Bevos won't be playing longball

Pitching and defense could be hallmarks of remade ballclub

By jason vondersmith

The Portland Tribune, Apr 3, 2007, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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Rosales, 25, a Double-A closer last season, uses a “power change” to get batters out, Renteria says.

The catchers are Luke Carlin, a returning Bevo, and Pete LaForest, who spent all last season on the disabled list.

Infielders will be interchangeable, Renteria says, but the early lineup will have Royce Huffman at first base, Craig Stansberry at second, Luis Cruz at shortstop and Oscar Robles at third, with veteran Manny Alexander and Brett Dowdy as backups.

Cruz, 23, the only Padre prospect in the infield, has a reputation as a good fielder. “He needs to stay in control and take care of the routine plays,” Renteria says. Cruz also needs to be more disciplined at the plate.

Cust hit .293 with 30 homers and 77 RBIs with Portland last year and will be the power guy in the lineup, playing left field.

A veteran of Triple-A, Adam Shabala, will play center and bat leadoff. Vince Sinisi will man right field, moving up from Double-A Mobile (Ala.). Dowdy and Josh Howard also will get outfield action.

A projected Bevo infielder, Brian Myrow, starts the season on the disabled list (calf). Pitchers Steve Watkins (abdomen) and Adrian Burnside (hamstring) also could join Portland at some point when healthy.

The Padres’ opening-day roster includes starting left fielder Terrmel Sledge, reserve outfielder Paul McAnulty and reliever Mike Thompson, all 2006 Bevos.

jasonvondersmith@portlandtribune.com

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