Good morning, baseball

Yes, Friar John went into hibernation this winter for a long rest. Nothing to make a weary old Friar toss on a fresh robe and start stirring again like the sounds of baseball. Bat was striking ball Thursday morning as the Padres held a 90-minute workout at PETCO Park.

Friar John learned one important fact: The first-base side of the ballpark is darn cold on a January morning. The sun had not risen high enough to erase the shadows on the south side of PETCO Park when the players stepped onto the grass at 9:30 a.m. Next year, Friar John will remember to wear long johns under the robe.

It was worth a little discomfort to see our first baseball of 2008. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez was there. Pitchers Chris Young and Mark Prior, off-season regulars at PETCO Park, continued their workouts and were joined by Joe Thatcher, Clay Hensley and Cesar Carrillo.

But it's the outfield that drew the most attention. All eyes were on Chase Headley and Matt Antonelli as they started their possible conversions to new positions. Antonelli, a second baseman last year at Single-A Lake Elsinore and Double-A San Antonio, might be shifted to center field. And Headley, the MVP of the Texas League for his monster season with San Antonio, will wander from his familiar third base to see if he can win a big-league job as a left fielder this spring.

Along with natural outfielders Scott Hairston and Chad Huffman, Antonelli and Headley took about a dozen fly balls in center and left field. Friar John was impressed by coach Glenn Hoffman's ability to get the ball airborne and headed in the proper direction each and every time from a cold start in mid-January.

As far as the players, mlb.com reporter Corey Brock will have a complete account on padres.com. The short version: Both were fine in center field, with Antonelli's athleticism apparent. Headley lost a ball in the sun while going back on a deep fly in left. Fear not, however, for Friar John doubts Headley will be challenged by 10:52 a.m. sun fields come the regular season. They serve hot dogs at PETCO Park, not breakfast burritos. Anyway, Headley redeemed himself one minute later by making a diving catch while charging a short fly ball. That drew a cheer from manager Bud Black, who was standing only yards away.

"It was fun to be out here and get things started," Headley said. "It's good to get an early start and get that momentum started toward, hopefully, a winning season."

Friar John left the workout wanting more. Good thing pitchers and catchers report less than a month from now. Heck, spring training game tickets went on sale last weekend. Peoria, here we come.

In the meantime, Friar John will take comfort in the knowledge Padres players, coaches and brass will be out and about at various community events next week. We'll give details of the Padres Winter Warm-Up and FriarFest in Friday's post.

Winter Warm-Up. Sounds good after a morning chill.

FJ