Historically, making the Opening Day roster is a huge event for every player. Since the season is 162 games that Opening Day roster can dramatically change thru injuries, trades, and releases. Since 2004, those who had made the Padres Opening Day Roster, 28 % of them were not on the team at the end of the season. Here are the facts:

• 2004, 7 players who were on the Opening Day Roster and did not finished the season with the Padres. (Rod Beck, Eddie Oropesa, Jason Szuminski, Ismael Valdes, Jeff Cirillo, Brian Buchanan, Kerry Robinson)
• 2005, 8 players were on the Opening Day Roster and did not finished the season with the Padres. (Miguel Asencio, Darrell May, Tim Redding, Dennys Reyes, Geoff Blum, Phil Nevin, Freddy Guzman, Adam Hyzdu)
• 2006, 5 players were on the Opening Day Roster and did not finished the season with the Padres. (Dewon Brazelton, Shawn Estes, Doug Mirabelli, Vinny Castilla, Eric Young).
• 2007, 8 players were on the Opening Day Roster and did not finished the season with the Padres. (Clay Hensley, Scott Linebrink, Mike Thompson, David Wells, Rob Bowen, Russell Branyan, Paul McAnulty, Jose Cruz Jr.)

Therefore, that 28 % roughly averages out to 7 players per year since 2004. What does that mean to the average fan ? Well, do not get excited who made the team. What is important is who finishes out with the team and has an impact on the team's successess. So with that all being said, expect a turnover of the roster at a clip of 28 % for this year. Given the track record of the Padres Front Office, I expect to see some upgrades occurring throughout the season as the Padres attempt to re-capture the NL West Division Flag and make some noises in the Playoffs.

Let's Go Padres !!

Well Padres Fans, it's two days before the chase for the NL West Pennant begins. After some due diligence on the ballclubs in the NL West. I predict the D'backs, followed by the Rockies, Padres/Dodgers or Dodgers/Padres, and Giants, in that specific order. Here's why...

D'backs young kids on the block, endured a struggle down the finish line and that experience alone will benefit them this year. Add to it, starting Pitchers Haren and Johnson, makes the snakes the favorites in the West. Rockies have great hitters and their pitchers must produce as they did during that stretch run to the finish last year. The key will be that young pitching staff as we all know the offense will always be there for the Rockies. People in LA, will find out if new Mgr Joe Torre is the final piece to their run at the NL West. The bums to the north have the talent to push forth to the 1st or 2nd slots in the division, only question is will they play consistent ball throughout the year. The Padres, well alot heavily weighs on the health of Jim Edmunds and a breakout year from Brian Giles. Hopefully, not too much pressure and strain is placed on the pitching staff as it was last year and why the pitching statistics were a bit higher in the second half. The Giants, well they got some young arms and that alone will keep them in some games.

Anyhow, it's going to be an exciting year at Petco Park. Hopefully, this September will be one to remember --"Taking a spin from Earth Wind & Fire song September"--

WOW ! The number, the shot .....cool, calm and collected ....Way to go Toreros De'jon Jackson, Yeah ! Baby ! One more and it's the Sweet Sixteen ! I spent the entire Thursday at Anaheim watching some great performances by Kentucky's Joe Crawford (35 pts), Texas A&M Aggies Josh Carter (26 pts) and UCLA's Kevin Love (20 pts). But none were as significant and dramatic as The Shot which took out UCONN made by USD's De'jon Jackson. Toreros just need one more win and a possible match-up with the winner of UCLA/Texas A&M in Phoenix next weekend. Let's go Toreros !!

Back to Baseball..... Will Callix Crabee make the Padres ballclub ? Taking a look at the players who will make the roster, it is very evident the Padres severely lack in overall team speed. Over the course of two years, the Padres have lost Dave Roberts, Josh Barfield and Mike Cameron. All who provided alot of speed and another lethal weapon. I am a firm believer speed can have a dramatic impact on a game and it's why I have been lobbying for the Padres to get Angels' OF Nathan Haynes. Here is a recent quote taken from an article in the Union-Tribune that was made by newly acquired Angels' CF Torii Hunter. "People may overlook the teams out West all season, but when you look at the playoffs, it seems like the Angels are always there,” says Hunter. “They're kinda like the Twins, but at a different level. It's the way they play the game that beats you. Believe me, I used to watch this team from center field, the way they go about their business, the way they get on and run the bases. They can get you in a panic in the outfield, because they're going first to third every time. You're rushing to get to the ball before they get around second. It's scary.”   Just think about this, here is an All-Star CF and is stating a plain fact that speed and aggressive base running has an impact on his game while playing defense. I feel that both the lack of speed on the base paths and inadequate bunting skills are keeping Padres from producing more runs. I would just like to see the Padres incorporate more speed within the organization, especially since the Padres play 81 games in Petco Park. There has to be a more balance approach from an offensive prospective. Speed can be a difference and it has been noted by an AL All-Star CF.

Anyhow, I am off back to Anaheim for the Second Round of the South and West regionals. First game features Marquette Warriors vs Stanford Cardinals at 3:45 pm, followed by Texas A&M Aggies vs UCLA Bruins at 6:15 pm. On Easter Sunday, I will be plastered to any couch at my relatives to watch USD Toreros dance closer to the Sweet Sixteen. See you all on Monday and I will have some photos to post as well.....

Before heading off for Anaheim to enjoy the 1st Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, I have a few thoughts on the Padres. After yesterday's first spring cuts, the Portland Beavers ballclub is going to be a strong one. Heading to Portland will be LHP Wade LeBlanc, Matt Antonelli, Colt Morton, Will Venable and Edgar Gonzalez. A few of these prospects are about 6 to 12 months away from making noise at the major league level.

Back at the Major League Level....The battle for the 5th spot in the starting rotation and left field is coming down to the last 10 days of Spring training. I expect the Padres to send down Chase Headley, even though I think Headley deserves a spot on the roster. If I were a betting man, which I am not ! I would hedge a bet that either Scott Hairston or Paul McNulty wins the starting left field position. OF Jody Gerut seems the logical choice to be the reserve for the outfield. As for the 5th spot in the starting rotation, it appears that Justin Germano is leading the pack. Though, I would not count out LHP Shawn Estes as the Padres have vested alot of time by allowing Estes to heal from a Tommy John surgery.

Anyhow, after this weekend of NCAA Basketball Tournament, I should have more time to devote to the Padres as I usually do. But for now, it's time for me to head off to Anaheim and enjoy the 1st and 2nd rounds of the 2008 March Madness.

Finally ! The Padres and Dodgers played the first exhibition game on foreign soil in China. In the near future, roughly 4 to 5 years from now I expect a few prospects coming out from China. The two game series will provide some benefits to the people in China and gives baseball great exposure to those who are willing to learn the game. This philosophy is no different from any other country, there are alot of untapped resources that would be willing to learn the game too. All it takes is extreme patience and willingness to learn.

Back to the States: Chase Headley continues to impress me with his game and perhaps it's time for Chase to be designated as the starting left fielder. The questions still linger for the center and right field positions. These two final weeks will be very interesting to see who comes out from the pack to claim the starting positions and reserve roles.

Spring Rumors: After hearing about the Los Angeles Angels situation with Kelvim Escobar and John Lackey injuries. It may be apparent the Padres and Angels could be potential match-makers for a trade. The Padres have an abundance of pitchers and the Angels have an abundance of outfielders. Angels OF Nathan Haynes is a great candidate for the Padres to go after if and only if, Jim Edmonds is not the solution to our centerfield needs. Before you go googling, this originated right here and no one has reported about this possible match maker between the two teams. I am merely blogging thoughts based on my observations from a Fan's perspective.

On Sunday, after the NCAA selection show, I will blog again and share my thoughts of the final exhibition game in China.

Well, I am back to blogging on the Padres after spending the entire weekend at Jenny Craig Pavilion otherwise known as JCP at University of San Diego. I took some great photos and the one to the left is a shot of retiring University of San Francisco Don's basketball couch Eddie Sutton. The Toreros defeat the Pepperdine Waves on last Saturday night and also had a great comeback game against Saint Mary's Gaels. Before the game against the Don's, I got a chance to speak with Padres' Radio Announcer Andy Masur and talked about the Padres. I will upload some great photos I took during the 2008 WCC Basketball Tournament and look for a new photo album on this blog site. On Sunday evening, Golden State Warriors Scout Al Bianchi was sitting a couple of seats away from me. There were many pro scouts in attendance throughout the tournament, watching potential prospects.

Back to Baseball, I got a good view of Padres' LHP Wade LeBlanc on last sunday's televised game. Wade looked real solid and a gamer too. I am very impressed with his overall make-up and demeanor throughout the game. He's definitely the real deal and would not be surprise sometime during the season, he will be starting for the Padres.

Other league news, it appears the something went sour between Ex-padre CF Mike Cameron and Padres' GM Kevin Towers. Both sides have been exchanging thoughts on why Cameron was not brought back for the 2008 season. All I have to say from a Fan's perspective, I hope our CF outproduces Cameron, if not then Cameron will have the last laugh. It's all about W's and Numbers, both are necessary in order to be successful.

Stay tuned for further blogs, later Padres fans !!....

Today's game will be the first telecast game of the 2008 Season. I will be closely watching LHP Wade Leblanc to see how his game matches up with the Chicago White Sox. This game also features a full squad before the China exhibition trip that leaves on Tuesday. I am sure the Padres will have their 'A' team playing today and giving glimpse of the 2008 season.

Spring Happenings: Padres Chase Headley and Paul McAnulty continues to tear up the opposing pitchers and both players are making their cases to remain with the ballclub. With CF Jim Edmonds on the mend, this is a great opportunity for other players to take advantage and display their talents. I consider this a blessing in disguise for the Front Office. Now, everyone will get a chance to evaluate the players and determine their fate within the organization. It's one thing to be evaluate in the minor leagues, vice Spring Training games with major leaguers.

I am off to attend the WCC semi-finals at USD's Jenny Craig.....

If the Padres do choose to look outside the organization for a Centerfielder, one possible prospect could be found in the organization to the North of San Diego, the Los Angeles Angels. Angels' CF Nathan Haynes is out of minor league options and would be a viable candidate to start in centerfield for the Padres. Nathan could bring several skills to an already aging outfield:

• Legit speed to chase down fly balls and line drives in spacious Petco Park
• Leadoff potential in the line-up, freeing Brian Giles to serve in 2nd hole.
• Potential base-stealer that will dramatically improve the offense and set up the 2nd hitter in the line-up to see better pitches.
• Satisfies short-term CF needs for the Padres.
• Padres' Mgr Buddy Black is familar with the Angels prospects, having been with the organization.

To sum it up, I do not want to see the Padres acquiring another 32+ yr old player for our prospects. Let's get some synergy and younger, as the Angels have an abundance of outfielders on the roster. Perhaps a minor league or two pitchers for Haynes will complete this interesting scenario. Padres' GM Kevin Towers will definitely be busy for the next 5-10 days. March 31st is not that far away and it's time to shape up this team for 2008.

After hearing the prognosis of Padres' CF Jim Edmonds injury, the Padres have many in-house candidates to take over the center field position. The real question is, do the Padres Front Office have the confidence in the in-house candidates. One of the reasons why the Padres did not re-sign Mike Cameron was the fact, Cameron is going to miss the first 25 games due to suspension. Well, given the track history of Jim Edmonds the past three years, the Front Office had to known the probability of being injured is very high for Jim Edmonds. Currently, the whole outfield has questions and did so, even before Spring Traning started. As I had noted in earlier posts during the Winter Season, as RF Brian Giles is coming off a knee surgery and the open spot in left field, plus questions of Jim Edmonds durability.

Throughout the Winter Season and now in Spring Training, rumors have been flying about regarding the possible return of OF Xavier Nady. Personally, I think Padres will have a stiff competitor for acquiring the services of Nady, in the New York Mets. As of yesterday, Mets learned that Moises Alou will undergo surgery as well. This scenario will only drive up the stakes in terms of acquiring Nady and I having invested interest in the Padres as a season ticket holder, would like to see the Padres retain all of their prospects. Lets give some of the prospects a chance to win the Left and Center field positions. After reviewing the box scores and hearing a few games via radio broadcasts. I feel atleast two to three in-house candidates can get the job done for the Padres. Names like Scott Hairston, Chase Headley, Paul McAnulty, Will Venable and Callix Crabee.

Come on Padres Fans !! It's not time to panic and let's watch our prospects come through for us now. This is the 3rd year in the Alderson Regime and I am definitely looking into some dividends paying off in terms of prospects. The Padres have been dealt a Joker in the deck of cards, now it's  time to find the Ace of Diamonds.

Today, during lunch at Extreme Pizza in Point Loma I met with Yankee's bullpen catcher from 1933-1941 Joe DiGangi. It was a wonderful experience, shaking hands with a person who collaborated with the likes of Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gerig, and Phil Rizzuto.

The centerfield position is about to heat up, due to the latest on Jim Edmunds strained calf. The Padres will now find out who can be the back-up or perhaps the eventual successor for Edmunds in centerfield. In a way, this may be a blessing in disguise and I expect Callix Crabee and Will Venable to come through. The other alternative is to move Scott Hairston to Centerfield, have Paul McNaulty and Chase Headley battle it out for left field. Either way, one or two of the youngsters will force the hand of the Front Office to do something.

I will be blogging more often once I get through the West Coast Conference Tournament at USD and 1st/2nd rounds of NCAA Tournament at Anaheim. By the end of the month I should be done with college basketball and ready to focus on Padres baseball. In the meantime, I'll blog from time to time. Go Padres !!!....