Why the Hate?

"He sucks.  He's terrible.  I hate when he's playing.  I can't stand him." Any or all of this quote can be attributed to many fans of the Padres this year in regards to a number of players.  With a season approaching the vacuum that is the Black Hole of Suck and Ineptitude, it could be fair to say it of any or all players.  I keep believing that the season will get better, but I must admit, I'm questioning that belief.  Losing really does suck.  To compound that problem, is when you see the opening quote to this blog post about almost any player being repeated ad nauseum in message boards and on twitter.  One player in particular who I've seen almost universally scorned has been today's starting pitcher, Edinson Volquez.

I'm not the biggest Volquez fan. Some might not believe that, as I have defended him from criticism's on many occasions.  My problem is, that for this season, much of that criticism has been based on a perception that might not be the same as reality.  Does Volquez walk too many people? Absolutely.  But would you believe that at 4.7 BB/9 entering today's game, he has his lowest walk rate since 2008?  He gives up a lot of HR!! Actually he doesn't, giving up 0.5 HR/9 IP.  He strikes out 7.6 per 9 IP, which, like his walks, is his lowest since 2008.  Volquez has a 3.49 ERA, a 3.59 FIP, and an xFIP of 4.15 which is the low end of average.  In other words, he doesn't really suck..he's just ...average.

I've come to believe that a big reason many fans don't like him, is because of how the Padres acquired him.  Many fans were sad to see Mat Latos traded. Count me among them.  I don't have direct evidence of it, but I'm getting a feel that people don't like Volquez because he's not Mat.  IT reminds them of the "stupid decision" to trade away Latos.  Well, like I said, I was sad to see Mat traded.  But when I take an honest look at the return, I'd be more upset if I found out Byrnes didn't make the trade.  Especially when you compare Latos to Volquez straight up, and don't even factor in the emergence of Yonder Alonso as a legitimate hitter, Grandal waiting in AAA and Boxberger, whom I must admit, I still don't know much about.

Latos- 4.35 ERA, 3.83 BB/9 8.36 K/9 1.05 HR/9 3.99 FIP and 4.23 xFIP

Volquez has thrown more innings this season and has a slightly better xFIP, and is outpacing by 1/2 a run better in FIP, and more than 1/2 a run better in ERA.  Are Volquez stats sustainable? maybe not. He has a lower than league average BABIP, that could start driving his ERA higher should that regress.  But as for now, Volquez isn't the WORST PLAYER EVER. He's not even pitching worse than whom he was traded for.

So can we tone back the hate on him, or at least explain rationally why he's hated so much?

SOTTJ Continues, and other thoughts

As most of my readers probably know, I was part of the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Jersey." In my post regarding my first Padres trip of the season, I included pictures with the then current Jersey Holder, GLBer "padscharg". Today, "padscharg" wrote his SOTTJ Post, in which I was compared, in good nature, to the Lord of the Rings characters Bilbo and Gollum. Given how much I love those novels and movies, I thought it was a great comparison.  Well Played, man, well played.

I don't want to take away from anyone's moment with the Jersey though, believe it or not, I really do wish to promote the project as a whole. It is an amazing idea and concept and has taken off to levels I never imagined.  So go read his post if you haven't done so already, be sure to Rec him, and leave comments.  And if you're not signed up and want to be, let jbox know you're interested. You never now.

**********

In today's game, the Padres fell short again, despite remaining tied up until the 5th inning or so. The same old story really- Plenty of unrealized chances.  No wonder this is my team- They waste opportunities like I have in life.  (Don't read too much into that- It's more of a past tense thing for me).  Postives? Venable nearly had a Cycle again. Not sure if AvengingJM could have handled it if Venable had been successful.  Cabrera got hits 1 and 2 of the season. I'm not sold on him being the answer, but, hey it'd be nice

**********

In Minor League action, I'm hearing that Forsythe is raking, and the T-Pads, consisting largely of last years AA Missions (with Cody Decker being the most recent promoted player) seem to be doing well.  This gives me hope for the future. The guys playing now have been winning on every level.  I'm believing in the future!

**********

I'm in the midst of making plans for the weekend of June 2-3. If I had a couch to crash on, or even good close friends or family, it'd be all 3 days, but looks like I'm hoteling it and to avoid total team broke, its just 1 night and two games.  Have a couple people I'm joining for sunday's games, and making plans for Saturday's too, and would love to hang out with anyone up for it Saturday night.  Especially if you have a cheap place to crash, or a windowless van lol! Also, if you have decent tickets you're looking to unload for either game (2 for Sat, 3 for Sun) let me know. I may be interested! A shot in the dark, I know, but I've got to try right?

Neglect

I've neglected this blog far too long. The last time I wrote, or "wrute" Hudson was a Padre, Bartlett was "healthy" and I was just coming off a whirlwind trip to San Diego. Well, some things don't change.  I got to take another trip to America's Finest City on Saturday, in a very whirlwind fashion. After the Preakness Stakes horse race, which "I'll have another" won, I decided, a trip to San Diego? Why, I'll have another indeed. I decided to go, and figure out tickets later. Fortunately, I was hooked up with one within seconds of deciding to go. It was a great seat, and it was A seat, as the game was sold out. I basically flew to San Diego.  Not a lot of pictures, and this is just intended to be a quit blog to get the writing juices flowing.  I've felt neglected lately.  I probably have zero reason to feel that way.  I realize this world isn't about me.  I've been neglecting to write here, so there's an ironic lesson.  I believe every writer who desires a strong audience has a narcissistic streak in them. It comes with the territory.  That includes me in a large way.  This post has no real point, no real flow, not even much about baseball.  It is what it is. Just like the Padres Season this  year.  Why do you expect me to be good at writing? Why do we expect the Padres to be good at baseball? Well, maybe you don't expect me to be good. And maybe you don't expect the Padres to be good either.  Can't say I blame you on either count....

Light a match, and watch the bridges burn

The San Diego Padres baseball team may have the best pitching staff on the DL.  Stauffer (who's due back soon) Luebke, Moseley, Owings, and now Joe Wieland.  I'm glad they didn't say "only expected to miss one start" and put him on the DL right away. That actually gives me hope we might see him again soon.  Every other pitcher who has been reported as being likely to just miss a start has had a significant long term injury.  So, rest up Joe, and get back here. 

There has been some speculation that Josh Byrnes has been so busy dealing with injuries to the Padres, particularly at pitcher, that he hasn't had time to think about getting rid of Bartlett.  I'm of the mind that if Andy Parrino was playing better, Bartlett would be gone by now.  I know its beating a dead horse to keep asking for his release. So my next question is, why is he still here? The answer? no other options and I think the team may be afraid of burning that bridge before they have too.  But they are approaching the point of no return with Bartlett, namely the vesting option based on plate appearances. Too bad its not based on At Bats, since sacrifices (which is all he seems to do anymore) don't count.

Kind of a weird stretch here. Day game Wednesday that I didn't get to see or pay attention to, followed by an off day tomorrow, makes for about 69 hours between watching the Padres.  Coming home tonight, I was struck by how much baseball does consume my life.  I had no plans, and no one to talk with. Pretty boring lifestyle I lead. Maybe I should have started writing, but I wasn't particularly in the mood.  Oh well. Its here now.  Until next time, KTF

I am not a good writer

Im really not.  And it will be made harder by the fact that my Y key on my keyboard is sticking/broken.  That last sentence took me a long time to write.  I'm not the smartest person. I don't have any recognizable profitable talents.  I like to think I have a big heart, but I know I'm short with people sometimes, and don't always treat them the way I would like to be.  I don't know where this is going. I'm not even sure I can tie it to baseball.  Sometimes, I may venture outside of baseball, and word vomit.  Four years ago today (and we'll call Tuesday today, although its technically wednesday) I gave the most difficult speech of my life, when I spoke at my Grandpas funeral.  I did as I've always done when giving speeches- I spoke extemporaneously. I don't like to write out my speeches. I prepare, yes.  I may jot important keynotes, and I'll research important quotes or facts.  But mostly, I like to speak from the heart.  My writing isn't the best, because, its not as formal as its "supposed" to be.  I make several grammar errors that I know would make certain copy editors scream.  What you will get from me, though, are words from the heart. And sometimes that means baseball isn't the central theme. Sometimes theres no theme at all.  Some days I'm going to my computer, with less of a clue on what to do than Jason Bartlett does with a bat in his hands. Because baseball is such a passion of mine, most of my thoughts do eventually turn back there.  I don't know what I would do if it wasn't for this great game.  I hate the thought of no baseball in my life. But my life isn't centered on it. I have many interests.  I love the Lord of the Rings.  I like cooking, even though I'm not always good at it.  I can listen to music from Eminem, to Garth Brooks, to Mozart, but give me 50s rock and I'm just as, if not more happy.  Speaking of Music, To those that are going to Wednesday's game- I'm jealous.  Bobby Cressey is on the organ, its Tony Gwynn's birthday, and I will miss it all. Work beckons.  It's late. I'm not even going to tweet out this post tonight, so I'll be surprised if anyone reads this. If you do, let me know you did. And Thank you, in advance.

I hope I have something of significance tomorrow.

Something strange going on

Either my last post regarding my visit to Petco was really well read, or Blogger is lying about how many read.  If that many of you really did read, thank you.  I had more page views on that than any other post, by far. UPDATE: After Posting this, I saw that Gaslampball promoted me...twice. Once in a fanshot, the other in their amazing as always stories in regards to their experiences from Fridays game which I met them. Dex and Jbox are seriously awesome. I also want to thank Friarhood for including me in their daily roundup, and GhostofRAK, RJsFro, and several others whom I know have retweeted my posts.  You guys seriously rock for that. I never imagined I would be having so many people read or pass along to read my #wruting.  

The other strange thing is, hey, the Padres won!!! They didn't need a come back to do so, and the bullpen did its job well.  Brad Brach's stuff was filthy. His strikeout in the bottom of the sixth was one of the best looking pitches I've seen and it was good to see him throwing strikes in the seventh-- and getting to face multiple batters.

There was some talk tonight about Volquez hitting a wall and staying one batter to long.  I agree, he was in perhaps a tad to long, but honestly, I can't say I would have played it differently.  He struggled a bit in the third inning but then mowed through the Rockies lineup in the 4th and 5th innings.  In the 6th he seemed to hit that wall again. Here's where many would take him out, but when I asked the question on twitter "Who would you trust to replace him" I didn't get a consensus answer other than "Good Point"  It's not that the bullpen has been bad. In fact, they have been , on the whole, pretty good with the 4th best ERA, and second in Batting average against.   Its just that none of them have been guaranteed lock down. Given the number of innings and the lack of health on the staff, I was hoping, as I'm sure Black was, that Volquez could finish the inning and not have to use the pen yet.  But alas, before Brach's appearance, Joe Thatcher came in as the LOOGY and got Helton out.

Ah, the role of the LOOGY. Pitch to one guy and call it a day.  I know it exists in baseball, but sometimes I wish it didn't.  It would be nice to not burn guys like that, especially given our lack of depth in the pen, and the inordinate number of innings (4th most in the NL) the Padres have thrown, it would be a good idea not to waste an arm on one pitch.  But, I don't get paid the modest salary to manage a team.  Nor have I spent my entire life in baseball, so I might be missing something completely.

I guess I shouldn't complain. The Padres won, and on Jeremy Nash's birthday.  Happy Birthday Jeremy!

Sometimes, Just start writing

Today is one of those days I absolutely have no motivation or theme behind what I am writing. It clearly is a free flowing session.  To begin, I must acknowledge the date, May 6.  It is on this date 4 years ago that my grandfather lost his battle with cancer.  He is one of several close people in my life that have battled that horrible disease.  I miss him tremendously.  The anniversary of his death could be one of the reasons I have been in such a funk today.  There are other reasons I can pinpoint, but I choose not to disclose them here.

A little back history to me for those that haven't been aware.  I lost my fiance to cancer in November.  That too is a daily battle for me.  Some days are easier than others.  When I took my spring training trip, it was my first time going out and doing anything since I lost her.  I did most of the trip alone, but I never was alone. I felt her spirit with me, as she too was a huge baseball fan. She was a Chicago area native that loved the Cardinals, so forgive me for not hating too much on the Cards. Anyways, I always felt her watching the spring games with me, even as I went to each of of them on my own, not meeting any friends or going with any friends in particular.  I am a shy person by nature, but still try to say hi to strangers and I will gladly talk baseball with anyone that will listen, so going alone was no big deal for me.  The trip was a blast.  But even though I spent the nights at friends houses, and got to spend a little time with them here and there, the trip was still a solo adventure.

Fast forward to this weekend.  I have been following a number of people on twitter, and conversing with many of you on different blogs, usually Gaslampball.  2 of the people I converse regularly with invited me to watch the game with them when I announced my intentions to come Friday.  After finally securing tickets for three (and that is an adventure on secondary ticket markets) in an area suitable for a certain ticket snob, my excitement level was among the highest it has been in the last six months.

Friday morning after work, I hit the road, daring military convoys and windmills to stop me. I am a "wruter" afterall and if those windmills got in my way, well I would fight them. Bonus points to anyone who gets that reference.

Creepin on a Ghost,
an Avenger,
and a "Girlie"
 from San Diego

Upon arriving to San Diego, I checked into twitter and discovered that a couple other bloggers were eating at Lolita's across from Petco Park. They were creeping on the FSSD Girls, so I had no problem creeping on them, and since I was standing 20 yards from the restaurant, I decided to do just that. And when I entered, sure enough I saw the brains behind 3 of the blogs I follow (smart ones out there, figure it out!!)

I joined them while I had my tacos, and waited for the rest of my party to arrive.  When they did, I parted ways and made my way towards the entrance, and met with Colleen of "Green Grass Love Affair" and Kaity of "Unfinished Business"
We then headed to the Party at the Park, where I was sorely disappointed when they didn't have margarita mix when I went to the front of the line.  Not cool, Party Organizers. Not Cool.  While in the Park though, I once again saw the Ghost and the Girlie, and introduced them to Colleen and Kaity. While we all chatted, other twitter Padres fans started gathering, including Wonko from GLB, BCline, Charisma.  It was so weird seeing people for the first time, yet already feeling like I knew them. I guess because, basically, I do know them.  While chatting with Wonko (Sean) he noticed something down the hill...

Yep, it is the Sisterhood of the Traveling Jersey!!! So I made my way down to see it. As I approached, I was recognized immediately as Nater Tater before I could say a word.  It's an interesting feeling being recognized by a stranger.  I chatted with them briefly and got a couple of pictures and admired the new patches sewn on so beautifully by the Chief's Ma.

The game was ready to begin, and I discovered that Kaity is just as superstitious as I am...actually more superstitious than I am..about being in the seat before the game starts. We hustled our way to sit in our "highroller" section behind home plate in what was clearly the best seat I've ever had at Petco

The Game itself started off poorly.  The Marlins scored 5 quick runs in the first inning, and I thought, "Well at least I have good company." The Padres started making a little noise in the third inning, and in the middle of the rally, these two ladies showed up

FSSD Girls

The Fox Sports San Diego Girls arrived and chatted with us, since they had heard (because I may have tweeted them and said so) I had made the drive from Yuma for this game.  They were clearly good luck because the Padres scored 6 runs, including Bass' bases clearing "triple" to take a short lived lead.  The FSSD Girls took a picture with the group of us and went on their way

Me with a Pad Squad member,
 who like me, has Arizona roots.
 She however, was not the one
 who gave me the ball,
 nor the one who wore the SOTJ
during the Spring Training. 

During the 7th inning stretch, the Pad Squad was standing near my section, and because I am an animated person and part time umpire, I was giving the out signal on the "you're out" part of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" It impressed Pad Squad enough to give me a ball! Thanks Pad Squad

Kaity, with a souvenier

I gave the Ball to Kaity, because earlier I lost the battery to her camera so, it was small penance.  

Shortly after that,  I tweeted that this game was one of the best I've ever attended, and it was.  The game itself was pretty fun, despite the eventual loss (and the loss of my voice) but because of all the people I had met.  At that point, Dex and/or JBox from Gaslampball asked me where I was, and started creeping on me. As I looked over a strange looking fella with a ski mask (I might be lying about that part) looked towards me and pointed.  Under most circumstances, I would find this odd, and I still found it between 6.19 and 31.3551% odd.  But in 4.2 seconds, a code was flashed to me (bonus to those who can figure it out) like a secret handshake, and I saw Dex, so I knew it was the guys.  I wanted a picture, but apparently the seat nazis at Petco don't like you standing in an aisles. It also appears I am quite hugable. 

Like I said, the game itself was very fun and exciting, despite the loss that would probably have left me frustrated if I was sitting at home seeing the blown opportunities and 16 runners left on base.  The comeback on Heath Bell in the 9th was awesome.  It is too bad the Padres lost and have gone on to lose the next two as well, but it felt damn good watching baseball with so many that I do consider friends.  I was really sad to leave, because I love 2 things almost more than anything on earth: Baseball, and San Diego. Thus it makes great sense that I love San Diego Baseball.  I did not want to leave the cooler weather, the ballpark atmosphere, and most of all I did not want to leave people of a kindred spirit.  There is a bond with Padres fan that is unique.  So I think that explains part of the funk I've been in. I'm missing friends and companionship. I'm feeling alone.  Retelling these experiences helped me recapture that joy. So in that regards, writing, on a night I felt no motivation to do so, was very good thing to do. 

Until next time, KTF.