The Chargers missed the playoffs despite having the NFL's No. 2-ranked offense and top-ranked defense. Still, Dean Spanos told the San Diego Union-Tribune that both Norv Turner and A.J. Smith will return next season. Ownership backs AJ and AJ backs Norv.
"The easiest thing in the world is to start over. Who the hell do I go hire? Blow the whole thing up? We're a pretty good team but we have to make the right moves," Spanos told the newspaper. "We've fallen. It could have been our draft picks or our free-agent moves. But we have a good core, and I don'’t care what anybody says, I'’m not afraid to make changes. If I thought it was warranted, I would do it. We have a good foundation here."
The Chargers' run of four straight AFC West titles came to an end Sunday when they were embarrassed by the lowly Bengals. The Chargers stumbled to a 2-5 start due to an unfathomable number of special teams blunders and turnovers, and never recovered.
"I like A.J., even though he's a bit goofy," Spanos told the newspaper. "I trust him. He'll tell you he's made mistakes. Who hasn't? But he takes chances. Sometimes you lose the bet, but if you'’re going to win a world championship, you've got to take chances. I learned that from my father in our business. A.J.'s committed 100 percent to this organization."
"It's personal and I take responsibility every game we lose," said Philip Rivers, who threw a crucial interception Sunday. "I understand it takes all of us to win a game, but certainly as a quarterback you feel like you have more of a hand in a win and a loss than anybody else who touches the ball every play.
The Chargers lost five games to teams with losing records: Seattle, St. Louis, Cincinnati and twice to Oakland.
"It starts in the division," Rivers said. "When you get swept by Oakland, you're probably not going to get in."
The Chargers have had a startling regression under Turner. He inherited a 14-2 team when Marty Schottenheimer was fired after the 2006 season because of the his dysfunctional relationship with AJ. Turner won two playoff games after the 2007 season, one playoff game after the '08 season and then the Chargers took a face-plant in a home playoff loss to the New York Jets after last season, when San Diego finished 13-3.
"It wasn't coaching. Sometimes the best thing in the world is to make very few changes," Spanos told the newspaper. "There's an image out there that Norv is my puppet. Just the opposite. The man knows what he's doing. People may have the opposite opinion. The coach is coming back. Other teams make decisions to go in another direction. I did -- four years ago. I know it's frustrating to the fans, but I believe in this coach."
Now the Chargers are out of the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
Welcome to the San Diego Sports' Fan Blog. A completely fair and VERY biased opinion of San Diego sports, mainly of the Chargers and Padres. Your comments will be greatly appreciated.....
Brad Hawpe to play first base for the Padres
It was reported Friday that the Padres have agreed to a one-year contract with Brad Hawpe to play first base.
Hawpe will replace three-time All-Star Adrian Gonzalez, who was traded to the Boston Red Sox earlier this month. Hawpe has mostly been an outfielder in seven big league seasons, with a handful of starts at first base. He was released by the Rockies in August and signed by the Rays.
The Padres had to go outside the organization to replace Gonzalez because Anthony Rizzo, one of the prospects obtained from Boston, isn't expected to be ready for perhaps a season.
Kyle Blanks, once considered the heir apparent to Gonzalez, had reconstructive surgery on his right elbow in late July and is expected to be sidelined until perhaps midseason. Before he got hurt, Blanks had been moved to left field to give him playing time.
Hawpe hit a combined .245 with nine homers and 44 RBIs last year. He was an All-Star in 2009 with Colorado, hitting .285 with 23 homers and 86 RBIs.
The Padres had to go outside the organization to replace Gonzalez because Anthony Rizzo, one of the prospects obtained from Boston, isn't expected to be ready for perhaps a season.
Kyle Blanks, once considered the heir apparent to Gonzalez, had reconstructive surgery on his right elbow in late July and is expected to be sidelined until perhaps midseason. Before he got hurt, Blanks had been moved to left field to give him playing time.
Hawpe hit a combined .245 with nine homers and 44 RBIs last year. He was an All-Star in 2009 with Colorado, hitting .285 with 23 homers and 86 RBIs.
Tolbert, sprained neck and shoulder
Chargers lose to the Bengals, ends playoff hopes
Source: UT
It was a fitting way for the season to effectively end. The Chargers’ 34-20 loss to the Bengals on Sunday was a metaphor for the season. The Chargers got down early and ultimately imploded. Poor play late hurt them as much as a stumble early.
The season of screw-ups is finally ending, they will not be in the playoffs for the first time since those following the 2005 season.
Sunday’s loss to Cincinnati was typical of most Chargers defeats this season.
Two dominating victories prior to Sunday had given the Chargers hope. Now they can’t even hold their heads high in failure.
This loss had a familiar flow.
The Chargers got down 13-0, appeared ready to take control in the third quarter and then gave the ball and the game back to the Bengals and, ultimately, gave the AFC West title to the Chiefs.
“This game sums up our season,” said tight end Antonio Gates, who watched from the sideline due to a foot injury. “I think about our season, I think about how our day went. We started off slow. Then we start playing. When we’re playing well, there isn’t a team in the National Football League that can beat us. But it’s trying to put everything together to try to give ourselves a chance to prove (that).”
A team that will likely finish with the league’s No.1 offense and No.1 defense could also finish with a .500 record. (As a point of reference, the previous four teams to accomplish that finished a combined 51-6 and won two Super Bowls.)
What the Chargers (8-7) thought was a wakeup call in the Dec. 5 loss to Oakland turned out instead to be a recurring nightmare. When they needed to continue to be at their best, the inconsistency came back out.
Opinions differed on what happened, with the harshest assessment coming, as it often does, from cornerback and captain Quentin Jammer. “They outplayed us the entire game,” Jammer said. “They played faster than us. They were more focused than us. Their defense outplayed our defense. Their offense outplayed our offense. The bottom line was, you could see it, they came out and played faster than we did. “Lack of focus on everybody’s part. That’s the only way I can see it. I can’t see it any other way. I’ve seen us come out and play football, and we didn’t do it … I don’t know how you lose focus on a game that has playoff implications. But we did.”
The Chargers got routed – worse than the final score indicated – by a team that might pick second in next year’s draft. They gave up big plays, many of which allowed the Bengals (4-11) to convert eight of 14 third down tries. The offense could not sustain drives.
But the Bengals were allowed to control the game from the start.
Vincent Jackson dropped an exchange from Mike Tolbert on a reverse on the Chargers’ first play from scrimmage. Jackson recovered the ball but did so 19 yards behind the line of scrimmage, at the 1. The Chargers punted two plays later, and Mike Scifres didn’t get all of a kick into a strong wind.
The Bengals took over at the San Diego 32-yard line and scored on a five-play drive.
Cincinnati went up 13-0 early in the second quarter eight plays after another windswept punt.
Failure to score on three plays from the 1-yard line late in the second quarter forced the Chargers to settle for a field goal. But the Chargers’ defense continued to stop the Bengals, and a 23-yard touchdown run by Ryan Mathews midway through the third quarter cut the Chargers’ deficit to 13-10. And another Cincinnati punt with two minutes remaining in the third quarter gave the Chargers the ball at their 21 with a chance to tie or go ahead.
But after moving to the 47-yard line, Philip Rivers’ pass over the middle was intercepted by Rey Maualuga and returned to the Chargers’ 21. The Bengals increased their tenuous lead to 10 points four plays later.
The Chargers drove to the Bengals’ 10-yard line but got just a field goal. Still within one score, though, they appeared about to stop the Bengals on the ensuing drive.
But a quick snap on third-and-seven caught cornerback Antoine Cason flat-footed, and Carson Palmer’s perfect bomb to Jerome Simpson resulted in a 59-yard touchdown and essentially ended the game.
“That’s a tough way to have it all slip through your hands,” safety Eric Weddle said. “… We weren’t playing well, but just to give it up like that, I don’t know if I’ll ever get over that.”
Poinsettia Bowl, Aztecs beat Navy 35-14
Just hours after Qualcomm being flooded, the San Diego Aztecs beat Navy 35-14 in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsetta Bowl with a great performance by freshman RB Ronnie Hillman. The win gave the Aztec's the first bowl victory in 41 years.
Hillman rushed for 228-yards, ran for three touchdowns and caught another as the Aztecs totaled 555 yards of offense. WR Vincent Brown also had a great game, catching eight balls for 165 yards and a touchdown.
The Aztecs led wire-to-wire with a balanced attack that accounted for 279 rushing yards and 276 passing yards, averaging 8.7 yards per play. Navy was limited to 235 yards on the ground by the Aztecs' defense, which pitched a second-half shutout.
Aztecs' QB Ryan Lindley was interception-free going 18-of-23 for 276 yards and two scores.
Hillman was names offensive MVP, he set the Poinsettia Bowl rushing record. Safety Andrew Preston was named defensive MVP with 10 tackles. Vincent Brown also set the Poinsettia Bowl record for most receiving yards, he had six catches for 143 yards.
The win gave the Aztecs, playing in their first bowl game since 1998, their most victories since the 1977 team went 10-1. It also snapped a three-game losing streak in bowl games.
The win gave the Aztecs, playing in their first bowl game since 1998, their most victories since the 1977 team went 10-1. It also snapped a three-game losing streak in bowl games.
The Aztecs scored first when Hillman broke free on a 22-yard touchdown run on the Aztecs’ second offensive possession. Hillman accounted for 37 of the 59 yards on the drive. SDSU stretched the lead to 14-0 in the first quarter on a 53-yard touchdown pass from Lindley to Brown. It was the longest touchdown pass Navy had allowed all season.
For all the talk about Navy’s running game, it was the passing game that gave the Aztecs fits in the first half. Ricky Dobbs (107 yards rushing, 147 passing) connected twice with Greg Jones on big plays. The first was a 30-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter that cut SDSU’s lead to 14-7. The second, a 40-yarder in the closing minute of the half, set up Dobbs’ 1-yard touchdown run make the score 21-14 SDSU at the break.
Navy opened the second half with a long drive that was thwarted on fourth-and-goal at the SDSU 3 when Dobbs couldn’t connect with Bo Snelson. Both coaches called that a critical turning point in a scoreless third quarter.
Navy opened the second half with a long drive that was thwarted on fourth-and-goal at the SDSU 3 when Dobbs couldn’t connect with Bo Snelson. Both coaches called that a critical turning point in a scoreless third quarter.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Hillman scored his first receiving touchdown of the season after Lindley faked a handoff to fullback Brandon Sullivan. Hillman slipped out uncovered for the 15-yard TD and a 28-14 SDSU advantage.
He added a 1-yard touchdown run with 6:07 to play.
He added a 1-yard touchdown run with 6:07 to play.
Congratulations to the SDSU Aztecs for a great performance.
Poinsettia Bowl will go on despite stadium flooding
"We have every intention of kicking off at 5:06 p.m.," said executive director Bruce Binkowski. "The stadium grounds crew will work round the clock to make sure they get in the game."
As of Wednesday, the field appeared to be under perhaps 10 inches or more of muddy water and a large portion of the parking lot was flooded as well. The parking lot is next to the San Diego River, which overflows every time it rains hard.
It rained so hard Tuesday that the two teams practiced in hotel ballrooms. SDSU held its Wednesday walkthrough on campus while Navy found a nearby high school with a turf field.
The soaking wet conditions left coaches Ken Niumatalolo of Navy and Brady Hoke of San Diego State vowing to splash through the mud, if that's what it takes. Hoke agreed, especially since the Aztecs are playing in their first bowl since 1998.
"That's part of football and part of what we've all grown up and played in that weather and had fun in that weather," Hoke said. "We plan to have fun again tomorrow night."
Navy (9-3) is coming off a 31-17 win against Army. SDSU (8-4) has enjoyed a turnaround under Hoke, the second-year coach who has instilled a sense of toughness that didn't exist under previous coaches Chuck Long and Tom Craft.
Hoke said practicing inside didn't hurt the Aztecs' preparation for Navy's triple option, which is led by quarterback Ricky Dobbs.
The Aztecs will counter with an offense led by running back Ronnie Hillman, the Mountain West Conference freshman of the year, and quarterback Ryan Lindley. Hillman set the MWC freshman single-season record with 1,304 yards, with 14 touchdowns. Lindley has thrown for 3,554 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Soggy conditions or not, this should be a good game. GO AZTECS....
John Abbamondi was hired as the new VP of the Padres
The San Diego Padres hire former St. Louis Cardinals assistant general manager John Abbamondi as the VP of strategy and business analysis.
Abbamondi was the Cardinals' assistant GM for three seasons after spending four years with Major League Baseball's labor relations department, where he rose to senior director of labor economics.
A former U.S. Navy pilot, John Abbamondi is a graduate of MIT and Stanford's business school. He will start work with the Padres next month.
Abbamondi was the Cardinals' assistant GM for three seasons after spending four years with Major League Baseball's labor relations department, where he rose to senior director of labor economics.
A former U.S. Navy pilot, John Abbamondi is a graduate of MIT and Stanford's business school. He will start work with the Padres next month.
Padres sign 2B Orlando Hudson
Hudson, 33, spent the 2010 season with the Minnesota Twins and hit .268 (133-for-497) with six home runs, 24 doubles, five triples, 37 RBI, 80 runs scored and 10stolen bases in 126 games played. He started 123 games at second base last season, where he has a career .986 fielding percentage in 1,121 games. The switch-hitter is a two-time All-Star, most recently with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2009, and four-time Rawlings Gold Glove award winner.
Padres traded for SS Bartlett and close to a deal with 2B Hudson
Source: Padres
Hours after it was reported the Padres were closing in on a two-year deal with free-agent 2B Orlando Hudson, the team completed a trade with the Rays that landed SS Jason Bartlett and a player to be named later.
The Padres will send relief pitchers Adam Russell, Cesar Ramos and Brandon Gomes and infielder Cole Figueroa to the Rays for Bartlett, 31.
Bartlett, who is arbitration-eligible and due a raise from the $4 million he made last season, hit .254 with the Rays with four home runs and 47 RBIs. He missed two weeks with a strained right hamstring.
"I'm excited. I never got to the big leagues over there. I've heard the NL is a lot different," Bartlett said. "My wife and I love the beach. We're all excited. Hopefully I can be there for a while. I'm ready to go."
To acquire Bartlett, the Padres had to give up two relievers in Russell and Ramos who appeared at the Major League level in 2010. Gomes and Figueroa spent all of last season in the Minors.
Russell, who was obtained in the 2009 trade that sent Jake Peavy to the White Sox, had a 4.02 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 15 2/3 innings last season for the Padres. The right-hander spent most of last season in Triple-A Portland.
Ramos, a left-hander, had an 11.88 ERA in 8 1/3 innings for the Padres. He was 6-7 with a 3.28 ERA in 30 games, 15 of them starts, for Portland.
Gomes, a 26-year-old right-hander, was 7-2 with a 1.87 ERA in 51 games for Double-A San Antonio. Figueroa, 23, hit .303 with four home runs and 66 RBIs for Class A Lake Elsinore.
With Bartlett, the Padres acquired an everyday shortstop who has developed into a steady player the last three seasons with the Rays. He returns to the Padres who drafted him -- in the 13th round of the 2001 First-Year Player Draft -- before trading him to the Twins 13 months later.
Bartlett spent four seasons with the Twins before being traded as part of a six-player deal before the 2008 season to the Rays. The Rays lost to the Phillies in the World Series that season. In 2009, Bartlett hit .320 with 14 home runs and 66 RBIs in 2009.
"His value is in that he does everything well. He brings a ton to a team. He's a winning player," Hoyer said. "I don't think it was a fluke that the year they went to the World Series he was the team MVP, despite not having gaudy numbers."
Last season, the Padres used four players at shortstop: Everth Cabrera, Jerry Hairston, Lance Zawadzki and Miguel Tejada. Tejada has signed with the Giants and Zawadzki was released. The Padres still have hope of resigning Hairston in a utility role.
As for Hudson, that deal has yet to be officially announced, though Hudson said on MLB Network Radio that he had agreed to a pact. The Associated Press later reported Hudson will sign a contract for two years and $11.5 million.
On Friday, Hoyer wouldn't comment on the report about Hudson's impending signing.
The Padres aren't finished yet. The team is still considering several free agents to fill first base, a position left vacant when the Padres traded Adrian Gonzalez to the Red Sox for four players. Hoyer will also look to find a backup catcher to spell Nick Hundley.
Chargers crushes the 49ers, 34-7
The Chargers crushes the 49ers, thanks to the return of Vincent Jackson and the top ranked defense.
VJ caught a career-high three touchdown passes, Philip Rivers surpassed 4,000 yards passing for the third straight season and the defense had 6 sacks to win and stay alive in the AFC West race.
With Gates and Floyd out for the game because of injuries, Vincent Jackson sure stepped up. "Since I've been here, it's like I had never left," said Jackson, who had his first three TD grabs of the season, of 58, 11 and 21 yards. VJ seems to be in mid-season form after being out for 10 games.
The Chargers came within minutes of having consecutive shutouts for the first time in their 51-year history.
Rivers and Jackson came out early in the fourth quarter with the Chargers leading 31-0.
Rivers was 19-of-25 for 273 yards, giving him 4,141 for the season. He tied Hall of Famer Dan Fouts' team record set from 1979-81. Jackson had five catches for 112 yards.
On the fourth play from scrimmage, Rivers wound up and threw deep. The 6-foot-5 VJ slowed down and reached out over 6-foot Nate Clements' head to make the catch at about the 15 before outracing the cornerback into the end zone. VJ also exploited a mismatch against linebacker Takeo Spikes for an easy 11-yard catch just before halftime. VJ also pulled in a 21-yarder early in the fourth quarter, getting the ball just past the pylon.
Mike Tolbert had a 1-yard TD run in the third quarter and Nate Kaeding kicked field goals of 25 and 39 yards.
The 49ers only score came on Brian Westbrook's 3-yard run with 4:26 left.
Jeff Reed kicked a 38-yard field goal but Chargers' Antonio Garay was whistled for unnecessary roughness for trying to gain leverage, giving the 49ers first-and-goal at the 10. Smith scrambled and dived at the left pylon on third down and it was ruled a touchdown. The Chargers challenged and it was reversed, with Smith ruled down inches from the goal line. On fourth down at the 1, Siler threw Anthony Dixon for a 2-yard loss.
"I just read the play and got in there," Siler said. "I think it takes the energy and the momentum out of a team when you do something like that."
The Chargers' defense was stellar, holding the 49ers to 192 total yards, 131 yards passing and 61yards rushing.
Michael Crabtree had just three catches for 17 yards and Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis didn't have a catch until the waning minutes, finishing with one for 4 yards.
Next up, the Bengals.
Aztecs squeezes by Cal Poly
Facing a Cal Poly team picked to finish fifth in the Big West that had already lost to Montana State, Sacramento State and Division II Cal State Monterey Bay, the Aztecs did not particularly play well. Punctuated by the 0-of-18 performance behind the three-point arc. With 14 seconds left, Cal Poly was within just two points before D.J. Gay iced the game at the free-throw line.
“Things happen,” Fisher said. “We played like the score would indicate. We played just well enough to get a win. That’s not acceptable but it happened.”
The Aztecs fashion themselves as a good shooting team, but this was the second time this season they’ve had an oh-fer from three-point range, they were 0-of-7 against Wisconsin. What happens if they have another nightmare shooting performance, against a better team?
This is where Fisher is at his best, knowing that shooting is all about confidence and that confidence often is as much about perception as reality.
“My job is to make sure we believe we’re good, that we know we’re good, and then to play that way,” he said. “I think sometimes you have a game like this and you start to doubt yourself. You start carping on all the things you’re not doing, and pretty soon you can be paralyzed a little bit about a concern or fear that, here we go again.”
Blackout lifted
The Chargers announced Thursday’s game against the Niners will be televised locally. The team sold enough tickets by Tuesday’s extended deadline to avoid a blackout. hoo..hoo..
2,000 tickets remains for Niner's game
The Chargers were given an extension until 5:20 p.m. Tuesday -- 48 hours before kickoff -- to sell about 2,000 remaining seats for Thursday’s game to avoid a local television blackout. It is the Chargers’ home season finale.
Padres signed RH Dustin Moseley
Source: AP
Moseley went 4-4 with a 4.96 ERA this year in nine starts and seven relief appearances with theNew York Yankees. He earned the win in the opening game of the AL Championship Series against Texas Rangers.
Moseley spent the previous four seasons in the Los Angeles Angels organization.
Right-hander Dustin Moseley and the San Diego Padres have finalized a $900,000, one-year contract.
Moseley went 4-4 with a 4.96 ERA this year in nine starts and seven relief appearances with theNew York Yankees. He earned the win in the opening game of the AL Championship Series against Texas Rangers.
Moseley spent the previous four seasons in the Los Angeles Angels organization.
Chargers stomp KC, 31-0
Chief's QB Matt Cassel didn't travel to San Diego after having an emergency appendectomy on Wednesday. It looked like the rest of the team stayed home, as well, with the way they played.
Philip Rivers threw two touchdown passes and the Chargers remained remains in the AFC West race with a 31-0 win Sunday over the division leaders, Chiefs. The Chargers move in to second place with the Raiders' losing to Jacksonville, which dropped the Raiders to 6-7 and put the Chargers just one game behind the KC. A loss would have eliminated the Chargers from the division race.
The Chiefs were such a non-factor that they were held to 67 yards, the second-fewest in their history, and suffered their first regular-season shutout loss to the Chargers.
"Defensively, I'm not sure that you could play any better than that," said Chargers coach Norv Turner, who gave game balls to the offensive and defensive lines.
"It's a playoff game and we can't lose," Rivers said. "We know that. We can't look to January because there's no guarantee we are going to get there. But it's playoff football from here on out, and it still may not be enough."
The Chargers outgained the Chiefs 426 yards to 67. San Diego allowed only five first downs -- one in the second half -- to tie its team record. Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles, third in the NFL with 1,137 yards rushing coming in, was held to 40 yards on 10 carries.
Rivers was 18 of 24 for 226 yards and the Chargers ran for a season-high 207 yards a week after being held to 21 in a 28-13 loss to Oakland.
Darren Sproles bounced back from a concussion to catch five passes for 51 yards and run six times for 53 yards. Fullback Mike Tolbert gained 66 yards on 16 carries and scored once, and rookie Ryan Mathews had 65 yards on 16 carries and a score.
Said Chargers right tackle Jeromey Clary: "They've got fresh legs and they're all different styles of runners. Mike Tolbert is the bowling ball, Mathews is the bowling ball with a little bit more speed than Tolbert and Sproles is just good speed. They're tough to prepare for."
The Chargers are above .500 for only the second time this season. It was their first shutout since winning 27-0 at Oakland on Sept. 11, 2006.
The Chiefs were shut out for the first time since a 34-0 loss at Carolina on Oct. 5, 2008. They had only 16 yards and one first down in the second half. Croyle dropped to 0-10 as an NFL starter.
"I think if Cassel played we were going to play great anyway," Chargers safety Eric Weddle said. "That was just our mentality. Maybe they would have put up a little more yards, but I don't think one guy would have made a difference in a 31-0 game."
Rivers led the Chargers to a 21-0 halftime lead. He threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Floyd on their first drive and hit him again with a 9-yard TD pass with 40 seconds before halftime. In between, Tolbert ran 8 yards untouched for a touchdown midway through the second quarter.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, were outgained 256 yards to 51 yards in the first half and had only four first downs compared to San Diego's 17.
Rivers was intercepted and lost a fumble on consecutive drives in the third quarter.
Nate Kaeding kicked a 48-yard field goal Mathews scored on a 15-yard run in the fourth quarter.
It was the Chiefs who started the Chargers out on what's been a mediocre season by beating San Diego 21-14 on Sept. 13. Rookie Dexter McCluster returned a punt a team-record 94 yards for a touchdown, the first of many special teams blunders.
Darren Sproles bounced back from a concussion to catch five passes for 51 yards and run six times for 53 yards. Fullback Mike Tolbert gained 66 yards on 16 carries and scored once, and rookie Ryan Mathews had 65 yards on 16 carries and a score.
Said Chargers right tackle Jeromey Clary: "They've got fresh legs and they're all different styles of runners. Mike Tolbert is the bowling ball, Mathews is the bowling ball with a little bit more speed than Tolbert and Sproles is just good speed. They're tough to prepare for."
The Chargers are above .500 for only the second time this season. It was their first shutout since winning 27-0 at Oakland on Sept. 11, 2006.
The Chiefs were shut out for the first time since a 34-0 loss at Carolina on Oct. 5, 2008. They had only 16 yards and one first down in the second half. Croyle dropped to 0-10 as an NFL starter.
"I think if Cassel played we were going to play great anyway," Chargers safety Eric Weddle said. "That was just our mentality. Maybe they would have put up a little more yards, but I don't think one guy would have made a difference in a 31-0 game."
Rivers led the Chargers to a 21-0 halftime lead. He threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Floyd on their first drive and hit him again with a 9-yard TD pass with 40 seconds before halftime. In between, Tolbert ran 8 yards untouched for a touchdown midway through the second quarter.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, were outgained 256 yards to 51 yards in the first half and had only four first downs compared to San Diego's 17.
Rivers was intercepted and lost a fumble on consecutive drives in the third quarter.
Nate Kaeding kicked a 48-yard field goal Mathews scored on a 15-yard run in the fourth quarter.
It was the Chiefs who started the Chargers out on what's been a mediocre season by beating San Diego 21-14 on Sept. 13. Rookie Dexter McCluster returned a punt a team-record 94 yards for a touchdown, the first of many special teams blunders.
The Chargers more than returned the favor.
Aztecs beats Cal in a historic win...
When the Aztecs basketball team was ranked for the first time when the preseason poll came out, coach Steve Fisher told his players to wait until Dec. 9 to see how good they really were.
He told them to put it in their locker and look at it again on Dec. 9, the day after a pivotal game at Cal. Well, it's Dec.9 and the Aztecs are off to the best start in their 90-year school history.
The Aztecs surpassed their 1984-85 and 2006-07 teams that opened the season with eight straight wins and gave Fisher his best start in 20 full seasons as a head coach.
San Diego State wore down the Golden Bears (5-3) with their athleticism in the second half to win a road game against a Pac-10 school for the first time since December 1982 at Oregon. They had lost 20 straight road games to Pac-10 teams and hadn't beaten any team on the road from one of the six big conferences since knocking off Northwestern in December 1996.
It also allows Aztecs fans to dream a little. All that stands between this team and a 15-0 record (and almost certain Top 10 ranking) are five lower-level Division I opponents and Div. III Occidental.
“We’re a good team,” Fisher said. “To come in here and win the way we did lets a lot of people know that. It continues to create validity of who we are.”
The Aztecs did what they have in several games this season, which is lulling teams into a false sense of security in the first half, playing their bench liberally, missing open shots, muffing dunks, losing the handle on rebounds, getting in foul trouble, blowing leads.
The Aztecs shot five air balls and led by two points in the first half, then SDSU shot 17-of-24, a preposterous 70.8 percent, in the second half and went on to win by 20. That’s what happens when your bench goes 10, even 11, deep. Opposing team’s starters play heavy minutes to stay close and get tired, that's when the Aztecs pounce.
Even the official scorekeeper couldn’t keep up. The stat sheet initially said the final score was 79-57, when it really was 77-57 and gave Kawhi Leonard 22 points instead of 20.
Congratulations SDSU Aztecs for the great win...
Bartlett trade in limbo
A trade to send shortstop Jason Bartlett from the Rays to the Padres is off, for now, because the teams couldn't finalize the deal.
The Rays' trade for a pair of young pitchers in Cesar Ramos and Adam Russell, a pair of right-handed pitchers, to go to the Rays are in limbo for now.
Bartlett, 31, hit .254 with a .675 OPS in 135 games for the Rays last season.
The Rays' trade for a pair of young pitchers in Cesar Ramos and Adam Russell, a pair of right-handed pitchers, to go to the Rays are in limbo for now.
Bartlett, 31, hit .254 with a .675 OPS in 135 games for the Rays last season.
SDSU head coach Brady Hoke staying...
It’s all part of the Aztecs “football excellence plan,” announced Monday, much of which was made possible by a potential $5 million “challenge gift” from donor Ron Fowler and family. The first $1 million of that donation is scheduled to arrive by early next year, with more coming in later years depending on whether other donors match Fowler’s pledges.
Hoke said he was “humbled” by it.
Padres signed RH Pitcher Aaron Harang
Former Reds right-hand pither Aaron Harang and the Padres have finalized a $4 million, one-year contract. The deal also includes a mutual option for 2012 with a buyout.
The 6-foot-7 Harang spent the past 7½ seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, winning 16 games in 2006 and 2007. But he has struggled last season, going 6-7 with a 5.32 ERA and bothered by back spasms. Harang said he's healthy and eager to pitch for the Padres.
Aaron Harang is 32 years-old, he is from San Diego and went to college at San Diego State. He joins the Padres on the same day they finalized a deal to send Adrian Gonzalez to the Red Sox for three prospects and a player to be named.
"I think the big thing is, we just need to find out who's going to step up now and try to take over that role," Harang said. "I know Adrian was the guy, but the cycle has got to change at some time or another, and hopefully we'll find some guys. Obviously it was a good, solid team last year. They had some scrappy players, and that's what you hope steps up, some scrappy players."
Welcome back home, Aaron...
Kevin Correia signs with the Pirates
Correia, has been a reliable pitcher for the Padres, posting a 12-11 record with a 3.91 ERA in 2009, but not as well last year going 10-10 with a 5.40 ERA. Kevin missed nearly two weeks during last season when his brother suffered an accidental death in a fall from a cliff during a hiking trip, but still managed to make 28 appearances and log 145 innings. He earned $3.6 million last season.
Good luck, Kevin...
Adrian Gonzalez, a Red Sox
Source: ESPN.com
The Boston Red Sox introduced today that the former San Diego Padres All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, as its latest member.
The source said that the two sides have left open the possibility of continued discussions toward a long-term deal for Gonzalez after the trade is in place.
Padres general manager Jed Hoyer -- who used to work in Boston's front office -- has said for some time that the Padres wouldn't be able to afford the kind of big-money contract Gonzalez would command if he hit the free-agent market.
Gonzo's name was in the mix for the Red Sox for more than a year. The Padres' front office is very familiar with Boston's prospects, as Hoyer, assistant general manager Jason McLeod and new top executive Josh Byrnes all once worked for Boston. One baseball source suggested that eventually a compromise in the seven-year, $22 million per season range might get the deal done.
The Red Sox will ship minor leaguers -- outfielder Reymond Fuentes, right-handed pitcher Casey Kelly and first baseman Anthony Rizzo -- and a player to be named later to San Diego in exchange for Gonzo.
Gonzo is a three-time All-Star who hit .298 with 31 homers and 101 RBIs last season. In five seasons with San Diego, Gonzalez has 161 homers and 501 RBIs. Including parts of two seasons with Texas, he has 168 homers and 525 RBIs.
Padres general manager Jed Hoyer -- who used to work in Boston's front office -- has said for some time that the Padres wouldn't be able to afford the kind of big-money contract Gonzalez would command if he hit the free-agent market.
Gonzo's name was in the mix for the Red Sox for more than a year. The Padres' front office is very familiar with Boston's prospects, as Hoyer, assistant general manager Jason McLeod and new top executive Josh Byrnes all once worked for Boston. One baseball source suggested that eventually a compromise in the seven-year, $22 million per season range might get the deal done.
The Padres have said they anticipate a payroll of about $40 million.
Congratulations Gonzo, us Padres' fans will miss you. Thank you for all the great hits, the big homers and the great defensive plays that you've given us. Good luck with the Red Sox and the rest of your career.
Chargers got man-handled by the Raiders
But yesterday's man-handling by the Raiders was a shocked, putting a serious crimp in the playoff hopes for the Chargers.
Jason Campbell who has beed pretty bad this year, ran for one touchdown and threw for another, and Oakland's running game, which had been non-existent in consecutive losses, piled up 251 yards.
The didn't start well for the Charger, as they turned the ball over two time in the first quarter is which the Raiders turned in to touchdowns.
The Chargers, which had gotten two straight 100-yard games from Mike Tolbert, had just 21 yards rushing, tied for seventh-lowest in team history. Tolbert had only 16 yards on seven carries.
The Raiders swept the season series for the first time since 2001.
The Chargers (6-6) are tied with Oakland for second in the division, two games behind the Chiefs with four to play. If the Chargers lose to the Chiefs next Sunday, their playoff chances would be pretty much over. Kansas City surprised San Diego 21-14 on opening night and would hold the big tiebreakers if it beats the Chargers again.
The Chargers, which had gotten two straight 100-yard games from Mike Tolbert, had just 21 yards rushing, tied for seventh-lowest in team history. Tolbert had only 16 yards on seven carries.
The Raiders swept the season series for the first time since 2001.
The Chargers (6-6) are tied with Oakland for second in the division, two games behind the Chiefs with four to play. If the Chargers lose to the Chiefs next Sunday, their playoff chances would be pretty much over. Kansas City surprised San Diego 21-14 on opening night and would hold the big tiebreakers if it beats the Chargers again.
The Chargers' streak of 18 straight December victories -- which tied an NFL record for most victories in any month -- has ended with yesterday's loss. The Chargers had been tied with the 1970-74 Miami Dolphins, who won 18 straight in Novembers.
The Chargers corrected their problems during a four-game winning streak, but then reverted to the form that showed during an ugly 2-5 start. Darren Sproles fumbled a punt early in the first quarter and the Raiders recovered at the Chargers' 18. On fourth-and-1 from the 9, the Raiders fooled the Chargers with a fake up the middle by fullback Marcel Reece while Campbell ran it in for an easy touchdown.
On the next Chargers possession, Philip Rivers overthrew Malcom Floyd and the ball went right to a Raiders' safety, who returned it 15 yards to the Chargers' 41. Campbell completed the drive with a 4-yard TD pass for a 14-0 lead.
The Chargers cut the gap to 21-13 on a 33-yard field goal by Kaeding in the third quarter and Rivers' 4-yard scoring pass to wide-open Antonio Gates with 9:59 left.
The Raiders scored a TD again with 4:35 left in the game making the final score 28-13.
Vincent Jackson's injury
According to the Chargers, Vincent Jackson originally injured his calf in practice Friday and aggravated it during the game Sunday night. It doesn’t appear that he was faking an injury in order to avoid playing, that some were alleging. Meanwhile, it is reported that he has a strain and he likely won’t play against the Raiders on Sunday.
VJ is expected to get healthy and play at some point in December. The earliest opportunity likely will be the game against the Chiefs on Dec. 12.
VJ is expected to get healthy and play at some point in December. The earliest opportunity likely will be the game against the Chiefs on Dec. 12.
Chargers hands the Colts it's worst home loss, 36-14
In a night where the offense had a tough time scoring touchdowns, the Chargers' defense stepped up and played awesome. Getting four interceptions in which two were returned for touchdowns which helped give the Colts it's worst home loss of the Manning era, 36-14.
Peyton Manning blamed himself for the Colts' mistakes. The Chargers took credit for forcing him into them. Either way, it was the same bad result for Indy's suddenly struggling quarterback.
Kevin Burnett made a leaping catch and sprinted 29 yards to give the Chargers a 10-7 lead. Stephen Cooper picked off Manning again early in the second quarter, setting up a 33-yard field goal that made it 13-7.
Manning got the Colts back into it when he connected with Blair White on a 6-yard TD pass to make it 16-14 with 22 seconds left in the half. But after that, nothing went right for the Colts.
Kaeding opened the second half with a 30-yard field goal, and Eric Weddle picked off Manning and returned it 41 yards for a TD to make it 26-14. Mike Tolbert scored on a 3-yard run with 11:26 to go, sealing the victory, and Kaeding added his fourth field goal of the night to close it out.
Tolbert carried 26 times for 103 yards with one TD and Rivers was 19 of 23 for 185 yards with no touchdowns and, unlike Manning, no interceptions.
"I think all of our guys understand now that you've got to protect the ball," Norv said. "You've got to be sound in the kicking game and we can't give up big plays on defense."
All together, a great TEAM win...
The Chargers has beaten the Colts five times in six games, including twice in the playoffs. Three years ago, the Chargers picked off Manning six times -- the most in his career. Colts fans were so disgusted at the poor play that they headed for the exits with about 10 minutes left.
Kevin Burnett made a leaping catch and sprinted 29 yards to give the Chargers a 10-7 lead. Stephen Cooper picked off Manning again early in the second quarter, setting up a 33-yard field goal that made it 13-7.
Manning got the Colts back into it when he connected with Blair White on a 6-yard TD pass to make it 16-14 with 22 seconds left in the half. But after that, nothing went right for the Colts.
Kaeding opened the second half with a 30-yard field goal, and Eric Weddle picked off Manning and returned it 41 yards for a TD to make it 26-14. Mike Tolbert scored on a 3-yard run with 11:26 to go, sealing the victory, and Kaeding added his fourth field goal of the night to close it out.
Tolbert carried 26 times for 103 yards with one TD and Rivers was 19 of 23 for 185 yards with no touchdowns and, unlike Manning, no interceptions.
"I think all of our guys understand now that you've got to protect the ball," Norv said. "You've got to be sound in the kicking game and we can't give up big plays on defense."
All together, a great TEAM win...
Next up...Raiders
Garland signed with the Dodgers
Garland will also be eligible to earn up to $3 million in performance-based incentives this season. The contract includes an $8 million club option for 2012, which would vest if he pitches more than 190 innings in 2011.
Garland pitched well last year for the Padres, setting career-best marks with a 3.47 ERA and 136 strikeouts in 33 starts. We sure will miss you Jon, won't wish you luck though, because we'll end up having to play you.
Beat Down at the Q, Chargers win 35-14
This was probably the most complete game that the Chargers have played all season, they were solid in all phases of the game. Everyone pretty much contributed to this win. Though Rivers threw his season-low 233 yards, he threw touchdown passes to Patrick Crayton who scored on a 40-yard catch-and-run late in the second quarter, hurting his left wrist as he fell into the end zone, and speedy little Darren Sproles had a 57-yard catch-and-run early in the third. And San Diego's defense, led by linebacker Shaun Phillips, settled in and harassed Denver's Kyle Orton after he led an easy opening scoring drive. Denver was held to 235 yards and converted only one of 12 third downs.
The Chargers special team, who had taken most of the blame for their 5 losses this year, even pulled off a fake punt. Mike Scifres -- who's had five punts blocked this year -- waited for fullback Mike Tolbert to get open, then hit him with a 28-yard pass that set up Rivers' tying 6-yard scoring pass to Malcom Floyd in the first quarter.
"This is exactly what we set out to do when we were 2-5," said cornerback Antoine Cason, who intercepted Orton in the second quarter. "We wanted to get back in the division race to set us up for these games against division teams, and now our fate is in our own hands."
The Chargers had no trouble despite playing without star tight end Antonio Gates, who missed his second straight game with a torn plantar fascia in his right foot, and rookie running back Ryan Mathews, still bothered by a high ankle sprain.
The Broncos looked to be up for an offensive showcase Monday night following their efficient opening drive. Unfortunately for Denver, it was all Chargers after that.
Late in the second quarter, Crayton caught a short screen pass, broke a tackle by Brian Dawkins and raced toward the end zone. He was being tackled as he ran into the end zone and fell awkwardly on his left wrist even as he gave the Chargers a 21-7 lead. He was taken to the locker room and was on the sideline in street clothes in the fourth quarter, his left arm in a sling. Turner said he hopes it's a strain.
Earlier, Crayton caught a deep pass from Rivers and stiff-armed the safety to gain extra yards, finishing with a 49-yard gain to the Denver 6. Tolbert scored on a 1-yard run two plays later for a 14-7 lead. Sproles' big touchdown catch capped the opening drive of the second half and extended San Diego's lead to 28-7. He cut inside, caught Rivers' short pass and outraced the Broncos to the end zone. Rivers' final scoring pass was a 3-yarder to fullback Jacob Hester early in the fourth.
Phillips had two sacks in the second quarter, including one when he chased down Orton as he tried to complete a flea-flicker.
The Chargers, coming off their bye, pulled into a second-place tie with Oakland, one game behind Kansas City. Denver fell to 3-7. Next up is Indy.
Chargers' Injury report for Denver game
TE Antonio Gates and RB Ryan Mathews missed practice again on Friday. So the chances of them playing on Monday night against visiting Denver is start to look slim.
Antonio Gates is still hampered by the foot injury that forced him to miss the Houston game on Nov. 14. Whether he plays Sunday could be a game-time decision. Ryan Mathews reinjured his ankle in the Houston game. There is a strong chance Mike Tolbert will start in Mathews’ place. Mathews, the No. 12 overall pick in April, has 382 yards on 87 carries and two touchdowns, while Tolbert has 87 carries for 395 yards and seven touchdowns.
Receivers Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee both practiced on a limited basis. They’ve both been out for several games with a hamstring injury. It looks like kicker Nate Kaeding is on target to return from a groin injury Monday night. He has missed the past three games and has been replaced by Kris Brown. Nate has practiced fully the past two games.
Antonio Gates is still hampered by the foot injury that forced him to miss the Houston game on Nov. 14. Whether he plays Sunday could be a game-time decision. Ryan Mathews reinjured his ankle in the Houston game. There is a strong chance Mike Tolbert will start in Mathews’ place. Mathews, the No. 12 overall pick in April, has 382 yards on 87 carries and two touchdowns, while Tolbert has 87 carries for 395 yards and seven touchdowns.
Receivers Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee both practiced on a limited basis. They’ve both been out for several games with a hamstring injury. It looks like kicker Nate Kaeding is on target to return from a groin injury Monday night. He has missed the past three games and has been replaced by Kris Brown. Nate has practiced fully the past two games.
Bud Black named NL Manager of the Year
Black, 53, led the Padres to a 90-72 record in 2010, the most wins by the Padres since they won a franchise-record 98 contests in 1998. San Diego posted the fifth-best record in the National League while going an even 45-36 both at home and on the road.
Black made his managerial debut with the Padres in 2007. On July 19, it was announced that the Padres extended his contract through the 2013 season with club options for the 2014 and 2015 campaigns. In four seasons with San Diego, he has led the club to a 317-332 (.488) record.
Chargers signed safety Pat Watkins
The San Diego Chargers signed strong safety Pat Watkins on Monday and waived wide receiver Gary Banks.
The San Diego Chargers signed strong safety Pat Watkins on Monday and waived wide receiver Gary Banks.
Watkins, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound free agent, is a fifth-year player that spent his first four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played in 13 games last season and finished second on the team with 18 special teams tackles and also recorded 22 on defense.
A neck injury limited him to eight games in 2008, but he led the Cowboys with 25 special teams tackles in ’07 and made 49 tackles and three interceptions on defense in ’06, starting nine of his 14 games.
The Cowboys drafted Watkins out of Florida State in 2006. Watkins was a college teammate of Chargers defensive lineman Travis Johnson. He also played with inside linebacker Kevin Burnett for three seasons and wide receiver Patrick Crayton for four seasons in Dallas.
Watkins will wear No. 26 for the Chargers.
Watkins, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound free agent, is a fifth-year player that spent his first four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He played in 13 games last season and finished second on the team with 18 special teams tackles and also recorded 22 on defense.
A neck injury limited him to eight games in 2008, but he led the Cowboys with 25 special teams tackles in ’07 and made 49 tackles and three interceptions on defense in ’06, starting nine of his 14 games.
The Cowboys drafted Watkins out of Florida State in 2006. Watkins was a college teammate of Chargers defensive lineman Travis Johnson. He also played with inside linebacker Kevin Burnett for three seasons and wide receiver Patrick Crayton for four seasons in Dallas.
Watkins will wear No. 26 for the Chargers.
#25 Aztecs beats #11 ranked Gonzaga
Source: Associated Press
San Diego State Aztecs is ranked 25th in the AP Top 25, and forward Billy White didn't want its stay in the poll to be short.
White scored 18 points in the second half, many with the game on the line and went on to score a career-high 30 points as the Aztecs beat Gonzaga (No. 11 AP) 79-76 on Tuesday night, dealing the Gonzaga only their fifth home loss at home since 2004. Kawhi Leonard also added 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Aztecs, which is ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time in school history. White and Leonard, both forwards, combined to score 48 of San Diego State's 79 points, going 14-of-18 from the field.
The Aztecs dominated the rebounding 39-29 and got 18 offensive rebounds that led to 24 second-chance points.
White scored 18 points in the second half, many with the game on the line and went on to score a career-high 30 points as the Aztecs beat Gonzaga (No. 11 AP) 79-76 on Tuesday night, dealing the Gonzaga only their fifth home loss at home since 2004. Kawhi Leonard also added 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Aztecs, which is ranked in the AP Top 25 for the first time in school history. White and Leonard, both forwards, combined to score 48 of San Diego State's 79 points, going 14-of-18 from the field.
The Aztecs dominated the rebounding 39-29 and got 18 offensive rebounds that led to 24 second-chance points.
Fisher won his 200th game, against 149 losses, in his 12 seasons with the Aztecs. The victory snapped San Diego State's 33-game road losing streak to Top 25 teams, and this is the highest-ranked team the Aztecs have ever beaten on the road.
The Aztecs harassed Gonzaga into bad shots much of the game and the Bulldogs made just five of 18 3-pointers.
Fisher said the nationally televised game introduced many people to his team, which is favored to win the Mountain West Conference.
This is only the second time the two schools have played. The first was a Gonzaga victory in 1959.
Gonzaga is 77-5 in the McCarthey Athletic Center in 2004.
The Aztecs harassed Gonzaga into bad shots much of the game and the Bulldogs made just five of 18 3-pointers.
Fisher said the nationally televised game introduced many people to his team, which is favored to win the Mountain West Conference.
This is only the second time the two schools have played. The first was a Gonzaga victory in 1959.
Gonzaga is 77-5 in the McCarthey Athletic Center in 2004.
Padres traded two good relievers for CF Cam Maybin
Source: San Diego Union Tribune
The Padres acquired center fielder Cameron Maybin from the Florida Marlins in exchange for right-handed relief pitchers Edward Mujica and Ryan Webb.
Maybin, who turns 24 on April 4, figures to become the Padres' regular center fielder. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound outfielder last season had the highest range factor of any National League center fielder who played at least 70 games. Maybin had a 3.10 score per nine innings. By comparison, Tony Gwynn had a 2.12 score. Maybin appeared in a career-high 82 games for the Marlins in 2010, including 74 starts in center field. He hit .234 (68-for-291) with seven doubles, three triples, eight home runs and 28 RBI. He also scored 46 runs and stole nine bases.
However, the right-handed hitter also had 92 strikeouts against only 24 walks. He had a .302 on-base percentage.
He was the 10th overall pick of the Detroit Tigers out of high school in the 2005 draft, Maybin first reached the major leagues at the age 20. After his first major league season, Maybin was traded to the Marlins on Dec. 4, 2007, as the premier player among the six the Tigers gave up to acquire infielder Miguel Cabrera and pitcher Dontrelle Willis.
Maybin has played 168 games in the majors over the past four seasons, hitting .246 with 13 homers and 45 RBI in 548 at-bats.
The acquisition of Maybin, who is still two seasons away from being arbitration eligible, will likely end the Padres careers of several other outfielders. Ryan Ludwick, Gwynn, Chris Denorfia and Scott Hairston are all arbitration eligible and at least two of the four will likely be non-tendered by the Padres. The Padres have said they would like to retain Ludwick.
Gwynn was praised for his defensive play in center last season, but he batted only .204 in 289 at-bats with three homers, 20 RBI and a .304 on-base percentage.
To acquire Maybin, the Padres had to part with a relievers Mujica and Webb who worked in a combined 113 games last season. Although they lost two durable members of their bullpen, the Padres acquired a starting center fielder without touching the key members of the bullpen.
The key bullpen holdovers include All-Star closer Heath Bell, the set-up tandem of Mike Adams and Luke Gregerson plus Ernesto Frieri, Joe Thatcher and Adam Russell.
Hoyer, who leaves today for the GM meetings in Orlando, Fla., first contacted the Marlins about Maybin two weeks ago. "We started talking earlier this week," said Hoyer. "We wanted Maybin and the Marlins wanted bullpen help."
Padres will not have much wiggle room in free-agency
Source: MLB
Center fielder: With Will Venable set to play in right field and Ludwick moving from right to left field, the Padres want to land an everyday center fielder this winter. Gwynn has plenty of speed and a great defender, but lacks in hitting. The Padres need a top-of-the-order hitter, a table-setter for Gonzalez and Ludwick.
Starting pitching: The Padres have good core of young pitchers in their starting rotation in Clayton Richard, Mat Latos, Tim Stauffer and rookie southpaw Cory Luebke, but they will need someone to do what Garland did for them last season -- be an innings-eater. The Padres won't likely spend what it would cost to keep Garland ($6.75 million) for a No. 3 or 4 starter.
Middle infield: Eckstein is a free agent and won't likely return. Tejada, who was very good after joining the team in July, is also a free agent. The Padres still don't know what kind of player Everth Cabrera will be and Jerry Hairston Jr., who played a lot of shortstop when Cabrera was hurt, is a free agent. Simply put, the Padres need help here, either at second base, shortstop or both. They could make a run at Tejada, but won't spend the $6 million he earned in 2010, my suggestion is that they go after Jerry Hairston Jr. instead.
2011 payroll
The Padres won 90 games with the second-lowest payroll in the Major Leagues in 2010. That payroll is expected to increase -- Hoyer even said as much publicly last month -- but likely won't be much higher than $40 million. That said, without any bad contracts on the books, the Padres can and will be active. It also means that, unlike other teams with bigger payrolls, the Padres really can't afford to miss on trades or free-agent acquisitions.
Free agents: RHP Kevin Correia, INF Jerry Hairston Jr., SS Miguel Tejada, OF Matt Stairs, 2B David Eckstein, C Yorvit Torrealba, SP Jon Garland, SP Chris Young.
Eligible for arbitration: RHP Tim Stauffer, RHP Edward Mujica, OF Tony Gwynn, OF Chris Denorfia, RHP Mike Adams, RHP Heath Bell, OF Scott Hairston and OF Ryan Ludwick.
Non-tender possibilities: Scott Hairston, very small chance Gwynn is non-tendered.
Areas of need
Eligible for arbitration: RHP Tim Stauffer, RHP Edward Mujica, OF Tony Gwynn, OF Chris Denorfia, RHP Mike Adams, RHP Heath Bell, OF Scott Hairston and OF Ryan Ludwick.
Non-tender possibilities: Scott Hairston, very small chance Gwynn is non-tendered.
Areas of need
Center fielder: With Will Venable set to play in right field and Ludwick moving from right to left field, the Padres want to land an everyday center fielder this winter. Gwynn has plenty of speed and a great defender, but lacks in hitting. The Padres need a top-of-the-order hitter, a table-setter for Gonzalez and Ludwick.
Starting pitching: The Padres have good core of young pitchers in their starting rotation in Clayton Richard, Mat Latos, Tim Stauffer and rookie southpaw Cory Luebke, but they will need someone to do what Garland did for them last season -- be an innings-eater. The Padres won't likely spend what it would cost to keep Garland ($6.75 million) for a No. 3 or 4 starter.
Middle infield: Eckstein is a free agent and won't likely return. Tejada, who was very good after joining the team in July, is also a free agent. The Padres still don't know what kind of player Everth Cabrera will be and Jerry Hairston Jr., who played a lot of shortstop when Cabrera was hurt, is a free agent. Simply put, the Padres need help here, either at second base, shortstop or both. They could make a run at Tejada, but won't spend the $6 million he earned in 2010, my suggestion is that they go after Jerry Hairston Jr. instead.
2011 payroll
The Padres won 90 games with the second-lowest payroll in the Major Leagues in 2010. That payroll is expected to increase -- Hoyer even said as much publicly last month -- but likely won't be much higher than $40 million. That said, without any bad contracts on the books, the Padres can and will be active. It also means that, unlike other teams with bigger payrolls, the Padres really can't afford to miss on trades or free-agent acquisitions.
Cason's number will be retired
Norv defends special teams coach Steve Crosby
Source: San Diego Union Tribune
“You know, there are about five guys I’d let go before him, and that would be the five guys that have had mental errors and giving up blocked punts,” Turner said. “He’s not out there doing it. He gets them ready to play. I can put a tape on Friday of a guy doing it right, and then not doing it right on Sunday. That is not Steve Crosby. He does a great job getting these guys ready, and we’ve had some issues. It has been different guys. In two or three cases, it has been a guy that has been put into a new position because of an injury, and they haven’t handled it very well.”
The Chargers has had special teams issues all season including Sunday's fifth blocked punt of the season. Although, it officially goes down as a deflection because it traveled 1 yard, it was a blocked punt. There have only been five other blocked punts in the entire NFL this season.
Norv vowed that the issue will be fixed between now and the next game, Nov. 22 against Denver.
“Over the next five (practices), we are going to fix the issues we have in the punting game,” Norv said. “We will not have another punt blocked for the rest of this season.”
Those are some big words, Norv. Now, prove it.
Special team, not so special in win
On the opening kick-off, Jacob Hester didn’t want the ball to stick in bounds and have the Texans somehow recover and take over inside the Chargers’ 10. So he caught the kickoff, his momentum carried him out of bounds and the Chargers began their first drive at the 4, but what he should have done was let it bounce in to the end zone for a touch-back.
After the Chargers' 3-and-out, the special team made another blunder by giving up another blocked punt which the Texans recovered on the 8 yard line. That led to an Adrian Foster touchdown which put the Charger's behind early yet again.
But thanks to Philip Rivers, even without some of his favorite receivers, he picked apart the Houston Texans' last ranked pass defense. Rivers was missing tight end Antonio Gates, wide receivers Malcom Floyd and Legedu Nanee to injuries. He completed his first 10 passes and finished with 295 yards and four touchdowns to guys like Seyi Ajirotutu (his first career touchdown) Randy McMichael (first as a Charger).
The Texans had a chance for the go-ahead score in the final minutes, but the usually sure-handed Andre Johnson made a costly mistake. On second down, Johnson couldn't handle Matt Schaub's pass, and the ball ricocheted off his knee and into the hands of safety Paul Oliver. Officials upheld the interception after a replay review, and Rivers kneeled down to run out the clock.
The Chargers held on to win the game 29-23 to head into their bye week on their first two-game winning streak of the season and the first road win of the season.
This bye week could not come at a better time, this will give their players a much needed time to recover from injuries before player the Broncos the following week.
Chargers added a veteran receiver
He is expected to be in uniform Sunday at Houston. He is a big receiver at 6-foot-3, 217 pounds. He has played eight NFL season and had 34 catches for 431 yards for Baltimore last season. He can also help on special teams.
The Chargers only have three healthy receivers – Patrick Cratyon, Gary Banks and Seji Ajirotutu before the signing of Washington. Starters Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee are not expected to play at Houston because of hamstring injuries. Pro Bowl receiver Vincent Jackson won’t be eligible to play until Week 12.
Also, TE Antonio Gates is dealing with foot injuries and may not play against the Texans. So, the Washington signing makes sense.
Philip Rivers honored for a great month
Congratulations to Chargers' QB Philip Rivers for being named the AFC offensive player of the month for his dominant October.
Rivers completed 125 of 185 passes (67.6 percent) for an NFL-high 1,562 passing yards with eight touchdowns versus three interceptions, he had a 101.2 passer rating and his 1,562 yards set an NFL record for October. Rivers has thrown for 2,649 yards so far this season. It is the most any quarterback has ever thrown for through eight games.
To still put up those kinds of numbers with a depleted receiving crew is extra special. This is Rivers’ third player of the month honor.
Rivers completed 125 of 185 passes (67.6 percent) for an NFL-high 1,562 passing yards with eight touchdowns versus three interceptions, he had a 101.2 passer rating and his 1,562 yards set an NFL record for October. Rivers has thrown for 2,649 yards so far this season. It is the most any quarterback has ever thrown for through eight games.
To still put up those kinds of numbers with a depleted receiving crew is extra special. This is Rivers’ third player of the month honor.
Antonio Gates could be out against Houston
Source: San Diego Union-Tribune
Antonio Gates was wheeling around Wednesday on a scooter that kept his right foot off the ground which is the opposite foot from the toe and ankle injuries that's been bothering him the past two weeks.
Last Sunday's game against the Titans, Gates popped the plantar fascia in his right foot. Plantar fasciitis is the same injury he sought a medical opinion in May, but it had not bothered him this season until he attempted to compensate for the injuries around his left foot in the Patriots game.
The breaking of the plantar fascia actually allows for healing, eliminating the tightness with which Gates had to play against Tennessee. The plantar fascia is a band that runs from the heel to the toes and works with the arch of the foot when the foot pushes off. The tearing is extremely painful.
On Monday, Gates had to be driven to his car in a cart because he couldn’t walk.
Dr. Phillip Kwong, a foot specialist with the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, said people find it difficult to walk for two weeks or more after tearing a plantar fascia.
Gates has been able to play in relative comfort with pain killing injections, but the hurt is almost intolerable when those wear off. He described the scooter and other measures he is going through as giving him “a chance” to face the Texans.
Antonio Gates was wheeling around Wednesday on a scooter that kept his right foot off the ground which is the opposite foot from the toe and ankle injuries that's been bothering him the past two weeks.
Last Sunday's game against the Titans, Gates popped the plantar fascia in his right foot. Plantar fasciitis is the same injury he sought a medical opinion in May, but it had not bothered him this season until he attempted to compensate for the injuries around his left foot in the Patriots game.
The breaking of the plantar fascia actually allows for healing, eliminating the tightness with which Gates had to play against Tennessee. The plantar fascia is a band that runs from the heel to the toes and works with the arch of the foot when the foot pushes off. The tearing is extremely painful.
On Monday, Gates had to be driven to his car in a cart because he couldn’t walk.
Dr. Phillip Kwong, a foot specialist with the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic, said people find it difficult to walk for two weeks or more after tearing a plantar fascia.
Gates has been able to play in relative comfort with pain killing injections, but the hurt is almost intolerable when those wear off. He described the scooter and other measures he is going through as giving him “a chance” to face the Texans.
With a bye week after the Texans game, maybe it's wise not to play him this week so he can have 2 weeks to heal. I would rather lose him for one game than lose him for the rest of the season. Besides, the Texans have the worst pass defense in the league, let's just hope some of the backups can step up and not make mistakes like them have in previous games.
Shawne Merriman is claimed by Bills
Source: ESPN
The Buffalo Bills have claimed former Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman on waivers, according to league sources.
Merriman must report to the Bills within the next five days or he'll be placed on the Reserve/Left Squad list and would not be able to play the rest of the season, at which point his status would be determined by the next collective bargaining agreement. At the moment, Merriman plans to report to Buffalo, sources told Schefter. He is not, however, expected to play Sunday against theChicago Bears.
The Buffalo Bills have claimed former Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman on waivers, according to league sources.
Merriman must report to the Bills within the next five days or he'll be placed on the Reserve/Left Squad list and would not be able to play the rest of the season, at which point his status would be determined by the next collective bargaining agreement. At the moment, Merriman plans to report to Buffalo, sources told Schefter. He is not, however, expected to play Sunday against theChicago Bears.
Jon Garland rejects option with Padres
Source: AP
Padres' starting pitcher Jon Garland rejected his end of the mutual option he had for the 2011 season with the Padres, immediately making him a free agent.
Garland's decision came hours after the Padres exercised their 2011 option on three-time All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Gonzo, 28, will make $5.5 million in the final season of his contractual obligation to the Padres. He becomes a free agent after the 2011 season. There was never a question about the Padres picking up the option on Gonzo.
However, the Padres on Thursday will reject the $8.5 million option for 2011 on Chris Young, making him a free agent.
With Garland and Young, it means there with be a total of eight free agents on the Padres roster.
Second baseman David Eckstein, right-handed starter Kevin Correia, pinch-hitter Matt Stairs and infielders Jerry Hairston Jr. and Miguel Tejada automatically became free agents with the end of the World Series while Torrealba became a free agent when he rejected his option for 2011. The Padres have until Dec. 1 to offer salary arbitration to their free agents.
Among the starting pitchers still under the Padres' control are Richard, Latos, Stauffer, LeBlanc and Luebke.
Torrealba, 32, and Garland are both seeking multiyear contracts -- a prime reason why they rejected the options.
Chargers put Shawne Merriman on waivers
Shawne Merriman, the man known as "Lights Out" because of his once-ferocious hits and once one of the most feared players in the NFL was put on waivers, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
"Lights Out" had 39½ sacks in his first three seasons. He's had only four in the three seasons since then due to numbers of injuries. He was suspended for four games in 2006 after testing positive for steroids, he ended that year with 17 sacks. Merriman blamed the positive test on a tainted supplement.
"Lights Out" had 39½ sacks in his first three seasons. He's had only four in the three seasons since then due to numbers of injuries. He was suspended for four games in 2006 after testing positive for steroids, he ended that year with 17 sacks. Merriman blamed the positive test on a tainted supplement.
He was arrested just before the 2009 season after reality television star Tila Tequila accused him of battery and false imprisonment at his home. No charges were filed, and Merriman and Tequila settled the lawsuits.
Merriman missed most of the 2008 season after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery. He had four sacks last year as he tried to regain his form. After sitting out most offseason workouts and part of training camp to protest his contract status, he was slowed by an Achilles injury and then a calf injury.
Good luck "Lights Out".
Merriman missed most of the 2008 season after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery. He had four sacks last year as he tried to regain his form. After sitting out most offseason workouts and part of training camp to protest his contract status, he was slowed by an Achilles injury and then a calf injury.
Good luck "Lights Out".
Padres pick up Gonzo's option
Source: AP
The slugger, who grew up in the San Diego area and was the No. 1 overall pick by Florida in the 2000 amateur draft, will be too expensive for the Padres to keep. He was obtained in a trade with Texas before the 2006 season and has become one of the best first baseman in Major League Baseball.
Gonzo became a two-time Gold Glove Award winner, hit .298 with 31 homers and 101 RBIs this past season.
Padres general manager Jed Hoyer said at the end of last season that if Gonzalez wants Mark Teixeira or Ryan Howard money, "that's not something we're going to be able to do."
San Francisco Giants win the World Series
Congratulations to Botch, Flan and the Giants for winning the World Series.
Chargers win, even with more special teams blunder
Source: AP
Another Chargers special teams blunder led to a 2-0 Titans lead less than two minutes into the game. Nick Schommer blocked Mike Scifres' punt, with the ball bouncing out of the end zone and into the stands for a safety. The Chargers were down early again, and were booed as they left the field at halftime trailing the Titans by five.
That's when Norv Turner, criticized all season by outsiders because of his team's many blunders, made a speech that may have pumped up the team with what was described by some of the players as an emotional speech.
"He came out and expressed how he feels about this team, expressed how he believes in this team. We took that as a challenge. It meant something to him," Gates said.
"You could tell the emotion he had because he was getting pretty red," fullback Mike Tolbert said.
QB Philip Rivers said he thinks Turner gets unfairly criticized for his perceived lack of emotion. "He has plenty of passion and gives us plenty of motivation," Rivers said. "But this halftime was his best, as fiery as he's been. That's why it's so emotional. It's been tough. We don't deserve any sympathy. We've done it to ourselves."
Bothered by an injured toe, Gates took advantage of yet another mismatch. He got behind linebacker Will Witherspoon to haul in the go-ahead, 48-yard pass TD pass, his ninth of the season, for a 24-19 lead. Gates was late coming out of the locker room after halftime because he was getting his foot re-taped.
Rivers had his fifth 300-yard game of the season, tying his career high from last season. He completed 27 of 36 passes for 305 yards, with two TDs and one interception. His 2,649 yards are the most ever by an NFL quarterback in the first eight games of a season, bettering the old mark of 2,580 by Hall of Famer Dan Fouts for the Chargers in 1982.
Rivers also threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Darren Sproles with 6:51 left. The Chargers botched the point after, which would have given them a nine-point lead.
Chargers rookie running back Ryan Mathews sustained cuts and scrapes when his helmet came off in the third quarter but he returned.
The Chargers trailed 19-7 late in the second quarter before getting three straight scores.
Mathews scored on a 7-yard run 1:55 before halftime and Kris Brown kicked a 34-yard field goal midway through the third quarter to bring the Chargers within two. Gates' touchdown catch gave San Diego its first lead since the first quarter. Brown kicked a 36-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter for a 27-19 lead. The Chargers ended up winning the game by the score of 33-25.
"They were the most complete team we've played," Turner said. "That's what makes this win that much more special to me."
It was not a pretty game, more special teams blunder and the defense gave up some big plays, but they at least got that win taste back in their mouths.
Chargers rookie Goodman dislocates finger
Source: Associated PressGoodman had one of four Chargers turnovers in Sunday's 23-20 loss to New England that dropped their record to 2-5.
Fellow wide receiver Malcom Floyd (hamstring) and tight end Antonio Gates (toe) didn't practice. Wideout Legedu Naanee (hamstring) was limited.
Chargers are facing another blackout
The Chargers may be headed for another local television blackout, their third in four home games. The Chargers announced Tuesday that they have 9,000 tickets to sell by Thursday’s to avoid a deadline. This is following the only game to sell out this season, the game against the Patriots last Sunday. The Chargers’ surprising 2-5 record probably is not helping ticket sales this week.
Sloppyness cost the Chargers' the game
Source: AP
The Chargers' sloppy plays and carelessness cost them Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the New England Patriots and may have cost them the season.
“There is one thing keeping us from winning,” Norv said. “Everyone is going to talk about a theory -- we are not tough enough. We are not physical enough. Not prepared. All of those things will go away if we take care of the football. Because there are a lot of guys fighting their asses off, playing pretty high level, but it doesn’t matter if we keep leaving the football on the ground.”
The Chargers fumbled the ball three times in the first half Sunday or should I say just willingly handed the ball over to the Patriots.
For the fourth time this season, the Chargers outrageously outgained their opponent but ended up losing the game. In each of those games, they stumbled because of fumbles.
Scoring 14 points and driving for more in the final 7½ minutes allowed the Chargers to talk about fighting back and getting close. It allowed the defense to prove it could make a fourth-quarter stand.
But when newly signed kicker Kris Brown clanged a 50-yard try off the right upright with 27 seconds left it sealed a fate set virtually assured much earlier by three first-half fumbles -- only two of which involved the Patriots actually taking the ball away.
By game’s end – after another almost-heroic effort by quarterback Philip Rivers -- the Chargers had 363 yards to the Patriots’ 179.
“I can’t say enough about the way our team fought back,” Norv said. “But you can’t do the things we did in the first half and win a game in this league.”
Vincent Jackson due to sign tender
Source: Associate Press
By reporting Oct. 29, Jackson will be able to serve a three-game, team-imposed suspension on the roster exempt list, then play in the final six games to accrue his sixth season toward unrestricted free agency.
Last week, the NFL Players Association recommended that Jackson report to the team in time to gained an accrued season.Jackson won't be paid when he misses his first three games while on the roster exempt list. He was placed on the list by A.J. Smith. Jackson will be eligible to return to the Chargers for a game at Indianapolis on Nov. 28. Counting the six games he plays and the bye week, he'll earn $240,058 rather than the $3,268,000 he would have made had he signed his tender as a restricted free agent before the season.
The Chargers (2-4) could use Jackson sooner than he's going to be available. They might be without Philip Rivers' top two targets, tight end Antonio Gates and wideout Malcom Floyd when they host New England on Sunday. They missed practice Thursday, as did wide receivers Legedu Naanee and Buster Davis.
A.J. Smith's unwillingness to sign Jackson to a long-term deal is believed to stem from the player's off-field issues. He was suspended for the season's first three games by the NFL after pleading guilty in February to his second DUI since 2006.
Hours before the playoff game against the Jets, Jackson was handcuffed briefly and had his car impounded following a traffic stop. Jackson was pulled over near team headquarters for playing loud music, then cited for driving with a suspended license and expired tags.
To make matters worse, Jackson drew a 15-yard penalty for kicking the challenge flag thrown onto the field by Jets coach Rex Ryan, one of three personal fouls called against the Chargers during the embarrassing 17-14 loss.
The window for trading Jackson came and went without the Chargers moving him. There were several teams interested, but Jackson agent claims that the Chargers were asking for unreasonable compensation.
Chargers Blood Drive
Source: Chargers
The San Diego Blood Bank is preparing for one of the community’s longest-running and most successful life-saving events of the year.
Chargers Blood Drive XXXII, presented by the San Diego County Credit Union, will take place at the Town & Country Convention Center on Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The San Diego Blood Bank will provide donors the opportunity to secure a coveted Chargers Blood Drive XXXII T-shirt by donating the week prior (Nov. 22 to Nov. 29) during a special Chargers Mania Blood Drive at all San Diego Blood Bank donor centers and mobile drives. Donors will be awarded a voucher that may be redeemed at the Chargers Blood Drive for a T-shirt and a VIP wristband for the autograph line.
Donors will also have the opportunity to purchase an entry to win a 2011 Honda CRV or Honda Insight Hybrid, donated by the Honda Dealers of San Diego County, which will be given away at the Nov. 30 Chargers Drive. Those who donate at a center or bloodmobile through Dec. 4 will be eligible to receive a Chargers Blood Drive XXXII T-shirt.
Participants do not have to donate blood to meet the Chargers and enjoy the festivities at the Town and Country, they can pay the $5 entry fee ($1 for children). Blood donors will be refunded the admission price after they donate. Donors will be treated to a variety of food, entertainment and other goodies at the blood drive. They also will receive free parking.
The San Diego Blood Bank is preparing for one of the community’s longest-running and most successful life-saving events of the year.
Chargers Blood Drive XXXII, presented by the San Diego County Credit Union, will take place at the Town & Country Convention Center on Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The San Diego Blood Bank will provide donors the opportunity to secure a coveted Chargers Blood Drive XXXII T-shirt by donating the week prior (Nov. 22 to Nov. 29) during a special Chargers Mania Blood Drive at all San Diego Blood Bank donor centers and mobile drives. Donors will be awarded a voucher that may be redeemed at the Chargers Blood Drive for a T-shirt and a VIP wristband for the autograph line.
Donors will also have the opportunity to purchase an entry to win a 2011 Honda CRV or Honda Insight Hybrid, donated by the Honda Dealers of San Diego County, which will be given away at the Nov. 30 Chargers Drive. Those who donate at a center or bloodmobile through Dec. 4 will be eligible to receive a Chargers Blood Drive XXXII T-shirt.
Participants do not have to donate blood to meet the Chargers and enjoy the festivities at the Town and Country, they can pay the $5 entry fee ($1 for children). Blood donors will be refunded the admission price after they donate. Donors will be treated to a variety of food, entertainment and other goodies at the blood drive. They also will receive free parking.
Chargers signed a kicker
The Chargers have signed veteran free agent kicker Kris Brown to handle the team's kicking duties this weekend in place of the injured Nate Kaeding. Nate suffered a groin injury in warm-ups prior to the Chargers' game against the Rams in St. Louis.
Third back-up quarterback O’Sullivan was released to make room for Kris Brown. The Chargers also announced that they have released tackle Ryan Otterson from the practice squad and signed wide receiver Gary Banks.
Kris is in his 12th NFL season and was the Houston Texans’ kicker from 2002-09 before being released in September. One of the NFL’s most clutch and consistent kickers, Brown has hit 252 of 326 career field goal tries (.773) and has scored 1,103 career points. In 2007, Brown entered his name in the NFL record books by hitting three 50-plus-yard field goals in a game against Miami, including two 54-yarders and a game-winning 57-yarder as time expired. A four-time AFC Special Teams Player of the Week, Brown has kicked 13 game-winning field goals during his career.
Third back-up quarterback O’Sullivan was released to make room for Kris Brown. The Chargers also announced that they have released tackle Ryan Otterson from the practice squad and signed wide receiver Gary Banks.
San Diego Padres' coaching staff for 2011
Source: AP
Ted Simmons, the bench coach for the past two seasons, said in September that he would not return in 2011 because he wanted to pursue a Major League managerial job.
Roberts last year, worked with baserunners and outfielders during Spring Training, and with Minor League players during the season.
Renteria, who was recently granted permission to interview for the Blue Jays' managerial opening, will be entering his fourth season on Bud Black's staff. Renteria spent four seasons managing in the Padres' Minor League system. He also managed four seasons in the Marlins organization.
Darrel Akerfelds, the longest-tenured member of the coaching staff, returns for his 10th season as the bullpen coach. Pitching coach Darren Balsley returns for his eighth season. Both were instrumental in the development of one of the top pitching staffs in baseball.
Darrel Akerfelds, the longest-tenured member of the coaching staff, returns for his 10th season as the bullpen coach. Pitching coach Darren Balsley returns for his eighth season. Both were instrumental in the development of one of the top pitching staffs in baseball.
Third-base coach Glenn Hoffman, who works with the infielders, will return for his sixth season, and hitting coach Randy Ready returns for his second full season as hitting coach.
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