Manager Davey Johnson made his mind to start Roy Oswalt instead of Jake Peavy for the semi-final game against Japan. This is a wise decision, since Peavy historically had bad performances in the big games. Oswalt is far more tranquil during huge games and has demonstrated that during his post-season performances. If you put yourself into USA Manager Johnson’s mind, the strategy could be that if USA wins tonight there is a chance the entire staff will be ready for the championship game. I am taking into account that if Peavy falters during the championship game, rather then exposing the entire staff for the semi-final game which could have an impact on the championship game if USA qualifies. As it stands, the South Koreans are awaiting after bombarding the powerful Venezuela team by the score of 10-2. That 5-run first inning sealed the game for the South Koreans since the Venezuela team never recovered from that. Who will be facing the South Koreans? Let me hear your voice !
Back in Peoria…..
Kyle Blanks continues to tear up the opposing pitchers and he is doing his best to force the hands of those in the Padres Front Office. Blanks has perked Grady Fuson’s attention already as Grady has hinted to Kevin Towers that Blanks will take fly balls during warm-ups in the minors. There are others who are making a push to the big leagues, specifically Wil Venable and Chad Huffman. Anyone on this roster with no doubt should be overlooking their shoulders, especially those who carry a huge salary. I expect to see some trades within the 1st half of the season as the Padres have no choice. Shortly, there should be some news on the impending sale of the club to Jeff Moorad. I feel sad for Sandy Alderson, since many fans in San Diego were highly critical of his decisions as the Padres Executive. Though, if you step back and re-analyze what Alderson brought to the table in terms of stability and a process for baseball operations. You have to applaud him and this club wouldn’t be on the verge of making some noise without those important and key fundamentals of baseball operations that Sandy implemented.
As spring unfolds in Peoria, the club is about to come together. Which leads to the next video, John Lennon ‘Come Together’