New boss, same routine for Padres

By: DAN HAYES - Staff Writer | Thursday, February 15, 2007 11:19 PM PST ∞

PEORIA, Ariz. ---- Padres manager Bud Black hit the parking lot at Peoria Sports Complex on Thursday morning and immediately realized how different 2007 would be from years past.

But it didn't take long for him to find familiarity.

The 16th manager in club history was laughing and smiling on the field as he made the rounds during a light, voluntary workout attended by pitchers and catchers, including Chris Young, Cla Meredith and Trevor Hoffman.

The team's remaining pitchers ---- including Jake Peavy, Greg Maddux and David Wells ---- and catchers are required to report this morning for physical examinations before the first official workout on Saturday morning. Black said he expected that everyone would report to camp on time.

"Everything is new," Black said. "And without being overly dramatic, it is exciting. Each step that I take is a new one. ... There were a number of guys I hadn't met personally that I had talked to on the phone. But to meet guys in person, get on the field, where I think everybody's most comfortable ... the best part is playing and when you're able to get on the field."

Starting pitcher Clay Hensley shared his new manager's enthusiasm. Part of that anticipation stems from the third-year player's belief that Black's personality would allow for a smooth transition following the departure of popular manager Bruce Bochy.

"I think (Black's) going to be huge for our organization," Hensley said. "He's a very approachable person. There's not a manager/player barrier by any means. You don't have to go to any kind of channels to get to him. You can go straight to him from what I've seen.

"He wants to get to know the players, he wants to be here and he wants to win."

And he can't wait for everyone to be in camp.

Black said he plans to address the team's pitchers and catchers before Saturday's workout and then hold a similar session before the first team-wide workout. Position players report on Wednesday.

As for what will immediately take place on the field, Black said the Padres will spend the first few days in bullpen sessions, bunting practice and honing their fielding skills off the mound.

Essentially, it's what the team has done the past few seasons, according to pitching coach Darren Balsley.

"Business as usual," said Balsley, a Mt. Carmel High alumnus. "Pretty much we're going to go about things the same way. Buddy's going to put in his little wrinkles here and there, but it's business as usual."

Added Black: "I don't feel different inside, but there is a newness to everything that I do, which is exciting."

Padres notes

Former Padres first baseman Wally Joyner arrived in Peoria after receiving an invite from manager Bud Black. Joyner and Black were never teammates, but have since become golfing buddies. "It was a wonderful phone call to get to be invited here," said Joyner, who will work as a hitting instructor. "Always enjoy coming and being around the guys and being in uniform." ... Black said he expected everybody to be healthy for Saturday's workout, with the exception of LHP Shawn Estes (elbow surgery) and RHP Mike Adams (knee). ... 1B Adrian Gonzalez, 3B Russell Branyan and OF-1B Paul McAnulty were in camp ahead of schedule.

Contact staff writer Dan Hayes at dhayes@nctimes.com.