WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

After hearing the baseball pundits on sports talk radio expound their theories yesterday about what the Padres should, could, or might do, I've come to the conclusion that there really isn't much they can do. Sure, they could trade a few veteran players for minor league prospects, which will free up a few roster spots and save them some cash for the remainder of this season. In that event, there could be more call-ups from Portland and/or San Antonio. However, for all intents and purposes, the Pads are done this year. As a fan, I will continue to watch their games on TV and will even show up at Petco once in a while. And, while I'd certainly rather see them win, I won't be that concerned about whether they win or lose. From here on out, it'll be about how certain players perform throughout the remainder of the season. I'm talking about the players who figure to be part of this club in 2009 and beyond. The problem is, no one knows exactly who those players are.

With one exception, the Padres have already plucked the crème of the crop from the Portland roster. That one exception is Wil Venable, 25, who hit his ninth home run last night and is batting .322. Although Venable--a left-handed hitter--has been playing center for the Beavers, I understand that the Padres still consider him a corner outfielder. Being that he's not on the 40-man roster, a spot would have to cleared in order for him to be promoted. If Brian Giles or another outfielder is traded, Venable will likely be promoted.

In combing the San Antonio roster, the two players who stand out are right-handed hitting outfielder Chad Huffman (.297, 6 HR) and 6-foot-6 Kyle Blanks (.325, 10 HR). It's hard to believe that the Padres would promote Huffman to the big club based on his performance thus far this year. However, I do believe that he'll get promoted to Portland in the near future. Inasmuch as the Padres are high on the kid, he's someone to keep on your radar.

On the other hand, it's doubtful that Blanks will ever wear a Padre uniform. And that's because he's a first-baseman. Word is that other clubs have been scouting Blanks, who could be included in a trade.

While the San Antonio roster is carrying several good pitching prospects, the two top starters are right-hander William Inman and left-hander Steve Garrison. Both of those guys could probably pitch in the big leagues right now. However, with the Padres going nowhere, I see no logical reason to call them up. There are also several excellent relief pitchers on their roster; it's entirely possible that we'll see at least one of them before the end of the season.

Tonight it's Jake Peavy pitching against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Everyone in attendance gets a Padres beach towel. It's one of their best giveaways, folks. Summertime, big league baseball, $1 hot dogs and sodas, and free beach towels. Except for a winning team, who could ask for more?

SHAMELESS PLUG: If you like up-lifting baseball stories and want to read about a successful San Diego team, pick up a copy of my novel, Pinch Hitter.