Woeful First Two Games

The Padres played the Mariners for the first two games in spring training, as per annual tradition. As usual, we lost the first game, but it was a blowout - 7-0 M's. The next day the Padres usually rebound and get their first win of the spring. Again, another loss, even though it was a competitive one. The score came out to be 6-5 even though it was 6-1 Mariners at one point. The only thing that was good to come out of game one was that top prospect Hunter Renfroe beat out two infield singles and that Robbie Erlin delivered a scoreless first inning. Other than that, Luis Perdomo, Cory Mazzoni and Daniel McCutchen all yielded multiple runs in their first outings of the spring. If Mazzoni does not show signs of improvement, then I don't want him on the team. An ERA of 21 last year over 9 innings pitched is absolutely not acceptable. I'm upset he pitched even that much. The next day, things got a little better, save for a few moments which led to the loss. Starting pitcher Phillip Humber delivered two scoreless innings after which only two pitchers gave up the most damage. Yangervis Solarte committed a huge error which proved costly. Hopefully the defense this year improves because last year, we were in the cellar when it came to DRS (defensive runs saved) compared to the rest of the league. Pitching and defense is what wins games in San Diego. Let's find out a way to win. Meanwhile, the most impressive part of the spring so far was Christian Bethancourt's at-bat with two outs in the ninth inning and a man on. He fouled off five pitches or something like that before blasting a home run off the batters eye in center field. Perhaps he will be the one to back up Norris this year and give Hedges some more seasoning in AAA. Whatever the case may be, We have some pretty good catchers in this organization. I sure hope we can show some grit this year. I had a feeling last year that 2015 was not going to be good but that 2016 would. Let's hope that that gut feeling comes to fruition.

In the NBA, the Thunder are falling. They have lost 7 of their last 11 games, even though many of them have been tough road games against good teams. I feel like they can turn it around, however, especially since they have time to get hot before the playoffs begin next month. They can't afford to stay cool too long though, because doing so would prevent them from receiving the best seed they can possibly be in the playoffs. But I guess in order to be the best, you have to beat the best, right? Makes sense. The Warriors is one of those teams who has beat the Thunder. In fact, Steph Curry helped his team beat the Thunder twice in that stretch. Once on a buzzer-beater in Oklahoma City and another last night in Oakland. This all is sure dramatic for the entire league, but the most important thing is to make the playoffs and win from there. The teams who are in position right now to do that are sure going to enjoy the ride.

Tune in next week when we will continue our spring training coverage and then go into March Madness! Thanks for reading!