Padres Week in Review: May 4th-10th, Uneven Weeks Continue

Apr 28, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher

(38) pitches during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Friar of the Week and Burning Questions

 This week’s Friar of the Week goes to pitcher Tyson Ross. In two starts this week he pitched 13 innings and only allowed 4 runs while striking out 11 and just 5 walks. Before this week in his prior three starts he had gone 6 innings and had walked 11. He had also allowed a home run per start in those three starts and did not allow a home run this week at all. Unfortunately for him his record stands at just 1-3. Like Cashner, he has been victimized by low run support for the most part during his starts. In his three losses the Padres have scored only a total of 4 runs. Ross pitching well is a key to how the Padres will do in 2015 as well as his health. With Ian Kennedy and Brandon Morrow already hitting the DL though not at the same time, the Padres are hoping that Ross can pitch longer into games and continue to pitch effectively.

Burning Questions

Bud Black on the hot seat? I really think that Preller will hold back on any moves with Black until at least the end of May. The Paders currently sit in second place in the NL West and 4.5 GB from the Dodgers. The Giants, D-backs and Rockies all fall within 4 games and the Padres and Dodgers are the only two teams with a winning record. The offense overall is performing well but needs to be more consistent. He has done a good job balancing the struggles of Amarista, Gyorko and Middlebrooks and working in Solarte effectively. Now with Gyroko perhaps turning the corner I expect to see Solarte more at 3B. With the injury to Alonso he has stayed creative slotting in Wil Myers at 1B and seen returns from giving Will Venable a few starts in center. Whenever Melvin Upton Jr. gets healthy he would be available for outfield starts as well and help keep Upton and Kemp rested as the season drags on.

 What about Kimbrel? Kimbrel has struggled early in the season before, and even so far this season by no means is he a real cause for concern. The bullpen has pitched much better of late with Brandon Maurer giving more consistent outings and Dale Thayer still proving one of the most reliable members. Quackenbush has been doing well and Garces notched a couple scoreless innings of relief as well. With Shawn Kelley wrapping up his rehab it will be interesting to see who leaves the ‘pen. My bet would be Nick Vincent who once again has struggled up in San Diego.

Next: Week Ahead