Padres Spring Update: Around The Diamond

Over the weekend, San Diego Padres‘ manager Bud Black continued to meet with the media, and update everyone of the happenings with the new-look Friars. One of the topics that was discussed, was Black’s conversation with All-Star catcher Derek Norris about importance of earning the trust of his pitchers.

"“The first time I talked to him after the trade I told him my feelings on the pitcher/catcher relationship and what that means to the success of the team and right away I sensed that he got how important that was to me.” (h/t, Friar Wire)"

Black also discussed how much he likes rookie Cory Spangenberg coming into the spring because of how well the youngster played upon his September call-up to the big leagues. The Padres’ manager believes that Spengenberg’s versatility is going to be an important aspect not only for the player, but for the team in the very near future.

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The skipper feels very good about the amount of depth he has in his starting rotation this spring, especially when there are so many qualified candidates competing for just the fifth starter’s spot in the starting rotation: “We feel that we have a group of quality guys competing for that spot. The more depth you have the more comforting it is. When you start the season, you know there is going to be roster movement whether via injury or performance and when you have that talent below or waiting in the wings, it makes you feel good about what lies ahead.”

Additional notes from around Padres’ spring camp include:

–Casey Kelly is battling a tender groin, and will be shut down for a few days to rest.

-Dominican League MVP and Pitcher of the Year, Marcos Mateo reported to camp coming off a big winter. He could open some eyes this spring with continued high-level performances.

-Black is hoping the San Diego Chargers find a way to remain in America’s Finest City: “…I don’t think any San Diegan wants to see the Chargers leave. I want them to stay and I do think there is a huge part of the Charger family that will want to stay as well.”

Be sure to remain with Friars On Base throughout spring training, as the entire staff covers all the hot spring topics, makes predictions, discusses position battles, along with everything else San Diego Padres as the team heads towards it’s 2015 rebirth season!

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