Saturday's round up
Portland doubleheader:

Game 1:

Josh Barfield homered and doubled, scored 3 runs and drove in 2. Jon Knott doubled, tripled and walked, scored one and drove in one. Sean Burroughs doubled and walked, scored one and drove in two. Thats pretty much the story except for Chris Oxspring's complete game(7 inn) shutout where he allowed just 5 hits and struck out 6 for a 6-0 win.

Game 1 box


The first 3000 fans recieved a free Khalil Greene figurine:



Game 2:

Jack Cassel continued the string of scoreless innings with 5 shut out innings of his own for a 1-0 win in the nitecap. Jesse Garcia singled and scored the only run on an error by catcher Matos after Bobby Scales struck out.

Game 2 box

Mobile doubleheader:

Game 1:

Steve Baker followed Corey Smith's double with a two run homer but the Baybear's comeback fell short as they lost the opener 4-2. Jared Wells took the loss with 6 innings, 4 hits and 2 runs. He struck out 5 but also walked 3.

Game 1 box

Game 2:

Sean Thompson gave up 4 runs in 5.1ip but got the win 5-4 in the nitecap. He walked two and struck out 6. Dale Thayer struck out the side in the 7th to preserve the win. Greg Kottaras had 2 hits and scored a run to break out of his mini slump. Steve Baker continued his hot hitting with 2 hits, scored a run and drove in one.

Game 2 box

Lake Elsinore:

Ed Bonine gave up 3 runs on 8 hits in 5.2ip as the Storm reverted to their losing ways 3-1. The only Storm run coming on a solo homer by Mike Johnson.

Lak box

Ft Wayne:

Rained out....

Eugene(short season)

Jon Link gave up 8 runs(7 earned) in 3.1 innings as Tri city beat the Ems 9-2. The Ems were held to just 4 hits but bunched them together to score both runs in the 7th. The top 5 hitters were held hitless on the night.

Eugene box

Arizona(rookie)

no game

Friday's prospect round up 12 Aug 05
Portland:

Sean Burroughs hit a grand slam, Bobby Scales homered and doubled and scored 4 runs to lead a 14 hit, 12 run attack and defeat Colorado Springs 12-5. Paul McAnulty(.347) and Nick Trzesniak(.346) each had 3 hits also.

Portland box

Mobile:

Jose Oyervidez struggled through 6 innings, walking 5 and striking out 6 while allowing 3 runs on 6 hits but R. Meaux and Geoff Jones combined to give up 10 runs in the last two innings to turn a close game into a 13-1 blowout.

Corey Smith and Steve Baker each had 2 hits but Greg Kottaras was 0-4 to drop his average to .244 since being promoted to AA.

Mobile box

Lake Elsinore:

The Storm offensive woes continued with a 9-1 drubbing by High Desert. Jordan Pickens(.247) had 2 hits including a double and drove in the only Storm run.

LAK box


Ft Wayne:

The Wizards scored 5 first inning runs, fueled by Drew Davidson's 2 run homer, and hung on to defeat South Bend 5-3. Joel Santo pitched 6.2 innings and allowed 2 earned runs while striking out 6 for the win. Supplemental first round pick, Cesar Ramos pitched a perfect 9th, striking out 3 batters, for his first save.

Last years nr 1 pick, Matt Bush was 1 for 3 but is hitting just .226 on the season.

Wizards box


Eugene(short season)

Steve Delabar went 6 innings and gave up just one run, a 5th inning solo homer, but took the loss 1-0 as the Ems were stymed by Everett pitchers. Delabar(3.18) struck out seven and walked just one.

Ems box


Arizona(rookie)

Thursday 11 Aug 05 results:

Padres rookies were beaten 7-1 in seven innings by the Angels. Kyle Blanks was again hitless lowering his average to .286. Javis Diaz(.341) had two hits and scored the only Padre's run.

Although starting pitcher, Jiminez gave up 7 runs, the relievers, Fogleson and Frieri, combined to strike out 7 of the last nine batters faced without issuing a walk.

AZL Padres box

Thursday 11 aug 05
Portland:

For the second night in a row, the Beavers bats were silenced by good pitching. Brian Sweeney was the victim of the power failure, allowing just 2 runs on 7 hits while striking out 8 but still taking the loss. Sean Burroughs had the only extra base hit, a double, for the Beavers and Paul McAnulty scored the only run.

Mobile:

no game scheduled

Lake Elsinore:

The Storm continued their losing ways despite a solid effort from Luke Steidlmayer. He went six innings giving up 3 runs on 5 hits. The Storm threatened in the second as Colt Morton connected with his 16th homer and Jorden Pickens doubled and scored on Bonvechio's single but Lancaster pitcher, Chico, wiggled out of the jam and was never seriously threatened again.

Ft Wayne:

2b Sean Kazmar had two hits, including a homer, but the Wizards could must just one other hit, a single by Tom Vincent, in 12 innings as South Bend scored for a 2-1 win. The lack of support wasted a strong effort by Matt Ekstrom(13-3 3.14) who went 8 innings allowing 1 run on 6 hits.

Eugene(rookie)

Will Venable had 3 hits and the only rbi while Chase Headley chipped in 2 hits in the 9-1 loss to Everrett. The Em's could put just one run across despite 9 hits and 7 walks. Everrett pitchers were more cautious with Seth Johnston after his offensive outburst on Wed, he was 1 for 3 with 2 walks.

Arizona(rookie)

Wednesday's results:

The Cubs rookies terrorized 4 Padres pitchers to the tune of 18 hits and 15 runs. Meanwhile, Padres hitters just couldnt seem to string anything together. Kyle Blanks was hitless with a walk and 2 strikeouts in 4 plate appearances. Most of the offense was provided by less heralded rookies, Chad Steiner 3b(3 for 4, 2r, rbi) and Willy Crafort rf(2 for 3 bb, run).

Prospect notes 10 Aug 05
Portland

Tim Stauffer has struggled since being sent back down from the Padres. The same early inning problems that plagued him in the majors were evident again as he gave up 5 first inning runs and then settled down to pitch solidly through the 5th, giving up just one more run.

Burroughs, Barfield, McAnulty, Trzesniak and Knott were held hitless.


Mobile:

Cesar Carrillo went 5 solid innings, giving up 2 runs on 7 hits while striking out 7. He appeared well on his way to another win and left the game leading 5-2 but was not involved in the decision as the bullpen could not hold the lead.

Greg Kottaras doubled, walked and drove in 3 runs.

Lake Elsinore:

Adam Eaton allowed one hit in a 3 inning rehab start, walking two and striking out 2. Rudy Seanez followed Adam and was not effective. Rudy gave up 3 hits(2 hrs) and 4 earned runs in just an inning of work to take the loss.

Chris Kolkhorst was 2 for 3, including a triple, walked twice and scored a run to lead the offense. Brett Dowdy also had two hits.

Ft Wayne had no game scheduled:

Eugene:

Yesterday we were talking about some of the draft picks struggling offensively. It seems that Seth Johnston got the message. Seth was 3 for 5 with 2 homers, 3 runs scored and 8 rbi.

Nick Hundley had a 4 for 5 day with a double and 3 runs scored.

While Ems hitters were feasting on Everrett pitching, Brenton Carter(3-2 2.13) was pitching well, allowing just one hit(a solo homer) in 6 innings.

Prospect progress report Tuesday 9Aug05
Portland:

Burroughs 4 for 5 two doubles, 3 runs scored and one rbi. Currently hitting .333. Sean also started two 5-4-3 dp's)

Barfield: 3 for 5, two doubles, 2 rbi. Currently hitting .306 and was in the middle of 3 dp's.

Nick Trzesniak recently promoted from Mobile had 3 hits, a double, run scored and 2 rbi to raise his average to .316.

Paul McAnulty continues to pound PCL pitching to the tune of .347ba. He has hit at every level and will get a major league job soon.

AA Mobile:

Corey Smith was 4 for 6 with a double, 2 runs scored and 2 rbi.

Steve Baker was 3 for 6 with a double, triple, 2 runs scored and 3 rbi. He raised his average to .272 since coming up from Lake Elsinore.

A Lake Elsinore(high A)

Michael Johnson was 2 for 5 with his 11th homer as he continued to pound Cal league pitching since returning from the d/l.

Colt Morton had two hits, both homers, 2 runs and 3 rbi as he continues to prove he was ready for the promotion from Ft Wayne.

Matt Thayer was 1 for 3 but is still hitting .346 since his callup from Ft Wayne.

A Ft Wayne:

Josh Geer made his first start since being called up from Eugene and went six innings for his first win. He gave up 3 runs, 2 earned, struck out 2 and walked 2.

Matt Lauderdale was 2 for 4, a homer and a double, scored twice and had 4 rbi. He is hitting .292.

Northwest league(rookie)(short season)

Jiminez Angulo was impressive in his Northwest league debut pitching 6 innings and allowing just 1 run on 2 hits while striking out 5. He took the loss however as Eugene was shutout by Everett pitchers on 5 hits.

Heralded prospects, Chase Headley(.265), Daryl Jones(.193), W. Venable (.149) and Seth Johnston(.200) have been struggling as of late. More offensive pop is expected from these players as they become more accustomed to professional ball.

Arizona summer league(rookie)

Kyle Blanks continues his hot hitting although his average has dropped to merely respectable(.296) his obp of .406 and slg of .530 give him and .936ops with 7 homers and 24 rbi in just 32 games.

Billy Killian is hitting.348 but has a .507 slg pct despite not having even one homer. 7 doubles and 2 triples.

E. Frieri is having decent success (4-1 1.20era) despite giving up 22bb/31k in 30ip. Still opponents are batting just .153 against him as he has given up just 15 hits and no homers.

Whats wrong with the Padres?
June swoon? Here are some numbers to consider:

May offensive stats: .289/.364/.446/.810 runs per game scored: 5.71
pitching stats: era: 4.11, whip 1.26 runs per game allowed: 4.17

June offensive stats: .230/.281/.320/.600 runs per game scored: 2.46
pitching stats: era 4.42, whip 1.48 runs per game allowed: 5.07


I suppose the question is: Are the Padres scoring fewer runs because we are always so far behind, or are we allowing more runs because our pitchers are trying to be more perfect?

Which came first: The chicken or the egg?

Padres on the road
Which Jake Peavy will show up today? In his last two starts, Jake has been, well, UnJakelike. Whether its due to illness or fatigue is unknown but is he OK now? This start, I would say is crucial. We need Jake to show that he is still capable of dominating on the field so that everything else will fall into place.

Sunday's recaps
Portland beat Tuscon 8-4 behind pitcher, Chris Oxspring(5-2 4.65) pitched 8.1 strong innings, striking out 9 and allowing just 1 earned run on 7 hits. Marty McLeary got the last two outs. Ben Johnson(.290) and JJ Furmaniak(.282) each had two hits and homered to lead the Beavers offense.

Mobile lost 8-3 and 1-0 to Birmingham to fall further into last place. Mike Thompson(5-3 2.95) took the loss in the first game giving up 8 runs on 11 hits. cf Kennard Jones(.261) doubled, walked and drove in two runs while rf Mike Richardson contributed 2 hits in the loss.

In the second game, Travis Chick(2-5 4.70) took the loss despite seven strong innings with 9k's and just 1 hit and 1 run. The Baybears could not punch across a run despite knocking out 7 hits.

Modesto beat Lake Elsinore 10-4. Dirk Hayhurst(0-3 6.41) took the loss as he worked 5.2ip and gave up 7 runs on 8 hits. 1b Fernando Valenzuela jr and 3b Skip Adams each contributed 2 hits in the loss. c Greg Kottaras(.300) was hittless in 4 ab.

Burlington jumped on Wizards starter Ekstrom(8-1 2.96) for 7 runs but the Wizards roared back with a six run seventh for a 10-7 win. c Matt Lauderdale(.342) was 4 for 5 and 3b Bret Dowdy(.283) had 5 rbi to key the rally. ss Matt Bush was 0-3 with a walk in 4 plate apearances.

Thursday's recaps
Portland right hander, Brian Sweeney(4-4 3.89) , pitched seven strong innings allowing just 6 hits and 1 run. Ben Johnson(.286) had 3 hits including his 12th homer and Josh Barfield(.278) also added 3 hits.

Minor deal: The Padres picked up shortstop Wilson Valdez in a trade with the Mariners, sending Minor League right-handers Michael Bumstead and R.D. Spiehs to Seattle in the deal. Valdez will be assigned to Triple-A Portland.

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/wilson_valdez.shtml

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=7421

The Beavers also signed lhp Scott Stewart

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/scott_stewart.shtml

Mobile Baybears pitcher Sean Thompson(0-3 5.40) gave up 5 runs on 8 hits including 3 homers but was spared by the offense coming back to tie the game at 5. Dale Thayer(2-5 4.23) took the loss as Birmingham won 6-5 in 10 innings. Paul McAnulty(.288) hit his 10th homer. Joe Gerber(.400) continued to feast on AA pitching with 3 hits and Nick Trzesniak(.282) add two hits.

San Francisco pitcher, Jesse Foppert, making a rehab start shut out the Storm on 4 hits while striking out 8. Clark Girardeau(3-4 .448) took the loss giving up 4 runs in 5 innings including 2 homers. 2b Pete Ramos(.270) had no problem solving the major leaguer with 2 hits and a walk.

Ft Wayne lost to Burlington 8-7 after coming back with 3 9th inning runs to tie the game. R Steik(0-2 1.88) took the loss after giving up the winning run on a walk and two hits. Starting pitcher J. Santo(2-4 5.52) gave up 5 runs on 7 hits and 4 walks. Tom Vincent(.268) had 3 hits drove in 2 and scored twice while Bret Dowdy(.282) and Pete Ciofrone(.276) each contributed 2 hits. The Wizards committed 4 errors in the game, one each by Morton, Kazmar, Dale and Dowdy.

Wednesday's recaps
Portland and Mobile both had an off day today.

At Lake Elsinore, Jared Wells(7-2 4.37) picked up with win with 6 innings allowing 3 runs on 8 hits and 3 walks. Leo Rosales worked the 9th for his 9th save. Brian Burgamy provided the offense with a 3 run homer his 5th. Adam Bourassa and Bret Bonvechio each contributed 2 hits.

Six Ft Wayne Wizards were selected to the All Star team. Catcher Colt Morton is the only one selected to start. Chris Kolkhorst and Matt Bush were selected as reserves. Michael Ekstrom(8-3 2.31), Clay Hamilton(7-2) and Matt Varner we added to the pitching staff.