Here's why I like game No. 2
The press box isn't so full of people you see, really, on Opening Day and, likely, the very last day of the season. Where these people are for those 14-inning games in May when you have plans for after the game -- well, had plans -- I'll never know.
But enough about them. Game No. 2, which is Tuesday at PETCO, will feel more like a real game, as the fans who show up (again) are likely the ones who will be there all season, you know, the diehard fans.
The game tonight against the Astros reminds me of a post I, well, posted a while back here about a prediction I made, that Chris Young, who starts tonight, will win the 2008 Cy Young Award. Call me crazy, but I'm sticking to that prediction.
Some thoughts on Opening Day before we move ahead:
Liked what I saw from Tadahito Iguchi in the No. 2 hole. Quick hands, like the line drive stroke and I think there's some pop in that bat. He made all the plays at second base as well, which is something he didn't do in Arizona, but hey, that's what Spring Training is for, right?
It looked like Jake Peavy's early command issues dissolved as the game went on. I think that his use of the change-up is going to go a long ways toward his overall success this season as opposing hitters can't just sit on that slider or his fastball anymore. I don't know if he'll throw 10-15 of them like he did Monday, as it's a feel pitch for him still, but it gives those opposing hitters something else to think about.
I like the bottom of the order and I think there's going to be a lot more production there than there ever was in 2007 when the Padres struggled to knock in runners in scoring position. I like having Josh Bard and Paul McAnulty hitting back-to-back. And, you have to remember, the pitchers spot isn't an automatic out with the Padres. Peavy, Young, Maddux and Wolf (remember when he hit two home runs in a game?) can all swing the stick.
Anyway, that's it for now.
Cheers, Corey
But enough about them. Game No. 2, which is Tuesday at PETCO, will feel more like a real game, as the fans who show up (again) are likely the ones who will be there all season, you know, the diehard fans.
The game tonight against the Astros reminds me of a post I, well, posted a while back here about a prediction I made, that Chris Young, who starts tonight, will win the 2008 Cy Young Award. Call me crazy, but I'm sticking to that prediction.
Some thoughts on Opening Day before we move ahead:
Liked what I saw from Tadahito Iguchi in the No. 2 hole. Quick hands, like the line drive stroke and I think there's some pop in that bat. He made all the plays at second base as well, which is something he didn't do in Arizona, but hey, that's what Spring Training is for, right?
It looked like Jake Peavy's early command issues dissolved as the game went on. I think that his use of the change-up is going to go a long ways toward his overall success this season as opposing hitters can't just sit on that slider or his fastball anymore. I don't know if he'll throw 10-15 of them like he did Monday, as it's a feel pitch for him still, but it gives those opposing hitters something else to think about.
I like the bottom of the order and I think there's going to be a lot more production there than there ever was in 2007 when the Padres struggled to knock in runners in scoring position. I like having Josh Bard and Paul McAnulty hitting back-to-back. And, you have to remember, the pitchers spot isn't an automatic out with the Padres. Peavy, Young, Maddux and Wolf (remember when he hit two home runs in a game?) can all swing the stick.
Anyway, that's it for now.
Cheers, Corey
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