Quote from MrPadre19 on April 5, 2024, 5:11 am

I'd much rather see Snell than Webb.

 

Quote from LynchMob on April 5, 2024, 6:24 pm

No comments on today's game ... sounds about right ... meh ...

Quote from Jeremy Hill on April 5, 2024, 7:53 pm

My one thought after a game like that is that AJ should be calling Brandon Belt's agent.

Quote from BoosterSD on April 5, 2024, 9:39 pm

I do think that Grisham catches the ball in CF that Merrill didnt get (off Confortos bat I believe). I do think that Merrill will get there, just needs better routes and will get there with more reps.

Quote from WindsorUK on April 6, 2024, 3:42 am

Okay, on my soapbox again...

Tatis's interference call? Compare FTJ's slide( on the ground before the bag, popping up on the bag, stumbling because Ahmed is there) to Hoskins the other day. FTJ appears to be making a totally legitimate baseball play( like they teach it) and they call him for interference? Whereas Hoskins slide initially did not?

I don't know what kind of training these umps get, but there is a horrendous lack of consistency,  or even lack of understanding?, that drives fans crazy( Angel Hernandez of course excluded as the guy is maybe the worst umpire in the history of officiating, in ANY sport!)

Guys have any takes on it? Most seem to believe Hoskins slide was okay( I don't) - how about FTJ's( I do)?

Quote from fenn68 on April 6, 2024, 4:26 am

Quote from Jeremy Hill on April 5, 2024, 7:53 pm

My one thought after a game like that is that AJ should be calling Brandon Belt's agent.

Did see a report that Preller had (has?) an offer out to Pham in the $3-4MM range ... Pham not buying it ... yet.

I seems apparent that the Padres will not exceed the CBT limit (or even endanger it this early in the season) plus since the estimate of the CBT payroll is a little unclear depending on who is calculating it using their estimates we are not sure what Preller is working with. (note based on the comments ... Roster Resource gives the most flexibility and Cot's less ... no idea what the Padres have).

If the $3-4MM reported offer to Pham is the zone ... guessing Belt is not interested ... yet. Both Pham and Belt are taking a gamble but I guess they are waiting for some team (any team) to panic for a bat and pay up closer to their demands ... probably still well over $5MM.

Since at this point, both Pham and Belt are DH types doubt Preller will boost the offer until it is clear that Machado can play ... everyday 3B and that seems weeks away (or longer?). Not an optimal situation but as long as neither are signing one may still be around when (if) Preller is ready to make the add.

Think the status of Machado is the hold-up of any short term move that needs the DH as an option.

Quote from fenn68 on April 6, 2024, 4:33 am

Quote from BoosterSD on April 5, 2024, 9:39 pm

I do think that Grisham catches the ball in CF that Merrill didnt get (off Confortos bat I believe). I do think that Merrill will get there, just needs better routes and will get there with more reps.

Agree that Merrill defense will quickly improve ... the kid is just a natural and it seems that already he makes the right throws from the OF ... hits the cut-offs.

His offense has come quicker than expected (although we will see once the word on him gets around the league). For a 20 year old ... 10 games ...250/323/429 (752) is slightly above average ... and way better than we would get from Grisham. (Note: Grisham has had only 4 AB in NY ... 0 for 4 with 3Ks ... somehow Judge beat him out in CF )

Quote from fenn68 on April 6, 2024, 4:59 am

Hard to draw conclusions after just 10 games and does look as though Shildt is not a manager that likes to juggle the batting order but at some point (maybe another 10 games?) some adjustments may come into play (note nothing on the bench or AAA that motivates me to take a player out of the line-up yet).

The biggest concern sits with the #4 and #5 hitters in the order ... they should be moving the offense a lot more than they are. #4 Machado (184/295/395) and #5 Kim (216/302/351) are both well below "average" and that plays worse as the #4 / #5 hitters. They do have players on base ahead of them via OBP: Bogaerts (.349); Tatis (.366); Cronenworth (.349) ... all above league average.

I could see Kim moving up to lead-off (was good there last season) and has the base stealing ability for that role. Bogaerts down to #5 where his .282 BA may have more impact ... plus not sure if not being in the lead-off will allow his SLG to improve if not focusing on OBP.

Machado is my biggest worry ... trying to move him off clean up (or out of any theoretical impact slot) will not be taken well by Manny and if Manny is not happy probably not a good thing for the clubhouse. What do the Padres do if he does not rebound soon ... not playing defense / not hitting while potentially blocking a better bat in the line-up (Pham or Belt?). If you want to worry ... Manny is the focal point with his 10 year / $31MM AAV contract.

Quote from WindsorUK on April 6, 2024, 5:27 am

I was just about to mention swapping( again!) Bogaerts and Kim.

For the exact reasons you mention Fenn. Bogaerts is a run producer, not a OBP/lead off guy. And it's pretty easy to say Kim is NOT a run producer. His style fits better in the leadoff spot.

Seems a no brainer. Hopefully Schildt sees it soon and pulls the switch.