XX Sports Radio: Bud Black Interview Part 2 (MP3) with Lee "Hacksaw" Hamilton
- The Padres had to trade Kevin Kouzmanoff to get Scott Hairston. They think Chase Headley has more upside. The OBP and power are going to increase. "He's ready to takeoff". Kyle Blanks moving to left field is part of it, but it's more about Headley's potential.
- Kyle Blanks, Tony Gwynn, Scott Hairston and Will Venable are projected to get the most at bats this season as outfielders. Cunningham is close to being a contributor. Luis Durango has speed. Chad Huffman is getting closer to the big leagues.
- Black thinks there has been some dialogue with John Smoltz. His results were spotty down the stretch. Black thinks the Padres scouts are skeptical of him, based on his velocity and how he threw the ball last year.
- Scott Hairston is going to get at bats vs. left handed pitching. They like his production. They are going to prod him to steal some more bases.
- Black is looking forward to seeing Tony Gwynn this Spring. His playing time will be based on his performance.
- Jerry Hairston will be valuable because of his versatility. Black sees him as an infielder, but he has played a lot of outfield too.
- Getting guys on base in front of Adrian Gonzalez will protect him as well. Kouzmanoff had mixed results batting behind him. Headley moved into that roll in the second half last year. Hairston could fill that role against left handed pitching.
- Mark Loretta and Dave Roberts will be part of the coaching staff during Spring Training. Loretta will be more of a Front Office guy. He's equipped to do a lot in this game.
- Durango will probably be in Portland.
- Everth Cabrera will be the starting shortstop this season. He's got "a little power packed body".