SAN DIEGO — The Padres lead the National League West. Is this a “Seinfeld” skit from bizarro world?
San Diego was supposed to be rebuilding in 2010, not contending. But the Padres rank as the season’s biggest surprise, leading their division behind terrific pitching.
“This team reminds me a lot of the 2007 Rockies,” said Padres catcher Yorvit Torrealba, a member of the Rockies’ World Series team. “You have a lot of guys who are hungry to prove themselves.”
The Padres entered Tuesday with a 2.85 team ERA. The bridge to closer Heath Bell has been stronger than expected, with Edward Mujica and Luke Gregerson holding hitters under a .200 average.
What’s remarkably different from recent seasons is the Padres’ aggressiveness on the bases. Their 31 stolen bases lead the National League, with Colorado product Chase Headley (eight) tops on the team.
“I know everyone believes we will (come back to earth), but we are going to be better than you think,” Torrealba said.
Hawpe on track to return.
Rockies outfielder Brad Hawpe ran agility drills Tuesday and said his previously sore left quadriceps feels better than it has all season. Hawpe will begin a rehab assignment Thursday at Class-A Modesto and, barring a setback, will be activated for Monday’s game against the Phillies.
“I have been hitting. And the leg is great,” said Hawpe, who will play Pacific Coast League games with Triple-A Colorado Springs on Friday and Saturday.
Lefty looks all right.
Christian Friedrich, arguably the Rockies’ top pitching prospect, received good news when an MRI came back negative on his injured left forearm. Friedrich will be shut down for a while as the team exercises caution.
Footnotes.
Jason Hammel (right groin) threw a bullpen session and was cleared to pitch Friday for the Triple-A Sky Sox. . . . Huston Street, whose shoulder responded fine to a Tuesday bullpen session, will pitch in an extended spring training game Friday. “These (injured players) are all significant people that can help us,” Rockies manager Jim Tracy said.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
