would know all about the massive beating I was planning on administering to him using navel oranges inside of a pair of pantyhose.

by Mr Meadows on Jul 24, 2007 9:27 AM PDT reply actions

tired of it

random stats that just hit me in the face. team leaders:

Average: Gonzalez (.264)
Home Runs: Greene (16)
RBIs: Gonzalez (57)
SB: Cameron (10)

there's a good chance we're ending this season with no 30 HR hitters, nobody hitting above .270 and nobody with more than 20 SBs. ouch.

every team with an offense has one of two things, either speed or power. we have neither. we didn't try to get any sort of speed over the offseason and our only power upgrade was Kouzmanoff at 3rd, which was somewhat of a downgrade when you consider that he was a rookie and we lost Barfield and Piazza. the way this offense is built is pathetic. i wish the padres would draw a line in the sand and say either "we're going to fill our outfield with speedy guys that have high OBP and can play defense" (ala the Dodgers) or "we're going to spend the money to get at least 2 dangerous hitters in the middle of the lineup" (ala the Red Sox) instead of floundering with neither.

by John Gennaro on Jul 24, 2007 10:10 AM PDT reply actions

Jeff Kent = Speed Demon

I hate the dodgers. That just made me feel a little better.

by teemcee on Jul 24, 2007 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Sleep-deprived

I thought you wrote "infielders", not "outfielders".

I still hate the dodgers.

by teemcee on Jul 24, 2007 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions

Outfield defense

and overall team defense is also a HUGE factor that contributes to our successes. The defense helps the pitching. The pitching feels more confident.

I sure would love to have the Dodgers outfield. Such awesome D and power there. (I would, however, take Andre Ethier in a heartbeat).

by Phantom on Jul 24, 2007 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions

Regarding Jake

I was at the June 24th game vs. the Red Sox and it was obvious to my friend and I that Jake hurt his back diving to first on that stupid play by A Gon...and then he probably hurt himself again on that blown play at third base in the same inning.

He hasn't looked the same since...(sigh)

Jake Peavy = Brett Favre

Please Get Well Jakey...

by pasadenapadre on Jul 24, 2007 10:16 AM PDT reply actions

Seven guys walk into a bar

Linebrink blows the eighth.

"I try not to get overly excited... But I am pleased with it..."

by TheThirdGonzalez on Jul 24, 2007 11:27 AM PDT reply actions

HEYOOOOAAAA!!!

"At the end, excitement maintained its hysteria." - Jerry Coleman

by TheGrandHatching on Jul 24, 2007 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions

LOL

Excellent work, as usual, Third Giles.

by Winfield's Ghost on Jul 24, 2007 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions

Thanks a lot, TTG....

Now I have to clean up the strawberry smoothie I spewed all over my desk in a fit of laughter.

Thanks a lot.

by teemcee on Jul 24, 2007 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions

HAHAHA!

Now Scott's messing up people's education too. Perfect. -teemcee

by freelunch on Jul 24, 2007 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions

You are on fire today!!

Between this and Wiki entry adjustment, you've got me rolling here.

Christina

by Christina on Jul 24, 2007 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, I'm not convinced

I don't ever see pictures of him partying and boozing it up the night before sucking ass.

Just because you haven't seen them, doesn't mean they don't exist. The Ultra Efficient Grounds Crew keeps ruining the photos. Just ask jbox.

by teemcee on Jul 24, 2007 11:52 AM PDT reply actions

Maybe the Padres really do suck

Just maybe the Pads over-achieved their asses off in the first half, and have now reverted to their true nature, which is To Suck.

If they could have over-achieved in the second half, then they'd be in business. As usual, they got it ass-backwards.

Shakey Jake is not reliable, but CY is still the real deal until he's not; check back after tonight's game. The other starters all suck most of the time. And now the bullpen sucks.

The hitters suck in a major league way: Nobody can hit over .270????? It is nearly impossible to recover from that kind of suckage. They might show short accidental bursts of non-suck, but don't be fooled. It's temporary and they still suck.

But.... true fans love their team even if it sucks. Otherwise, the fans suck.

by Spec20 on Jul 24, 2007 12:06 PM PDT reply actions

Good news! This just in....

The Coreys are back.

At least we now have an alternative to bullpen relievers with no game. Or not.

by teemcee on Jul 24, 2007 12:14 PM PDT reply actions

I harp on our offense too

...but I don't really see how we can realistically improve the team at this point (via trades). Sure, if we could magically have a Dunn/Dye/Griffey Jr. appear on our roster I wouldn't complain, but anything the Pads would have to give up would probably make the team worse in the long and short run. A realistic trade a la Loretta would be great, and I'm all for it if we can throw Houston a spare part or two.

Basically....we need to stop sucking. The Pads can win the division easily, if they would only hold a team meeting re: not sucking. Linebrink needs to stop sucking. AGon needs to not suck or get kidnapped. Khalil needs to take walks and have pitchers throw balls directly into his bat. Upgrading at shortstop is not possible given the current market, KG plays good defense, and Blum will soon suck again. MARK MY WORDS: BLUM WILL SUCK AGAIN. DO YOU HEAR ME, LEBOWSKI???? THE BUMS WILL ALWAYS LOSE!!!!!

by Dalton on Jul 24, 2007 12:43 PM PDT reply actions

Biggio

just announced his retirement (which will start at the end of the season). I'm not sure if this will affect Houston's relative perception of Mark Loretta (I hope not). Any thoughts?

by Phantom on Jul 24, 2007 12:59 PM PDT reply actions

they have Burke

and Conrad behind him. Give up on the old men. Let us have Loretta.

by Dex on Jul 24, 2007 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Works for me.

Isn't one of those guys related to you?

Also, does anyone know what Loretta was signed to? Is it just one-year or multi-year?

by Phantom on Jul 24, 2007 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Over at ducksnorts...

a good idea regarding usage of Linebrink.

Rather than reconfigure setups, start looking more at situation and pitch accordingly...i.e., if you got 3 innings to burn and you need to work it to Hoffman, place your hot hand to face the meat of the order.

If 3,4,5 up in 7th, put in Bell, then Liney pitches to bottom of order in 8th.

...makes sense.

by bktabinga on Jul 24, 2007 5:15 PM PDT reply actions