Padres Week in Review: May 11th-18th

Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

The Padres ended the week how they started it – with a cool off in-between – scoring runs.  Minds were elsewhere as fires ravaged San Diego, and in a touching tribute several Padres let the fans know they were thinking about them back home.  They also hung a “SD Firefighters” jersey in the dugout to keep their perspective in check.

They ended the week 4-3. In just the same pattern I predicted last week, they took 2 of 3 from Cincinnati and only won 1 of 3 from the Rockies.

Robbie Erlin picked up two victories this week despite laboring in Saturday’s 8-5 victory.  He gave up 4 runs in just 5 IP with 9 hits.  Fortunately, the Padres offense was on full display Saturday as Seth Smith and Carlos Quentin cranked out home runs at Coors Field.

The week was punctuated with some bad news however, as Andrew Cashner went to the disabled list with elbow soreness.  While early indications are that the injury is not serious and will not require Tommy John Surgery, the week began with talented Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez requiring Tommy John Surgery.  It’s a scary world for MLB pitchers this season.

Cashner pitched great in Tuesday’s victory over the Reds. In an interview Saturday, he said that he didn’t feel bad letting loose of his fastball, a good sign.  The Padres were one of only three teams NOT to have a starting pitcher go on the disabled list so far this season, so I suppose it was bound to happen.  Let’s hope for good things.

The Padres did struggle offensively in Tuesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds before Chase Headley homered in the 9th for the Padre victory.

Thursday they were blanked against Johnny Cueto – but who hasn’t been this season?  Also in Friday’s loss against the Rockies, they did not get a hit until Chris Denorfia‘s triple in the 7th.  He failed to score after the lead-off triple, which only exemplified the loss.

Sunday’s finale against the Rockies was good in scoring 6 runs – but a disappointing start from Donn Roach.

Overall – it was another great week for the burgeoning offense.  Carlos Quentin hit his first homer of the season on Saturday and ends the week hitting .300 and an OBP of .462 after 3 walks.

Seth Smith continues his tear while Will Venable continues to sink into the abyss.  Yonder Alonzo also had a really good week, hitting .389 with an OBP of .500 and hitting his first home run!  This winning is fun.

Player of the Week:  San Diego Fire Fighters.  Honorable Mention: Yonder Alonso.

Record: 21-24

Standing: 4th place, 7 GB the Giants