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Black talks about his ejection and the possible reason for Kennedy's poor performance

Here's my notes from Darren Smith's latest interview with Padres manager Bud Black.

By jbox
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Bud Black interviewed by Darren Smith (MP3)

  • Black and Matt Kemp were thrown out of the game a few days ago.  Black took the field to figure out why the ump ejected Kemp when it appeared they were only conversing. Black became agitated by what the ump said.  Though later he was satisfied with the ump's explanation.  Black concedes that in most cases the umpire has just cause to eject him and his players.
  • Ian Kennedy's performance this season has been a roller coaster.  "This is unlike Ian to be as up and down as he has been."  Kennedy and pitching coach Darren Balsley talked about fundamentals and mechanics yesterday.  Black liked the velocity and location on Kennedy's fast ball in yesterday's start.  There was no particular reason for Kennedy to lose velocity on his pitches in his previous poor performances, but Black thinks that he may have exerted too much energy between starts by exercising and lifting weights.  Black thinks that since Kennedy was struggling he was trying to work harder and it worked against him.
  • Wil Myers will hit batting practice today at 3pm.  He's going to go through a regular round of BP and he's going to swing away without any restrictions.  This is a big test for Myers.  Black thinks it's a matter of "when" Myers will come back, not "if".
  • Yonder Alonso went 3-for-4 last night.  Alonso is hitting to all fields and that pleases Black. "You want your projected Opening Day line up on the field."
  • In a week or so when Wil Myers comes back he may split time in centerfield and at first base depending on if the opposing pitcher is right or left handed.
  • The Padres have an off day tomorrow.  They might bring Andrew Cashner back on regular rest on Saturday and move Odrisamer Despaigne to Sunday.  They'd like to rest Kennedy another day.
  • Black says that there's probably no chance that he'll start Corey Spangenberg at shortstop.  He sets up better at 2B and 3B due to his technique and arm.  Will Middlebrooks has a better feel for SS.

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