We're going places

With all due respect to the Super Bowl, Friar John will skip the first week of hype. The golf swing needs help, but there's too much going on to make it out to Torrey Pines next week to see Tiger and Lefty do what the Friar can only dream of.

No, Friar John is expecting a busy week next week with the Padres busing around the region for a packed calendar of Padres Winter Warm-Up events. It's a great chance to meet Padres players, coaches and executives and get the scoop on the 2008 season straight from the horse's mouth.

Things start at 7 p.m. Monday in Temecula, building toward the FriarFest from Jan. 26-27 at PETCO Park. The FriarFest is a cool event where fans, for a low $5 admission, can step onto the field, tour the clubhouse, get autographs and purchase some unique memorabilia.

Here are some details on the busy week, straight from the Padres' media announcement:

Monday, Jan. 21, 7 p.m.
Padres visit Temecula
Temecula’s Old Town Community Theatre
42051 Main St., Temecula, CA 92590
The event will be presented in conjunction with the Padres' Single-A California League affiliate, the Lake Elsinore Storm, and feature approximately 10 Padres players.

Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2:30 p.m.

Padres visit the Padres Baseball Store

Plaza Rio Mall, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico

Tijuana native and Padres infielder Oscar Robles, recently acquired pitcher Randy Wolf and infielder/outfielder Paul McAnulty are scheduled to sign autographs.  Radio stations La Poderosa (860-AM) and Invasora (94.5-FM) will be present.

Tuesday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m.

Padres visit Chula Vista

Ruth Chapman Performing Arts Center at Eastlake High School

1120 Eastlake Parkway, Chula Vista, CA 91915

Approximately 13 players will attend.

Wednesday, Jan. 23, 1 p.m.

Padres visit Camp Pendleton Marine base

Main Exchange – Country Store

Padres CEO and former Marine Sandy Alderson will lead a group of as many as 18 players and coaches from “The Team of the Military” as they visit with troops and families.  The players will receive a behind-the-scenes look at some of the base operations.

Wednesday, Jan. 23. 7 p.m.

Padres visit Escondido

California Center for the Performing Arts

340 North Escondido Boulevard, Escondido, CA 92025

The team will be represented by more than 10 players in this hotbed for Padres fans.

Thursday, Jan. 24, 11:30 a.m.

Padres visit fire victims of Ramona

Ramona High School

1401 Hanson Lane, Ramona, CA 92065

Padres players & coaches will visit with students from four Ramona-area schools affected by last fall’s wildfires.

Thursday, Jan. 24, Noon

Padres Visit Poway/Penasquitos

Poway Kiwanis Luncheon

Doubletree Golf Resort

14455 Penasquitos Drive, San Diego, CA 92129

The Poway Kiwanis will again host Padres players & coaches in this annual event previewing the 2008 baseball season.

Thursday, January 24, 6:00 p.m.

United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego-Padres Awards Dinner

Manchester Grand Hyatt

One Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101

The Padres will present their minor league and Major League award winners for 2007, while UCP presents its annual Community Spirit Award winner.  San Diego Fire & Rescue officials will announce the “Padres Fireman of the Year” award.

Friday, Jan. 25, 2 p.m.

Padres visit Rady Children’s Hospital

3020 Childrens Way, San Diego, CA 92123

Several players and coaches will pay their regular visit to the hospital patients.

Padres 2008 FriarFest

Saturday, Jan. 26 and Sunday, Jan. 27, 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The Padres will host their third annual FriarFest at PETCO Park.

Admission is just $5 (children 5 and younger are free).  Featured activities include:

* Autographs with Padres players, coaches and alumni. (Each player signing session will be limited.)

* Opportunity to go on the playing field and receive sneak peaks at behind the scenes areas of PETCO Park, including the Padres clubhouse.

* Thirty interactive displays and booths.

* New to FriarFest: Padres 12th Annual Blood Drive with replica Adrian Gonzalez jersey, promotional items and other benefits for donors.

* Game-used memorabilia will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting the Padres Foundation.

* Padres Season Tickets, the new Flex 13-game Plan, Spring Training tickets and Junior Padres will be on sale at FriarFest.

Whew, that's a lot. Friar John's going shopping now for a new pair of sandals, in case the current one wears out with all that travel next week. See you there.

FJ