Rumors abound that the disappointing (29-33) Padres’ problem is chemical and that there are rifts in the clubhouse preventing them from reaching their level. But Padres GM A.J. Preller strongly denied that in a phone interview.
“The team loves each other. The chemistry is good,” said Preller, a Huntington Station, L.I., product. “I don’t get that vibe at all.”
Preller said the issue is much more obvious.
“We just can’t hit,” Preller said. “The last two weeks we’re playing better but we just can’t get it going.”
Whatever the cause, the Padres, who have the highest payroll outside the 718 area code at $280.4M (via Cot’s), have a .699 OPS (23rd), 258 runs (24th) and a .225 batting average (29th) plus a .201 BA with RISP (last).
The Padres are still surveying the catching market. They are happy with Gary Sanchez (four quick homers, nine games) and aren’t interested in Tomas Nido or Jorge Alfaro — not on big-league deals, anyway. …
Carlos Rodon has been hitting 93 mph and touching 94 in bullpen sessions. He has a few weeks to go before he’s expected to be back, so there’s time to get to the 97 mph plus he’s known for. Yankees GM Brian Cashman said he’s “looked strong and healthy.”
A couple scouts said Anthony Volpe’s issue is that he looks like he’s trying to loft the ball, and that once a player is schooled on launch angle, it’s a tough adjustment to a level swing at the big-league level. One scout said Volpe (.191) should alter what he termed a “big-man’s swing.” For the record, those scouts both still believe in Volpe despite the slow start at bat. …
Most likely reliever to be dealt: the Royals’ Aroldis Chapman, who has whiffed 35 and allowed no homers.
