San Diego Padres

Jeff Sullivan’s recent enjoyable trot through San Diego Padres statistics and history led to a number of commentors thinking about San Diego’s park factors. The Padres changed the outfield dimensions of Petco Park in the off-season, and since park factors are backwards looking and rely on multiple years of data, changing dimensions can throw a bit of a monkey wrench into the calculations. So, it’s possible that our park factors are now somewhat behind the times, and we need to keep this in mind when looking at the park adjusted numbers (such as wRC+, ERA-/FIP-/xFIP-, WAR, etc…) for San Diego players, both hitters and pitchers. It’s not quite so simple as noting that the changing dimensions have made the old park factors useless, however. Moving in the fences helps home runs, yes. This is undeniable. But it also can decrease triples and doubles, as well as effect the more odd elements of park factors, such as walk-rates, strikeout rates and pop-up rates. It’s too early in the season to construct terribly useful park factors for the new dimensions, but we can do some harmless back-of-the-napkin mathematics to at least determine if the recent numbers suggest at least the early signs of serious run environment changes. Below are the extra base hit rates (per PA) for Petco Park stretching back to 2005: Doubles and triples are down, and home runs are way up. For greater specificity, we can see those same numbers in table form: Season 1B% 2B% 3B% HR% 2006 15% 3.87% 0.72% 2.46% 2007 14% 4.18% 0.63% 2.39% 2008 15% 3.81% 0.49% 2.15% 2009 13% 3.51% 0.53% 2.02% 2010 15% 3.36% 0.47% 1.96% 2011 14% 3.77% 0.78% 1.56% 2012 15% 4.48% 0.84% 1.57% 2013 15% 3.82% 0.37% 2.40% Does anyone else find it curious the 2013 doubles rate compares favorably to the same rate from 2008 through 2010? And the home run rate matches the unusual 2006 blip? This is why most (good) park factors include multiple years — in an effort to avoid catching weird blips — and include adjustments to reflect league-wide run environments. Odds are, some of the changes here may be reflections of the Padres personnel and the ever-morphing strengths of the NL West as much they reflect the effects of the park itself. So has Petco Park changed appreciably this season? We can’t say. What we can say: Doubles have decreased 0.42% since the 2005-2012 period, triples have decreased 0.22% and homers have increased 0.72%. If we convert that to run values (using 2013 adjusted constants, i.e. divide the constants by the wOBA scale): Debit 2B: 0.0042 x (1.262/1.262) = 0.42% fewer runs per PA 3B: 0.0022 x (1.608/1.262) = 0.28% fewer runs per PA Credit HR: 0.0072 x (2.080/1.262) = 1.19% more runs per PA That’s a 0.49% increase run value per PA. In (3 x 9 PA) 27 PA of a game, that’s an increase of 0.135 runs. In about 7 games, they are scoring an extra run; that’s an extra run per week. So we can say this: More game-context-neutral offense has thus far occurred at Petco Park. I say that so awkwardly on purpose. I do not want to suggest these home park numbers will continue on their present pace without any further fluctuation. What he have is 36 games, and that’s all we can really speak about with any authority. Another question we may also want to address: how has the Padres run scoring / run prevention changed? Well, with the Padres hitters, we see the same pattern of decreased doubles and triples, increased homers: And though the doubles rate decreased well beneath 2013 levels, it nearly equals the 2006-2011 levels. The homer rate is considerably higher than the preceding years, but is not much above the Padres’ late “steroid era” years. And with the pitchers, the DIPS numbers are steady with the essential, weighty exception of their home run rate (NOTE: I’ve removed IBB from the BB-rate): That is a 1.97% HR-rate ballooning to a 3.09% HR-rate. It’s fair t

Black third in major league history to win 500 as a manager and 100 games as a pitcher

Matt Cain tries to follow up his best start of the season on Tuesday when the San Francisco Giants aim to slow down the red-hot San Diego Padres in the middle test of a three-game set at AT&T Park. Read more Matt Cain news

June 15, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget (94) throws out the first pitch prior to the San Diego Padres game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports San Diego Chargers coach says former Alabama OL DJ Fluker likely to remain … The Birmingham News – al.com Before he went to the San Diego Zoo and saw Richard Simmons, former Alabama right tackle D.J. Fluker experienced some mixing and matching along the offensive line during his first mini camp with the Chargers. At times, Fluker, whom the Chargers … Chargers Strong Safety Brandon Taylor could be ready in time for Training Camp Bolts from the Blue Brandon Taylor, the Chargers‘ 2012 third round pick, missed the first nine weeks of offseason training thanks to rehabbing from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear sustained in the third quarter of the Jets’ game this past December. However, by … Alexander: For Chargers‘ Sorensen and Wright, a reunion – and more The Republic It could be like old times: Brad Sorensen and Shareece Wright carpooling to ChargersPark, just like they shared rides to Colton High School so many years ago. But there’s one catch so far. “I haven’t had a chance to, because he’s staying at the hotel … Malcom Floyd adapting to change U-T San Diego He’d glide down the field during Chargers practices, track a deep pass from quarterback Philip Rivers, rotate his body and, with that long 6-foot-5 frame, make the type of acrobatic catch over a defender that made visitors gawk and teammates shrug … San Diego Chargers Team Doctor Quits Among Malpractice Rumors FanSided Nov 10, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tackle Marcus McNeill (73) is taken off the field on a cart after suffering an injury against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby … Five Reasons I’m Optimistic About the San Diego Chargers Wide Receivers Bolts from the Blue The San Diego Chargers may have been so bad last year that it got nearly everyone fired, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t reasons for optimism. ? Share on Facebook · ? Tweet post · 44 Comments. It’s still the off season, and the start of football is … Dan DePalma Catching on Quickly Chargers.com Throughout the offseason, one player in particular has made his mark, and it’s not a name you may think. Dan DePalma has caught almost every ball thrown his way, and as a result, has caught the eye of his coaches and teammates in such a short amount of … Philip Rivers: Mante Te’o girlfriend story ‘old and tired’ NFL News Credit the San Diego Chargers with turning Manti Te’o's fake-girlfriend scandal into a non-issue this offseason. In an upset of epic proportions, the omnipresent football media has concentrated on Te’o's on-field progress while ignoring the temptation …

Welcome, By-Godders, to the Shotgun/Throwdown, WVU's nationally recognized best place for sports links, information, sophomoric humor and daily distractions. We're being brought to you today by Saison Dupont. What You May Have Missed: Gold and Blue Now: Tuesday, June 18 - WV MetroNewsJedd Gyorko talks about his first season of Major League Baseball and how is groin injury is progressing, Randy Mazey gives his opinion of the College World Series along with what he though of Big 12 baseball and Tony Gibson says the defense will surprise some people this year along with talking about how deep the Mountaineers are in the secondary. Folks, we’re way beyond bump, set, spike - WVU Sports with Mike CasazzaMore explanation to go along with today's Video of Interest Apps are changing the game - Charleston Daily MailFormer WVU player Wellington Smith assisting in use of technology Eight Earn Big 12 Academic Honor - WVU Athletics The squad recognizes the academic accomplishments of student-athletes at Conference institutions that participate in sports outside of Big 12 competition. Six shooters from the WVU National Champion rifle team and two men’s soccer players were named to the first team. News of Note: Baseball Summer League Update #1 - WVU AthleticsAn update on the summer league stats on WVU baseball players. Athletics not affected by WVU's fiscal restraints - Charleston GazetteAnd that's the point. The two entities are, at least from a financial standpoint, tied together in name only. Huggins says WVU could be very good team - Register-Herald “I think we weren’t prepared for the Big 12 last year,” Huggins said. “I coached in that conference (one season at Kansas State), and that was six years prior, and it was a totally different deal.” HERTZEL COLUMN: Nehlen talks evolution of football - Times West Virginian “I never saw football like the Big 12 plays,” said this man who won more football games as West Virginia’s coach than any other man, enough to get him into the College Football Hall of Fame. “I sit up in the stands and say, ‘What the hell is going on?’” Local lineman commits to WVU - Times West VirginianNotebook Recruiting: Watch: Video from WVU’s 7-on-7 event - WV MetroNewsHighlights feature several looks at prospects from Gateway (Pa.) High. Two For Two - BGNFor the second time in two days, West Virginia University has nabbed a commitment from a local football standout. Mountaineers nab local lineman - WVSports.comAmanii Brown, a 6-foot-5, 260-pound offensive lineman from Morgantown High School selected the Mountaineers after receiving an offer Monday afternoon. Oh, that 2015 class - WVU Sports with Mike CasazzaSheesh, there’s still room in the 2013 class and a lot of room in the 2014 class, but WVU’s football team is getting to work on 2015. Mohigans standouts ‘versatile, physically imposing’ - WV MetroNewsMorgantown's Stone Wolfley and Amanii Brown both will be future Mountaineers. Morgantown High's Amanii Brown to WVU a "No-Brainer" - WVillustrated"It's been a no-brainer for me," says Brown. "Ever since I was young, I've always known I wanted to go to WVU. I've always been a fan, ever since I actually started to like football." Morgantown’s Brown jumps at offer - WV MetroNewsMohigans standout offensive lineman commits to WVU's 2014 recruiting class. Versatile Junior Has Camp Impact - BGNGood Counsel (Md.) cornerback Drew Ashley made his second trip to West Virginia last Sunday, and had the opportunity to showcase his abilities at WVU's third one-day camp of the summer. Battle Has WVU Atop List - BGNBaltimore (Md.) standout Quantaye Battle had the opportunity to showcase his versatility this past weekend at West Virginia. The talented wide receiver/quarterback felt he impressed the Mountaineer coaches with his camp performance. Pro News: From the Bench: Despite Naysay

Jun 17, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Logan Forsythe (11) high fives shortstop Pedro Ciriaco (3) after scoring against the San Francisco Giants during the thirteenth inning at AT I am on Cloud 9 at the moment, and although it took 13 innings to finish this game, it was well worth it.  Now I am writing into the wee hours of the night, but I am happy.  The Padres break open the first of the series against the Giants with a hard fought extra inning win.  I am certain that Padres wanted it more tonight.  From starting pitcher Edinson Volquez, to Tim Stauffer, to Joe Thatcher, to Luke Gregerson, to Dale Thayer, to Nick Vincent, to Huston Street, it was a great team effort.  The Padres pitchers pitched effectively and as a unit, holding the Giants to 10 hits, 1 walk, and 3 earned runs over 13.  That equates to a 2.08 ERA and a 0.846 WHIP. As for the hitters, the Padres ended up with 18 hits, and 6 walks.  Overall, the Padres nearly out hit the Giants 2 – 1, with that last extra run scoring hit beyond our grasp for so many innings.  Although the Padres hitters did not have favorable numbers in terms of hitting with RISP (4-22 vs 2-8) which is correlated to LOB (17 vs 6), the Padres hitters were effective at creating opportunities and getting good looks.  It was only a matter of time before the hitters broke through.  The Padres now leapfrog the Giants in the NL West, and hope to ride this hot streak for as long as possible. Ultimately, if there is one Padres team member that I have to call out in front of the collective whole tonight, it would have to be Buddy Black.  There’s no doubt that the Padres are hot right now - but baseball is funny like that, and it works in mysterious ways.  Early in the season, the Padres were cold, and it was Buddy Black that kept the ship together, and kept the team believing in itself.  Belief is 2/3 the battle.  And tonight, it was the matchup of managers that tilted the balance in my eyes.  Two moves late in the game illustrated to me, the chess master that Buddy is. A) Saving the closer.  While Bruce Bochy elected to use Sergio Romo in the 9th, Buddy waited on Huston Street until the appropriate moment.   Padres hitters have made it a point to eviscerate bullpen pitchers all season long.  It is only a matter of time before the Padres hitters break through the bullpen.  B) Executing small ball when it counts.  Sabermetricians abhor the sacrifice as much as NL abhors the DH.  Outs are very precious when it comes to baseball number crunchers.  However, I believe the exception to this generalized rule is extra innings.  Every runner advanced places that much additional pressure on the opposing pitcher.  And in extra innings, the pitcher on the mound can be a bullpen guy that may not be prepared to pitch that night.  A pitcher that is asked to rise to the occasion as opposed to one that is setting the occasion.  In the 13th, the Padres hitters knew what to do, they were well coached.  Get on base, apply pressure on the pitcher.  String along hits and create a base runner situation that is a favorable scoring opportunity.  And when it came time to execute a sacrifice, Buddy Black called in a pitcher, Andrew Cashner.  A pitcher that routinely executes and practices the sacrifice, and a pitcher where the scouting report is light.  And the rest is as they say history.  Congratulations to Buddy Black and his 500th win.  Go Padres!!

Padres-related news from around the web.

Will Venable isn't the Padres' starting center fielder, but with Cameron Maybin out, someone has to play there. San Diego was lucky it was Venable on Monday night, as, in the bottom of the 12th in San Francisco, Venable kept the Giants off the board with a ridiculous catch to rob Juan Perez: Ends the innings, ends the threat that the runner on second presented in an extra innings affair on the road, and gives the Padres at least one more chance to score some runs. A chance they would take advantage of with three straight singles, including a pinch-hit squeeze-bunt-turned-single from starting pitcher Andrew Cashner: Cashner puts it by the pitcher and in between the third baseman and the shortstop, turning what was essentially a potential sacrifice to bring in one run with just one out on the board into a base hit -- one from a pitcher in the 13th inning no less. That gave the Padres their seventh win in a row, and also put them just one game out of the NL West lead. Baseball is the best, you guys, even if Grant Brisbee likely disagrees in this particular instance. Let's just watch Venable's catch again, shall we? Your browser does not support iframes. More from SB Nation: • Is Yasiel Puig's MLB start the best ever? • Neyer: Rays summon Wil Myers ... just in time • Kershaw, Dodgers 'making progress' on extension • Rays’ Cobb hit in head, suffers "mild concussion" • Succeeding without "stuff": Learning from plodding pitchers • Longform: The prospect who lied to play ball

Take a ride on the SaberSphere, it's got a whole lot of great baseball information, so don't miss a link, they all shine. Previously on Beyond the Box Score "Clutch Skill" of 2013's Relievers and Bullpens by Max Weinstein - Beyond the Box Score A lot of noise has been made surrounding the Tigers' Jose Valverde and his struggles in the bullpen. Whether that or something else, led Max to take a look at one of the more important aspects of a bullpen, it's members' ability to come through in the clutch. MLB Record Watch and Some Fun With On Pace Numbers by Andrew Ball - Beyond the Box Score Significance aside, we study baseball for fun among numerous other reasons, and attempting to play out the outcome of early season numbers falls in that category. You never know, some might pan out, and if your interested, Andrew's got it covered. Calendar Year Leaderboards by Ben Horrow - Beyond the Box Score We analyze player production in a number of different fashions. We utilize splits of all kinds, but one manner that has recently gained some popularity is to look at the last 365 days of play. Here's some interesting notes on players performing well in the last calendar year. Around the Sabersphere Hitter Volitility Through Mid-June by Bill Petti - Fangraphs BTBS shares Bill Petti with other baseball publications, one of which is Fangraphs. Bill has skills and he puts them to use here, taking a self-made metric, VOL, applying it to the 2013 season. Inside the Matchup: Pujols vs. Rivera by Mark Simon - ESPN Stats & Info This past Sunday, the Angels Yankees game ended with Mariano Rivera striking out Albert Pujols, but the at bat has a story to tell. Mark Simon takes a short break from his usual defensive minded focus, taking a stab at this star-studded matchup. The Padres, as No Team Has Been Before by Jeff Sullivan - Fangraphs The San Diego Padres are making noise in the NL West, and doing so after no one expected very much from a team supposedly lacking in multiple facets of the game. One BTBS writer broke down the Padres a few weeks ago, but since then the team has morphed even more. Jeff Sullivan makes it his business to tell you why and how. Around SB Nation Seattle Mariners vs. LAA Angels Series Preview by Scott Weber - Lookout Landing The Mariners recently called up Mike Zunino an SOS from the front office, but Scott Weber discusses the Mariners pitching in his series preview of their upcoming bouts with division for LA. Why is he rooting for one player to fail, but not too much? Integrating Baseball Knowledge by John Sickles - Minor League Ball Baseball folk enjoy discussions, and to some extent arguments. These sometimes heated debates lead to advancements in the thought surrounding the sport, but it also breads conflict. John discusses the most recent and significant point of conflict in the baseball world, attempting to find some resolution. Outside the Sabersphere Firebrand for Science, and Big Man on Campus by John Schwartz - The New York Times As a kid I loved the Bill Nye the Science Guy television show, no episode failed to interest me. Now, Bill's taken his talents in a different yet equally impressive direction. He's always been passionate, that's for sure.

There were some semi-goats in this game with all the runners left on base, but fortunately there were some heroes too. The first one was Edinson Volquez who pitch 4 very good innings, but did leave the Padres with a 3-1 deficit due to his one bad one. That original run was also partly his doing as he doubled and later scored on a Denorfia double. Mulithit games from Chris Denorfia, Chase Headley, Logan Forsythe and Pedro Ciriaco all contributed to the Padres eventually scrapping together 3 runs and tying the game to force extra innings. The bullpen efforts of Tim Stauffer, Joe Thatcher, Luke Gregerson, Dale Thayer and Nick Vincent all kept the Giants quiet from the 6th inning on allowing for a Padres extra innings victory. There would be some more offensive frustrations in extras that would keep the game deadlocked into the 12th. The Padres had at least a runner on 2nd with less that 2 outs in the 9th, 11th and 12th, but failed to score. You can credit it to some solid Giants pitching, some generous umpiring or some Padres bats that failed in the clutch. Whatever the case it wouldn't matter in the end. As if inspired after this amazing game saving diving grab by Will Venable: The Padres would take the lead in the top of the 13th inning. Alexi Amarista started it off with a single, his first hit of the game after entering as a pinch hitter and staying in to play second base. Then Denorfia hit a hard shot that Giants second basemen Tony Abreu couldn't handle putting runners at 1st and 3rd and brought up the pitcher's spot. With no healthy position players left it was up to Andrew Cashner to pinch hit. He surprised everyone with a bunt single that scored Amarista and gave the Padres an extra inning lead. Chase Headley would hit the ball hard next, but only for a line out to CF. Kyle Blanks then hit a blooper down the RF line that Hunter Pence failed to catch RIGHT AT THE LINE that was called fair, but only moved everyone up one base due to the runners freezing. A pitching change and and Jesus Guzman line out made it two outs and bases full of Padres for Yasmani Grandal. The young catcher would prove a tough at bat and ended up taking 4 balls to bring in an insurance run. Venable would pop out to end the inning. The Padres would predictably bring in closer Huston Street to close out the game. He'd only need 4 batters (and thankfully no runs given up) to finish off the Giants. That would give Bud Black his 500th career victory as a manager. It would give the Padres their 7th win in a row. It put them in 3rd place in the NL. It left them only 1 game back of the 1st place Arizona Diamondbacks. It's a good time to be a Padres fan.