San Diego Padres Spring Notebook Day 3: Meet “Maki”

Pitchers and catchers began official workouts yesterday as many positional players began to trickle into San Diego Padres camp.  Fans and the media were also introduced to “Maki.”

San Diego Padres fans are really going to like Kaz Makita. The RHP conducted his first interview of spring training yesterday, telling the media to call him “Maki.”

Maki brings with him six pitches to the mound: a fastball, sinker, slider, changeup, curve and the rare screwball. Coming from an underhand arm slot (not sidearm), it’s going to be a lot of fun watching as opposing batters try to square up on his pitches.

Maki is scheduled to take his first bullpen session in the next day or so.

Did you catch Friars on Base on XTRA 1360 San Diego?

Our own Tim Ryder appeared on XTRA 1360 yesterday and was asked about whether the San Diego Padres should sign free agent RHP Tim Lincecum.

Lincecum worked out yesterday in Seattle for a reported 15-20 teams. As mentioned by FanRag’s Jon Heyman, Lincecum’s velocity sat between 90-91, hitting as high as 93.

Should the Padres sign Lincecum? It’s an intriguing move for sure, but the Padres already have anywhere from 10-12 pitchers competing for one or two starting rotation spots. If teams end up passing on Lincecum and the Padres can sign him on a no-risk minor league deal, then, let’s sign him and see what he can do in AAA El Paso!

San Diego Padres

Regardless of where Lincecum ends up, I am excited to see him get another chance, even if he has two career no-hitters against the Padres.

Rounding out the bases.

According to Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune, Padres IF Allen Cordoba has been diagnosed with a concussion from his recent car accident. The Padres will take it easy with Cordoba as he works his way back.

A Rule-5 pick last season, Cordoba served his necessary major league service time last year, meaning he can begin 2018 in the minor leagues.

Cordoba had a tremendous season in low-A ball with the St. Louis Cardinals. He slashed .362/.427/.495 with more walks than strikeouts (21/19). With a little seasoning in the minors, Cordoba could prove to be a valuable piece down the road for the Padres.

Next: An Update On The Possibility of Signing Eric Hosmer

Lastly, don’t forget that a celebration of life will be held for Kevin Towers at Petco Park on February 25th. The memorial is set to begin at 1 pm.