An early 4-2 lead was wasted in last night's loss, the second of the series with the Rockies. Ubaldo Jimenez allowed four runs in the 1st inning before getting on a plane and leaving for his new home, Cleveland. Aaron Harang gave up two runs himself in the 1st, but was pretty solid the rest of his outing, until the 6th inning when he allowed two runners to get on base. He intentionally walked Ian Stewart to load the bases with two outs before coming out and leaving catcher Eliezer Alfonzo to reliever Luke Gregerson. On the second pitch of the at-bat, Alfonzo went yard for a grand slam, giving Colorado the lead, which they never surrendered. The rest of our bullpen didn't pitch so well either, giving up three more runs in the 7th and 8th. We only answered with one more home run in the bottom of the 8th and the Rockies secured a series win.
Today we once again find ourselves trying to avoid a sweep as we say goodbye to what has been a disappointing July. We've gone 9-17 this month and our last and only series win, a sweep, came in Florida July 19th-21st. With the trade deadline just five minutes before the scheduled 1:05 first pitch, it's safe to say that many players are distracted by the possibility of joining a new team by the end of the day. But amidst all the trade talk, we will try to end the month on a good note and go into August a stronger team.
Dustin Moseley will be missing another start today. In his last start, on Tuesday, he dislocated his non-throwing shoulder for the second time in seven weeks. Wade LeBlanc was recalled and will make the spot start for Moseley. This will be LeBlanc's fourth start of the season. He is 0-2 with a 5.12 ERA over his previous three spot starts, and in his last outing he gave up three runs on seven hits in three innings.
Juan Nicasio will take the mound for the Rockies and try to repeat his last performance against San Diego (in Colorado), when he allowed just two runs in six innings and struck out nine on June 14th. However, Nicasio hasn't seen success outside of Coors Field this season, going 0-3 with an 8.75 ERA on the road. Our Padres will try to take advantage of his road struggles and keep from being swept at home.
We may be saying goodbye to some players today, so here's to hoping we get some good players back in return and wish the best of luck to our former Padres. May they find success elsewhere, unless they find themselves on another NL West team or the Mariners.
GO FRIARS!! KEEP THE FAITH!!
[Note by jodes0405, 07/31/11 12:02 PM PDT ] Farewell, Mike Adams. Thank you for being awesome.
#Padres acquire LHP Robbie Erlin and RHP Joe Wieland from Texas #Rangers in exchange for RHP Mike Adams
#Padres select RHP Erik Hamren from Double-A San Antonio, he will wear #40
[Note by jodes0405, 07/31/11 12:52 PM PDT ]
Heath Bell in staying in San Diego because 2 draft picks better than offers on table. Ludwick has been traded to Pirates #TRADES
[Note by jodes0405, 07/31/11 1:00 PM PDT ] This just made me tear up a little.
Mike Adams is still standing in his Padres uniform with his former teammates during the National anthem...