Focus

     The Padres have began the season with more errors than a blooper reel in a rain delay.  8 errors through 4 games, and a number of mental breakdowns, baserunning errors, and badly timed walks have all contributed to the 1-3 start.  There are times the teams pitching staff has looked dominant.  Edinson Volquez zipped through the Dodgers lineup in the first three innings, the bullpen has been solid for the most part, and Clayton Richard allowed no earned runs over 7 IP. Then other times they can't buy a strike.  Cory Luebke's start on Friday represented best the dichotomy that has been the Padres early games.  In innings 1, 3 and 5 he gave up 2 runs a piece (1 of those was unearned) while in innings 2 and 4 he went 1-2-3.  I wanted to fault Mosely for losing focus, especially after not only failing to lay a sacrifice, but kicking the ball after laying a bunt down, but an injury seems to give at least some reason for his sudden missing of the strike zone in the third inning of Saturday's game, before giving up ultimately 5 runs in his outing. The Padres did the brave thing and walked right up to the challange...and kept on walking for 4 runs before an Orlando Hudson single tied the game. However that single also resulted in an out after a base running miscue caught Nick Hundley in a rundown.
     The play in the first three games was enough to make the casual fan turn away in disgust, and even make some of the truest diehard's cringe.  Sadly, I could almost predict this early season breakdown in focus. The fact that my Ford focus broke down enroute to this epic spring training trip may have been an omen, but the things I heard while on the trip gave me more reason for pause.  On my way home, Andy Masur and Bob Scanlan were discussing the "dog days of spring training" and singing the praises of manager Bud Black for keeping the players away from the monotony of routine.  That very well could be a good thing. But It could be a bad thing if the team isn't learning to stay focused or learning to adhere to routine when it is called for.  I may be way off base here, but certainly its an idea worth thinking about.
     I don't want to sound like I've given up on this team. Its early, and I've seen some encouraging signs, and even the supposedly great teams struggle (0-3 starts for the Yankees, Red Sox, and Giants, 1-3 for the Phillies) While the quality on the field has been cringeworthy way to often, its not time to jump off a bridge.  I do believe that things are likely to improve. For starters, maybe I should stop watching for reasons I explain in this Gaslampball thread.  The Pitching needs to be more consistent and the injuries (Stauffer, Mosely, Quentin, Kotsay all are already on the DL. Hudson, for better or WORSE is not) need to stop.  Getting Tim, Q,  Kotsay back will certainly help (although Hermida, who has had a great spring, and is hitting 2 for 4 in the first four games could make for some interesting roster decisions) Most importantly stepping back and realizing that this group isn't supposed to go to the World Series , or even the playoffs , this year and keeping a healthy mindset that there will be some lumps before the number one ranked farm system is ready for The Show will help one from going absolutely bonkers out there. I also think the excitement of opening week and the let down that happens from a poor start makes everything seem that much worse. After the offseason I had, including getting time with the traveling jersey, I was certainly pumped up for Opening Week.  So like I've said before, its one week. Its in the books, along with our first win. So relax, focus, and lets settle in for the ride. Until then, its time to go mow the lawn...