Padres Revive Their Old Tricks

The Padres are up to their old spring training tricks again. While most of the teams use prospects and triple A players during many of the innings played during the spring, the Padres rely on their front-line players and established stars. Have you ever noticed how many four at-bat games Tony Gwynn or Bip Roberts have in the spring?

Of course, the end result is that the Padres compile an impressive spring record and everyone is filled with false optimism. Unfortunately, the team seems to peak about five days before the season actually begins, while most teams are just rounding into form. This results in the Padres getting off to their customary slow start and usually being out of the serious contention before school is out.

BILL TAPP

San Diego