We were asked to get quotes on Tuesday about the passing of longtime Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell, who died at the age of 92.

I talked with longtime Padres radio broadcaster Ted Leitner. His quote is I’ve included it below. For more on Harwell’s passing, check out our special tribute to him on MLB.com.

I don’t have any stories to share about Harwell. I never met him, even during my time covering the Seattle Mariners. I do, however, understand the sentimental attachment of fans to broadcasters.

I grew up listening to Dave Niehaus call Mariners game and I’m not too far removed from my childhood where I can’t remember how important that was to me.

“We played in Detroit in Interleague play and I saw
him in the lunch line. I went to get my tray and go by him to introduce
myself
and he turned around and stuck out his hand and said ‘Hi young man, how
are you?’ That’s so much what I’ve heard about him. That
impressed the hell out of me. He asked me to sit and eat with him. I
thought to
myself, ‘what a gracious guy.” — Ted Leitner on Ernie Harwell.

– Corey Brock, MLB.com

So you say you’re tired of seeing Colorado pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez?

Imagine how the Padres’ hitters feel, especially after they managed one run on four hits with 13 strikeouts in seven innings on Monday at PETCO Park.

Jimenez, obviously, is the real deal. He was before he threw a no-hitter last month. He was the real deal last season and in the playoffs and, honestly, has had no-hit stuff for quite a while even as he struggled with command as a young pitcher.
 
The Padres have already faced Jimenez twice this season and, with plenty of more games on the schedule against the Rockies, you can expect the Padres will see plenty more of him as we move forward.

That’s the National League West for you.

This reminds me of 2008 when the Padres faced Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum six times. Yes, six times. That particular match-up didn’t end real well for the Padres. Lincecum went 3-0 with a 0.62 ERA in those six starts. The Padres hit .172 against him in those starts.

Lincecum, of course, went on to win the National League Cy Young Award in 2008. I have to think Jimenez with his start, is the early favorite to do so in 2010.

This is clearly a case of a pitcher putting all the pieces together. He was 2-3 with a 4.45 ERA in five starts against San Diego in 2008. You could see the talent there, it was just a matter of command. He’s got that now.

And, to be sure, the Padres figure to see plenty more of him this season. That’s life for you in the National League West.

– Corey Brock, MLB.com

Happy Sunday from Coors Field in Denver, where the Padres are getting set to complete their season-opening, six-game road trip.

On Monday, the Padres return to PETCO Park and — apparently, weather-permitting — will face the Atlanta Braves at 3:35 p.m.

A quick note about the blog. We’ll recap the week, I’ll give some thoughts and observations. But with our new Padres Beat, a daily notebook with newsy items and such, we’ll use the blog as a way to talk about the week, in a big picture sense.

So, about the week at was …

I think it’s safe to say the National League West Division will be every bit as competitive as everyone, including the Padres, thought it would be. I really like this Rockies’ lineup and with Jorge De La Rosa and Sunday’s starter, Ubaldo Jimenez, I have to think they’re the favorites to win the division.

I’m not so sold on the Diamondbacks. I like Dan Haren at the top of their rotation. We saw a few 98 mph fastballs from Edwin Jackson, but couldn’t sustain his stuff as the game wore on. I think Ian Kennedy, with his fastball/changeup combination is going to be fine. I still think they’re going to have trouble scoring runs.

As for the Padres, if you’re a fan, you have to like the way Chase Headley is swinging the bat. The same goes for Adrian Gonzalez, who is getting pitches to hit, which is never a bad thing. Headley looks very comfortable and has been using the entire field. I questioned how moving back to his natural position was going to help him offensively (as he surmised that it might in Spring Training). Well, hey, it’s working.

A word on Headley’s defense. Give him time, he’s going to be fine. He had a couple of errors earlier in the week but has made up for it with a few night plays, especially a few back hand plays. His footwork looks pretty good and his throws have been strong and true.

A few of the young players, young on service time, that is (Kyle Blanks and Will Venable) have struggled early. Blanks looks like he’s having trouble tracking the ball. The breaking ball down is giving him fits and it appears he’s having trouble recognizing it out of the hand. This is still a young guy with raw power who is going to take some lumps as we move forward.

As for Venable, he had a big 3-run triple last night but also came up empty in several critical situations in the game (he personally stranded 10 guys on base). I like his swing and I think there’s more power in his game. Like Blanks, he’s going to have to show that he can hit on a consistent basis.

Five games, of course, isn’t much of a sample size at all. But I can see that scoring runs is still going to be a chore at times for these guys. The guys at the top of the order have to find a way to get on base. That’s not happening.

On the pitching side, I was really impressed with Mat Latos on Saturday. We saw the life on the fastball (95 mph) and the changeup that was offered at a 10 mph differential from his fastball. Manager Bud Black talks about having a 8-10 mph differential between those pitches and Latos certainly did that. He really made one location mistake (the home run to Iannetta). For me, I’m really looking forward to watching this guy pitch. The stuff can be electric and he has a good approach for someone who is just 22.

How about Tim Stauffer? He has twice saved the Padres in the opening week with long relief stints (two innings in Arizona, three last night). I’ll be honest, I didn’t see a spot for this guy on this team early in Spring Training. But he pitched well and earned a job. Now his long relief has saved the bullpen and given the Padres a lift. Consider that the Padres still had Heath Bell ready for the 14th inning to close the game out. That was because of Stauffer. His velocity looks good, as does his breaking stuff.

Other observations: Chris Young is fine and, I expect, will pitch here in the next week. The team is being cautious and, because of two off-days, can afford to bring him back slowly. He said there’s no pain in the shoulder. Sure, this is worth watching as we move forward. I just don’t see overwhelming concern on the part of the Padres. Lefty Cesar Ramos has been very good. He’s retired all four hitters he faced and had two big strikeouts on Saturday. The Padres will face an interesting decision when Joe Thatcher is ready to come off the disabled list.

Anyway, that’s it for this week. As always, checked Padres.com for all the news on the team. And for the most up-to-date items, you can Follow The Padres on Facebook and on Twitter.

Corey Brock, MLB.com

Happy Wednesday from Peoria. It’s our last day here. That’s right. The car is packed up, fueled up and ready to bolt for home after today’s game.

The Padres face the Royals at 12:05 p.m. today (that’s one hour earlier, so everyone, including team, staff and media can begin the pilgrimage for San Diego ASAP). The game will be on AM 1700 with Andy and Ted calling the shots.

These last games are always interesting. The regulars take one swing (and early in the count, no less) before departing. Soon enough, No. 97 is playing shortstop and the soon-to-be-members of the Fort Wayne Wizards are in the field.

David Eckstein is shipping his Honda and driving to San Diego in a car that has XM radio. I will be doing the same. The XM is a lifesaver. Chan. 47, Alt-Nation, is the only way to go.

No word yet on roster moves. Honestly, I’m not sure if we’ll have anything today. The team might wait until the workout on Saturday at PETCO Park to set the roster. So keep that in mind today.

Check back later at Padres.com or on Twitter: @FollowThePadres for updates.

Hey, let’s take a poke at the 25-man roster, shall we?

Catchers (2): Hundley, Torrealba
Infielders (6): Gonzalez, Salazar, Eckstein, Hairston Jr., Cabrera, Headley
Outfielders (5): Blanks, Gwynn, Venable, Hairston, Stairs.
Pitchers (12): Garland, Young, Correia, Richard, Latos, Gallagher, Stauffer, Mujica, Russell, Gregerson, Adams, Bell.

Look about right?

The starting lineup …

1. Gwynn, CF
2. Hairston Jr., 2B
3. Gonzalez, 1B
4. Headley, 3B
5. Venable, RF
6. Hairston, LF
7. Hundley, C
8. Zawadzki, SS
9. Garland, SP

Pitchers: Garland and then a bunch of guys I haven’t heard of. Honestly, they haven’t released the names of guys.You’ll have to tune into the game for details.

About Thursday: The Padres are in Anaheim to face the Angels in an exhibition game. Chris Young is scheduled to pitch. He will also start the second game of the season in Arizona on Tuesday.

About Friday: The Padres are in Lake Elsinore to face their Single-A team. Kevin Correia will get the start in that game and then on Wednesday against Arizona.

About Saturday: The Padres will have a workout at PETCO Park at 3 p.m. This isn’t open to the public. This is when, I assume we’ll have the answers about the final 25-man roster at that time.

So this is our final farewell from Peoria. Hope you have enjoyed the updates. Some of you have written, which is always nice. Please feel free to do so and to check Twitter as well. I imagine the blogging will continue during the regular season.

Corey Brock, MLB.com, Padres.com

Happy Tuesday from Peoria, where it’s going to be sunny and 87 degrees here. Wow, how about that? Nearly done with Spring Training.

We’re in Goodyear today where the Padres will face the Reds. Mat Latos gets the start (see the lineup below). The game can be found on radio in San Diego on AM 1700. Stop by and listen to Andy and Ted.

OK, just filled up on Costco gas for the drive back tomorrow and we’re ready to talk baseball.

A few items of note: Manager Bud Black was meeting with general manager Jed Hoyer this morning, presumably talking about the state of the roster. Black told the reporters that he did not expect any announcements of any kind today. These things can always chance, though.

This likely means that we could get some news tomorrow on who the Nos. 4 and 5 starters will be (we’ve been telling you it’s Clayton Richard and Mat Latos and we’re not changing our tune now). I would expect Tim Stauffer to make the team as well and Joe Thatcher to start the season on the disabled list.

Again, I expect Latos to get the start on that Saturday in Colorado with Chris Young starting the home opener at PETCO Park on April 12.

One last order of business will be adding Matt Stairs to the 40-man roster. There’s not much fat to cut, but there is some. I won’t speculate on names here, but there are at least two names there the team can bump to add Stairs.

I’ve had a lot of people ask me why the Padres didn’t keep Matt Antonelli. One, he hasn’t earned it yet and I think he would tell you that as well. Antonelli, regardless of what you think about the Padres second base situation, has to go back to Portland and prove that he can be successfully offensively at the highest level of the Minor Leagues. If he does, then he’s truly back on their radar. Remember, Jerry Hairston Jr. is going to play a lot of there as well.

As for Stairs’ inclusion on the roster. He’s earned it a spot. He’s looked good here, I like the approach he takes. Please don’t recite Spring Training statistics, they don’t mean much to me or the team. The guy can still hit and take a walk. Guys like Aaron Cunningham need to play every day in Portland. It won’t help his growth to make the team and get 3-4 at-bats a week. Chris Denorfia, a guy who has impressed, will be in Portland as well but showed he can play in case the Padres need him.

Anyone catch Padres pitching prospect Alexis Lara last night on the broadcast? Wow, the guy was throwing smoke, wasn’t he? Lara, 22, had five strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings of relief. Granted, Chris Snyder was about the only Major League regular he struck out, but Lara was impressed nonetheless. I was told today that Lara was throwing between 92-94 mph and that he also has a very good slider. He was 4-0 with a 3.03 ERA with 80 strikeouts in 65 1/3 innings. He’ll open the season with Double-A San Antonio.

One last thing. The Padres aren’t turning their back on the waiver wire. They’re looking at it. I highly doubt they’ll add someone, but you never know.

The starting lineup …

1. Cabrera, SS
2. Eckstein, 2B
3. Venable, RF
4. Blanks, LF
5. Headley, 3B
6. S. Hairston, CF
7. Salazar, 1B
8. Hundley, C
9. Latos, SP

More later on Padres.com

Corey Brock, MLB.com, Padres.com

Happy Monday from Peoria, where the Padres will face their National League West rivals, the Arizona Diamondbacks, tonight at 7:05 p.m. here in Peoria.

You can catch the game on Chan. 4 television back in San Diego and on radio, where Andy, Ted and Jerry will call all the action.

One week until Opening Day. How about that? Six weeks of Spring Training nearly finished.

What have we learned?

1. People in Arizona really like Nickelback and those monster truck things.

2. It does rain here. A lot sometimes. We even had a rainout.

3. When the Mariners and Padres play, it’s almost always a full house.

4. When the Mariners and Padres play, nearly all the fans are from Seattle

5. Tilted Kilt is Irish, I believe, for keep on driving by.

6. You can get good sushi in Phoenix. Forget that land-locked nonsense.  It’s here.

Oh, you mean baseball?

1. We learned that the pitching depth is better than it’s been in years. Wade LeBlanc won’t make this staff. In other years, after his spring, he easily would have.

2. Shawn Hill and Walter Silva are answers to a really bad trivia question.

3. The Padres will push the issue on the bases this year, though not to the degree they did in spring where getting picked off doesn’t matter. This won’t just mean more steals (that will happen, too) but taking bigger leads, trying to take the extra base, etc.

4. The offense has the potential to be better. This is spring, but Chase Headley looks good at the plate. I think moving back to third base will put him generally at ease. This could well lead to some nice things offensively.

5. Kyle Blanks is the real deal. I don’t know how his raw power will play out over a 162-game season but I think he’ll hit for average (meaning .270ish), with a lot of doubles. I don’t know if this guy is a superstar in the making but I don’t think his ’09 debut was a tease either.

6. Jerry Hairston Jr., when it’s all said and done, will be the most important off-season pickup for this team (apologies to Jon Garland, etc.). The guy can play everywhere and play it well and his bat is very good. I think fans will be very happy with his production.

I could go on, but there’s a few nuggets for now.

The starting lineup …

1. Gwynn, CF
2. Eckstein, 2B
3. Gonzalez, 1B
4. Blanks, LF
5. Venable, RF
6. Hairston Jr., 3B
7. Hundley, C
8. Cabrera, SS
9. Luebke, SP
 
About that roster …

Unless I’m missing something, the Padres roster is nearly set. There’s 29 players in camp and the team will need to get to 25 before Sunday. How does this look?

– LeBlanc, Chris Stewart, Chris Denorfia to Triple-A Portland

– Joe Thatcher to the disabled list

Uh, that should do it, right?

Remember, though, the Padres need to add Matt Stairs to the 40-man roster. That means taking someone off the 40-man roster. There’s not a ton of fat to trim on the 40-man roster, which, in the grand scheme, isn’t a bad thing. We’ll see who goes.

That’s it for now.

Corey Brock, MLB.com, Padres.com

Happy Sunday from Peoria, our last Sunday here in Arizona.

Be sure to check back later here as we’ll update on what promises to be a busy morning.

We will find out the Padres starting rotation today and there will also be a pretty significant camp cut.

First, though, let’s talk about the rotation.

Update [Sunday, 10:35 a.m.]: Well, it’s Garland, Young and Correia for the first three games. The team is still sorting through the rest. See below for the ‘why’ … I’ll stick with Richard and Latos as Nos. 4 and 5. More on Padres.com

I don’t know what everyone else is thinking but even with the two off-days (April 8 and April 13), I can envision a rotation that starts with Jon Garland in the regular-season opener in Arizona, followed by Chris Young, Kevin Correia, Clayton Richard and Mat Latos.

Again, this is me guessing but this allows: Garland to start Opening Day, Young to start the home opener at PETCO Park and Latos to start on the second game in Colorado.

The Padres could always skip Latos because of those off days. That would help curtail his innings, etc. But from what I’ve seen, and in talks I’ve had with scouts here, is that Latos is the Padres best pitcher. The guy misses bats, his stuff is very good, his command has been sharp and he’s done everything the team has asked him.

As a fan, wouldn’t you want your best pitcher in the rotation, going every fifth day?

Of course, if you skip Latos and send him to Portland to start (an idea I personally don’t like) you could afford to keep Tim Stauffer. Hmmm, interesting. But more on that below.

Another wrinkle: I talked to reliever Joe Thatcher this morning. He’s been hobbled by a sore left shoulder. He hasn’t pitched since March 19 and just got a cortisone shot on Saturday. We’re still a week away from the Padres having to officially set their roster but if he’s on the disabled list to start the season, it would make it easier for the team to keep their three out-of-options pitchers (Edward Mujica, Sean Gallagher and Stauffer).

Gallagher is already on the team and so too is Mujica (well, we’re pretty sure). Stauffer is an interesting case. He’s pitched great this spring, he pitched well at the end of last season and is a guy who can certainly go long in the bullpen. I’ve said before that the Padres could trade him — like next week when other teams are really desperate for pitching — but the Padres would only likely get a mid-level prospect. And that’s OK.

Another wrinkle, though, is that these teams that might be looking to trade for Stauffer know he’s out of options and just won’t fork over a decent prospect. Maybe it serves the Padres well to hang onto him for now. That’s the internal discussion going on. No decision has been made on if he’s on the team or not, not yet anyway. That could come soon enough, though.

Stauffer making the club would certainly be a feel-good story. A one-time prospect who fell completely off the Padres radar only to work his way back on it. He told me Saturday that he’s prepared for whatever happens.

Odd-man out here is probably Wade LeBlanc. He’s been great this spring and, maybe in a different year, would have made the team. But let’s face it: It’s highly unlikely the same starting five for the Padres on Opening Day will last the entire season. We’re going to see LeBlanc at some point.

Anyway, that’s a few thoughts for now.

Talk to you soon, Corey Brock, MLB.com, Padres.com

Good morning from Peoria.

We’re down to our final days here. This is our last Saturday here in Arizona. Pretty weird to think I’ve been here since Feb. 17. Anyway, enough about me, right?

We’ve got baseball today … two games, in fact.

One squad is headed to Mesa to face the Cubs at 1:05 p.m. The game won’t be on the radio but will be televised on WGN, for those cable systems back in San Diego that receive WGN.

The game here in Peoria against the Reds at 1:05 p.m. will be televised live on Chan. 4 and on radio on XX 1090 AM.

A bit of early news: Just heard that the Padres No. 1 draft pick from 2009, Donavan Tate, won’t be ready for the start of the Minor League season. He suffered a sprain to his left shoulder diving for a ball this week. Also, outfielder Jaff Decker has a hamstring injury and won’t be ready for the start of the season. Decker will begin the year at Single A  Lake Elsinore when he’s ready. Both will remain in Peoria for extended Spring Training. I will say the Padres are not overly concerned about these injuries.

Also, Sean Gallagher, after being stretched out earlier in camp, is now back to shorter stints in the bullpen. Have you noticed? What does this mean? It means he’s on the team and will be a part of the bullpen moving forward. Yes, he’s still capable of going long but I can see him being used in 1-2 inning spots as well. And if Mat Latos‘ elbow continues to be “cranky” as Bud Black calls it, well, there you go.

About Latos … he threw between 30-35 pitches today. We’ll see what Black has to say about it later. Again, the Padres don’t expect it to be much and that by backing off him for a few days he’ll be fine. It worked for Jon Garland, right?

Speaking of Jon Garland … I know I mentioned yesterday that having Chris Young start the regular-season opener made sense. I still think it does. But I think the team might be more inclined, especially after how good Garland looked yesterday, to go with him in the opener at Arizona on April 5, and CY on the second game. Then it stacks up that CY will start the home opener at PETCO Park.

But how about this? The Padres start with a four-man rotation, thus limiting Latos early innings. They have off days on April 8 and April 13. Hmmm, food for thought. I don’t like this idea as much as the aforementioned theory with Garland as 1 and CY as 2 but it’s interesting.

The starting lineups …

(vs. Reds, in Peoria)

1. Cabrera, SS
2. Denorfia LF
3. Venable, RF
4. Hairston, CF
5. Salazar, 1B
6. Hundley, C
7. Antonelli, 2B
8. Forsythe, 3B
9. Stauffer, SP

(at Cubs, in Mesa)

1. Gwynn, CF
2. Eckstein, 2B
3. Hairston Jr., SS
4. Gonzalez, 1B
5. Blanks, LF
6. Headley, 3B
7. Torrealba, C
8. Cunningham, RF
9. Richard, SP

Corey Brock, MLB.com, Padres.com

My deepest apologies friends. I’ve been a bad blogger. I was in Tucson for a few days and have also been under the weather a little. Anyway, I’m back and we’ll try to finish up strong … sort of like the resurgent Padres who have played well of late.

We’re in Maryvale for a game against the Brewers today where, apparently, Jim Edmonds, has a very good chance of making the team. That would be the same Jim Edmonds who was a bust in his six or so weeks with the Padres in 2008.

Oh well, these things happen, yes?

A few things to keep in mind over the weekend.

The Padres are this close to naming their Opening Day starting pitcher. It’s either going to be Chris Young or Jon Garland. My guess is Young. He’s looked good this spring and from what we’ve seen, his velocity is back to where it was when he was healthy.

That said, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if it’s Garland. He’s throwing today and missed his last start with a cranky soreness. But he felt fine after a 30-pitch side session on Tuesday. We’ll see how he comes out of today. Another thing: Do the math. The way things lineup right now, Garland would pitch Opening Day in Arizona. Hmmm, maybe Garland is the guy.

Speaking of pitching, Mat Latos has been scratched from his start on Saturday with manager Bud Black calls a “cranky” elbow. I didn’t get a sense from Black that it’s anything serious. He’s looked awfully good in camp. He’s in the rotation, trust me on that.

Taking Latos place in the split squad game will be Tim Stauffer. I’ve said this before and I will say it again: I wouldn’t be surprised if the Padres swing next week to send him to a pitching-starved team. I believe you could get a mid-level prospect in return. Remember, Stauffer is out of options and I don’t see how he makes the 12-man staff unless, for whatever reason, a guy like Edward Mujica doesn’t make it (I’m just talking out loud here) and the Padres keep two true long guys (Sean Gallagher and Stauffer). That’s a long shot, though.

Also, there will be a handful of cuts this weekend. Black confirmed as much. The Padres still have 38 players in camp so there shouldn’t be any big surprises with this round of cuts. The Padres have until April 4 to get down to 25 players. In my mind, the roster is essentially set. That’s sure a far cry from last spring, isn’t it?

And, speaking of a year ago, don’t you think Wade LeBlanc would have made that staff had he had the spring he’s having now? Wow, that’s confusing. LeBlanc has a 1.80 ERA and has shown good fastball command to go along with his changeup, a pitch that’s a plus pitch for him. He’s getting hitters out with his fastball. I think in any other year — like last year, when Shawn Hill and Walter Silva made the rotation — he would break camp with the team. This spring? I don’t see how. Don’t fret, though, he’ll be up soon enough. No team goes the whole season with the same starting five.

What are your thoughts on the starting five? Young, Garland, Correia, Richard and Latos?

Corey Brock, MLB.com, Padres.com

Happy Sunday from Peoria, where the Padres will face the Texas Rangers at 1:05 p.m. We’re looking at a high of 82 degrees and sunny skies. After a slow start for weather (remember we had that rainout? We’ve had great weather).

Andy, Ted and Jerry back on the call at XX 1090 AM.

The starting lineup …

1. Gwynn, CF
2. Hairston Jr., 2B
3. Gonzalez, 1B
4. Venable, RF
5. Hundley, C
6. Denorfia, LF
7. Forsythe, 3B
8. Zawadzki, SS
9. Gallagher, SP

The pitchers: Gallagher 3 or 4 innings, Bell 1, Adams 1, Mujica 1, Worrell 1.

Your Padres news …

A couple of well-pitched games on Saturday for the Padres: First it was Mat Latos and Tim Stauffer against the White Sox and then it was Wade LeBlanc and Cory Luebke in the late game against the Dodgers.

A look at reliever Adam Russell, who was part of the Jake Peavy deal. The guy is on the team and has good stuff that plays well in any number of roles in the bullpen.

Camp cuts …

The Padres made four more camp cuts on Sunday, sending pitchers Ryan Webb, Radhames Liz, Cory Luebke and Ryan Webb to Minor League camp. The Padres are now at 37 players in camp. The next round of cuts will be tougher as will subsequent cuts thereafter. Webb and Perdomo had Major League time last season. Perdomo, who the Padres had to keep on the roster all last season, soaked up a lot of innings in games where the Padres were losing. He’s had a minor knee injury in camp but was a long shot to make the team anyway. “All with the exception of Luebke have pitched in the big leagues,” said Padres manager, Bud Black. “In this case, the time isn’t now.” I like Luebke a lot. I wouldn’t at all be surprised if he pitched for the Padres at some point this season.

About Jon Garland …

Jon Garland was to make a start Sunday and throw in upwards of five innings or 80 pitches. That won’t happen, as Black said on Saturday that Garland has a “cranky” right shoulder.  This has nothing to do with the dead arm sensation he’s had lately. He’ll play catch Sunday and likely have a side session early this week. No timetable for his return to Cactus League play. Again, the team doesn’t consider this to be serious.

How about that pitching …

Black talked a little Sunday morning about the strong pitching the team has been getting lately, especially in the two victories on Saturday. “It’s very good to see guys throwing the ball well, trying to make an impression and responding to the challenge in front of them,” Black said. He’s talking about the outings of Latos, LeBlanc and Stauffer. In my mind, Latos is on the team and part of the rotation. LeBlanc is making a push as well. Stauffer, who is out of Minor League options, no doubt impressed the handful of scouts at the game Saturday. I wouldn’t at all be surprised, and again, this is my guess and opinion, if the Padres work out a trade for a pitching-starved team. You won’t get a top prospect for Stauffer for a mid-level guy who could eventually become something. Stay tuned.

Corey Brock, MLB.com, Padres.com