They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. In Scott Elbert‘s case, he kind of can. Elbert was a former first round pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Logan White was a part of the Dodgers when they drafted him. Now he is over in San Diego and he brought Elbert (and Matt Kemp and others) with him.
Elbert has a chance to make the team. The Padres have Alex Torres and Frank Garces as lefty bullpen competition. That’s it. Here’s what Elbert told Dennis Lin of UT-San Diego
"“I just kind of waited it out in the offseason, just saw what deals were out there,” Elbert said. “This is the best fit, makes the most sense — coming in here, having a good chance of making the team. I’m all about just a chance. If I get a chance, I feel like I can bring whatever I can to the table and get a good opportunity.”"
Elbert only appeared in seven games last season and didn’t appear in any in 2013 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
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Elbert is only 29, and lefty relievers can last in the game for a while. Just because he had Tommy John doesn’t mean he can’t be effective. Plenty of guys have after. In fact, it’s easier for a reliever to come back from it since he won’t have to pitch as many innings.
Elbert has a second chance at a baseball life. The Padres have big expectations, and he can help getting out lefties like Carlos Gonzalez, Brandon Belt and former teammate Adrian Gonzalez.
It’s Elbert’s second chance to make a first impression.
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