SB Nation User Blog: jbox

Source close to A Gonzalez believes he'll be traded to Red Sox within next 10 days.Does this mean...

jbox — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:22:28 -0000

Source close to A Gonzalez believes he'll be traded to Red Sox within next 10 days.Does this mean deal will happen?No.But momentum is there

Twitter / Jorge Arangure: Source close to A Gonzalez ...

Eckstein Interview from the past

jbox — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:00:29 -0000

Eckstein Interview from the past

Around the Mission: 12/16 Padres Links

jbox — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:09:15 -0000

FCC could propose rule that would take Padres off Cox exclusively
The issue had been particular controversial in San Diego, where Cox has the exclusive rights to distribute Padres games
Grady Fuson: Proud Padre Leaves Full Farm
In a 619 Sports exclusive, outgoing Padres’ vice president of scouting and player development Grady Fuson talks for the first time publicly about his firing. Who forced him out, Jed Hoyer or Jeff Moorad? Was Fuson fired for his failed first-rounders? And how proud is he of the system he leaves behind? A wide-ranging interview with a good baseball man who’s on the outside looking in
Red Sox could be targeting Gonzalez - Sports - SignOnSanDiego.com
Are the Red Sox desperate enough to make Hoyer a deal he can’t refuse – even if he might be hesitant to have his first major move as the Padres’ general manager a trade that sent the Padres’ most productive and popular player to his former team?
insidethepadres: Job search
The Padres interviewed Cardinals assistant scouting director Jaron Madison and others for their director of scouting job.
Who is Jennifer Montgomery? | NBC San Diego
"Padres fans know this feathered trickster has been called 'the Sir Laurence Olivier of mascots. Jennifer," asked host Alex Trebek.
PADRES: Kouz's other trade value extends to garage
"I found Brian and he was open-minded about me working in the shop," Kouzmanoff said. "He didn't know who I was. ... That's what was nice about it. I'm just another person, like everybody else."

The Official Blog of Matt Antonelli: MAIL BAG
The next season I was sent to the California League in Lake Elsinore, California. There I stayed with a host family. Out of all the places I have stayed to date, this was by far the best.

Radio and Television News Association of Southern California | Golden Mike Awards
Jerry Coleman - Voice of the "San Diego Padres"

Perpetual Padres Saga: Happy birthday, my dear blog!
Exactly a year ago, December 12th 2008, I started a blog and wrote my very first entry with literally two sentences.

Unfinished Business: Padres Sign Correia
But now the Padres have a little work to do: sign Bell, Adams, and Kouzmanoff to contracts for next year +. These guys have just been huge for the Padres in the last few years, and it would be a crying shame to lose any of them.

The Sacrifice Bunt: A San Diego Padres Blog " Blog Archive " My San Diego Padres of the 00s

Season Ticket Holder Night at Petco Park

jbox — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:57:42 -0000

Jon and I snuck into the Season Ticket Holder event tonight at Petco. There was a huge line at the entrance, probably 300 people or more, all wearing Padres gear. The reason for the line was that every Padre that lives in San Diego in the off season was out front shaking hands and talking to all the Season Ticket Holders. Bud Black, Heath Bell, Tony Gwynn Jr., Adrian Gonzalez, Kevin Kouzmanoff, David Eckstein, Everth Cabrera and Kevin Correia.

As we approached the entrance I saw President and COO Tom Garfinkel, so I gave him a wave and in return he gave me a hearty handshake. We wished each other a Happy Holiday season and moved on through the line.

I gave Everth Cabrera a good handshake and told him I was a big fan, he thanked me. Then I saw Brett and Josh from Padres Media Relations and we exchanged pleasantries. Last we spoke of them Dex was calling Josh a "bastard" in jest because he's a Red Sox fan, I'm glad they didn't take it out on me.

Next on the left was Kevin Kouzmanoff. I'll tell you something I'm not the biggest fan of his, but he was super friendly and seemed really sincere when he thanked us for coming out and he was glad to meet us. He's got to be the most popular player on the team right now, he was cheered every time his named was mentioned tonight. People were walking around with "Keep Kouz" signs, he's a phenomenon.

Padres Employees and Players applaud the Season Ticket Holders

As we entered the gates, it was really surreal. There was just about everybody from the Front Office lining the sides of our path applauding us and thanking us for being Season Ticket Holders. I mean these employees were looking us right in the eye and saying it sincerely. I'll tell you something I was really moved. They had been doing it for about an hour and they still seemed just as genuine and thankful as if we were the first people through the gate. I felt kind of ashamed for walking through and not being a Season Ticket Holder, but I was glad that I could see it.

At that point Dex called and I'm like "I'm shaking hands with David Eckstein right now, hold on" and then he tells me that he probably won't be able to get out of work to make it down to Petco. I'm like "Sorry, I missed that last part because I was shaking hands with Adrian Gonzalez." I swear to you he has the softest hands I've ever felt. It was like spanking a new born baby's butt with cotton candy. It was that soft.

As soon as we walked in, there were people from concessions offering us free food and drinks. All the Padres gear was 40% too. We shopped for some Padres caps then grabbed some free pizza, drinks and pulled pork sandwiches.

Moorad wants to bring an All Star Game to San Diego

Once we found our seats Mark Neely came out to emcee the event. He first introduced Chairman and Owner Jeff Moorad. Moorad said a few words and I was kicking myself for not having a camera, a phone or anything to take notes with. Seriously I'm the worst blogger. He did say that his second biggest goal was to bring an All Star Game to San Diego, following only a World Series title in importance.

Moorad also mentioned that he understands how connected fans get to their favorite player, his favorite is Everth Cabrera. I wonder if that gets awkward at all. I imagine it something like Michael Scott's crush on the temp, Ryan, in The Office.

Throwback Thursday, Batting Practice Viewing and Lower Beer Prices

Next up was Tom Garfinkel, who told a joke about Hoyer wearing a jacket that made him look like Ron Burgundy. Nobody laughed. Garfinkel made some announcements: Every Thursday Game is now "Throwback Thursday" the Padres will be wearing Brown and Yellow and the Park will only be playing organ music! "No YMCA!" I was so excited I was clapping my little heart out. I remember when I had that idea back in 2006.

Garfinkel then announced that Dick Enberg would be the new TV voice of the Padres and that Enberg couldn't be at the Park tonight because he was being inducted into the Broadcaster's Hall of Fame. A video message of Enberg showed on the screen and he thanked the Padres fans and told them that he took this job because his first love was always baseball and he's always followed the Padres. He also gave us a preview of his home run call "Touch 'em all!" Jon wasn't impressed with the call.

Garfinkel also announced that Season Ticket Holders would be able to enter the park a half hour early to watch batting practice. That's what they call "added value" in the bizness.

Then to finish off on a strong note he announced to much applause that they would lower beer prices by a considerable amount, along with hot dogs, drinks other concessions.

Next up was Jed Hoyer. He came out and went through his standard schtick about how the weather is different between Boston and San Diego and that he can't believe he was standing outside without a jacket on. The crowd ate it up. We love hearing about how great San Diego is.

Bud Black came out next and said a few words. Neely introduced him as being a very even keeled manager, Mr. Steady. Black said a few words but I nodded off to the sound of his voice so I missed them.

Question and Answers

The first question was about people who didn't have Cox and couldn't view the Padres game. Garfinkel and Moorad said this issue was one of their biggest priorities and admitted that they are still under contract with Cox for another two years. They were negotiating to see if they can work something out for 2010. Moorad thinks it's ironic and sorta funny that John Moores can't watch Padres game from his home in Rancho Santa Fe.

There was another suggestion that there be a day where Season Ticket Holders can all donate their tickets to the Military so that they can have nice seats for a game. Ticket Holders said with applause that they'd like to do this. Garfinkel said he'd make it happen.

Another guy complained that there should be a net over the centerfield fence protecting the babies and children digging in the sand box beyond the fence. The Padres don't think it is necessary at this time because nobody has been hurt yet. Instead they will only get players that cannot hit home runs.

Moorad mentions Gaslamp Ball

Another lady asked a real general question about if they thought there should be a salary cap in baseball. Moorad
decides to field that question and starts off by asking if there is any media in attendance. He looks around and says "This is off the record to the media... and to Gaslamp Ball" At the mention of us, Jon starts cheering and clapping, he's the only one. I honestly didn't even hear his answer to the question because we were laughing and tickling each other at the very mention of the site. Can somebody tell us if he was in favor of the cap or not? I think he was not in favor, who knows.

Somebody else got up and said that it's nice to have Jed Hoyer because he's easy on the eyes and that his wife had a crush on him. He questioned Hoyer about what he was going to do to keep Gonzalez in San Diego? His question got the most cheers of the night. Hoyer blushed at being the focus of the crush and talked about what a great player Adrian is.

That's all I really remember but I didn't have a pen to take notes. The Padres then raffled off the players jerseys and let the fans walk out on the field. Jon and I frolicked on the grass.

I talked to Warren from Media Relations and was introduced to Padres VP Dan Migala who was friends with Dex back when he was in North Carolina. He claims that he and Hoyer invited us to get beers but that Dex never replied to his email. He was also proud to be the target of some ribbing on Gaslamp Ball.

On the way out we grabbed a ton of leftover souvenirs from the season that will probably fill my trunk for the rest of the year. Really fun night.

Around the Mission: 12/15 Padres Links

jbox — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:18:19 -0000

Chrissy Russo decorates a Xmas tree. via www.fox5sandiego.com

View full size photo »

Tough players leave Yankees with a tough call - The Boston Globe
Padres GM Jed Hoyer, certainly familiar with Boston’s inventory, is asking for Clay Buchholz and righthanded pitching prospect Casey Kelly or outfielder Ryan Westmoreland.
XX Sports Radio:
Nick Cafardo Interview (MP3)
What's the likelihood the Sox will package Bucholz & Ellsbury to SD for Adrian now that they've added Lackey & Cameron? Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo on why this deal could happen.
insidethepadres: Pinstriped Towers
"Yankees are certainly a possibility," Towers said.
Padres bring back Kevin Correia :: Friar Forecast
this appears to be a good deal for San Diego. They bring back one of their better pitchers at a reasonable price, and it is only a one year commitment.
Hoyer’s First Deal A Bargain
By signing Kevin Correia to an affordable one-year deal, new GM Jed Hoyer’s first Hot Stove League is off to a good start. Craig and Chris talk about Correia and what it means for Heath Bell, Kevin Kouzmanoff and Mike Adams to be offered arbitration
Masur's Musings: Random Sunday Musings...
it appears that Correia will be in Buddy Black's rotation for 2010
Padres re-sign Correia for one year | padres.com: News
The Padres on Saturday reached an agreement with Kevin Correia on a one-year deal worth about $3.6 million.
The Official Blog of Matt Antonelli: WE'RE THEREEEE
Antonelli flies home for the holidays.

Gaslamp Ball Book Club: Dick Enberg used to look like a shaved prostitute

jbox — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:42:37 -0000

View full size photo »

I haven't been feeling well recently, so I've been watching a lot of TV and taking naps. Last night however I was feeling a bit better so I listened to some of Springsteen's Ghost of Tom Joad and read Chapter 2 of Dick Enberg: Oh My! Let me tell you, it was just what the doctor ordered.

Chapter 2 is entitled Coming to a Crossroads, and subtitled "Did you ever consider with that short hair you look like a shaved prostitute?" Seriously.

This weeks chapter follows Enberg through his studies at Central Michigan and Indiana University. He was broadcasting college athletics, teaching classes and finding love.

The main theme of this chapter is the rejections during this time period that changed his life. He never would be where he is today if not for being rejected by employers.

Discussion Questions:

1. How would Enberg's life have turned out differently if he had not been invited to attend Central Michigan? Had been ordered to active duty in the Navy? Had taken a broadcasting job that would have paid double his professor's salary? Had not looked like a shaved prostitute? Discuss.

2. Of all the things that are or can be shaved, why did Dr. Author Daniels compare Enberg to a prostitute? Discuss.

3. Was Enberg's early success a result of his talent or work ethic? Discuss.

4. Why did some people in Enberg's life see potential where others did not? Discuss.

CBS ‘Survivor’: Open casting call in San Diego Dec. 16 - Travel - LATimes.com

jbox — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 23:23:51 -0000

CBS ‘Survivor’: Open casting call in San Diego Dec. 16 - Travel - LATimes.com

What: CBS 8 Survivor open casting call
When: Dec. 16, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: Casino Pauma, 777 Pauma Resrvation Rd., Pauma Valley, CA
Contact: Donna Dube, (858) 495-9337

travel.latimes.com

Casino Pauma Website

Stephen Strasburg donates $141K to Aztec Baseball

jbox — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:56:17 -0000

More photos » by Lenny Ignelzi - AP

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I went to the SDSU Men's Basketball game last night and was pleasantly surprised to see Tony the Gwynn at the corner of the court during the first half of the game. Decked out an SDSU warm up suit, Gwynn looked quite svelte after his stomach surgery. I got all giddy and pointed him out to those around me, "look it's Tony the Gwynn!"

During a timeout the Gwynn took the floor with Stephen Strasburg. The announcer introduced them to the crowd and the they received a standing ovation. Then the timeout ended and they were rushed off the court... Gwynn and Strasburg looked a little embarrassed.

BUT then after the next timeout they were brought out and introduced and again the crowd applauded them. It was announced that Stephen Strasburg gave the San Diego State Baseball Team $141,000. The donation will be used to upgrade the surface of Tony Gwynn Field.

Everybody is getting good Christmas presents this year from Strasburg as a number 1 draft pick he signed a $15 million contract with the Nationals.

ESPN:

"SDSU baseball and the university have meant so much for my development" Strasburg said in a statement. "As a student-athlete, I knew that it takes more than just coaching and good players to be successful. From academic advisors to athletic trainers to the donors of the program, it takes all to make a successful program. I am proud to become part of the base of donors that want this program to succeed. As I have stated before, I am an Aztec for life."

"Stephen was electric on the mound," Gwynn said. "Yet, we knew he was an even better kid. This gift reinforces our belief that for all of his baseball abilities, Stephen is an even better person."

Oh yeah and the Aztecs smoked Arizona.

"We haven’t really made any decisions yet but Jerry will be on the air."

jbox — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 21:50:37 -0000

"We haven’t really made any decisions yet but Jerry will be on the air."

Garfinkel confirms Hall of Famer Jerry Coleman will be on the air next season, but he declined to comment in what capacity. Here's my thoughts on the subject.

SignOnSanDiego.com

ex-Padres CEO among finalists for U.S. Olympic Committee CEO | Olympics Blog | Los Angeles Times

jbox — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:53:34 -0000

ex-Padres CEO among finalists for U.S. Olympic Committee CEO | Olympics Blog | Los Angeles Times

If the Trevor Hoffman negotiations were any hint to what we can expect, then we might be seeing Michael Phelps swim for China in the next Olympics.