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Padres Press Clips Thursday, March 31, 2016

Article Source Author Page Preller doesn’t expect big moves before opener UT San Diego Lin 2 Padres’ Shields in cryotherapy business UT San Diego Lin 4

Padres trade Vincent to Mariners UT San Diego Lin 8 Roster Rankings: No. 2 Wil Myers UT San Diego Sanders 13 Is this year Padres throw elusive no-no? MLB.com Cassavell 14 Ross impressive in final spring tuneup MLB.com Johns 17 Gwynn’s influence reached beyond San Diego MLB.com Slane 19 Preller does not expect major trade before opener MLB.com Cassavell 21 Looming Pomeranz decision to impact rest of staff MLB.com Cassavell 22 Padres trade Vincent to Mariners MLB.com Cassavell 24 Mariners acquire RHP Nick Vincent in trade with Padres Associated Press AP 25

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Preller doesn't expect big moves before opener Padres GM says current focus is on internal position battles By Dennis Lin | 5:38 p.m. March 30, 2016

PEORIA, ARIZ. — After trading reliever Nick Vincent for a player to be named on

the Padres' final day in Arizona, General Manager A.J. Preller said he did not expect

to make more moves, at least significant ones, before opening day.

"I don’t really think so," Preller said early Wednesday evening. "I think at this point,

our focus has been more on some of the position battles, the competitions to round

the club out. But you never want to say no. There’s always discussion."

The Padres open the season Monday night when they host the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Of course, Preller famously pulled off a stunning blockbuster on the eve of last season,

acquiring Craig Kimbrel and Melvin Upton Jr., but the circumstances are different

this year. If the GM does make a substantial trade over the next few days, it could be

with the opposite intent -- to unload money and augment the farm system.

After making a big push in 2015, the Padres' window for contention presently appears

all but shut. Many in baseball expect them to trade multiple pieces this summer,

barring a surprise in the standings. Still, ownership repeatedly has stressed they will

attempt to compete while building the farm system.

There was speculation earlier Wednesday that the Padres might look to add another

bat such as the left-handed-hitting James Loney to platoon with Wil Myers at first

base (and allow Myers to also play the outfield). Loney, a 31-year-old veteran, has

been told he won't make Tampa Bay's opening-day roster and reportedly will be

traded or released.

Myers, who began 2015 in center field, is entering his first professional season as a

full-time first baseman.

"I think this time of year you’re always looking for health and extra depth," Preller

said. "Sometimes that comes at the big-league level. A lot of times it comes at the

minor league level, adding minor league depth. In Wil’s case, we feel good about

where he's at. … He’s had a really nice last couple weeks swinging the bat, and he feels

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pretty good at first base. It’s still going to be a learning process, but we feel really good

about him at first base going into the year."

Preller also indicated he was content with the club's current options in the rotation

and the bullpen, though that wouldn't preclude the possibility of transactions down

the road. Most notably, the Padres have been linked to former two-time Cy Young

winner Tim Lincecum, who has no-hit them twice. The right-hander, who is coming

off hip surgery, has had an open showcase pushed back a number of times. It is

unclear when teams will be able to see him pitch.

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Padres' Shields in cryotherapy business Pitcher liked treatment so much he opened his own Del Mar store By Dennis Lin | 3:46 p.m. March 30, 2016

PEORIA, ARIZ. — James Shields was hurting.

The symptoms were more widespread fatigue than acute pain. It was the summer of

2013, and the then-Kansas City pitcher’s legs were dead. His right shoulder was

dragging. The setting did not help; the Royals were on the road in Arlington, Texas,

where thermometers registered north of 100 degrees.

So one sweltering morning, Shields stepped into a futuristic chamber on the

recommendation of a friend. Soon, the chamber, which resembled an upright MRI

machine, filled with nitrogen vapor. The temperature inside plummeted to below

minus-100 degrees … as in Celsius.

Within moments, Shields stepped out. Then came the aftermath of what is known as

whole-body cryotherapy.

“It completely rejuvenated my body,” Shields recalled. “It was actually pretty amazing.

Normally, I don’t shag (fly balls) in Texas, because it’s so hot, but I was shagging that

day and I pitched two days later and felt amazing.”

Shields felt so good, in fact, that he began seeking out cryotherapy machines in every

city the Royals traveled to. Eventually, he looked into installing one in his own home.

When he found that such a setup might not be entirely legal, he decided to start his

own business.

On Feb. 13, Cryo Shield, quite possibly the first cryotherapy store owned by a

prominent U.S. athlete, celebrated its grand opening. Located in Del Mar’s Flower Hill

Promenade, the store contains three whole-body machines and has allowed Shields,

now with the Padres, to regularly receive a treatment he swears — and to convince

others of its benefits.

Think of an ice bath, a universal method of recovery in the sports world. Now, think of

the process accelerated by extreme, subzero temperatures, to the point that three

minutes is the maximum time allowed.

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“The results I get every time I go in for a session, they’re second to none,” Shields

said.

Shields is far from alone in his devotion. Only in recent years has cryotherapy,

developed in Japan in 1978 to treat rheumatoid arthritis, gained traction stateside.

Among athletes both professional and recreational, it already represents a veritable

craze.

In 2011, a veteran Dallas Mavericks team perked ears with its use of cryotherapy on

the way to winning the NBA Finals. Since then, luminaries such as LeBron James,

Floyd Mayweather, Usain Bolt and Jordan Spieth have made their own endorsements.

NFL teams including the Denver Broncos and the Green Bay Packers frequent

cryotherapy spots, and MLB clubs like the Royals and the Miami Marlins have added

a whole-body chamber to their training and recovery options.

The Padres have discussed adding one of their own, and while nothing is definitive,

those talks appear to be quite serious.

“In general, it’s cold therapy and it helps you recover faster as an athlete, so I think

it’d definitely be wise to get something like that in this clubhouse,” said Shields, who

averages three sessions per week but added he’d ideally have one daily.

The procedure, as Shields portrays it, is quite simple. For up to three minutes — but

never any longer — you stand in a full-body chamber wearing only shorts, socks and

gloves as liquid nitrogen envelops your limbs and torso in temperatures ranging from

minus-110 to minus-130 degrees Celsius (minus-166 to minus-202 degrees

Fahrenheit).

“It sounds really cold, but it really is not that bad,” Shields said. “I do ice baths all the

time, and I have a harder time getting in an ice bath than doing cryotherapy. You’re

dry — it’s a dry steam — and basically it gets your skin temperature down to about

roughly 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.”

This temporary chilling of the skin prompts the body to go into self-preservation

mode.

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“Your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, your sensors in your body detect

hypothermia stage, and what happens is all the blood rushes to the core of your body,”

Shields said. “When you get out, it flushes out all the lactic acid, flushes out all the

bad blood, and creates new blood. As everybody knows, bad blood creates

inflammation, soreness, things like that. When you have new blood in there, it helps

you recover and rejuvenates your body.”

One session purportedly does all this in a fraction of the time it takes to shiver

through a 15-minute or 20-minute ice bath. Supporters of the treatment point to other

benefits as well.

According to the Cryo Shield website, cryotherapy serves such functions as reducing

inflammation and soreness, assisting weight loss and anti-aging, increasing energy by

a natural release of endorphins and adrenaline, and improving post-surgical recovery

and pain management. It has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, multiple

sclerosis, fibromyalgia, anxiety, sleep disorders and more.

Scientific research on whole-body cryotherapy has produced mixed findings — and

the practice is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration — but the wave of

popularity has shown no signs of cresting. Shields estimated there were roughly 50 or

60 whole-body machines in the country when he underwent his first session in Texas.

Now, it’s believed the count has surpassed 400.

Cryo Shield, Shields said, “has a couple other stores in the works” in the San Diego

area, with one tentatively scheduled to open in June. For now, the location is a secret.

“It’s one of the best wellness cities in the country,” Shields said, “and just to be able to

add to that is nice.”

Mamba cryo

Last Wednesday, Shields watched Kobe Bryant’s final NBA game in Phoenix from

a courtside seat at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Afterward, Shields, Padres right

fielder Matt Kemp and Los Angeles Angels teammates Mike Trout, Jered Weaver,

Garrett Richards and Tyler Skaggs gained a private entry into the visiting locker

room.

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There, Bryant met with them and spoke on a variety of topics. The soon-to-retire

37-year-old stressed that attention to detail had buoyed him both on and off the

court. Taking shortcuts on the training table was discouraged.

“Pretty inspirational stuff,” recalled Shields, who grew up just north of Los Angeles

cheering the Lakers.

Cryotherapy, given its immediate nature, might seem to go against Bryant’s

mentality … except for the fact the future Hall of Famer has used it himself.

In the meantime, the company has a mobile unit, a 38-foot toy-hauler trailer

equipped with a cryotherapy machine, to help spread the word. Last summer, Shields

brought it to Petco Park for a weeklong trial. Reviews from teammates proved positive

across the board.

“As far as I could see, it wasn’t like I got out and and was, like, oh my gosh, I’m

refreshed,” catcher Derek Norris said. "But over the course of a couple hours, I could

definitely feel myself having a little more energy. … Hopefully, we can get one at the

ballpark so I can use it more often.”

Right-hander Andrew Cashner agreed, noting that cryotherapy locations continue to

sprout around his home state of Texas.

“I’m a big fan of it,” Cashner said. “You just feel better when you come out. It’s a

chance to get the blood moving a little faster.”

Opening-day starter Tyson Ross estimated he’s stepped in a cryotherapy chamber a

dozen times. A San Diego resident, he’s visited Shields’ store himself.

“James is pretty smart to get into that business, and he’s got a good setup,” Ross said.

“It’s a good tool to use during the season to kind of get the body going. Going seven

(innings) every five days wears you down, so it’s a good way to bounce back.

“I’m something that’s not only beneficial to us in the long grind of a season, but

there’s tons of health benefits for young and old.”

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Padres trade Vincent to Mariners San Diego gets player to be named later By Dennis Lin | 9:34 a.m. March 30, 2016 | Updated, 3:30 p.m.

PEORIA, ARIZ. — Nick Vincent walked across a parking lot at the Peoria Sports

Complex on Wednesday. The distance was roughly that of a football field. Only this

time, he was going to a new team.

Shortly before they were set to leave Arizona, the Padres traded the right-handed

reliever to Seattle for a player to be named later, parting ways with a San Diego native

and adding clarity to their relief picture.

Vincent, a product of Ramona High School and Palomar College, is out of minor

league options. The 29-year-old appeared in 26 games across four stints with the

Padres last season, going 0-1 with a 2.35 ERA (23 IP, 6 ER). He also pitched in 40

games with Triple-A El Paso, going 5-3 with a save and a 3.04 ERA.

"What a great guy and somebody who's been very good for the Padres," manager Andy

Green said. "You get down to a situation where an out-of-options reliever for us right

now is a difficult commodity to hang on to, no matter how much we liked him. We

wish him well; other than when he pitches against us in interleague, we want to see

him dominate for them."

Ironically, the Padres were scheduled to face the Mariners on Wednesday in a Cactus

League finale. To the relief of all parties involved, Vincent was not scheduled to pitch

against his now-former team.

"Growing up in San Diego and playing for San Diego has been a lifelong dream,"

Vincent said. "It’s tough to leave, but it’s part of the game.

"I knew in time it was going to happen sooner or later in your career," Vincent said.

"It’s hard to find guys that played for one team their whole life. It’s going to be fun.

It’s a change. They want me, so that’s good. ... Baseball’s all about getting to know new

teammates each year, so it’s going to be a slow process in the beginning, but as soon

as you get to know the guys and hang out with the guys, it’s going to be a fun time."

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The Padres felt they were able to give up Vincent because they have a number of other

options. The opening-day bullpen will include Fernando Rodney, Carlos Villanueva,

Brandon Maurer and Matt Thornton. Kevin Quackenbush, who'd also been rumored

as a Seattle trade target, is likely to make the cut as well. Out-of-options lefty Drew

Pomeranz, who has been competing for a rotation job, is another possibility, as are

Rule 5 arms Josh Martin and Luis Perdomo.

Over parts of four big-league seasons in San Diego, Vincent is 9-6 with a save and a

2.63 ERA. In 161 career appearances (150 2/3 innings), he walked 39 batters and

struck out 161.

This spring, Vincent yielded five earned runs in 8 1/3 Cactus League innings.

The Padres originally signed Vincent in 2008 as an 18th-round draft pick out of Cal

State Long Beach.

San Diego has a list from which it will select the player to be named.

It won't be outfielder Jabari Blash, whom the Padres acquired as a Rule 5 draftee from

Seattle, via a trade with Oakland. According to a source, there is a "high expectation"

Blash makes the opening-day roster.

There had been some thought that, if Blash didn't make the team and cleared waivers,

the Padres would seek a deal to keep him in the organization. It appears, however, the

26-year-old slugger will be a part of the big-league bench, with the potential that he

could eventually earn the starting left-field job.

Blash exited Tuesday's game due to a hamstring cramp.

"He feels good," Green said. "I think there's been a few guys who've suffered from a

little bit of dehydration coming back from Mexico, and he was one of them. ... We're

thankful it's just a cramp and not a hamstring pull."

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Ross set for opener

The Padres won their Cactus League finale, 7-5 over Seattle, with opening-day starter

Tyson Ross throwing three innings of one-run ball.

Ross allowed two hits and struck out four. He threw 46 pitches (30 strikes). Monday

at Petco Park, he'll take the mound against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"I knew it was going to be a little bit of a reduced workload with it being the last start

of spring, but I felt good for three innings," Ross said. "It was nice to work with

(Derek Norris) again, get on the same page, work on some sequences and have a good

result to end my 2016 spring."

The Padres finished their Cactus League schedule with a 10-19 record. Ross headed

back to San Diego to begin preparing for Monday's start, his first in a season opener.

"Opening day, opening series, first time on the mound with the lights on, it’s always a

lot of fun," said Ross, who was named the Padres' No. 1 all the way back on Feb. 19.

"It’s something I enjoy every year, and it’s going to be great to be out there for the first

of 162 and hopefully more than that."

Right-hander Brandon Morrow followed Ross on Wednesday and looked sharp in

three innings of work. He struck out the side in the fourth and finished with six

strikeouts and one run allowed. Morrow, who is on a minor league deal with a June 1

opt-out, will stay behind in Arizona to continue getting stretched out.

“The first inning was great; he came out and was live,” Green said. “Derek Norris

came over and kind of gave a ‘wow.’ … Overall, his stuff was outstanding.”

Green was asked if Morrow has a rotation spot waiting for him when he's ready.

“He’s somebody we highly value,” Green said. “To him, we said we can’t

circumstantially predict how this next month’s going to play out; you just don’t know.

If the guys who are put in the 4 and 5 spots are absolutely dominant, we’re probably

not going to boot them to get him in there. But we think incredibly highly of him,

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we’re glad he’s with our organization and we have every anticipation he’s going to

pitch for us at the big-league level at some point in time this year.”

Adam Rosales, who is competing for a utility job, came off the bench to go 1-for-2 with

his third spring home run.

Thorton ready to help

Thorton, 39, was informed Tuesday he will make the team. The veteran left-hander

signed a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training early this month.

Thornton has a career 3.35 ERA over 12 big-league seasons — substantially more

experience than most of the relievers in camp. According to Cot's Contracts, he has a

major league salary of $1.6 million and can earn up to an additional $1.9 million

based on games pitched.

Thornton had shown well this spring before giving up multiple runs in three

consecutive outings.

"I had some mechanical issues I was working through a couple of the games,"

Thornton said. "I felt better and then gave up the homer against Kansas City, but I felt

good and I felt strong, so I wasn't too worried. But at the same time, they're assessing

performance and what they think you're going to do for the year. So I'm excited for

the opportunity and looking forward to helping."

With the exception of Rodney, Thornton has the most big-league service time in

camp.

"If anyone comes to me with a question, I hope I have some sort of answer to help

them out, whether it's preparation or pitching against veterans that I've faced a lot of

time and just things that I do that I've had success with," Thornton said. "It's a non-

stop learning game. I continue to learn and learn from mistakes."

iPad talk

Major League Baseball announced Wednesday a collaboration with Apple to allow

iPad Pros in dugouts and bullpens beginning this season. A newly developed advance

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scouting, analytics and video app called MLB Dugout has been approved for use

during games.

Over the offseason, MLB installed a private network infrastructure in clubhouses in

all 30 major league stadiums. Per league rules, iPads used in dugouts and bullpens

will not be connected to the Internet or live-streaming video.

Use of the devices is optional, though the Padres will take advantage. While on

Arizona's coaching last September, Green was among those to try out a pilot program,

utilizing an iPad Air 2 and an early version of MLB Dugout.

"We can watch historic video of guys pitching so guys can get a look in the dugout,"

Green said. "...Supposedly, there's been a lot of progress made with making that more

user-friendly, and hopefully the technology helps us."

Green said the Padres won't be dispensing of traditional notebooks and binders

immediately.

"I would say we would have both in the beginning until we get very comfortable using

the technology that's been provided," Green said.

Notable

It's possible utility candidate Alexi Amarista opens the season on the disabled

list, Green said. Amarista jammed his left shoulder diving for a ball Monday

against Kansas City.

Dan Straily, who was acquired from Houston on Monday, pitched four innings

in a minor league game Wednesday. The right-hander, who is out of options,

won't appear in the upcoming exhibition games in El Paso or at Petco Park. It's

unclear what the plan is moving forward, though Green said he was impressed

by Straily's performance. "He mixed very well," Green said. "More curveballs

than we've seen from him."

Green said the team is "probably a day away" from deciding whether Pomeranz

will pitch out of the bullpen or in the back end of the rotation. The manager also

said he won't use the Padres' April 7 off-day to skip a starter. The Nos. 4 and 5

arms, regardless of who they are, will start April 8 and 9 at Colorado.

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Roster rankings: No. 2 Wil Myers Sizing up the players on the Padres’ 40-man roster By Jeff Sanders | 8 a.m. March 31, 2016

No. 2 Wil Myers Position: First baseman

2016 Opening Day age:25

Contract status: Will make $519,800 in 2016; arbitration-eligible for the first

time in 2017.

Key stats: .253 avg., .336 OBP, .427 SLG, 8 HRs, 29 RBIs, 40 runs, 5 steals, 27

walks, 55 strikeouts, 253 PAs (60 games).

Trending: Down – For the second year in a row, issues with a wrist prevented

Myers from building on the half season (.293/.354/.478) that earned Myers the

AL Rookie of the Year in 2013. Injured in early May, Myers had a bone spur

removed from his left wrist in mid-June and endured a number of setbacks on

the comeback trail before sticking in the lineup for most of the final month of

the season. Although he hit three of his eight home runs upon returning to

action, his .208/.351/.364 batting line was well off the pace he set as an unlikely

sparkplug as a leadoff hitter before succumbing to injury (.291/.340/.493).

Myers largely remained in that spot when he returned to the lineup, but saw

most of his action in the field at first base, a position that he took to well after

costing the Padres minus-7 defensive runs in 38 games in center field,

according to baseball-reference.com.

2016 outlook: While A.J. Preller’s naysayers love to point out how good Joe

Ross and Trea Turner would look in a Padres uniform right about now, the 25-

year-old Myers still has plenty of time to emerge as the young, controllable

power hitter that the organization hadn’t produced in years. He hit as many as

37 homers in one season in the minors and was producing even as a miscast

catalyst when his season came off the rails. A healthy wrist would go long ways

toward helping Myers – now a full-time first baseman – realize his potential,

which would offer a new prism through which to view the most controversial of

Preller’s trades to date.

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Is this year Padres throw elusive no-no? Top 3 starters among reasons to believe franchise's drought coming to end By AJ Cassavell / MLB.com | @AJCassavell | 12:01 AM ET

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Seven-thousand, four-hundred, eighty-eight games and counting ...

That's how long the Padres have existed as a franchise, and it's also how long the Padres have existed

without their elusive first no-hitter.

It's a tired refrain, really: A Padres pitcher takes a no-no into the latter stages of a game. The

conversation inevitably turns to that dubious drought. Then, a batted ball finds a patch of grass in the

outfield, and the talk turns to when that elusive no-hitter will finally come.

Why not 2016?

"You look at the history of no-hitters, perfect games, it's not always guys with fantastic stuff," says

Padres pitching coach Darren Balsley. "There's a game here or there almost every year where you

wouldn't predict a no-no. ... We've had multiple cases where we're three outs away, four outs away, six

outs away.

"Can it happen, absolutely? Will it happen? It has to happen sometime."

Predicting a no-hitter is undoubtedly a fool's errand. Bud Smith has one. Greg Maddux does

not. Recently-retired Philip Humber has one. Pedro Martinez does not.

Still, there are three legitimate reasons to believe that this 2016 San Diego team is capable.

1. The pitchers

In Balsley's eyes, the front end of the Padres' rotation -- Tyson Ross, Andrew Cashner andJames

Shields -- has no-hit stuff. It's easy to see why.

Ross limits hard contact as well as anyone in baseball and posted a strikeout rate above 25 percent in

2015. Cashner has two one-hitters to his name, and Shields has gone the distance five times while

allowing two hits or fewer.

"It could happen to any Major League pitcher," said Balsley. "But we have the type of guys who could

string a great game together."

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2. The defense

The 2015 Padres defense didn't do its pitching staff many favors. That should change this season --

specifically up the middle.

Jon Jay and Melvin Upton Jr. give the club a much rangier outfield, and Alexei Ramirezand Cory

Spangenberg solidify the middle infield. (Not to mention Derek Norris' improvement as a pitch-framer.)

Historically, a no-hitter without a defensive gem is rare. It would seem the Padres have fielders capable

of providing that moment of brilliance.

3. League-wide trends

Over the past five years, Major League Baseball has seen 25 no-hitters, the most plentiful stretch in the

sport's history. That five-year stretch has also seen the lowest league-wide batting average since

divisional play began.

Makes sense. Fewer hits means more no-hitters. And there are two specific reasons why that's been the

case.

The league-wide strikeout rate of 20.4 percent in 2015 was the highest in history. At the same time,

there's been a revolution in defensive positioning. In essence, fewer pitches are being put in play --

limiting the volatility of batted balls. And when defenses get tested, there's more information available

ensure fielders are in the right spot.

"Any time there's a ball in play, anything can happen," said Minor League pitching coach and former

Padres hurler Jimmy Jones. "There's a lot involved, a lot of intangibles."

Padres pitchers have combined for four National League Cy Young Awards and three ERA titles. Randy

Jones, Jake Peavy, Ed Whitson, Kevin Brown and Bruce Hurst have all donned San Diego jerseys

without accomplishing the feat.

"There have been some great pitchers in San Diego," said Jimmy Jones. "When you're talking about it

being a fluke -- it probably is. Look at everybody that's gone through there. Even Randy Jones back then,

he'd get ground ball after ground ball, and be done in an hour and a half. It's amazing to me he never

threw one."

Jimmy Jones would know a thing or two about bad luck and no-hitters. In his 1986 Major League debut in

Houston, Jones was nearly perfect. He allowed one blemish on the night -- a triple by opposing pitcher

Bob Knepper. Instead of carving himself a place in the history books, Jones is simply one of 17 Padres

pitchers with a one-hitter.

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Among the most legendary close calls are Clay Kirby -- who was pinch-hit for, while carrying a no-no --

and Chris Young, who allowed a pinch-hit homer with two outs to go.

But no one has ever come closer than Steve Arlin in 1972. Arlin carried a no-no with two outs in the

ninth, when Denny Doyle's chopper over the third baseman spoiled his shot at history.

"You have to have a lot of things go in your favor," Arlin said at the anniversary of his near no-no in

2013. "The umpire has to be doing a decent job, you have to be scoring runs -- I pitched a one-hitter

against the Mets and it was 0-0 into the 10th inning. That kind of stuff has to go right for you. Sometimes

it doesn't."

Last August in Colorado, everything fell into place for Matt Kemp, who became the first player in Padres

history to hit for the cycle. There are reasons to believe the Padres could be in line for some similar good

fortune in 2016 in their quest for that elusive no-no.

But in Jones' eyes, there's another drought he'd like to see snapped first.

"Of course [a no-hitter] would be an unbelievable feat -- for the team, for the fans," Jones says. "But I'd

rather have a World Series."

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Ross impressive in final spring tuneup By Greg Johns / MLB.com | March 30th, 2016

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Felix Hernandez gave up four runs and four hits in three innings in a 7-5 Cactus

League loss to the Padres in his final spring outing Wednesday, but the Mariners ace says he'll be ready

to roll for his ninth Opening Day start when Seattle kicks off its regular season on Monday in Texas.

Tyson Ross warmed up for his inaugural Opening Day start as he threw three innings of one-run ball for

the Padres in their Cactus League finale as they now head to El Paso, Texas, to face their Triple-A club

in a Thursday exhibition. Ross will start April 4 against the Dodgers at Petco Park.

"I felt good for three innings," said Ross, who allowed just two hits and struck out four while lowering his

spring ERA to 7.71. "It was nice to work with [catcher Derek Norris] again, get on the same page, just

kind of work on some sequences and have a good result to end my 2016 spring."

Hernandez has been through this routine many times and said he doesn't worry much about results in

Arizona, just staying healthy and getting his pitches in. But he did ask for an extra inning of work in his

final abbreviated tuneup after struggling with his control in the first frame when he allowed all four runs

(three earned) on three hits.

"The first inning, everything was up," Hernandez said. "After that, I fixed everything and it was good. I

was just trying to keep the ball down in the strike zone and we made some quick outs."

Hernandez issued a one-out walk in the first to Cory Spangenberg, who scored on a double to left-

center by Matt Kemp. After Wil Myers singled to put runners at the corners, the Padres got a break

when Seattle first baseman Dae-Ho Lee couldn't handle a high hopper by Yangervis Solarte as Kemp

scored from third. Norris then drove a two-run double just past the outstretched glove of left fielder Efren Navarro and Hernandez -- who'd pitched six shutout innings his previous outing against the White Sox -- was down 4-0 with just one out.

But Hernandez retired eight of the final nine batters he faced and finished his spring with a 4.11 ERA in

four Cactus League starts. The 29-year-old often struggles in spring, but is 6-0 with a 1.49 ERA in his

eight Opening Day starts.

"I'm not looking at results," said Hernandez. "I just want to be healthy and ready for April 4."

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Kemp went 2-for-3 and is hitting .400 (20-for-50) on the spring, while Norris also had a two-hit day for the

Padres, while Adam Rosales added a two-run homer in the seventh off Mariners reliever Tony Zych. Padres right-hander Brandon Morrow, working back from offseason shoulder surgery, allowed just one hit and one run in three innings of relief while striking out six.

Up next for the Padres: The Padres travel to El Paso to face their Triple-A affiliate, the El Paso

Chihuahuas on Thursday at 5:35 p.m. PT. Robbie Erlin gets the ball for San Diego, as he continues his

quest to win a spot at the back end of the rotation. Erlin's 2.25 ERA is the lowest of any Padres starter

this spring. Meanwhile, Carlos Pimentel gets the ball for El Paso.

Up next for Mariners: While the rest of the club has an off-day Thursday, right-handerHisashi

Iwakuma will pitch two innings against the Padres' Double-A team at a backfield at the Peoria Sports

Complex in his final spring tuneup. The Mariners resume Cactus League play Friday with Wade Miley on

the mound in a 7:10 p.m. PT game against the Rockies at Peoria Stadium.

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Gwynn's influence reached beyond San Diego With new memorial planned, players remember the late Padres great By Bill Slane / Special to MLB.com | March 30th, 2016

PEORIA, Ariz. -- There are only a handful of players in the history of baseball who have been more

connected to their city than Padres legend Tony Gwynn was to San Diego.

The Los Angeles native adopted San Diego as his home from the first day he stepped onto the campus at

San Diego State and was drafted by the Padres in 1981. His Hall of Fame career has left an impact on the

organization that will likely last forever.

Next month, his adopted home of Poway, Calif., will unveil a new memorial for the Hall of Fame right

fielder as the two-year anniversary of Gwynn's passing approaches in June. The city will also host a

benefit concert event in honor of Gwynn in April to help fund the memorial.

To fans of the team, he was known as "Mr. Padre," but Poway natives preferred the name "Mr. Poway"

for their adopted son.

The legacy of Gwynn is impossible to measure in San Diego, but his impact was felt by baseball players

growing up across the country.

Current Padres second baseman Cory Spangenberg grew up in Clarks Summit, Pa., but Gwynn was still

a role model on the other side of the country.

"Actually, he was my older brother's favorite player," he said. "That's why I always wore 19. So he's been

a major influence in my life."

Aside from his All-Star appearances, batting titles and Silver Slugger awards, Gwynn was well-known for

his work in the community. Gwynn won the Roberto Clemente Award in 1999.

Gwynn's work ethic has also become an inspiration to current Padres.

"That's No. 1. That guy showed up every single day," pitcher Brandon Morrow said. "Obviously, very

naturally talented, but also put in all the work necessary to realize all that talent."

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Despite his Hall of Fame numbers, there is still a work ethic for which Morrow feels Gwynn doesn't get

the credit he deserves.

"Obviously, he had an unbelievable Hall of Fame career, but the general public, the fans, don't realize

what happens between 1 o'clock and 7 o'clock before the games start," he said. "It's always encouraging to

hear players that have had such great careers, how much hard work went into it."

Morrow is more impressed when someone like Gwynn puts in that much extra work when he may have

not needed to.

"Some guys just roll out of bed and do it, and I'm sure he could've done that," he said. "But to put in all

that extra work that he probably didn't have to do to take probably a great career to one of the best is

admirable."

Both Morrow and Spangenberg pointed to Derek Jeter in New York and Ken Griffey Jr., in Seattle as

comparable players in terms of connection to their cities.

"Another transcendent talent like that, someone I've played with, would probably be Ichiro [Suzuki],"

Morrow said.

But Ichiro hasn't had the impact on a city that Gwynn did.

"Tony has been a huge influence in San Diego," Spangenberg said. "All he did for the team, all he did for

the city. He was there through his whole career and after his career coaching at San Diego State. So he

just meant so much to that city."

21

Preller does not expect major trades before opener GM discusses remaining roster battles as Spring Training ends By AJ Cassavell / MLB.com | @AJCassavell | March 30th, 2016

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Padres general manager A.J. Preller doesn't foresee his club making any major trades

before Opening Day. But this is A.J. Preller we're talking about, so don't rule it out.

"At this point, our focus has been more on some of the position battles, the competitions to round the club

out," Preller said Wednesday evening, as the Padres departed their Spring Training complex in Peoria.

"But you never want to say no. There's always discussion."

The biggest current roster battle in San Diego involves the back end of the rotation. Colin Rea, Robbie

Erlin and Drew Pomeranz are fighting for two spots, with newly acquired rightyDan Straily potentially

in the mix. Brandon Morrow is also an option when he's fully recovered from offseason shoulder surgery.

Preller says he's more than happy to enter the season with that mix of hurlers.

"They've all shown well here in spring training," Preller said. "Going into the year, we feel we have

enough internal options."

Earlier in the week, rumors swirled about the Padres scouting Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval,

but Preller dismissed those on Monday, when he said, "That's really just part of [our scouts'] coverage."

He similarly dispelled rumors that the club is looking to add some left-handed-hitting power at first base,

saying he's more than comfortable with neophyte first baseman Wil Myers there.

As for the bullpen, Preller noted that the Nick Vincent trade could free up a spot for one of the club's

Rule 5 relievers -- either Josh Martin or Luis Perdomo -- to make the club. That decision should come

down to the final hours.

Preller spoke to the impact that his three Rule 5 players (Martin, Perdomo and also outfielderJabari

Blash) could have on the franchise in the future. The goal, he said, was to make sure their inclusion isn't

detrimental to the club in the present.

"That's definitely the balance, trying to find guys who are going to be able to help your club -- or at the

very least feel like they're guys whose true impact will be in the 2017, 2018, 2019 seasons," Preller said.

"You're weighing out the rewards for down the road. You're not looking to handicap the ballclub or

anything like that. That balance will be a big part of the decision."

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Looming Pomeranz decision to impact rest of staff By AJ Cassavell / MLB.com | @AJCassavell | March 30th, 2016

PEORIA, Ariz. -- The Padres are "probably a day away" from making a determination on

whether Drew Pomeranz will begin the season in the rotation or the bullpen, according to

manager Andy Green. That decision should create a domino effect, clearing up the roster

situation for the rest of the pitching staff.

With Pomeranz in line to start Saturday's exhibition against the White Sox at Petco Park, the

Padres will need to make that call soon. In essence, Pomeranz cannot pitch that game as a

starter and also be available in the bullpen for the season opener against the Dodgers on

Monday.

Pomeranz has started twice this spring and appeared in four games as a reliever. If he opens

the season in the bullpen, that would most likely clear up the fourth and fifth spots in the

rotation, with Robbie Erlin and Colin Rea -- in no particular order -- getting the nods.

Recent acquisition Dan Straily threw four innings in a Minor League game Wednesday and has

only made one start this spring. He wouldn't appear to be stretched out enough to begin the

season as a starter. Brandon Morrow, meanwhile, will not be ready for the start of the season,

as he continues to recover from offseason shoulder surgery.

"It's an evaluation period all the way up until the end," Green said. "These are very difficult

decisions. If those things were clear, we'd just jump right in and make a decision, but these are

tough decisions. These guys have done a good job."

As for the bullpen, the club is open to carrying eight relievers but is leaning heavily toward

seven.

Four of those spots -- Fernando Rodney, Brandon Maurer, Matt Thornton and Carlos

Villanueva -- are locked up. Straily is out of options, meaning he has to make the roster or be

subjected to waivers. And Kevin Quackenbush would appear to have an inside track to one of

the remaining spots.

When asked where Quackebush stands, Green said simply, "I have an anticipation that he's

going to be a big part of what we do this year."

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Quackenbush, who has a Minor League option remaining, has allowed two earned runs on five

hits in six innings this spring.

Injury update

Left fielder Jabari Blash was removed early from Tuesday's game because of a hamstring

issue, but Green said Wednesday that the injury was simply a cramp and nothing more serious.

Blash, who is fighting for one of the club's three available bench spots, likely got the cramp as

the result of dehydration from the weekend trip to Mexico City -- which sits approximately 7,500

feet above sea level.

Meanwhile, utility man Alexi Amarista could open the season on the disabled list with what the

Padres are calling a jammed left shoulder. Amarista was also battling for one of those final

bench spots, but Green said his chances of returning for Opening Day are "possible, but I

wouldn't say probable."

Baseball brings iPads to the dugout

Major League Baseball will permit the use of iPad pros in dugouts this season, allowing

teams to use scouting video and charts on the devices during games.

Green said the Padres will incorporate the iPads, but they will not discard their binders full of

information until they feel fully comfortable in operating the technology.

"Supposedly there's been a lot of progress made in making that much more user-friendly,"

Green said. "Hopefully the technology helps us."

24

Padres trade Vincent to Mariners San Diego native felt 'a lot of emotions' after being dealt from hometown team By AJ Cassavell / MLB.com | @AJCassavell | March 30th, 2016

PEORIA, Ariz. -- The Padres dealt right-handed reliever and San Diego County native Nick Vincent to

Seattle on Wednesday in exchange for a player to be named.

Vincent, 29, had spent his entire career with the Padres after being selected in the 18th round of the 2008

Draft. In four big league seasons, he has posted a 2.63 ERA and a 1.062 WHIP.

"It's part of the game," Vincent said. "I knew in time, this was going to happen sooner or later in your

career. It's hard to find guys that have played for one team their whole life. I think it's going to be fun. It's

a change. They want me, so that's good."

A source confirmed that current Padres outfielder Jabari Blash will not be the player to be named in the

deal. As a Rule 5 pick, Blash would have to clear waivers and be offered back to his original club -- the

Mariners -- if he doesn't remain on the big league roster for the entire season.

Vincent is out of Minor League options, giving the Padres little flexibility with him in their bullpen race.

Earlier this week, the club made a trade to acquire Dan Straily from Houston and informed Matt

Thornton he would make the team.

Those moves further crowded the battle for bullpen spots, and they may have left Vincent on the outside

looking in. In Seattle, Vincent will fill the Mariners' open spot at the back of the 'pen.

Vincent said he felt "a lot of emotions" at the news he'd been dealt, and that's understandable, given that

he's spent his entire baseball life playing for teams in Southern California. Vincent was born in Poway,

played high school baseball in Ramona and attended Long Beach State.

"Growing up in San Diego and playing for San Diego has been a lifelong dream, so it's tough to leave,"

Vincent said. "But it's a part of the game."

Vincent had allowed five earned runs in 8 1/3 innings for the Padres this spring. After news of the deal

broke, he packed his things and headed to Mariners camp -- about 500 yards away at Peoria Sports

Complex.

"It's a really long walk," Vincent laughed.

25

Mariners acquire RHP Nick Vincent in trade with Padres 4:44 PM ET Associated Press

PEORIA, Ariz. -- The Seattle Mariners have rounded out their bullpen just before the start of the season by acquiring right-hander Nick Vincent from theSan Diego Padres for a player to be named. The Mariners announced the deal Wednesday morning. Vincent is expected to pitch in a minor-league game for Seattle on Thursday and with the Mariners either Friday or Saturday. Seattle now has a full 40-man roster.

"Right now I'm just in shock still. It's not too strange right now but I'm sure once I get in the game, my first game in Texas, and look down and see my Mariners shirt I'm sure it will be a little different," Vincent said. "But I think for me, when I get on the mound it's go out and do your job."

Vincent, 29, appeared in 26 games last season with San Diego in four stints. He was 0-1 with a 2.35 ERA and did not allow a run in 13 appearances in September. In parts of four seasons with San Diego, Vincent was 9-6 with a 2.63 ERA in 161 total relief appearances.

"He's very cutter-centric and has a very usable fastball," Mariners manager Jerry Dipoto told reporters. "He's got some history in the big leagues, and it gives us a nice upgrade and additional depth in the bullpen. We were looking for that and needed it, based on what happened through the course of this spring. This is a nice solution."

Seattle was seeking one more arm for its bullpen after injuries sidelined Evan Scribner and Charlie Furbush during spring training. The Mariners' bullpen now appears complete with Steve Cishek at closer, and Joaquin Benoit, Tony Zych, Joel Peralta, Vidal Nuno, Mike Montgomery and Vincent rounding out the group.