Fick proving to be quite the catch

By: BRIAN HIRO - Staff Writer | Monday, June 20, 2005 9:38 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- The position player who's most likely to represent the Padres in next month's All-Star Game could be on his way to the disabled list.

Catcher Ramon Hernandez missed his third consecutive game on Monday night because of a sprained left wrist, although he did play catch for the first time and manager Bruce Bochy said Hernandez's condition is improving.

"If he's not ready to play in a couple more days, then he's likely headed to the DL," Bochy said of Hernandez, who jammed his wrist while diving back into first base on Friday at Minnesota.

It's times like this that Bochy is glad he has a guy like Robert Fick at his disposal. Originally signed by the Padres as a reserve first baseman and corner outfielder, Fick was behind the plate for Monday's game against Los Angeles, catching ace pitcher Jake Peavy. It marked the second time in three days that Fick got the nod over usual backup Miguel Ojeda, who is batting only .143.

"Fick's a catcher," said Bochy, referring to the veteran's rise to the major leagues as a backstop for Detroit. "He's natural back there. He has great game awareness. We have all the confidence in Fickie (as a catcher)."

In his first start on Saturday, Fick went 3-for-5 to raise his average to .372 and did fine work receiving Brian Lawrence, who allowed two runs in 7 2/3 innings of a 7-2 victory over the Twins.

"It's the only position I ever played," Fick said. "The more chances I get back there, the more comfortable I'm going to be. I'm not looking to be the everyday catcher. I just want to be on the team and help. If I can back up Ramon, that's a dream come true."

Fick, 32, relished the chance to start against the Dodgers, who passed on his services in free agency after the Padres didn't tender him a contract last December. He was born in Torrance, lives in Manhattan Beach and counts several Dodgers among his best friends, including former Tigers teammate Jeff Weaver.

"No hard feelings," Fick said of the L.A. snub. "But I want to beat the (heck) out of them."

Eaton update

An MRI on the right middle finger of Adam Eaton revealed inflammation ---- not a tear ---- of his flexor tendon, leaving the pitcher optimistic that he will be able to make his next scheduled start, Friday against Seattle.

Eaton also was encouraged by a pregame throwing session, in which he fired pitches at 50 to 70 percent strength.

"I felt better than I thought I was going to," Eaton said. "Only I didn't throw any curveballs, so I'm still leery of that."

Eaton would have started Monday versus the Dodgers if not for the injury.

Short hops

LHP Cesar Ramos, whom the Padres drafted with the 35th overall pick two weeks ago, attended Monday's game and will pitch in the Petco Park bullpen this afternoon. Ramos, who turns 21 on Wednesday, is scheduled to report to short-season Single-A Eugene next Monday. It wasn't his first time at Petco ---- he pitched Long Beach State to a win over San Diego State in a college tournament game at the ballpark in March 2004. ... Padres CEO Sandy Alderson said he expects to sign manager Bruce Bochy to a contract extension soon. "I had to get Cesar signed first," joked Alderson as he motioned to Ramos, who received a bonus of just less than $1 million last week. ... RHP Tim Redding has given up one run in 10 innings through his first two rehab starts for Triple-A Portland. ... RHP Jered Weaver, whom the Padres considered drafting with the first overall pick last year, made his professional debut for the Angels' Single-A affiliate on Monday night. Pitching against Lake Elsinore of the Padres' system, Weaver allowed one run in three innings.