Scouting Report: Padres at Nationals (9/21)

The win improved the Padres to 12-1 in their last 13 road games against the Nationals franchise since 2004 with the loss being a one-run decision.

Here's my take on the Strasburg Sweepstakes Series finale, with the Padres (or is it the Nationals?) going for the sweep. (For my preview on the Padres' offense, click here).

Pitching Match-Up
Cha Seung Baek: Baek got an audition as a starter in Seattle last year when Jeff Weaver and Horacio Ramirez went down (ugh--what an ugly sentence--be glad that wasn't our team). He more or less failed, and after working out of the 'pen for two months this year, the Mariners flipped him to the Padres for Jared Wells, a live-armed 26-year-old on the verge of becoming a 'former prospect.'

Baek throws a low-90s fastball, slider, curve, and change. He's a moderate flyball pitcher (41.9% career) who doesn't strike out many (15.3%). His command is ok, but it's just not a very good arsenal for a big league starter. Maybe he'll have a good year at some point pitching in PETCO, but it hasn't helped him much so far. Regardless, don't be fooled; he shouldn't be starting in MLB.

Odalis Perez: Perez lowered his ERA to 4.26 after his best start since July 21, 2005 (game score 76). He's on the verge of a big payday if he can finish strong. I expect him to do that.

Fearless Prediction
Season Record: 31-19
Last night was a pathetic display of softball on the mall level baseball. Manny has a habit of getting his team to follow up performances like that with sharp bounce-back games. I see that happening again, as the Nationals win, 7-2.