Tingler’s Tidbits: Undefeated Padres manager discusses Pomeranz, Gore/Patino, young guys, Arias
Padres manager Jayce Tingler liked what he saw on Sunday as the Padres defeated Milwaukee 7–2 in their first exhibition game of spring training.
“I thought we performed in four areas where we’ve been working,” said Tingler. “Throwing the ball over the plate and throwing strikes. Playing defense. Working to get on base. And running the bases. And I thought both groups that went out there yesterday did a good job at that.
“I’m impressed with our ability to work. The ability to be a pretty cohesive group. Honestly, they have brought very good energy, good attitude each day to the field. For our job as coaches, it’s made it a lot of fun.
“I want to grade ourselves on those four things. Can we collect our routine outs? How are we handling the ball? How are we managing the zone when we are hitting? Do we have the ability to lay off pitches outside the zone? That part is a little bit difficult to judge the first couple of days as guys are getting their rhythm and timing. History says it’s usually advantage pitchers the first couple games.”
Tingler again discussed second baseman Brian Dozier, who joined the Padres Monday morning. “His track record speaks for itself. He’s been in the playoffs the last three years. It’s another guy who has the ability to get on base and play defense. He brings competition.”
Although pitching prospects MacKenzie Gore and Luis Patino are on regular throwing schedules, Tingler said they wouldn’t pitch in a game for at least a week or two. “We’ll see them, but it will be a little bit later,” said Tingler. “It’s been planned ever since their invite. They won’t start cranking in games for maybe a week or two later than some of the other guys who have done it before. They’ve been down seven or eight months.”
Tingler discussed how left-handed reliever Drew Pomeranz will be used: “With his background as a start, he’s going to be able to be lengthened out,” said Tingler. “Right now, it’s one inning. But we’re going to hit a time during the year where maybe it’s time to put the pedal down a little bit and we’re not going to rule out multiple innings. I think the fastball-curve pitch mix and throwing in shorter bursts, the stuff has played out. The fastball has another two to three miles per hour on it and the curveball is a little bit tighter. It’s a little bit different when you have to pace yourself for five or six innings. I guess he was in the mindset of letting it rip and that played for him the second half of the season.”
Tingler spoke about younger players in general and 19-year-old shortstop Gabriel Arias in particular.
— On viewing younger players in spring training: “Hopefully, they are not feeling pressure to make any type of impression,” said Tingler. “I hope they are themselves. I like seeing how they blend-in in the clubhouse — how they are getting along with their teammates, how are they doing their work. Are they understanding the plays? Can they retain information and can they apply it? I’m not big on judging young players in spring training. I like seeing where they are at and look forward to their growth throughout the year.”
— On Arias: “He’s pretty impressive,” said Tingler. “He gathered three balls in the infield yesterday and made it look like he’s been doing it. First at-bat, he missed a double by an inch. The next pitch, he follows up with a bullet to right field. He ends up stealing and gets into scoring position. I can’t remember what I was doing as a 19-year-old, but it wasn’t that.”
