The Angels really helped out the Padres by sweeping the Dodgers and after taking two of three in Seattle, the Padres now sit just one game back of LA. The weekend series was highlighted by two great pitching performances, one of which was a little surprising. We expect some good pitching from Chris Young now and then but when it comes from Justin Germano, it’s unexpected. Germano threw six shutout innings yesterday and he’s now won his last two starts. I’ll be taking a closer look at Germano here for you soon.
Marcus Giles had a great series and he had two hits in each of the three games. He’s now hitting .293 and while he hasn’t hit for a lot of power, his .359 OBP is pretty respectable. Adrian Gonzalez didn’t do much in the first two games, he did pick up three hits in the finale. Gonzalez’s power drought is concerning (he hasn’t hit a homerun since May 9) but the Padres keep winning so no complaints here.
In prospect news, first base prospect Kyle Blanks was highlighted for his outstanding weekend. He went eleven for eighteen and he drove in eleven runs in the weekend series. Blanks checks in at 6′6″, 280 lbs and he’s had his injury problems in the past. He’s definitely a guy to watch down at Lake Elsinore. And then this story talks about third base prospect Chase Headley.
Next up are the Cubs, who roll into town for three games beginning tomorrow. We’ll have a nice matchup in the opener with Jake Peavy taking on Rich Hill.