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

If healthy, Erlin could shine in Triple-A this season. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US PRESSWIRE

Over the last month or so on this site, many of our members have discussed how starting pitching will likely be a definite need to fill during the offseason.  A week ago, I discussed some of the players that the Padres could turn to internally to fill their voids in the starting rotation.  Although I had already alluded to four potential candidates which might crack the 2013′s “Starting Five,” I failed to mention one intriguing and wild-card prospect currently on the mend: Robbie Erlin.

When Erlin came over in the “Adams to Texas” trade last summer, he appeared ready to make the leap to Triple-A ball last season and hopefully to the big leagues with the Padres at some point this year.  Between Single-A Myrtle Beach, and Double-A Frisco and San Antonio, Erlin put up a 9-4 record in 25 Starts to go along with 154 Strikeouts in 147.1 Innings Pitched.  Unfortunately for the Left-Hander, injuries took their toll on him during 2012, and he was only able to start 14 games due to oblique and elbow ailments.

Thankfully, Erlin has rebounded in the Arizona Fall League (4 Starts, 0-1 Record, 4.22 ERA, 10.2 Innings Pitched) since his injury and seems to be getting back into pitching shape.  And according to Corey Brock of the Padres’ team website, Erlin has his new sped up delivery to thank for part of his recent success and his return to competition.  While the 22 year-old will likely begin the season in either San Antonio or Tucson, I am sure that the Padres’ brass and Coaching Staff will be monitoring his progress back from his elbow injury closely.  The Friars could potentially have one to two spots in the starting rotation up for grabs this upcoming year, and if they are unable/unwilling to explore the Free Agent/Trade Market for help, the club will look internally for answers.

I am sure that San Diego will give first crack at the open rotation spots to players which have made their big league debuts already, or have pitched a significant amount of time at the big league level.  Yet if injuries strike again and Erlin can prove himself at the Triple-A level with Tucson, it would not shock me at all if he is called upon to make a spot start or two late in the season when the rosters expand or if the Padres are out of contention.

Whether or not Erlin will actually make his big league debut this year or at some point in 2014 is still up for debate.  The important thing to keep in mind however is Erlin’s overall health moving forward, and the hope that he can develop into valuable piece of San Diego’s starting rotation by the middle of this decade.  I know that I will be intrigued to watch his progress this year.  And who knows?  If injuries unfortunately strike the starting staff again, we could see Erlin sooner as opposed to later wearing a Padres uniform.

Stats Courtesy of: Baseball Reference

Bass Becomes a Full-Time Starter with Padres

Despite the fact that Bass got some starting experience at the tail-end of the 2011 season, it appeared that Bass would to take the same route to the starting rotation as Cory Luebke did according to the Padres’ team website’s Beat Writer Corey Brock: Almost two-thirds of a season apprenticeship in the bullpen doing some long relief and spot-starting, and then moved to the bottom half of the rotation as his first full season progressed.  It worked well in Luebke’s case, and until his injury, Luebke appeared to be the #1 guy on San Diego’s staff and a fixture at the top of the Padres’ rotation for years to come after taking his lumps, but gaining valuable experience last season.  Bass however was not afforded the luxury of time like Luebke was, and was thrust into the starting rotation early this season.  After both Tim Stauffer and Dustin Moseley went down with injuries, Bass moved from his middle/long relief role, and like Luebke has taken his lumps but not looked back since becoming a full-time starter.

While Bass’ 2012 statistics might not seem stellar at first glance, he has been doing some things well so far, and put together some nice outings as the year has gone on for the Padres.  Over the course of his 47.0 Innings Pitched (7 starts 43.0 Innings) this season, Bass has gone 2-4, with a 2.87 ERA, 45 Strikeouts, and shown some flashes of how good he can ultimately be in his recent starts.  In five of Bass’ last six starts he has Struck Out 7 or more batters, and even had a perfect game going into the late innings against the Giants before he ultimately gave up two runs to lose the decision.  And the last time Bass took the mound against the Nationals, Bass went 8 strong Innings and gave up only 1 run and Struck Out 8 Washington batters.

The Positives for Bass in 2012

Anthony Bass might be one of San Diego's most improved players by the end of the season. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-US PRESSWIRE

While many would not consider playing for the Padres an advantage for a young Pitcher, there are indeed some things Bass can benefit from as a member of this team in 2012.  The first advantage working in Bass’ favor is of course Petco Park, and its Pitcher-friendly dimensions.  Bass will get extensive chances learning how to pitch in his home ballpark and gain a better understanding of what works and what does not there.  There is no better way to build confidence than stringing together some strong outings and keeping the ball in the yard.

Also helping Bass is the fact that other young starters like Mat Latos, Jake Peavy, and Chris Young have flourished under the tutelage of Padres’ Manager Bud Black, and Pitching Coaches Darren Balsley, and Darrel Akerfelds.  Unless Coaching changes occur, Bass will continue his development and learn the nuances of Pitching from some of the better Pitching Coaches in the game of baseball.  The more Bass can learn from these experienced guys the better.  As Corey Brock discussed a couple of months ago, the Padres’ Coaching Staff has been hard at work since Spring Training, and they have helped Bass to improve in numerous areas such as his control, where he starts his windup, developing his off-speed pitches, etc..  Bass appears to be in good hands, and he could improve by leaps and bounds under his Coaches’ tutelage.

The one thing which helps Bass the most this season though will be the large amount of opportunities he has to shine.  Now that Bass is firmly entrenched in the Padres’ starting five, every chance he has to take the hill and start this season is another resume builder and a chance to learn on the job by doing.  Because the overall team expectations will be low, and San Diego is likely not going to be involved in the pennant race come August, the only thing Bass really has to focus on is pitching a solid game and improving every time he takes the mound.

Final Thoughts

With 120+ games left to go, Bass should theoretically receive another 25-30 starts over the course of the season if he stays healthy.  There will undoubtedly be a few more growing pains along the way, and some starts could be like a few of Bass’ so far where he might get knocked around or put too many guys on base and get burned.  Early career inconsistencies aside, there is a great deal to like about Bass and he should figure to be a fixture in the Padres’ starting rotation for a very long time.  You still have to hand it to a guy, whose Starting Rotation E.T.A. was likely not scheduled until after the All-Star Break, who has stepped up for the team due to injuries and is currently “learning by doing.”  I know that I will be watching closely as Bass develops over the course of this season, and hopefully soon the Padres might have themselves a young but experienced quality starting five with Bass somewhere in the mix.

Statistics Courtesy of: http://www.baseball-reference.com/

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