The second round of the 2009 World Baseball Classic will be held in Petco Park, San Diego CA. This bracket should be a very competitive and challenging one, considering this bracket has the defending Champions -Japan- and the runner-up -Cuba-. The other teams, South Korea and Mexico are no slouches either. From a fan’s perspective, one thing for sure is the intensity will be there on and off the field. All four teams have a strong following and from 2006 WBC, Japanese, South Koreans, and Cuban fans were energetic in the stands. Considering that San Diego is a border town, I expect a huge turnout from the Mexicans. It’s going to be a very festive weekend leading up to the games on Sunday. For fan’s who haven’t heard it yet, all four teams will conduct batting practice on Saturday in Petco Park, the event is open and FREE to the public.

Back to Peoria, Arizona where the Padres continue to train for the upcoming 2009 Season. Padres’ Prospect 1B Kyle Blanks continues to tear up opposing pitching. I know that this is still Spring Training, but you got to imagine that Blanks may be forcing the Padres to do something. Hear me out, if the Padres can move 3B prospect Chase Headley to left field, what makes you think the Padres can’t do the same with Blanks. Now, you make ask “What would they do with Headley?”. One of many scenarios comes into play. First of all, there is a team in New York who needs a 3B. In fact, there are several teams that could use a 3B, one most notably up the freeway. Basically, you trade one commodity for another commodity and I still feel Padres’ GM Kevin Towers will pull off a trade before the team departs from Peoria. The three blaring weaknesses on the Padres are: starting pitching, bullpen and Shortstop. Another scenario would be to throw in a top front liner starting pitcher and in return receive 4 players who can help out. The question is, does this franchise have the guts to make a bold move. Popularity does not win games, neither does standing pat.

Noise around town….
I was very embarrassed to hear the comments of a local radio sports talk show the other day. It’s one thing to be very critical and it’s another thing to be downright disgusting. I myself, when being critical try to offer solutions vice just slicing the hot air. Charger’s RB LaDainian Tomlinson did not deserve the public rant that was given the other day during a mid-day show on a local sports talk radio station. In fact, since the debut of the new mid-day show I have turned off the radio in my car and began listening to music. In my most humbled opinion, Darren Smith or John “Coach” Kentera should be the hosts during the mid-day. All I have to say is “Where has the leadership and quality on-air programming gone?”

Alright San Diegans ! It’s time to Get on your feet ! World Baseball Classic is here this weekend. Here’s a video by Gloria Estefan…..