Padres Notes: Top pick Stauffer makes belated debut

By: JOHN MAFFEI and BRIAN HIRO - Staff Writer | Tuesday, March 16, 2004 10:23 PM PST ∞

PEORIA, Ariz. ---- Nearly 10 months since he last threw a pitch in competition, Tim Stauffer, the Padres' top pick in last year's draft, made his professional debut Tuesday.

It was on a diamond tucked in the farthest reaches of the organization's minor-league complex against a group of Single-A players from Kansas City. But Stauffer was out there. He threw free and easy and he had no problem with the right shoulder that cost him more than $2 million last season.

Stauffer, the fourth pick in the draft last season after going 9-5 with a 1.97 ERA as a junior at the University of Richmond, was flirting with a $2.8-million bonus when he told the Padres he had some pain in his shoulder.

An MRI in July revealed weakness in the shoulder joint. No surgery was required, but the Padres withdrew their offer. Stauffer eventually signed for $750,000.

Asked if he was the most-honest person in the world, Stauffer said, "Hiding something like that will come back to bite you. I'm very comfortable with my decision to tell the Padres.

"If I'm good enough, I'll make that money back. If not, then I didn't deserve it."

Stauffer, who threw 323 innings between July 2002 and May 2003, threw one inning against the Royals, getting a broken-bat grounder to short on his first pitch. He then gave up a single to left and walked a batter. But after pop to short and a grounder to first, he was out of the inning.

"It felt weird being out there," said Stauffer, who had a huge grin on his face as he left the field. "This is the longest break I've ever had without pitching.

"I felt good. I had the jitters a little. I didn't really find the zone or get a feel. But the shoulder felt good, and I was able to throw free and easy."

Stauffer's fastball was clocked between 88-91 mph Tuesday. He threw as hard as 95 mph at Richmond. He threw his fastball, slider and curve but said he'll wait a couple more weeks before throwing his cutter.

He's slated to open the season at Single-A Lake Elsinore.

A mixed bag

The two Padres pitchers who have struggled most this spring were back on the hill Tuesday, and they had decidedly different outings.

Brian Lawrence, who entered the game with a 16.62 ERA, got knocked around again. He earned the win in a 9-6 victory over Seattle at Peoria Stadium despite allowing four runs on eight hits in four innings. Ben Howard, who carried an unsightly 23.63 ERA that has effectively removed him from contention for the fifth starter's job, worked around three walks to throw two hitless innings.

Padres manager Bruce Bochy, though, was actually encouraged by Lawrence, his Opening Day starter.

"I thought he was better," Bochy said. "He was a little more consistent with his command, and overall his stuff was better. It looks like he's getting on track. The fourth inning, I thought, was his best. It's good for him to stretch it out a little bit."

Short hops

Former Padres 3B and 1996 National League MVP Ken Caminiti showed up at camp Tuesday morning but declined to speak with reporters. A team spokesman said Caminiti will meet with reporters today. The Padres invited Caminiti to spring training as a special instructor. ... 3B Sean Burroughs went 3-for-4 with a home run and three runs scored to lead the Padres' offensive outburst. ... Reserve 1B Tagg Bozied smacked an inside-the-park homer to left-center field in the seventh inning. ... Seattle RHP Kevin Jarvis, traded by the Padres in January, was roughed up again and now has given up 14 runs on 17 hits in just 7 2/3 spring innings.

Ballpark tour

A look at baseball's other stadiums, from oldest to newest, as we count down to Petco Park's April 8 opener. The eighth of 29:

Network Associates Coliseum

NETWORK ASSOCIATES COLISEUM

Team: Oakland Athletics

Opened: 1968

Cost: $25 million

Capacity: 43,662

Dimensions: LF 330 feet, LC 362, CF 400, RC 362, RF 330

Fast facts: With the Padres' move from Qualcomm Stadium, Network Associates Coliseum is one of only three facilities left that house both a major-league and an NFL team, along with the Metrodome and Pro Player Stadium. The Raiders had the place to themselves for two years before the A's moved from Kansas City for the '68 season. The A's then ruled the roost from 1982-94 while the Raiders played in Los Angeles. Oakland lured the football team back with a $200 million renovation that makes it clear the place is a football stadium first. Beyond center field lies the prime football seats, as well as luxury boxes, which makes for an odd backdrop for baseball. Hitters are more likely to complain about the spacious foul ground and poor visibility. The stadium probably is best seen from across the San Francisco Bay, at SBC Park, on a clear day.

Did you know?: "The Wave" is said to have crashed into the major leagues in Oakland during the 1981 playoffs. Drum-banging fan "Crazy George" gets at least part of the credit, or blame.

Sources: Oakland Athletics media guide, ballparks.com