yagsy
02-26-2005, 01:42 PM
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/padres/20050225-9999-1s25padres.html
Klesko unloads: Ryan Klesko clobbered several shots off the weight room beyond the right-field wall. Coming off shoulder surgery from September 2003, Klesko hit few deep shots in spring training last year, and only one home run in his initial 190 at-bats last season. "It's a remarkable difference from the first day this year to the first day last spring," manager Bruce Bochy said.
Extensions closer: General Manager Kevin Towers said he's "cautiously optimistic" the club will sign pitcher Jake Peavy, 23, to a multiyear contract by next week. The guarantee is likely to run through 2008, removing Peavy from arbitration eligibility. Towers said the club would obtain an insurance policy to reduce the investment risk. Peavy has said that if a multiyear deal isn't struck, he'd likely test his arbitration clout next winter. Towers envisions a two-year extension for Bochy before camp closes.
Changing tactics: Bochy and his coaches are devoting extra time to the team's pickoff plays and bunt defenses. Bochy said it's a good idea to mix things up.
The fun continues: Coming off his best season, second baseman Mark Loretta had an eventful offseason as well. His wife, Hillary, gave birth to a girl, Lucy, and Loretta and four other baseball couples dined at the White House with President Bush. "He's such a big baseball fan," Loretta said of Bush, a former owner of the Texas Rangers. "It was kind of a relaxing night for him, just talking baseball." Loretta yesterday became the final player to check into camp.
Looks like a bargain: The Padres are putting the final touches on a one-year contract for shortstop Khalil Greene. One of the majors' top shortstops last season, Greene doesn't have arbitration leverage; his 2005 salary will be about $350,000, close to what Peavy received at a comparable work-service stage.
– TOM KRASOVIC
Klesko unloads: Ryan Klesko clobbered several shots off the weight room beyond the right-field wall. Coming off shoulder surgery from September 2003, Klesko hit few deep shots in spring training last year, and only one home run in his initial 190 at-bats last season. "It's a remarkable difference from the first day this year to the first day last spring," manager Bruce Bochy said.
Extensions closer: General Manager Kevin Towers said he's "cautiously optimistic" the club will sign pitcher Jake Peavy, 23, to a multiyear contract by next week. The guarantee is likely to run through 2008, removing Peavy from arbitration eligibility. Towers said the club would obtain an insurance policy to reduce the investment risk. Peavy has said that if a multiyear deal isn't struck, he'd likely test his arbitration clout next winter. Towers envisions a two-year extension for Bochy before camp closes.
Changing tactics: Bochy and his coaches are devoting extra time to the team's pickoff plays and bunt defenses. Bochy said it's a good idea to mix things up.
The fun continues: Coming off his best season, second baseman Mark Loretta had an eventful offseason as well. His wife, Hillary, gave birth to a girl, Lucy, and Loretta and four other baseball couples dined at the White House with President Bush. "He's such a big baseball fan," Loretta said of Bush, a former owner of the Texas Rangers. "It was kind of a relaxing night for him, just talking baseball." Loretta yesterday became the final player to check into camp.
Looks like a bargain: The Padres are putting the final touches on a one-year contract for shortstop Khalil Greene. One of the majors' top shortstops last season, Greene doesn't have arbitration leverage; his 2005 salary will be about $350,000, close to what Peavy received at a comparable work-service stage.
– TOM KRASOVIC