Quote from BoosterSD on July 31, 2023, 8:46 am

Quote from brent wolff on July 31, 2023, 7:44 am

Quote from fenn68 on July 29, 2023, 4:12 pm

Kohlway optioned to EP ... Sullivan recalled

Sounds as though the Padres want Sanchez and Campusano in the line-up at the same time (C/DH) while keeping insurance on the bench for C with Sullivan (LHH)

I guess Nola hasn't improved his hitting level enough yet in El Paso.  It would have made more sense to bring him back up than Sullivan.  I think Nola will eventually be back up as the 3rd catcher once the front office believes some of Nola's hitting woes are behind him and he has regained some hitting confidence playing at El Paso.  I saw he had a walk-off single recently.  Definitely Nola will be back up and Sullivan down before Sept. 1 imo.  Go Pads!

Could a good idea/option for Nola to spend a little more time in El Paso for two reasons.

One, get some additional hitting confidence, back to where he was in ST prior to getting hit in the face.

Two, Nola is a very good defensive C, came up through the MiL as a SS, and is probably still athletic enough to be serviceable in the OF as well.

Should SD look into Nola spending some time in the OF in El Paso and becoming a super utility/bench guy, instead of only playing C? He is getting older, has had some injury issues in the past, and if Campusano's bat can be at least decent, provides a better bridge to Salas than Nola.

SD could look at retaining Sanchez as back up C/DH. Nola, being able to play all INF positions, COF, and C would allow that 3rd C without compromising the bench, and Nola could still start at C once a week when his brother starts for SD next season!!😉😜😊

 

Quote from Jeremy Hill on July 31, 2023, 9:22 am

Nola has somehow gotten worse since going down to El Paso. I would be surprised if he plays another game for the Padres at this point.

Quote from fenn68 on July 31, 2023, 10:04 am

Nola future is entirely based on him regaining his hitting form. 34 next season is not good for a catcher under most circumstances. 2023 had is offense drop from a .250 hitter to .146 (never had SLG). Whether it is just age tipping him over the edge or getting hit in the head early this season, a .146 BA will not get him back barring a string of injuries in 2023.

If in the last 6 weeks in AAA he does not show significant improvement ... and Campusano continues to play well at the ML level ... a good chance Nola gets non-tendered this winter (small salary but still money and a 40 man roster space). Alternatively they could DFA him ... likely to pass waivers ... and I think still can be options (not enough time to reject a minor league option).

Melvin has been giving Sanchez a lot of praise lately for his defense ... especially with Snell ... not quite his reputation. So good chance the Padres try hard to re-sign him to pair with Campusano ... not a good scenario for Nola in 2024.