Gaslamp Ball

"He knows all my tricks, and I know his," Epstein said last week. "It makes it easier to have...

2009-11-09T22:17:55Z

"He knows all my tricks, and I know his," Epstein said last week. "It makes it easier to have discussions because the relationship is so good. But ultimately, it can be harder to make a deal because I think the way we’ve come to value players is pretty similar. When you value players the same way, sometimes it’s hard to make a deal than with an organization that emphasizes different attributes of players. If you have different evaluations, you can get a deal done quicker."

Alex Speier | Why Adrian Gonzalez May Remain Off Limits to Sox

Around the Mission: 11/9 Padres Links

2009-11-09T16:57:25Z

More photos » by Chris Pizzello - AP

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SimonOnSports: Blogging the Offseason: San Diego Padres
Today's team is the San Diego Padres and our guest is JBOX from the Padres Blog Gaslamp Ball.
Gonzalez might put Padres in a bind
"It's a wonderful situation to be in. Whether we make a deal with Adrian or not, I don't know. He's such a great player. And he's got a great contract. There is a lot to discuss in the following weeks."
Masur's Musings: Turn up the Hot Stove...
If it's me (and the decision is not mine!), I hang on to Adrian Gonzalez. I realize that you might be able to make a slightly lesser "Jake Peavy" type deal, and maybe get some pitching back for him, but I just like what Adrian brings to the team.
2010 Top 50 Free Agents: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com
Mike Cameron - Padres. The Padres are tight on cash, but bringing back Cameron to play center field makes sense on a one-year deal worth $7MM or so.
The Sacrifice Bunt: A San Diego Padres Blog " Blog Archive " Available as a resource
Hopefully, now that Moorad has his guy Jed Hoyer in charge, he really will leave the roster decisions up to those with the experience and track record in making them.
Our Answer At Second :: Friar Forecast
"Eckstein is not the answer." I know, go figure 34 year old 2B with limited range who hit .260/.323/.334 with only 2 HR on the season is not the answer.
619 Sports’ Aces Or Rags Contest: Win Your Seat At The Final Table!
Write 300 words or less on the Chargers "aces" to win a seat at the poker table with Matt Vasgersian.

Around the Mission: 11/8 Padres Links

2009-11-08T16:04:35Z

More photos » by Denis Poroy - AP

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Padres only open to dealing stars for right price - MLB News - FOX Sports on MSN
The only way the Padres should move Gonzalez this winter is if they receive an absolutely killer package in return.
Boston Red Sox - Why the Sox should be going, going . . . going after Gonzalez - The Boston Globe
Gonzalez has always wanted to play in a place where it matters, and for the foreseeable future, San Diego doesn’t matter.
XX Sports Radio: Jed Hoyer Interview (MP3)
Scott & BR talk to with the new Padres General Manager and introduce him to the baseball fans here in San Diego.
SHOOTING THE BREEZE: A Q&A with Padres general manager Jed Hoyer
In general, it was less Padres specific and more focused on me ---- sort of what I believe in and things like that. It wasn't like I walked through the 25-man roster or the 40-man roster.

Capt. John Gaffaney was an avid baseball card collector and fan of the San Diego Padres.

2009-11-07T04:25:11Z

Capt. John Gaffaney was an avid baseball card collector and fan of the San Diego Padres.

San Diego family confirms loss of Fort Hood victim - San Jose Mercury News

Around the Mission: 11/6 Padres Links

2009-11-06T16:45:50Z

Veterans Week to honor service members past and present
Last year, just days before the parade, Brunner still fell short of his $18,000 budget. Only one corporate sponsor, the San Diego Padres, had contributed.
Giles, Blanco file for free agency | padres.com: News
The approach of open free agency serves as a reminder that outfielder Brian Giles' seven-year tenure with the Padres may have reached its end.
Hundley has surgery on hernia
Hundley also is scheduled to get married early next month near his Arizona home.
Making the Grade: Defense | padres.com: News
"Making the Grade" is a four-part series analyzing the performances of various units of the 2009 San Diego Padres. Today: Defense. Previously, starting pitching (Oct. 28), bullpen (Oct. 30) and offense (Nov. 3). Defense grade: B
insidethepadres: San Diego and the Bronx
Some of the best scouts in baseball have worked for the Padres.
Surprise, surprise: Big Payroll Bombers win World Series
Just think what baseball would be like if there was a salary cap of $125 million per team, increased revenue sharing for the small market clubs and a spending floor that mandates every team keep payroll above $75 million.
"Let’s Go Padres" Sheet Music (1969) " .400 in '94
There was actually an "Official Song of the San Diego Padres" back in 1969
Twitter / ChrissyFOX5: the show "chrissy russo li ...
the show "chrissy russo live" is a 30 minute taped show highlighting local celebrities and experts. tonight's segment is abt body language.
Society: Big Brothers Big Sisters gets big support
Among the patrons there were Padres radio broadcaster Jerry Coleman and former Padres player and Hall of Famer Dave Winfield

Water is wet. The sky is blue. Tim Lincecum smokes weed.

2009-11-06T00:35:08Z

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP

"I am freaking out right now, man. I am freaking out. Is that guy following us, man? Who is that guy? I think he's following us." AP Photo/Ben Margot)

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Tim "Barrel Man" Lincecum was caught driving around with the marijuana and a pipe with which to smoke it out of.

Personally, I'm not surprised at all considering the Giants organization is rife - rife, I say - with drug abusers and hoodlums. It's this blogger's opinion that Lincecum should be stripped of his Cy Young Award, his copy of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, any Tibetan prayer flags currently in his possession and his disc golf disc collection.

Disgusting, disgusting behavior.

Oh PADRES fans... the guide on our tour said that Friar Fest is supposed to be the 2nd weekend in...

2009-11-05T22:15:11Z

Oh PADRES fans... the guide on our tour said that Friar Fest is supposed to be the 2nd weekend in Feb.

Twitter / Caitlin: Oh PADRES fans... the guid ...

Around the Mission: 11/6 Padres Links

2009-11-05T18:16:21Z

More photos » by Denis Poroy - AP

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Padres drop Edgar Gonzalez from 40-man roster
"I think this is the end of my run here," Gonzalez said. "I love San Diego. And the Padres gave me an opportunity that I'm thankful for. But my future is probably elsewhere."
PADRES: Edgar Gonzalez released by team
On Tuesday, a Padres front-office source said one of the team's top needs this offseason is a utility infielder. Several sources said the club prefers a utility man with better defensive ability than Gonzalez and Sanchez, and one who can play both second base and shortstop.
Masur's Musings: Bouncing In The Bronx...
I'm going to miss Edgar. He is a great person, and a lot of fun to talk to on a daily basis. Edgar really appreciated every day in the big leagues, and it showed. Good luck Edgar.
619 Sports Debates: Trading Adrian Gonzalez
Jed Hoyer is heading to his first GM meeting with the San Diego Padres. Should he pursue a trade of Adrian Gonzalez?
Chris Young & Jake Peavy Lunch Box (SGA 9/23/07) " .400 in '94
Surprisingly this lunch box is made of metal and not a cheap plastic.

Poll

Are you going to miss Edgar Gonzalez?

Padres outright utility man Edgar Gonzalez to Triple-A Portland and off the 40-man roster.

2009-11-04T22:35:59Z

Padres outright utility man Edgar Gonzalez to Triple-A Portland and off the 40-man roster.

Twitter / NCT Sports: Padres outright utility ma ...

"It was an extremely difficult decision," says Hazen. "The opportunity in San Diego is tremendous....

2009-11-04T22:11:45Z

"It was an extremely difficult decision," says Hazen. "The opportunity in San Diego is tremendous. Jed is going to be very successful, and it doesn't get any better than working with Bud Black [Padres manager]. But the situation in Boston is unique, there is a tremendous spirit in the organization and I have a lot of things that remain to be completed."

Boston Red Sox Blog - Hazen decides to stay in Boston - ESPN Boston

Around the Mission: 11/4 Padres Links

2009-11-04T08:00:19Z

More photos » by Lenny Ignelzi - AP

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Padres' new GM shifting into high gear
"Is there a sense of urgency? Yes. Do I want to rush the decision? No. We are conducting interviews. Once the World Series ends, the clock really starts ticking.
PADRES: Boston officials turns down offer to be Padres' assistant GM
"It's going to be an ongoing process," Hoyer said of changes to the department. "There are roles to be filled, and there's hiring to be done. It will be going on for much of the offseason."
Adrian Gonzalez Trade Talks - MLB Daily Dish
While new Padres GM Jed Hoyer said he wants to re-sign Adrain Gonzalez long-term, the Padres do not have any legitimate minor league depth to help them down the road and do not have any players to move, besides Gonzalez, who could net a boatload of prospects.
Making the Grade: Offense | padres.com: News
Before their second-half revival, where an improved offense helped spark a 37-25 mark from July 28 on, the Padres struggled mightily with a .233 team average and the worst run production in the National League.
Garrison on the road back in AFL | padres.com: News
A year removed from surgery, Steve Garrison is feeling strong in the AFL. He tossed three scoreless innings Tuesday as the Saguaros edged Mesa, 2-1.

Front Office Mandate: Fashion & Pride

2009-11-03T23:09:37Z

The San Diego Padres have mandated through an internal memo that the "SD" insignia is the official brand of the organization, furthermore stating that all Padres employees must visibly wear the "SD" logo somewhere on their person. This is according to infallible beacon of true Padre knowledge of this world and all worlds, Darren Smith, and it applies to all Padre employees, from the front office on down. It's a good move, and for two reasons:

Fashion: Everyone knows the "SD" logo is pretty much the most fashionable accessory around. It has that obscure mystique that is a key component of any cutting edge look. When you see someone wearing the "SD" insignia, you can be certain you won't find any onions tied to their belts.
Pride: Employees should be proud of the company they work for. They also should not be able to escape their shame. Before, they could hide amongst us, spying on us, carefully noting what meals we consume most and how often we yawn between the hours of 4 and 7, but no longer.

This also applies to one Dave Winfield. This man has made numerous public appearances since this mandate, during playoff coverage and on MLB Network, and yet no "SD." Why no insignia, Dave? Your boss said you have to. Aren't you proud to be a Padre, Dave? You're also walking a very fine line, Dave, as you cannot be granted Prison-of-War rights under the Geneva Conventions in the event of your capture. I wouldn't want to find out what happens to the poor soul who is captured by Yankee fans not bound by international treaties.

"I think if he didn’t have to be the main guy on one team, he’d be so much better than he is," Bell ...

2009-11-03T21:44:45Z

"I think if he didn’t have to be the main guy on one team, he’d be so much better than he is," Bell said. "He’d hit over .300, and he’d definitely hit 35 or 40 home runs because he’d have protection. It’s amazing the things he’s done with nobody hitting around him in San Diego. He broke the (team) record for walks in one month (32 in June), and then came back and still hit. He’s never had any protection. So I think he’d be amazing for anywhere that has protection for him."

Heath Bell on Adrian Gonzalez via Friar John's Blog

Around the Mission: 11/3 Padres Links

2009-11-03T16:46:28Z

More photos » by Denis Poroy - AP

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How do you like the new look of the site? It's a risque, no?

In any case there aren't many Padres links today. I'm still irked that I missed the second half of the MLB Network show "Triumph and Tragedy: 1984 Padres". I remembered to set up my DVR and when I went to watch the MLB Network cut in to give updates on the stupid World Series. Now I'll never know how it ends! I don't see it in the network schedule for the rest of the month, but if anybody sees it let me know.

Twitter / MLB.com, Padres.com: Hey #Padres fans, on vacat ...
Hey #Padres fans, on vacation with my wife, will return next week for discussion on the Padres and what's next for them.
Friar John's Blog: Hot links for Monday, Nov. 2
Former Padres LF Rickey Henderson is tutoring Athletics prospect Jemile Weeks.
1984 NL Champs "Sounds of Success" Record (1984) " .400 in '94
Here is a record that was released after the 1984 season by KFMB.
Happy Belated 100th Birthday to the Western Metal Supply Building. Not sure how I missed this in August.
Stephen Strasburg’s AFL Surprise
On Oct. 22, Strasburg threw in Peoria, where he topped out just under the century mark. In Surprise, Strasburg broke 101 once, and threw 12 other pitches over 100 mph.
Jim Leyritz says accident wasn't his fault in exclusive 'E:60' interview - ESPN
"It was not my fault," Leyritz said of the accident.

Poll

Do you like Gaslamp Ball's new look?

What would it take for you to stop being a Padres fan?

2009-11-03T00:33:16Z

More photos » by Denis Poroy - AP

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Sometimes I'll be talking to myself and I'll ask myself a question, like the one in the title. I was thinking of this because this casual acquaintance was telling me how after the 2008 season he was going to become an Angels fan. He was even going to go so far as to mail his Padres gear back to the Padres Front Office, to show his total disdain for the way they were running things.

I thought he was just being dramatic, but sure enough he took the train up to Anaheim and caught a handful of games started wearing an Angels hat and even boycotted games at Petco Park.

It got me thinking what it would take for me to stop being a Padres fan. First of all, I think if I ever did give up my fandom that I'd probably just give up on baseball all together, I wouldn't find another team.

Here's just a few changes I thought of and how they'd affect me:

Disgustingly terrible losing season. I'd probably just cut back on the number of games I watched and just watch them out of the corner of my eye. They'd still be my team, but I'd just neglect them.
Trading the most popular player. Players come and go. I'm not giving up the Padres for any one player. Only if they would have traded and disgraced Tony the Gwynn could I even consider turning my back on the Padres. Since the Gwynn has already retired, I can't see myself ever caring so much about one player again. What if they make him manager and then fire him? Hmm, I'd be pissed but I don't think I'd cut ties with the Padres, hard to say until it happens.
Move to a different city. I think I'd probably stop rooting for them. I think I can only be a fan of the San Diego Padres.
Changing the name and colors of the ball club. That's a tough one. I think that'd be a good enough reason to make an amicable separation. I'd probably go to games but just bitch the entire time and then become really fair weather.
The entire Padres organization forms a posse and burns down an orphanage. I'd probably take about 5 years off and wait until the organization is sold and all the players were replaced.

Anything I'm forgetting? What would it take for you to give up on the Padres?

Poll

Would you remain a Padres fan if they moved to another city?

Can you name the Padres Opening Day Lineups from 2000 to 2009?

2009-11-02T19:11:08Z

Can you name the Padres Opening Day Lineups from 2000 to 2009?

A fun little quiz that I may or may not have been involved in making. Last names only work too, so you don't have to put in the full name.

Google Wave Invites for Lurkers Only

2009-11-02T18:12:58Z

I have 5 Google Wave invites. I have more, but I want to give these away to lurkers. If you don't know what Google Wave is, I dunno what to say. It's only the next new thing that nobody knows what it is.

The first 5 lurkers (regulars, but non commenters) who register and comment in this thread get an invite. I'll let you know who you are and you can send an email to me dex at gaslamp ball dot com.

If you're a regular or non-lurker, don't worry. I have more to give away. This is for the lurker crowd.

Contest starts.... NOW!!!

Around the Mission: 11/2 Padres Links

2009-11-02T17:02:04Z

via bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com

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PADRES: Coleman had MVP view of last Phils-Yanks Series
"We had clutch hitting, great defense and great pitching," Coleman said. "They talk about DiMaggio and Berra and Mize, but I said to Rizzuto, 'We're carrying the club and nobody knows it but us.' "
Yankees Seem Determined Not to Use Fourth Starting Pitcher - NYTimes.com
If so, they will be the first team to do that since the 1998 San Diego Padres.
Perpetual Padres Saga: Do's and Don'ts
Hyun Young gives the Padres Do's and Dont's of the off season.
Unfinished Business: Not Too Interested
Kaybee does not like the Yankees but does feel that Kevin Kouzmanoff is cute.
MLB Network: TV Schedule
In case you missed it. Nov 2 8:00 p.m. (PST) Triumph & Tragedy 1984 Padres
Twitter / Peter Gammons: The Red Sox got good news ...
The Red Sox got good news when farm director Mike Hazen--a top future GM candidat--declined the Ass't GM job in San Diego to stay.

Around the Mission: 11/1 Padres Links

2009-11-01T20:01:40Z

via thedirty.com

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PADRES: Towers laying low, planning his next move
Several sources believe Towers will select the Yankees because of his friendship with GM Brian Cashman. Towers said he invited Cashman to San Diego on Oct. 18, and the pair was spotted eating lunch in Pacific Beach.
Brian Giles… The Beginning Of A Nice 4 Day Weekend - Nik Richie + Dirty Army intel, opinions, gossip, satire, and celebrities
Some guy spots Hoffman, Giles and his lady friend sitting on a beach in Del Mar. Takes picture.
Author explores lives of diverse group of San Diego athletes
fans may not know that he split his childhood between Chula Vista and Tijuana, sometimes changing uniforms in the car as he and his family crossed the border on days when he had two Little League games in two countries.
Masur's Musings: Advantage Yankees...
Something like the NFL plan can be put into place. Allow team's managers to "challenge" 2 plays a game. Here's the way to regulate it though. If you lose your first challenge, you lose your second challenge as well.
Hacksaw Twin
Somebody dressed up as Hacksaw for Halloween.

The Matty V. Charity Poker Tournament

2009-10-31T23:21:39Z

The Matty V. Charity Poker Tournament

November 13 at the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park