McAnulty among first group of Padres cuts

By: JOHN MAFFEI - Staff Writer | Monday, March 13, 2006 11:04 PM PST ∞

PHOENIX ---- The first cut of the spring is usually pretty routine stuff ---- a bunch of non-roster pitchers and a catcher or two.

Monday's first Padres cut contained one surprise ---- outfielder/first baseman Paul McAnulty, who appeared in 22 games for the Padres last season.

The left-hander drew praise last season from manager Bruce Bochy for his heads-up play.

And while he hit .250 in eight spring at-bats, the Padres have upgraded the competition in the outfield, bringing in free agents Jack Cust and Eric Valent, both of who have more big-league experience than McAnulty.

If the Padres carry six outfielders, either Valent or Cust figures to make the club.

"McAnulty was a little surprised when we told him, a little disappointed, sure," said Padres manager Bruce Bochy. "We told him that just because he's going down early doesn't mean he won't be back at sometime during the season. Mac is a good ballplayer. Getting one at-bat here isn't doing him much good. He's better off on the minor-league side right now."

Monday's other cuts included pitchers Jared Wells and Sean Thompson, who were optioned to Double-A Mobile, and Kenny Baugh, Cesar Carrillo, Mike Thompson and Erick Burke, who were reassigned to minor-league camp.

Speedy outfielder Freddy Guzman, who has battled arm injuries, was optioned to Portland, catcher George Kottaras was optioned to Mobile while shortstop Matt Bush was reassigned to minor-league camp.

Bochy said Bush, the first pick of the 2003 draft out of Mission Bay High, made a positive impression with his athleticism and arm strength.

With the moves, the Padres now have 46 players in camp.

Sledge struggling


Outfielder Terrmel Sledge, who has been limited to two at-bats this spring because of calf, ankle and shin problems, finally got on the field Monday, taking over in left field in the sixth inning.

He didn't play Sunday in Scottsdale because of wet grounds from an overnight rain, and didn't start Monday because of soreness.

He struck out twice Monday ---- once swinging, once looking.

Bochy said Sledge's health isn't a concern yet, "but if he's not 100 percent by Thursday, it could be," the manager said.

Short hops


C Doug Mirabelli hit his third home run of the spring on Monday, a two-run shot off LHP Zach Jackson. SS Khalil Greene also homered off Jackson, but the Padres fell to the Brewers 9-5 in Maryvale. OF Jack Cust had a two-RBI double in the ninth. RHP Clay Hensley took the loss, giving up four runs on four hits in the sixth. ... RHP Doug Brocail, who had heart surgery Saturday, had his return to camp pushed back a day. Brocail remained in the hospital and should make an appearance in camp today before returning to San Diego for further tests.

Contact staff writer John Maffei at (760) 740-3547 or jmaffei@nctimes.com.