News Padres Team Notes

[San Diego Padres]

Mike Shildt isn’t intimidated by Dodgers

Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images

The Dodgers keep getting better but baseball isn’t played on paper

If you’re the manager of a team that just lost to the Dodgers and they got even better on paper while you didn’t, maybe you wouldn’t be high on your club’s chances against them. Mike Shildt, though, is different and that’s why San Diegans love him.

MLB Network’s Greg Amsinger asked Shildt if he is intimidated by the Dodgers spending $500 million to go along with all the talent already on their roster. Shildt didn’t just say no because he’s supposed to. It was the quickest no he could say without cutting Amsinger off.

A quick no from Mike Shildt when asked if it’s intimidating to watch the Dodgers spend over $500 million this offseason

(via @MLBNetwork)https://t.co/p1sZHuYfwg pic.twitter.com/kapoXftHkM

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) March 3, 2025​

“We only take care of what we can control. We think about the Dodgers—you brought it up—we respect it, we compete against them, we compete against everybody. We have 162 games. They’re on the schedule. It’s really about how we compete, how we play and how we carry ourselves and how we take care of our business,” Shildt said on MLB Network. “We do that and play the game the right way—regardless of opponent we’ll feel good about shaking hands a lot of the times. I don’t want to spend any mental energy on any other club. We’re gonna respect them. We’re gonna prepare like heck for them. But as far as really thinking about what they’re doing, I have no control over it. You know, clearly a well-run organization, World Series champions and we look forward to the competition.”

That right there is a great leader.

Don’t get distracted and spend mental energy that us fans might spend on things that are out of their control. Prepare the best you can, find a way to get better every day, fight for each other, treat every game like it’s as important as those Dodgers games (because they are all 1/162) and you should be in position to make it to October. Then, who knows what will happen—just go ask that same Dodgers organization about 2022 and 2023.

Being intimidated before the season even starts is just asking to get beat. There’s no reason to be scared. There’s talent on our side and there’s talent on their side. Last year doesn’t matter anymore. Everyone is 0-0. Just because Los Angeles won last season doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed they’ll do it this year.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/3/24377056/mike-shildt-isnt-intimidated-by-dodgers

 

[San Diego Padres]

Competition tightens for Padres 5th starter

Stephen Kolek | Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Stephen Kolek and Matt Waldron shine

The first third of Padres spring training is complete. The competition for the fifth starter position continues with Matt Waldron and Stephen Kolek showing fast starts out of the gate. Randy Vasquez clearly struggled with his command on Sunday, with Kolek coming in behind him and pitching three scoreless innings.

Taking the next step​

Matt Waldron has thrown in two starts with five innings pitched, allowing only three hits and one run with four strikeouts while using his knuckleball more than last season. He is pitching to a .176 on-base average against. Having confidence in his knuckler is the last hurdle between being a mediocre starter and being dominant. Fully committing to the pitch could elevate Waldron into a consistent weapon for the team.

The 28-year-old throws today against the Cubs in the Cactus League.

Stephen Kolek is obviously healthy again. In his two games and five innings pitched, he has allowed two hits and no earned runs. He has allowed no walks and has three strikeouts. Kolek has a .118 on-base average against, the best of the candidates so far. He was the starter in his first Cactus League appearance and pitched three innings following Vasquez on Sunday.

Slow start​

Vasquez continues to look like someone who teeters on the verge of disaster with each appearance. So far this spring, his command is off, and his twelve hits and two earned runs allowed with a homer and three strikeouts is consistent with the beginning of his previous spring training with the team. In 2024, he was competing with Matt Waldron for the final starter spot with Waldron ultimately winning the early-season position. Both contributed significantly to last year’s team.

New Padre Kyle Hart has not started a Cactus League game but has thrown a simulated game on the back fields of the Peoria Sports Complex. Both he and manager Mike Shildt have stated that his slow start is due to the team wanting to become familiar with his pitches, and pitching coach Ruben Niebla has had to reassure him that his debut is coming soon.

There is still plenty of time for Hart to ramp up for the season, and his entry into the competition should come later this week after he throws his second simulated game today. He still has minor league options, along with Waldron and Vasquez, and the pitchers not starting the season with the big league team will most likely be the starters at Triple-A El Paso.

Wild cards​

Jhony Brito has been included in the discussions for the fifth starter but has not started a game and has thrown only three innings so far this spring. He allowed two hits and a run with one strikeout in his two appearances but has a very respectable .167 on-base average against in his limited opportunities.

A different opportunity​

Another factor to consider in this equation is the good possibility that the Padres begin the season without either Bryan Hoeing or Sean Reynolds available in the bullpen. Both are sidelined currently with injuries. Hoeing is being brought along slowly after starting camp with a sore throwing shoulder, and Reynolds is currently in a walking boot with a stress reaction in his right foot. Both are throwing from flat ground with no progression currently being shared.

This opens up the possibility that one of the above potential starters could begin the season as a long man in the bullpen. The Padres have every Thursday off for the first seven weeks of the season after opening day. That would allow the starters to get extra rest and also could mean a decreased need for a long man. By that time, both Hoeing and Reynolds could be ready to resume their regular roles, and the bullpen could get adjustments made.

When Kyle Hart begins throwing regularly in spring games and we see more of Waldron and Kolek, the puzzle of who will be the final rotation piece will get more clarity. It is possible Vasquez could stage a comeback, but at this point, he seems headed for Triple-A to work on his accuracy and decrease the tightrope walking we have seen from him in his career so far.

If Waldron, Kolek, and Hart end up being the top contenders for that last spot, the Triple-A Chihuahuas look to have a strong start to their rotation with the pitchers beginning their season in El Paso, as well as the Padres having some depth for when they need it.

With twenty more games to play in the spring schedule, the fight for that roster spot should be fun to watch.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/4/24377822/competition-tightens-for-padres-5th-starter

 

[San Diego Padres]

San Diego Padres Jake Cronenworth could display defensive prowess in 2025

Padres Jake Cronenworth completing a double play in a spring training game | Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images

A return to second base is a welcome sight

The San Diego Padres infield alignment is set for the 2025 season. Barring an injury, it will be Luis Arraez at first base, Jake Cronenworth at second base, Xander Bogaerts at shortstop and Manny Machado at third base. It has the makings of an excellent defensive unit.

Keep an eye on the second base position, where Cronenworth is scooping up every ground ball hit in his direction. It would not shock anyone to see him finally get recognized as one of the top-fielding second basemen in the majors.

Versatility did more harm than good​

Cronenworth is a two-time All-Star at second base. But he has not played that position full-time since the 2022 season. Cronenworth brings an athletic defensive style (26 errors in 3322 career fielding chances) to second base. He has one of the strongest arms among his peers, as scouts thought Cronenworth could have developed into a major-league reliever.

Not long ago, Cronenworth’s versatility made it challenging to be recognized as a starting second baseman. Due to injuries and providing other starters a much-needed day off, Cronenworth had to move around the infield. Team managers believed his ability to back up the other infield positions was more valuable than having him play second base regularly.

Out of necessity, Cronenworth became the Padres starting first baseman in 2023. The move to a new position eliminated his ability to remain the main backup at the other infield positions.

Cronenworth’s defensive efficiency has always been high, as his career fielding percentage is .992, playing primarily at first and second base. However, Cronenworth is far better at saving runs at second base than any other position.

Cronenworth’s return to second base​

In mid-August, Ha-Seong Kim suffered a right shoulder injury that required surgery, causing him to miss the remainder of the 2024 season. The injury ended a disappointing season for Kim, as his batting average dropped nearly 30 points from the season before. The Friar Faithful was becoming increasingly frustrated by his inability to drive in runners in scoring position.

After Kim was ruled out, Padres manager Mike Shildt shuffled his infield defensive alignment. He moved Bogaerts back to his original position at shortstop and Cronenworth was named the second baseman for the remainder of the season. Shildt was confident the changes provided solid infield defense.

Initially, Cronenworth’s range suffered due to a lack of work at second base. He had to reacquaint himself to the demands of the position. Understanding that hard work comes without shortcuts, Cronenworth used his strong work ethic to make a defensive impact with his slick fielding during the Padres run to a postseason berth.

You get the sense that Cronenworth belongs at second base. Hopefully, the accolades will come his way once the regular season begins.

Great play by Jake Cronenworth to rob the Brewers of a few runs pic.twitter.com/1BRfMMwr4A

— Baseball Bros (@BaseballBros) May 24, 2022​

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/...worth-could-display-defensive-prowess-in-2025

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres reportedly sign Jose Iglesias

Jose Iglesias vs the Padres 2024 | Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images

Padres infield is getting crowded

The San Diego Padres have reportedly signed infielder Jose Iglesias to a one year minor league contract with an invite to spring camp per multiple sources. Both Robert Murray of FanSided and Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported the news this morning. It has not been confirmed by the Padres as of yet.

Iglesias, 35, played part of his 2023 season as a member of the El Paso Chihuahuas but never had any major league time that season. Beginning the 2024 season as a minor league player for the New York Mets, Iglesias was called up in late May and posted a .337/.381/.448 slash line with four homers and twenty six RBI’s for the rest of the season. He is noted for his contact skills, striking out only 12.4% of his plate appearances. He also has plus speed with plus defense. He has experience at third base, second base and shortstop.

A Scott Boras client, Iglesias reportedly signed for a $3 million base salary, if he makes the team, with another $1 million in incentives.

Roster crunch time​

The Padres have all their infield starting spots filled with utility man Tyler Wade re-signed for this season and an option for next season. Eguy Rosario came up as an infielder but has been playing a significant amount of time in the outfield this spring. Tirso Ornelas is also competing for an outfield job after the Padres signed both Jason Heyward and Connor Joe to one year major league deals. This definitely ratchets up the competition for inclusion into the 26-man roster.

Iglesias, if he is able to continue his success of last season, would be an upgrade offensively in the infield utility role and likely push Rosario out of consideration. Rosario is out of options and cannot be sent down to the minor leagues.

If this deal becomes official it will be an interesting rest of the spring to see how things work themselves out with what is becoming a crowded roster.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/5/24378524/padres-reportedly-sign-jose-iglesias

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Padres adding more bench competition

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Everything you need to know about your San Diego Padres on the morning of March 6, 2025.

Articles to read ​

Padres reportedly sign Jose Iglesias (Cheri Bell, Gaslamp Ball)

Padres add veteran infielder Jose Iglesias (Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune)

Padres notes: Michael King starts strong after slow start; rotation lining up; getting regular (Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune)

Padres trust Michael King will continue to excel in encore season (Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune)

Padres roster review: Jason Heyward (Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune)

Padres, Jose Iglesias agree to minor-league deal (Dennis Lin, The Athletic)

Iglesias, Padres agree to Minors deal (Jack Magruder, MLB.com)

Here are the Padres’ 2025 Top 30 prospects (Sam Dykstra, MLB.com)

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/...an-diego-padres-adding-more-bench-competition

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres prospect update as minor league camp begins

Tirso Ornelas | Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Leo DeVries and Ethan Salas reassigned to minors

Shortstop Leodalis DeVries and catcher Ethan Salas, the Padres No. 1 and No. 2 prospects, were reassigned to minor league camp in preparation for the Padres Spring Breakout game. With the conclusion of minor league mini-camp and the beginning of full minor league camp, DeVries and Salas will join the other highly rated Padres prospects to prepare for the A’s prospects in the game played at Peoria Sports Complex at 2:40 p.m. on March 14.

The full roster includes 2024 top draft class members LHP Kash Mayfield and LHP Boston Bateman as well as shortstop Cobb Hightower. Outfielder Kavares Tears and potential two-way player Sean Barnett are also on the list. All of these players join RHP Bradgley Rodríguez as players to be watched this season as noted on Baseball America’s Deep Dive podcast with JJ Cooper and Peter Flaherty.

Not participating in the game are #4 prospect RHP Humberto Cruz and #8 prospect 3B Kale Fountain. OF Tirso Ornelas, the #11 prospect, is getting a major league roster opportunity along with #12 prospect RHP Henry Baez, a non-roster invitee.

The Spring Breakout is now in its second year with the Padres game last year being rained out and played later on in the spring, while the Padres were in Korea. The Padres prospects played the Seattle Mariners prospects and won 13-10. The game this year can be watched on the MLB app, on MLB.com, and heard on 97.3 The Fan.

Top 30 list​

The Padres Top 30 prospect list also came out with many changes noted from last year’s list. DeVries and Salas traded places with DeVries now No. 1 and Salas assuming the No. 2 spot. The biggest reason would probably be the step back Salas took last year, struggling with his hitting as a young player with High-A Fort Wayne. He spent some time reworking his swing and finished his season strong. DeVries skipped any developmental leagues and played his first year with Single-A Lake Elsinore, playing well throughout until hurting his shoulder.

Quick movers​

RHSP Humberto Cruz was not listed in the 2024 prospect list and is #4 in this year’s list. He was signed out of Mexico in February of 2024. He only worked in the Arizona Complex League but boasts a mid-90’s fastball with a slider and changeup. He also flashes good command early in his professional career.

RHP Braden Nett made a significant move up, going from No. 20 to No. 9. His pitches are well regarded with a mid to high 90’s fastball and developing slider, cutter, and changeup. His command and walk rates bear watching as he develops through the upper minor league levels.

Shortstop Cobb Hightower went from No. 15 after being drafted last year to No. 6 on the list this year. He could be the next high-quality bat developing for the Padres. He also has plus speed and adequate defensive skills. With DeVries ahead of him at shortstop, a change to second base would be a logical progression.

Trending down​

RHP David Morgan, #29 on last year’s list, is not listed this year. He is included in the Spring Breakout roster for the Padres.

RHP Kannon Kemp dropped from #28 to off the list. He is 6’ 6” and 20 years old with projection still remaining but has had injury issues so far.

LHP Austin Krob is 25 years old and dropped from #27 to off the list. He is a starter through his career so far but has made reliever appearances with the Padres major league team through this spring.

RHP Cole Paplham struggles with walks and began the spring pitching with the major league team in early spring. He was hit with a batted ball, fracturing facial bones, and has not appeared since then. He went from #26 prospect last season to off the list this year.

Catcher Brandon Valenzuela went from #13 prospect in 2024 to off the list this year. His hit tool has been the biggest issue. He excels defensively and could be a solid #2 catcher for a major league team if his bat keeps up. He is still just 23 years old.

RHP Juan Nuñez, the Rule 5 pick acquired from the Orioles, was the O’s #20 prospect and became the Padres #11 prospect when acquired. He slips to #16 with the improvement of other players and the addition of new members. He made his first appearance in a spring game on March 4 versus the Rockies. He must be returned to Baltimore if he doesn’t make the 26-man roster.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/6/24379473/padres-prospect-update-as-minor-league-camp-begins

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Ethan Salas, Leo De Vries sent to minor league camp

Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images

Everything you need to know about your San Diego Padres on the morning of March 7, 2025.

Articles to read ​

Padres notes: Ethan Salas, Leo De Vries among first cuts; Kyle Hart ready for Cactus League debut (Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune)

Jose Iglesias’ ‘surprising’ path to Padres after Mets reunion fell through (Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune)

Padres minors: Leo De Vries, Ethan Salas highlight Spring Breakout roster (Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune)

Spring training update: Eguy Rosario goes deep, Dylan Cease works deeper in Padres loss (Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune)

Padres roster review: Nick Pivetta (Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune)

‘The future’s bright’: De Vries, Salas made quick impact with Padres’ brass (Cole Bradley, MLB.com)

Padres prospect update as minor league camp begins (Cheri Bell, Gaslamp Ball)

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/...-salas-leo-de-vries-sent-to-minor-league-camp

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres catchers continue to be an area of weakness on offense

Brett Sullivan | Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images

Four catching candidates struggling this spring

The San Diego Padres are a team in waiting. They are waiting for their catcher of the future, Ethan Salas, to get the experience and show the growth that will allow San Diego to add him to the big league roster. The Padres are left to plug in placeholders and hope for the best until that happens. To this point in the spring, San Diego has not seen the best from its catching candidates.

The four catchers remaining in big league camp after Salas was reassigned to minor league camp have struggled to get anything going. As of their loss to the Texas Rangers on Thursday, Elias Diaz, Luis Campusano, Martin Maldonado and Brett Sullivan have combined for 46 at bats and only six hits total. They have also compiled 11 strikeouts.

Of course, it is Spring Training and the numbers do not count for much more than talking points, but they do raise some concern. Additionally, players are working on various parts of their game on offense and defense and that could have an effect on performance. Add to that, they are working with multiple pitchers on a daily basis, some of which they have little to no experience with, taking their attention away from the offense.

Diaz was the presumed starter at catcher when the Padres opened the spring after signing a one-year, $3.5 million free agent deal in the offseason. Campusano was supposed to solidify the position for years to come when he was brought into the organization in 2017, but his offensive numbers have not been what they were expected to be and his struggles behind the plate have not improved.

Maldonado was brought in this offseason on a minor league deal after being released by the Chicago White Sox in July and has not done much to endear himself to Padres fans. Sullivan has been a long-time minor leaguer and spent some time on the major league roster with the Padres in 2023 and 2024, but he was not thought of as a potential roster addition coming into the spring.

Mike Shildt was asked what he attributed Luis Campusano's struggles to last year after getting off to a hot start and the opportunity Campusano has in front of him this season: pic.twitter.com/GkvX1UaJRT

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 19, 2025​

The concern at this point is that the catching position is not going to improve. If the Padres enter the season with two of the four catchers still in camp, it would be expected that Diaz and Campusano will be the two. Diaz was once an MLB All-Star Game MVP, so there is potential that his offense will improve. Campusano ditched the new batting stance he implemented in 2024 and has shown flashes of power in his young career, but has not been consistent. If neither player can get anything going at the plate there will be a hole in the lineup that could hinder run production and limit the San Diego offense.

Elías Díaz's first Padres homer is a big one! pic.twitter.com/sOs3qlBwfZ

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) September 22, 2024​

Baring a trade, there is no catching help available. GM A.J. Preller has shown an ability to find catchers who put together successful and surprising seasons. Jorge Alfaro, Gary Sanchez and most recently Kyle Higashioka have all come to the Padres with little to no fanfare and have made the most of their opportunities. It appears a similar result is the hope in San Diego as the regular season draws near, but there is no evidence at this point in Cactus League play that will be the case.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/...continue-to-be-an-area-of-weakness-on-offense

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Yu Darvish starting today after rain yesterday

Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images

Everything you need to know about your San Diego Padres on the morning of March 8, 2025.

Articles to read ​

Padres notes: Kyle Hart gets some work in, Yu Darvish pushed back on a rainy day (Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune)

With Padres placing premium on defense, Martín Maldonado could stick behind plate (Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune)

Hart ‘legitimately in the mix’ to start after dazzling season abroad (Cole Bradley, MLB.com)

Padres catchers continue to be an area of weakness on offense (Matt DeWalt, Gaslamp Ball)

Jeremiah Estrada continues to dominate for Padres (Matt DeWalt, Gaslamp Ball)

Taking a look at the Padres bullpen depth (Cheri Bell, Gaslamp Ball)

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/...u-darvish-starting-today-after-rain-yesterday

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres back in win column

Xander Bogaerts | Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images

San Diego beats Cleveland, 7-2

Xander Bogaerts lined a one-hop single through the right side of the infield to give the San Diego Padres a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians, Saturday. Jake Cronenworth scored on a wild pitch, following a pitching change, to make the score 3-0.

Xander goes the opposite way for a Padres lead pic.twitter.com/JFOBLSBv5p

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) March 8, 2025​

Gavin Sheets put the exclamation point on the inning with a three-run blast to right field, pushing the San Diego lead to 6-0. The Padres went on to beat the Guardians 7-2.

Holy Sheets pic.twitter.com/cOfYz1UUKU

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 8, 2025​

The offensive outburst in the first inning matched the total runs scored by San Diego over its last three Cactus League games. The Guardians did score twice in the third inning, but were never able to mount a significant threat throughout the remainder of the game.

San Diego tacked on a run in the bottom of the eighth inning when Brandon Lockridge came in to score on a failed pickoff attempt of Forrest Wall by Cleveland pitcher Andrew Misiaszek.

Yu Darvish made his first start of the spring for the Padres after being scratched Friday due to the weather. He completed 2 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits with a walk and three strikeouts.

Yu Darvish’s postgame comments after his first Cactus League start, where he threw 2.2 innings and 57 pitches.

Darvish discusses today’s performance, working with Martin Maldonado, keys to staying healthy, and more. pic.twitter.com/Y0WamNf5kU

— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) March 8, 2025​

Most of the San Diego regulars from the bullpen appeared for an inning of work against Cleveland. Jason Adam, Robert Suarez, Adrian Morejon, Yuki Matsui and Wandy Peralta combined for five scoreless innings, surrendering three hits and recording four strikeouts. Alek Jacob pitched a scoreless ninth to secure the win.

Padres manager Mike Shildt discusses Yu Darvish’s outing, Jose Iglesias’ debut with the Padres, Yuki Matsui’s inning of work, and more after today’s win against Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/wHY4Q3XpO0

— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) March 8, 2025​

The Padres play the Giants, Sunday.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/8/24381029/padres-back-in-win-column

 

[San Diego Padres]

Spring Training Game 17: San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants

Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images

Your game thread for March 9, 2025.

San Diego Padres at San Francisco Giants, March 9, 2025, 1:05 p.m. PST​

Location: Scottsdale Stadium, Scottsdale, AZ

Watch: N/A

Listen: 97.3 The Fan

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Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

• Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
• Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
• Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads
• The commenting system was updated during the offseason. They’re still working on optimizing it for Game Day Threads like ours. If you don’t like clicking “Load More Comments”, remember that the “Z” key can be your friend. It loads up the latest comments automatically.

GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/...e-17-san-diego-padres-at-san-francisco-giants

 

[San Diego Padres]

Good Morning San Diego: Jose Iglesias debuts in Cactus League

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Everything you need to know about your San Diego Padres on the morning of March 9, 2025.

Articles to read ​

Padres notes: Yu Darvish makes Cactus debut; Jose Iglesias plays catchup (Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune)

Fast track: What Ethan Salas, Leo De Vries can learn inside Padres’ clubhouse (Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune)

Spring training update: Gavin Sheets, bullpen key in Padres’ win over Guardians (Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune)

Darvish makes the most of a full Spring Training (Cole Bradley, MLB.com)

Padres back in win column (Matt DeWalt, Gaslamp Ball)

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/...n-diego-jose-iglesias-debuts-in-cactus-league

 

[San Diego Padres]

Spring Training Game 18: Cincinnati Reds at San Diego Padres

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Your game thread for March 10, 2025.

Cincinnati Reds at San Diego Padres, March 10, 2025, 1:10 p.m. PST​

Location: Peoria Stadium, Peoria, AZ

Watch: Padres TV

Listen: N/A

---

Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

• Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
• Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
• Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads
• The commenting system was updated during the offseason. They’re still working on optimizing it for Game Day Threads like ours. If you don’t like clicking “Load More Comments”, remember that the “Z” key can be your friend. It loads up the latest comments automatically.

GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/...g-game-18-cincinnati-reds-at-san-diego-padres

 

[San Diego Padres]

Gavin Sheets makes it three homers in three days

Gavin Sheets | Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images

Padres fall to Reds 9-3 in Peoria

Gavin Sheets is fighting to make the roster for the San Diego Padres and with his third home run in three days, he is making a strong case for why he should.

Sheets stepped to the plate with the Padres trailing the Cincinnati Reds in the bottom of the fifth inning and he hit the fifth pitch of the at bat, a four-seam fastball, 403 feet to right field. The home run pulled the Padres within a run of the Reds 3-2, but they were never able to catch Cincinnati and took a 9-3 loss in Peoria, Monday.

Gavin got all of that one pic.twitter.com/ovAQfh9rpa

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 10, 2025​

Sheets has been seeing consistent playing time with Spring Training winding down and with more at bats, he appears to be getting more comfortable. He homered in the ninth inning Sunday and the first inning Saturday. Sheets is one of several players competing for one of the few remaining roster spots for San Diego and the recent power surge can only help him.

Michael King made his second Cactus League start and labored through 2 2/3 innings. He threw 52 pitches and allowed three runs on three hits with three walks. King did strikeout the last batter he faced, which was his only strikeout of the day. He left the game in the top of the third with San Diego trailing Cincinnati 3-0.

The Padres got on the board in the bottom of the fourth inning when Fernando Tatis Jr. hit his first home run of the spring. Tatis Jr., like Sheets, hit a four-seam fastball 404 feet to center, making the score 3-1 before the Sheets homer made it 3-2.

Yeah, that's gone pic.twitter.com/GnkfmracVS

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 10, 2025​

The Reds tacked on a pair of runs in the top of the sixth and a pair of runs in the top of the seventh to take a 7-2 lead. San Diego scratched out a third run in the bottom of the seventh when Jose Iglesias hit an RBI-groundout to score Niko Goodrum. Cincinnati tacked on two more runs in the top of the eighth to complete the scoring.

The defensive highlight of the day for the Padres came in the top of the third inning when catcher Elias Diaz did his best Benito Santiago impersonation. Diaz threw out Elly De La Cruz from one knee while avoiding the batter, with a laser to second baseman Jake Cronenworth who applied the tag.

Elias Diaz casually throwing out Elly De La Cruz on one knee pic.twitter.com/viBMjF4fJo

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) March 10, 2025​

The Padres play the White Sox, Tuesday at 1:10 PST.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/10/24382748/gavin-sheets-makes-it-three-homers-in-three-days

 

[San Diego Padres]

Spring Training Game: Chicago White Sox at San Diego Padres

Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images

Your game thread for March 11, 2025.

Chicago White Sox at San Diego Padres, March 11, 2025, 1:10 p.m. PST​

Location: Peoria Stadium, Peoria, AZ

Watch: Padres TV

Listen: N/A

Cease & Co. pic.twitter.com/iB2g46J6Y4

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) March 11, 2025​

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GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/...ng-game-chicago-white-sox-at-san-diego-padres

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres’ “winning on the margins” approach

Fernando Tatis Jr and Mike Shildt | Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images

Focus and confidence carry over from 2024

In March of 2024, Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune wrote about the change in philosophy and approach for the Padres. After a disastrous 2023 season and a change of managers, the team was asked to buy in to what Mike Shildt was selling.

Manny Machado said it best- “We’ve just got to play better,” he said. “You know, focus on the little things — on playing baseball the right way and doing the little fundamentals that count that make you execute in the big moments.”

Jake Cronenworth illustrated further buy in. “It’s a game of margins,” he said. “How do you win in those margins? It’s doing the little things right, executing at a high level in spots you need to. You might win a game on a runner on second base and the guy cuts the ball off and gets the trail runner. Little things like that.”

Mike Shildt used the term “winning on the margins” to explain his philosophy of baseball excellence. He overhauled the spring routine, using shorter and more succinct drills to cover the fundamentals and emphasize the details. The players were on the field for shorter periods of time, getting their work done and moving on to the next drill until all the particulars of situational defense, executing pickoffs and fundamentals of base running were covered.

“Ball talk” sessions took place each day, with coaches and players discussing situations that arise during games and solutions addressed. Communication was emphasized along with paying attention to details.

The Padres went from an 82-80 team in 2023 that missed the playoffs to a 93-69 team in 2024. They replaced Juan Soto after the 2023 season with Jurickson Profar and Kyle Higashioka. There is no logical reason to think that the 2024 team would be better than the team that had Juan Soto, a 2024 team that worked around injuries to Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts and Ha-Seong Kim.

In a March 2025 article in the San Diego Union-Tribune, Kevin Acee wrote about the Padres continuing to push those margins. I saw that this spring was a continuation of what happened last spring. Despite the fact that the team wasn’t breaking camp early to go to Korea this year, the practices continued to be quick, efficient and very focused. Not a lot of standing around, minimal joking around and lots of attention to detail. It is a stark contrast to other spring training camps I have seen. It does seem like these players have fully committed to the Shildt way.

Acee quoted Manny Machado in the recent article: “It’s the small margins that you talk about,” Machado said Saturday. “Yeah, me, Tati, Bogey, Croney, Jackson, we could all hit homers and win games. But I think the biggest things are those little 10-minute conversations that we have out there and that we work on. I think it’s going to be the difference-maker in us. … I think that’s why we’ve been emphasizing it so much. We lost games because of that. We weren’t focused. That’s a big part of winning baseball games.”

His thoughts were echoed by Jake Cronenworth: “A lot of it is those little details that we made important,” Cronenworth said. “And that’s what helped convert those little things into wins.”

Preller was also asked about the Shildt approach. “Baseball is a game of inches and I think we won on the margins a lot last year because of that preparation.”

Installing the Shildt philosophy resulted in quick results last season and the approval of the organization was clearly shown with the extension of Mike Shildt as manager and the return of almost all of the coaching staff. It can be argued that consistency is another tenant of Mike Shildt’s approach and the players at FanFest—almost as a whole—reiterated the comfort level they had with the return of the coaches, manager and most of the players from last season.

Minimal turnover also lends itself to a more cohesive group as well as being able to successfully blend the new talent into the culture that was clearly established last year. The leaders of this team don’t need to bring the business outside of the clubhouse as long as their roles are clearly defined and respected inside the clubhouse. That definitely seems to be the case.

As a longtime Padres fan, as well as a season ticket holder, it is encouraging to see the mental side of this team appear to be stable, strong and established. Understanding what is expected of them on the field, in the clubhouse, and keeping each other accountable, lays a strong foundation for success. Those are also part of the margins that this team seems to have focused on.

The Padres don’t have the financial advantages of the Dodgers, Mets or Yankees. Nor do they have the market size or media contract that gives long-term stability financially. What they do have is a smart approach to winning, some fun and talented players to watch, an amazing ballpark to go to for those games and a passionate fan base that will stay committed as long as the team on the field keeps doing it the right way.

That’s “winning on the margins.”

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/11/24383643/padres-winning-on-the-margins-approach

 

[San Diego Padres]

Spring Training Game: San Diego Padres at Colorado Rockies

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Your game thread for March 12, 2025.

San Diego Padres at Colorado Rockies, March 12, 2025, 1:10 p.m. PST​

Location: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale, AZ

Watch: Padres TV

Listen: Padres MLB Audio

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Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

• Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
• Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
• Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads
• The commenting system was updated during the offseason. They’re still working on optimizing it for Game Day Threads like ours. If you don’t like clicking “Load More Comments”, remember that the “Z” key can be your friend. It loads up the latest comments automatically.

GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/...ing-game-san-diego-padres-at-colorado-rockies

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres fans should give John Seidler a chance

Matt Thomas, San Diego Padres

The brother of Peter used to be a Dodgers fan and officially took over as San Diego’s chairman today

In case you missed it today, John Seidler has officially taken over as Padres chairman. Eric Kutsenda, who served as the team’s interim chairman after Peter Seidler’s death, is now a Special Advisor to the Chairman, according to the Padres front office directory.

Eric Kutsenda is now listed as a special advisor to Padres chairman John Seidler pic.twitter.com/ujra5gSjPF

— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) March 13, 2025​

In Seidler’s first comments since taking over, he made a comment some Padres fans aren’t liking: “When the crowd started chanting ‘Beat L.A.,’ I couldn’t quite bring myself to get that out,” he told Kevin Acee about a game he attended in 2012. “There was just a little part of me somewhere deep down inside — it’s hard to push 50 years worth of experience out the window.”

Some fans don’t like that he is admitting he couldn’t initially get rid of all that Dodgers fandom that had been built up for decades. I’m fine with it though.

If I took over as Dodgers chairman one day (well, it would never happen but let’s say it does), it would be hard for me to be all in if they played the Padres. I would’ve spent decades hating the side I’m now on. That would be a weird feeling.

Don’t forget Peter Seidler was in that same family and we all loved him later in his life.

Later in Acee’s piece, Seidler said the following: “I’ve been a ‘Beat L.A.’ Padres fan since early in 2012…I just needed a bit of a nudge. And now I can say I’ve completed the 12-step program, and I’m never going back.”

Great. That’s what I care about because that’s what matters is now. Who cares what he thought in 2012 when he wasn’t even the guy making the big decisions? If he’s all in on bringing the city a championship, then personally I don’t care if he used to be a Dodgers fan.

Would I rather have a born and raised, lifetime Padres fan be the chairman? Of course. But I’m not going to automatically hate John and not believe in him when we haven’t even seen what moves he’s going to approve. We haven’t actually heard him talk to see if we can tell there’s that passion in his voice.

Actions are going to speak louder than words. Give him a chance.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/12/24384645/padres-fans-should-give-john-seidler-a-chance

 

[San Diego Padres]

Spring Training Game: San Diego Padres at Kansas City Royals

Photo by Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images

Your game thread for March 13, 2025.

San Diego Padres at Kansas City Royals, March 13, 2025, 12:15 p.m. PST​

Location: Surprise Stadium, Surprise, AZ

Watch: N/A

Listen: Padres MLB Audio

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Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.

• Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying it
• Remember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity site
• Out of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threads
• The commenting system was updated during the offseason. They’re still working on optimizing it for Game Day Threads like ours. If you don’t like clicking “Load More Comments”, remember that the “Z” key can be your friend. It loads up the latest comments automatically.

GB community, this is your thread for today’s game. Enjoy!

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/...g-game-san-diego-padres-at-kansas-city-royals

 

[San Diego Padres]

Padres FA signing Kyle Hart unlikely fifth starter candidate

San Diego Padres SP Kyle Hart | Photo by Caitlin O’Hara/MLB Photos via Getty Images

The former KBO star is battling Randy Vasquez, Matt Waldron and Stephen Kolek for a spot in the starting rotation

The San Diego Padres have a pitching award winner vying for a starter’s role in camp this spring. No Cy Young winner, but left-handed starting pitcher Kyle Hart is the reigning Choi Dong-won Award winner and has an opportunity to win the fifth starter role in the Padres rotation.

Hart has not had much success in the majors. He went 0-1 with a 15.55 ERA in three starts with the 2020 Boston Red Sox. After floundering in the Philadelphia Phillies and Seattle Mariners organizations, Hart took his talents abroad to play for the NC Dinos in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO). 2024 was his breakthrough season, as he went 13-3 with a 2.69 ERA in 26 starts.

Hart became a pitcher in the KBO​

Hart came into last season with newfound confidence as he lowered the arm slot in his delivery to home plate. The change registered 182 strikeouts over 157 innings pitched. Hart successfully threw a sweeper, a pitch that became his prominent weapon to get out of a jam.

Still, he understood that one pitch would not be enough to return to the majors. Yes, you want to throw your best pitch as often as possible. But Hart needed his secondary pitches (changeup and four-seam fastball) to be just as effective in recording outs.

His changeup becomes difficult to hit when it unexpectedly drops into the strike zone. Too often, batters are out in front of the pitch, as it drifts to the outside corner of home plate. Hart also throws a rising four-seam fastball that provides plenty of movement. It can steal a strike at the top of the zone. Both pitches effectively set up the sweeper for a called strike three.

The change in his approach allowed Hart to average 10.4 strikeouts per nine innings. Hopefully, his pitching sequence will remain a successful partnership in 2025.

Niebla can make Hart “the feel-good story” of the 2025 season​

The Padres decided to sign him before other teams could evaluate his performance in the KBO. Both sides agreed on a one-year contract with a club option for 2026.

Hart chose the Padres because they offered him a legitimate opportunity to compete for a spot in the starting rotation. The Friars have an opening as Joe Musgrove will miss the regular season recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Another reason Hart signed with the Padres was to work with pitching coach Ruben Niebla, who is highly respected by his peers for his ability to develop pitching talent. Many current major league starters have benefited from Niebla’s tutelage. Hart can expect to work on tightening his delivery to the plate, adding a new pitch, or refining his current repertoire.

The sessions between Niebla and Hart have been under wraps for most of the spring. Technically, Hart has not officially appeared in a Cactus League contest. But he did pitch two scoreless innings against the Milwaukee Brewers before a rainstorm postponed the game. What stood out was Hart’s ability to gain multiple swing-and-misses against a pretty good hitting lineup.

The Friar Faithful must refrain from looking at the back of Hart’s baseball card. Instead, judge whether he can duplicate his success in the KBO.

If the Padres play their cards right, they may have found a hidden gem for the back part of their starting rotation.

More importantly, Hart may have finally found his major league home in San Diego.

Source: https://www.gaslampball.com/2025/3/...ng-kyle-hart-unlikely-fifth-starter-candidate