Quote from WindsorUK on March 22, 2026, 11:47 am

Super excited to see Ty back in SD. Should have been back last year!( Just imagine if he'd been our opening day 1B, with Arraez at DH, and Sheets in LF. Would have been a much stronger line up)

Also, I've wanted Buehler the past few years, so again, excited to see Walker in Padre brown and gold( or is it yellow?).

I think both will be contributors to our 3rd straight playoff run👍🏽

Quote from WindsorUK on March 22, 2026, 11:52 am

Quote from BoosterSD on March 21, 2026, 9:31 pm

Quote from fenn68 on March 21, 2026, 3:00 pm

Just heard a Bob Scanlan attempt to interview him ... the Philly guy may be on point ... not the most accommodating guy.

I listened to part of that interview of Castellanos during the game the other night. He sounded boring, unintelligent, unenthusiastic, and uninspiring. I stopped listening to the interview because it was so depressing. I was never that excited about having him on the team, and even less now. His only saving hope is being one of Manny's boys, which is a double edged sword.

So, is Nick on OD roster? If this is purely because he's Manny's guy, this is a major reason why Manny can't be the top dog in the locker room.

Looking around the league, are there any successful teams out there that carry buddies of their best players for no other reason?

Each roster spot is extremely valuable. You can't take a space just because one of your multi millionaires wants to hang with his buddy.

If Nick is on the OD roster, I hope he performs well. And once he's not, he needs to go.

Quote from LynchMob on March 22, 2026, 6:19 pm

I understand how/why Nick C came off the way he did ... an alternative view is ... he's a serious guy ... and that might be valuable on this team ...

Quote from fenn68 on March 23, 2026, 2:58 am

Quote from LynchMob on March 22, 2026, 6:19 pm

I understand how/why Nick C came off the way he did ... an alternative view is ... he's a serious guy ... and that might be valuable on this team ...

Only if he can hit above average (better than France) and by enough to overcome France's defense and INF versatility. He has about 20 days to prove it (until Song returns). He is in a A vs B competition.

This is a veteran team ... doubt his (or any of the players' personalities) are a big deal if all is going well. On the flip side given his "issues" last year with the Phillies' manager (a very successful manager) coupled with being ticketed as a part time bench player ... somewhat concerned about his relationship with Stammen / the coaching staff if things are not going his way. He is not conditioned to be a part-time player.

From a players' perspective ... hard to read is time in PHIL ... does not seem that the players' disliked him or liked him ... maybe just co-existed (as we often do with some co-workers). The reporter who was interviewed said that none of the players expressed a opinion (good or bad) ... maybe just did not care.

Again, probably all boils down to his hitting better than the other options.

Quote from fenn68 on March 23, 2026, 3:20 am

Note that McCoy was optioned to EP and Wagner is still injured ... so baring some surprise move ... Castellanos will be there on opening day.

Sounds as though Song will go IL ... then rehab (20 days max) in EP. Unlikely but could be optioned when the rehab ends. Not a lot of games to evaluate the odd man out while playing Sheets - Andujar - France - Castellanos in the two 1B/DH game slots.

My guess is that the Padres already "know" the move when Song returns ... only injury or a compelling performance would alter their plan.

Quote from BoosterSD on March 23, 2026, 8:26 am

Randy, how was your trip to Peoria? Sorry the weather was exceptionally hot last week. Ugh!!

Last Spring game today, I would imagine a short leash for any regulars and then kids finishing out the game.

Bullets fly for real starting Thursday, anyone going to Opening Day?

Quote from Randy Manese on March 23, 2026, 10:48 am

Castellanos did some good work early on in ST but lately he's not been anything special.  I think his ego believes he is more than a part-time dh/ph and with France clearly outplaying him over he past week and a half (besides being better and more versatile defensively), Castellanos time with the team will likely be short.  He'll have some opportunities with the number of LHPs we will be facing in the early part of the schedule, so if he doesn't leave his mark during those times, look for him to be released just as soon as Song can swing a bat effectively.

Had a great time in Peoria despite the weather.  Had the grandson over, so we were limited to two games, both of which we won.  Padres SP continue to give up a lot of HRs, which I hope is because of the environment and trying out different pitches in different situations.  My view is that this 2026 version of the Padres is going to score a lot of runs (maybe average around 5 per game) so if the SP can hold the opposition to 4 runs or under for 4-6 innings, the bullpen will have to once again carry a heavy load.  Luckily, we are deep in the bullpen and can bring up our depth when necessary.  I like our bench options and depth in El Paso for our position players but hope none of them are out for extended periods.

Still believe Preller is looking to make a deal for another SP and it might involve a guy like Mayfield to get him, along with other prospects of which we have few.  If the sale of the team goes through soon, it could happen sooner than later.

My batting order still has Croney/Bogaerts at the top (depending upon handedness of SP); Tatis Jr.; Machado; Merrill; Sheets or Andujar (depending upon handedness of SP); Andujar or Sheets/Castellanos/France; Bogaerts/Cronenworth; Laureano; and Fermin/Campusano.  Croney is having a great spring and seems to really like the leadoff spot.  Sheets is going to be tough to keep out of the everyday line-up.

Quote from fenn68 on March 23, 2026, 12:51 pm

Padres Nearing Deal With Jose Leclerc

On a minor league deal ... RHRP coming off an injury plagued 2025 but has had some very good seasons (been around for awhile and is 32). More a set-up guy but at one point earned a $10MM contract ... so was valued.

So a low cost gamble for insurance in AAA.

 

Quote from brent wolff on March 23, 2026, 6:52 pm

I'll ok with dropping Castellanos, but I'd rather it be for Miranda instead of McCoy.  Croney is the SS when Bogey needs a day off every so often.  El Paso should be rather competitive this year, should have Bowen, Solak, Miranda, Taylor, etc... as position players, Song on injury rehab.  Gillespie, possibly Gonzales as pitchers, maybe Rodriguez.

I'm hoping Preller keeps the following prospects: Salas, Schoolcraft, one of Mendez/Mayfield, & Fountain.  It will be interesting to see if they can develop Wideman as a hitter.