Padres Spring Training News and Notes: February 28
The clicking of the cleats on the concrete is echoing all around the Peoria Sports Complex.
Baseball is in the air, and the San Diego Padres are raring to go.
Naturally, there is a huge amount of excitement around camp. Everyone that I have spoken to has communicated that they are excited for the 2018 season. And why shouldn’t they be? The Padres have constructed a youthful team that is surely fun to watch.
There was a lot of action in the complex on Wednesday as the minor league camp is starting to form. Buddy Reed, Luis Almanzar, Mason House, Esteury Ruiz, Blake Hunt, and others were spotted getting in early work on the back fields.
Here are some news and notes for the day:
- Cal Quantrill will make his first start of the spring on Thursday. He reported to me that he is excited to get out there and is ready to go.
- Eric Lauer reported no issues with his arm after yesterday’s debut. He was not pleased with the outing as he always strives for perfection.
- Franmil Reyes is in great spirits. He has no issues with his wrist presently and is in camp 100 percent healthy.
- Anderson Espinoza is in camp and working out with teammates.
- A.J. Ellis was spotted working with left-handed pitcher Matt Strahm this afternoon. The A.J. Ellis factor is already showing up in Padres camp.
- Jacob Nix threw a bullpen session today as he works through a lower leg issue. He should make his debut next week some time.
- Johnny Homza has added 20 lbs or so of muscle this offseason. He looks amazingly strong right now.
- Caught up with both Mason House and Blake Hunt. Both are in great spirits and excited for their first taste of a full year of professional baseball. Hunt reports to me that his shoulder is now 100 percent.
- International Scouting Director Chris Kemp spoke to me for a few. He is very excited that the next wave of talent is here and he predicts some big things this 2018 season from many young faces.
- Darren Balsley was spotted working with Bryan Mitchell this morning. They appeared to be working on his breaking pitches.
- Fan favorite Randy Jones was in camp and signing for fans.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.