Linebrink Traded to Milwaukee

Setup man Scott Linebrink was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for three minor league pitchers, RHP Will Inman, LHP Joe Thatcher and LHP Steve Garrison. Linebrink was 3-3 with a 3.80 ERA for the Padres this season. The right hander from Texas had struggled lately, allowing two three run homers in the last week. Linebrinks problems with location may have cost the Padres a few games and some much needed momentum.

The Padres acquired two 20 year-olds; right-handed starter, Will Inman was a third-round pick in the 2005 amateur draft; and left-handed starter, Steve Garrison, a 10th-round pick in 2005. 25-year-old left-handed reliever Joe Thatcher, was the only player expected to contribute immediately.

Inman seems to have the most potential of the three. Considered a top prospect, Inman went 10-2 with 1.71 ERA in 2006 (playing at WVA - SAL). He also struck out 134 in 110.2 IP, while only allowing 24 walks. This season Inman is 5-8 with a 2.97 ERA in 21 games (between Brevard County - Class A Advanced Florida State League & HUN - SOU). In 118.2 IP he has compiled 140 strikeouts with 39 walks. He has been assigned to Double A San Antonio in the Southern League.

Garrison was 8-4 with a 3.44 ERA (74 Ks & 28 BBs) in 104.2 IP this season for Brevard County in the Class A Advanced Florida State League. Last year the southpaw was 7-6 with a 3.45 ERA in 88.2 innings, striking out 77 while walking 22.

Left handed reliever, Joe Thatcher, will be the first player in the trade to play for the Padres. The quirky lefty with a three-quarter delivery will report to the Majors immediately, meeting the team in Houston. Thatcher valued by the Padres because he rarely gives up home runs (allowed none this year) will become an important part of the bullpen.

Padres 2007 Draft - 34 Picks Signed

The San Diego Padres have agreed to terms with 34 of their 42 picks from the 2007 draft. The Padres front office had pledged to spend more money (approximately $10 million) in order to further develop the club's improving farm system.

Nicholas G. Schmidt (LHP) S/L 6'05" 220lbs (1985-10-10) 1st RND #23 - Signed 06/28/07
Schmidt became the Razorbacks staff ace as a freshman, a pitcher (not just a thrower) who can keep hitters off balance. The Arkansas southpaw has a fastball that sits in the low 90s, outstanding change-up and good breaking stuff. Schmidt was named as a second-team 2007 All-American by Louisville Slugger, Baseball America, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association & the American Baseball Coaches Association after going 11-3 with a 2.69 ERA in 18 starts for the Razorbacks. Schmidt is a bit more polished than most collegiate pitchers, as he had extensive international experience pitching with Team USA.

Kellen R. Kulbacki (LF) L/L 5'11" 185lbs (1985-11-21) Compensatory A #40 - Signed 06/23/07
Kulbacki has been described as an above-average hitter (plus average with raw power). Named 2006 Co-Player of the Year by Collegiate Baseball News, the college junior possesses a stocky body with a decent arm and below average speed. An average fielder who is better suited for the corners. The first-team All-American was ranked second in the nation in batting .464, led the nation in home runs (24), 75 RBIs, picked up 17 doubles, 13 stolen bases and had the highest slugging percentage in the United States (.943).

Andrew L. Cumberland (SS) L/R 5'10" 175lbs (1989-01-13) Compensatory A #46 - Signed 07/07/2007
Good contact hitter who was drafted for his exceptional speed. The shortstop from Pace High School in Milton, Florida has exceptional range and his speed translates very well on the basepaths. However, scouts are concerned with his arm strength and accuracy. Could possibly be moved to second base or the outfield.

Mitchell D. Canham (C) L/R 6'02" 215lbs (1984-09-25) Compensatory A #57 - Signed 06/26/07
An athletic catcher who possesses a good left handed bat; can hit for average with above average power. The Oregon State University senior has only been a catcher for about three years, but is considered one of the leaders for a team on its way to Omaha. Canham could develop into good defensive catcher or could be moved to a corner INF/OF spot.

Cory R. Luebke (LHP) R/L 6'04" 200lbs (1985-03-04) Compensatory A #63 - Signed 06/23/07
The Ohio State lefty has a fastball that sits in the low 90's and solid off-speed pitches (plus slider & change). Luebke led the Big Ten in ERA (1.95) this season. Though scouts question whether or not he has a plus fastball, both his fastball & slider have been very effective. According to Cape Cod League scouting, Luebke has good, repeatable mechanics; more coaching and minor changes to his delivery could lead to more velocity.

Daniel A. Payne (CF) L/L 5'10" 185lbs (1985-09-08) Compensatory A #64 - Signed 06/25/07
Deemed a "real baseball player" with marginal physical tools (average speed, average range, good reads, very good arm). The junior from Georgia Tech is a hard-nosed gamer with great baseball instincts who plays well above his ability. Payne is an above average hiiter, with below average power.

Eric S. Sogard (2B) L/R 5'10" 180 1986-05-22 2nd RND #81 - Signed 06/26/07
The 5-10, 180-pound junior second baseman was named the 2007 Pacific-10 Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Sogard, drafted out of Arizona State University, batted .400 (100-for-250) with 12 doubles, four triples, 11 home runs, 62 RBI and 74 runs scored in 64 games for the Pac-10 Conference Champion Sun Devils this season. The Phoenix, Arizona native also earned All Pac-10 honors for the second straight season.

Bradley W. Chalk (CF) L/L 6'01" 1986-01-20 2nd RND #87 - Signed 06/23/07
As a top of the lineup hitter, Chalk batted .366 (59-for-161) with 10 doubles, two triples, 18 RBI, 26 runs scored and nine stolen bases in 45 games for the 2007 Clemson Tigers. Named second team All-ACC in 2007, Chalk is also a two-time member of the ACC Academic Honor Roll. A career.360 hitter at Clemson, he led the Tigers this season in batting average and on-base percentage (.483).

Thomas P. Toledo (RHP) R/R 6'03" 175 1988-12-13 3rd RND #117

Corey S. Kluber (RHP) R/R 6'04" 215 1986-04-10 4th RND #134 - Signed 07/13/07
The big 6'4" right-handed Texan throws in the low 90's (89-93). He shows excellent command of his fastball and has three solid off-speed pitches; change-up, curve and cutter. The 21 year-old junior was 12-2 with a 2.05 ERA (26 ER/114.0 IP) in 17 starts for Stetson University (DeLand, Florida). Kluber, held opponents to a .217 batting average with 117 strikeouts and only 36 walks (114 innings).

Lance F. Zawadzki (SS) S/R 5'11" 185 1985-05-26 4th RND #147 – Signed 06/12/07
Zawadzki is a switch hitting shortstop with a good arm, who can hit for avereage and power. While at San Diego State, Zawadzki hit .335 with ten home runs and 53 RBIs as a sophomore (2005) while playing for coach Tony Gwynn (He also hit the 'first' home run at Petco Park while playing in the Tony Gwynn Classic). Injuries limited the Aztec in 2006 as he struggled with a .243 avg and only 3 home runs. He then transferred to Lee University (Cleveland, Tennessee) and the senior led the Flames to the 2007 NAIA World Series; batting .461 (106-for-230) with nine home runs and 71 RBI over 63 games.

Jeremy S. Hefner (RHP) R/R 6'04" 1986-03-11 5th RND #177 - Signed 06/25/07
Emmanuel Quiles (C) R/R 5'11" 186 1989-10-26 6th RND #207 - Signed 06/25/07
Justin D. Baum (3B) R/R 6'01" 1985-10-06 7th RND #237 - Signed 06/25/07

Matt C. Teague (LHP) R/L 6'03" 210 1984-12-14 8th RND #267 - Signed 06/12/07
Teague was 7-2 with a 3.14 ERA (30 ER/86.0 IP), 74 strikeouts and 16 walks in 14 starts as a senior (2007) for Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn. Has a fastball that sits in the low 90s (89-91). A lefty with good size, also throws a good slider and change and likes to work down in the zone.

Wynn I. Pelzer (RHP) R/R 6'01" 1986-06-23 9th RND #297
Christian A. Colon (SS) R/R 5'11" 1989-05-14 10th RND #327

Shane P. Buschini (RF) L/L 6'04" 1985-04-24 11th RND #357 - Signed 06/12/07
Buschini, a Univeristy of San Diego senior, was named the West Coast Conference Player of the Year. The left handed hitting right fielder led the Toreros to the 2007 WCC Championship, a No. 4 national ranking and a No. 8 national seed in the NCAA Regionals. To earn player of the year honors (WCC), Buschini hit .348, with 13 home runs and 58 RBI. He also had a .442 on base percentage as well as a .626 slugging percentage.

Luis M. Martinez (C) R/R 6'00" 210 1985-04-03 12th RND #387 - Signed 06/12/07
Allen J. Harrington (LHP) L/L 5'11" 185 1986-07-03 13th RND #417 - Signed 06/12/07
William K. Conlon (CF) R/R 6'03" 210 1983-03-14 14th RND #447 -Signed 06/12/07
Ryan Hill (LF) L/L 6'00" 185 1985-04-05 15th RND #477 - Signed 06/12/07
Robert L. Perry (OF) L/L 5'09" 190 1984-10-03 16th RND #507 - Signed 06/12/07
Brandon P. Gomes (RHP) R/R 5'11" 175 1984-07-15 17th RND #537 - Signed 06/12/07
Robert Blauer (1B) L/L 5'11" 210 1985-09-08 18th RND #567 - Signed 06/12/07
Nicholas A. McDaniel (RHP) R/R 6'01" 205 1984-11-09 19th RND #597 - Signed 06/12/07

Robert S Woodard (RHP) R/R 6'01" 205 1985-01-10 20th RND #627 - Signed 06/26/07
Woodard, drafted out of the University of North Carolina, went 11-2 with a 3.30 ERA (42 ER/114.2 IP) in 19 games (18 starts) for the Tarheels in 2007. Woodward lead the Tar Heels to their second straight College World Series finals appearance. He compiled 84 strikeouts compared to 28 walks. A 6-1, 205-pound senior right-hander, Woodard became the winningest pitcher in UNC history this season and finished his career with a 34-5 record. The Charlotte, North Carolina native also garnered second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors in 2007.

Tyler J. Davis (RHP) R/R 6'03" 195 1985-05-15 21st RND #657 - Signed 06/12/07

Keoni M. Ruth (2B) R/R 5'11" 200 1985-03-21 22nd RND #687 - Signed06/12/07
Hawaii Prep Player of the Year in 2003, batting .556 as a senior at Kamehameha Schools. All-West Coast Conference player as a freshman for Univeristy of San Diego, batting .342 with 47 runs, 40 RBIs, 14 SBs. Ruth hit .338 as a sophomore with 93 RBIs for the USD Torreros. After two years in San Diego, Ruth transferred to Concordia University (Irvine, California).

Angel Mercado (RF) R/R 6'00" 205 1985-08-19 23rd RND #717 - Signed 06/25/07
Bryan Oland (RHP) R/R 6'03" 220 1985-06-05 24th RND #747 - Signed 06/12/07
Hunter Ovens (RF) R/R 6'02" 215 1988-11-03 25th RND #777
Andrew B. Parrino (2B) S/R 6'00" 185 1985-10-31 26th RND #807 - Signed 06/12/07
Zachary T. Brown (1B) L/L 6'00" 200 1985-03-13 27th RND #837 - Signed 06/12/07
Shawn Olsen (RHP) R/R 6'02" 200 1984-06-05 28th RND #867 - Signed 06/12/07
Brian Joynt (3B) R/R 6'03" 220 1985-03-14 29th RND #897 - Signed 06/12/07
Dylan Axelrod (RHP) R/R 6'00" 195 1985-07-30 30th RND #927 - Signed 06/25/07
Colt Hynes (LHP) L/L 6'00" 200 1985-06-28 31st RND #956 - Signed 06/12/07
Anthony Renteria (CF) L/R 6'00" 180 1989-08-30 32nd RND #985
Andrew Schugel (3B) R/R 6'00" 180 1989-06-27 33rd RND #1014
Joseph Pagan (1B) L/R 6'00" 210 1989-08-30 34th RND #1043
Ross I. Wilson (SS) R/R 5'11" 185 1988-11-09 35th RND #1072

Chargers Supplement Secondary

In the fourth round of 2007 NFL Supplemental Draft, the San Diego Chargers selected cornerback Paul Oliver, out of Georgia. The talented junior had planned to return to the University of Georgia for his senior season, but applied for the supplemental draft when he was declared academically ineligible.

Had he declared for the regular 2007 draft, projections had Oliver going in the second or third rounds. However, a lackluster Pro Day may have scared teams away, allowing the Chargers to select him in the fourth. Oliver's forty time was somewhat slow for a cornerback. He was clocked in the 4.5-4.58 range (according to Scout.com) and his vertical was somewhat average at 33.5 inches. Also, scouts measured his 'official' height at 5'10 & 5/8"s, much shorter than the 6'0" listed. Though his pro workouts were somewhat disappointing, most scouts felt that it was the six month layoff that hurt his performance. Most scouts remained impressed with Oliver's instincts and cover abilities, describing the former Bulldog as a player who plays better (and faster) than he works out.

It had been reported that in the past, Oliver's 40-times had been clocked in the low 4.4s (a grade that could have made him a first day choice). Oliver also felt that the poor showing was due to limited time and a lack of proper preparation. He also stated that it was somewhat difficult to be a 'one-man show' - alluding to the fact that he was the only player working out for more than two dozen NFL scouts.

Last season, Oliver was the fifth leading tackler for the Bulldogs, with 57. He also had 3 interceptions and 12 passed defensed. However, Oliver's draft stock jumped toward the end of last season. He made his name last fall with shutdown performances against Georgia Tech’s Calvin Johnson (two catches for 13 yards), the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 draft; and South Carolina’s Sydney Rice (three catches for 31 yards), the Vikings pick at No. 44 overall.

Oliver's fourth round selection in the 2007 Supplemental Draft will cost the Chargers their corresponding 2008 (fourth round) selection. Despite the poor numbers, the feeling is that Chargers got excellent value for that fourth round pick. Most of the scouts agreed that if Oliver had returned to Georgia and had a solid senior season, he would have been rated among the top cornerbacks in the 2008 draft (first or second round).

Crittenton Torches Blazers For 26 Points

Javaris Crittenton scored 26 points (10-17 FG) against a Greg Oden-less Portland Trailblazers squad as the Lakers won 81-73. Cody Karl started alongside Crittenton in the backcourt and scored 12 points (4-5 FG, 2-3 3PT). Jordan Farmar played well again, scoring 17 points off the bench.

The Lakers improved their Las Vegas Summer League record to 2-1. Their next summer league game is against the Denver Nuggets at 8:30PM EDT on Friday the 13th.

Lakers Lose to Sixers in OT

The Los Angeles Lakers Las Vegas Summer League team lost to the Philidelphia 76ers summer leaguers 98-95 in OT (10JULY2007 @ 8:00pm EDT). Guard Cody Karl, a free-agent signing out of Boise State (Denver Nuggets Head Coach, George Karl's son) led the Lakers with 23 points (3-5 3PT). Jordan Farmar bounced back from a 6 turnover game to add 18 points (2-2 3PT) and 11 assists. Javaris Crittenton, who led the Lakers with 18 points in their last game, was 0-5 from the field in just over 14 minutes.

Peavy Named NL Starter

San Diego Padres' ace Jake Peavy has been selected as the National League starting pitcher for Major League Baseball's 78th All-Star Game. St. Louis Cardinals Manager Tony LaRussa chose Peavy over the 10-1 Los Angeles Dodger Brad Penny (2.39 ERA & 82 strikeouts) and the National League ERA leader & Padre teamate Chris Young (8-3, 2.00 ERA & 99 strikeouts).

Peavy is currently 9-3 with a 2.19 ERA. He leads the National League with 125 strikeouts and is second in ERA. Peavy and Young represent a Padres pitching staff that leads the Major Leagues in team ERA (3.09) and shutouts (12). The 26 year-old right hander also leads the National League in strikeouts per nine innings (9.45) and WHIP (1.06) and leads the Majors in opponents' slugging percentage (.271). The 6'1" 180 pounder from Mobile, Alabama has only allowed three home runs this season, and has walked just 34 batters. Peavy is 66-48 in his six years as a Major Leaguer. He owns a 3.35 career ERA, with 975 strikeouts in 983 innings pitched (in 156 career games).

Peavy becomes only the third San Diego Padres pitcher to start an All-Star Game. He is the first Padre to earn the honor in 23 years, becoming the first since LaMarr Hoyt represented the brown, orange and gold in 1985. Former Padres lefty Randy Jones was the first to represent San Diego as an All-Star starting pitcher. Jones started for the National League in the 1976 All-Star Game, he was 22-14 that year with a 2.74 ERA with 25 complete games, en route to winning the Cy Young Award.

Crittenton Hits Game Winner

Maybe a 66-64 win in the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League can give Los Angeles Lakers' fans a little taste of the future. Attacking the middle of the Milwaukee Bucks defense, second-year guard Jordan Farmar used dribble penetration to find Javaris Crittenton (the Lakers' 2007 first-round pick) for the wide-open game winner. Crittenton hit the shot with only 1.7 seconds left in the game.

Crittenton, a freshman selected out of Georgia Tech, lead all players with 18 points (8-13). Lakers' forward Rodney White chipped in 12 points and newly signed free-agent guard Cody Karl (son of Denver Nuggets coach George Karl) scored 10 points. Former North Carolina Tarheel, David Noel, led the Bucks' summer leaguers with 16 points (also adding 6 rebounds and 2 steals).

Crittenton showed the quickness and leaping ability that made the Lakers feel he was a steal with the 19th overall pick. More importantly, JC showed that he was quite comfortable playing within the complex traingle offense, a system he became familiar with in high school.

Chris Young Sneaks In

It isn't often that a 6'10, 260 pound pitcher gets overlooked. Fortunately, more than 4.5 million fans disagreed with St. Louis Manager Tony LaRussa's minor mistake, as their "last chance" votes made San Diego Padres right hander Chris Young a first time All-Star. Young will join teammates Jake Peavy and Trevor Hoffman as the Padres representatives in San Francisco for the 78th Major League All-Star Game.

Despite leading all National League starters with a 2.00 ERA and helping keep San Diego atop the NL West, LaRussa decided to keep Young off the intial NL All-Star roster. Young also sported the lowest opponent's batting average in the NL (.197 BAA) and he is also in the NL's top 10 in strikeouts (currently 6th with 99 Ks in 103.2 IP).

According to Major League Baseball, Young received more than 4.5 million of the approximately 23 million votes submitted. Thanks to some stellar numbers and an all-out push by his teammates, the Padres organization and the entire city of San Diego, C.Y. earned enough support to be voted onto the NL roster.

Those great first half stats and tons of local support allowed Young to beat out four other high profile players. Chris was chosen over big names like reigning NL Cy Young winner Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt and Pittsburgh Pirates up-and-comer Tom Gorzelanny (who benefits nationally by pitching on the East Coast). Zambrano was so shocked that C.Y. was left off the NL roster, that even he lobbied for fans to vote Young in. Zambrano must have forgotten about the punches Young threw at Chicago teammate Derek Lee a few weeks back. Seems like the fans didn't. If anything, maybe the high profile fight in Chicago made the 6'10" Chris Young a little less anonymous nationally; possibly helping C.Y. sneak into the All-Star Game through the back door.

LHP LeBlanc Promoted

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Padres minor leaguer, left-handed pitcher Wade LeBlanc was promoted from Class-A Lake Elsinore to Class AA San Antonio. In 16 starts with the Storm, Leblanc was 6-5 with a 2.64 ERA. The 6'3", 190 pound lefty continues to show excellent command, compiling 90 strikeouts with only 17 walks in 92 innings with the Storm.

LeBlanc was the 61st overall selection in 2006, the second of San Diego's two second round draft picks that year (fourth overall). Selected by the Padres out of the University of Alabama, he was 11-1 with a 2.92 ERA (42 ER/129.1 IP) in 18 starts for the Crimson Tide in 2006. The 6-3, 190-pounder set school single-season records with 129.1 innings pitched and 128 strikeouts. He left Alabama as the school's all-time strikeout leader, compiling 334 Ks in three years.