Mar 9, 2013; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley (7) in the field during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

On Friday, the Padres split two split-squad games vs. the Dodgers, winning 8-7, and the Royals, losing 5-7. The Friars beat the Dbacks on Saturday 10-6, but then lost two split-squad games vs. the Dbacks and the Angels, 6-8 and 4-7, respectively. The Padres continue to pound the ball this spring and, as I noted last week, I hope the pitching can keep up with the offense. A couple of developments that are worth bringing up, as guys start getting into regular season form and playing more innings.

Headley Hurt

Padres Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award-winning 3B Chase Headley jammed his thumb while sliding into second base on Sunday.  The jury is still out for how serious of an injury it is, but initial reports indicate that Headley could miss opening day.  Headley, coming off a career year, was surely excited to try and pick back up where he left off last season, when he vaulted himself into the NL MVP discussion after an incredible August and September. He was also tearing it up so far this spring, hitting .448. This type of injury scares me because it could be a nagging pain all season. If you have ever jammed a finger before, you can understand what I’m saying; it doesn’t just go away after a couple weeks, it lingers. It’s also an injury that can reoccur and be re-aggravated in so many different ways during the long grind of a season. I’m optimistic that it’s simply a minor jam and Headley will be able to play through some initial discomfort at the beginning of the year. But I really hope this is not the sign of multiple DL stints for Headley this season.

Garcia continues to struggle

When Freddy Garcia signed a one-year, minor league deal to come pitch for the Padres, it was thought he would pitch good enough and provide enough of a veteran presence to win a spot at the back end of the Padres rotation.

It has not gone according to plan thus far. Garcia has struggled mightily this spring, posting an ERA of 9.77 in just 15 2/3 innings. His misfortunes continued on Sunday, as he gave up six runs in five innings against, admittedly, a strong Angels lineup. Garcia is running out of opportunities to try and prove himself to be a starter in the rotation, as opening day is just two weeks away. And given that guys like Tyson Ross and Andrew Cashner are looking good, Garcia might be on the outside looking in come April 1^st.

Anthony Bass- Bass is my odds on favorite to earn a spot in the Padres’ rotation. Bass has made four appearances this Spring (one start) with a 3.00 earned run average and has no record. Opponents are hitting .304 off of him but that’s nothing to worry about beacause he’s shown control and accuracy this Spring.

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Cashner – The fireballer has been recovering for the better part of Spring Training, so he still has a ways to go before he can catch up to his competition and be even considered for a rotation spot. Cashner was health enough to make his Spring debut this week, and by the outcome of it, no one would have known he was injured. The right-hander throw up zeros across the board with a strike out on eleven pitches.

Robbie Erlin -Erlin is showing why he remains a top prospect in the Padres’ organization. This spring the youngster has accumulated a 2.25 ERA in two games for the Friars. He also has a 1-0 record. Although he is having a nice Spring, I don’t see Erlin making the rotation on opening day. He’ll be better off in Tucson and get a called-up sometime this year.

Freddy Garcia- Garcia could make the rotation if he finishes this spring strong, because his early numbers aren’t too good. Garcia hasnt picked up a win this spring as he’s 0-2 with a horrendous 13.50 ERA this Spring. His numbers are not to impressive, but  I think he’ll bounce back.

Casey Kelly – Kelly needs to work a little bit more on his velocity this spring. He’s had great spring outings and some terrible ones. All together, Kelly has a 0-0 record with a 7.71 ERA in seven innings pitched. At this point in time, I see Kelly not making the roster to get more seasoning in the minors.

Donn Roach – Roach is a beast. Josh Byrnes practically stole him from the Angels last year. The 23-year-old right hander is making a serious bid for a rotation spot, although I think he will end up in Tucson once Opening Day gets here. Roach has pitched in three games this Spring as he has no record with a  2.25 ERA and the opposition is batting .214 against him.

Tyson Ross – Ross has struggled this Spring, but has shown new form in his last start. I still like Ross to make the rotation, but he has to show more improvement. In four games this year (two starts), Ross owns a 2-2 record and a 4.09 ERA. If Ross doesn’t make the rotation straight-out then he will probably be headed to Triple-A Tucson since he would be a wasted arm in the bullpen.

Sean ‘O Sullivan – The native San Diegan has been a pleasant surprise this Spring. I don’t think he will crack the 25-man roster but his effort is being noticed. O’ Sullivan has pitched in four games this spring (two starts) and has put together a respectable pitching line going 1-0 with a 1.13 ERA. in just eight full innings pitched. He’s also struck out two and walked three.

Let us know in the comment box below who you would like to see anchor the last spot of the rotation?

Stauffer is back with the Padres. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Although I am not overly excited about these particular signings, I can definitely understand why each one was made.  In Stauffer’s case, the familiarity aspect probably weighed heavily, plus the fact that he has enjoyed some success in a Long Relief role back in 2010 as well.  Despite the fact that Stauffer’s health has failed him multiple times over the course of his career (most recently his right elbow), he has been productive when called upon and at full health (2011 Stats: 31 Starts, 9-12, 3.73 ERA, 185.2 IP, 128 K’s).

The signing also illustrates that the Coaching Staff is comfortable enough with Stauffer to give him another shot to compete for playing time.  And I am sure most Friars fans (including yours truly) can appreciate the veteran’s resiliency as he has battled back multiple times over his career from various injuries.  Think back to last February too Friars fans, it was Stauffer who was in line to be San Diego’s #1 Starter.  Thus, if the veteran’s overall health and pitching elbow permit him to, he could be in line to log some quality Innings for this team this year in some way shape or form.

The Garcia move is a tad puzzling, especially when one takes into account how the veteran will be turning 37 in October of this year.  What exactly the Padres expect to get out of a Pitcher who has seen his Innings decline in each of the last three seasons (157.0 to 146.2 to 107.1) and only threw a combined 149.0 in the three years before I’m not sure, but the team still needs emergency arms.  Keep in mind however that there have been some veteran Starters have enjoyed successful stints with the Padres as of late.  So if Garcia finds his way onto the big league roster, count me in as intrigued to see what transpires if he is given the chance to take the hill every fifth day.

At least to me, both cost-effective signings showed that the Padres obviously feel confident in the “Richard-Volquez-Stults-Marquis” Quartet projected to start the 2013 season.  Otherwise, G.M. Josh Byrnes would have likely made a stronger push to acquire more Starting Pitching depth during such a crucial offseason period for the rebuilding Padres.

It certainly appears that the Friars brass’ are trying to cover their Starting Pitching bases before this year begins, and I cannot blame the Front Office for trying to make moves no matter how minute they seem.  By June of last year, the team had already exhausted all of the Starting Rotation options who they believed were enough to get them through 2012’s 162-game marathon.  This in turn led the team to sign numerous veteran Free Agents, as well as bring up many Minor Leaguers who might not have been ready to contribute at those specific stages in their respective careers’.  By the All-Star Break, the Friars were all but eliminated and their lack of Starting Pitching was a big reason why.

How much Stauffer and Garcia will actually pitch in 2013 is still a mystery, and in what sort of capacity each will be used in as well should be an interesting thing to watch for during Spring Training.  Who knows though?  Maybe all of the guys slotted in front of the recently signed veteran Right-Handers can not only stay healthy this season, but pitch effectively enough to keep Stauffer and Garcia in the Minor Leagues or relegated to Relief duties.

At least, that’s what I hope will happen.  What actually will happen has yet to be determined.

Stats & Contract Information Courtesy of: Baseball Reference