Finally, a game ... sort of

PEORIA, Ariz. -- They played only six innings. They practiced bunt defense between half-innings. Some innings had only two outs.

But, hey, it was close enough to the real thing to call it baseball. And Friar John was happy to see it.

The Padres played their only intrasquad game of the spring on Wednesday afternoon of the main practice field. The "road" team comprising mostly newcomers and minor-leaguers defeated the "home" team with more veterans 5-3.

The winning pitcher and clear standout of the game was left-hander Cesar Ramos. A first-round sandwich pick out of Long Beach State in 2005, Ramos breezed through two perfect innings while facing several regulars.

Jeff DaVanon led off, then came five regulars: Tadahito Iguchi, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Adrian Gonzalez, Khalil Greene and Jim Edmonds. Ramos showed a good change-up and plenty of life on his fastball.

Colt Morton hit a three-run home run for the winners, off Ernesto Frieri, and Will Venable had a three-run shot in the bottom of the sixth, off Wilton Lopez, to make the score close.

Outfielder Jody Gerut, on the comeback trail following knee problems that kept him out of the majors for two years, looked as good as he did in winter ball. Gerut walked twice and doubled. He figures to be a serious player in the battle for the job in left field.

Friar John's personal highlight was sitting on metal bleachers so close to the field that you could eavesdrop on the dugout chatter.

As Robert Fick was leaving the field, general manager Kevin Towers gave him an attaboy for getting a base hit.

"Forget the knock," Fick countered. "I threw a guy out!"

The exclamation point is fitting. Baserunners have been successful in 90.7 percent of their attempts against Fick in his 152 Big League games behind the plate. But he will play anywhere the team needs him, and his versatility could come in handy as he fights for a utility job. Thus, the catcher's gear on Wednesday.

On Thursday, the Padres get to play against a team wearing a different uniform: the Seattle Mariners in the annual charity game at Peoria Stadium. Tim Stauffer gets the start and could go two innings. Bullpen stalwarts Heath Bell, Cla Meredith and Trevor Hoffman are to follow.

Friar John can't wait. Intrasquad games are one thing, but the concession stands don't open until the stadium does. Deep-fried Twinkies await!

FJ