Bard has early edge to be starter, but he's taking nothing for granted

By: DAN HAYES - Staff Writer | Sunday, February 18, 2007 8:07 PM PST ∞

PEORIA, Ariz. ---- Josh Bard opted to watch the final round of the PGA Nissan Open on Sunday instead of NASCAR's Daytona 500.

It's only fitting.

Bard became the leader in the clubhouse to take over as the Padres' 2007 starting catcher the instant he walked in the door at Peoria Sports Complex last Monday. And even though he's ecstatic to have the chance, he said he won't let it distract him from preparing for a full season.

He knows he can't expect the job to be handed to him ---- he has to earn it.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to show some consistency," Bard said, "and I feel like the opportunity is in my lap and I need to take it. Obviously you have to make sure you're in shape, and I feel like I am. My concern is taking care of my pitching staff first and foremost, and making sure that every day you go out there, you're prepared.

"After that, it's going out and grinding it out for 162 games."

Bard has a good idea of what lies ahead.

The bumps. The bruises. The dings that are produced by unforgiving bounces and vicious foul tips.

He got a taste during the 2003 season when he started 80 of the 87 games in which he played for the Cleveland Indians, compiling a career-high 325 plate appearances.

Last year, Bard combined to play 100 games for the Padres and the Boston Red Sox. He hit .338 with nine homers and 40 RBIs in 258 National League plate appearances after he and Cla Meredith were acquired in a trade for Doug Mirabelli.

Bard's offensive numbers and the fact that he is more experienced than backup Rob Bowen (148 career plate appearances) give him the early edge, according to club officials. But the position isn't locked up. Veteran catcher Todd Greene also is in camp and is expected to compete for a roster spot.

"Bard did a tremendous job for us," general manager Kevin Towers said. "Offensively he had a huge year. He just needed an opportunity. I don't think he's ever been given that. I hate to say it's somebody's (job) to lose. It's his to win. ... I think competition is good. It's going to push Bard and Bowen."

Bowen sees that he and Bard, 28, are getting pushed up the chain ---- himself to the No. 2 spot and Bard to the starter's role. And he feels that's the ideal way to handle young catchers.

"It's kind of like a progression," said Bowen, 26. "It's tough going from the minor leagues straight to starting in the big leagues. It's a huge learning curve being a catcher with the mental side and knowing all the hitters and pitchers and developing that rapport with everybody.

"You gradually build into it."

That's how Bard has approached his career. Instead of sitting idly by, waiting for an opportunity, Bard has picked the brains of every catcher and coach he has come into contact with. And that, he said, has helped him develop and mature.

Now he wants to show he can handle any type of curveball thrown his way.

"I think when you know what to expect that's part of it," Bard said. "That's the way this game works. As a young player you have to keep your mouth shut.

"(Listening) is the only way to learn. You try to find somebody that's good at what they do and ask them how they do it."

All of the above leads manager Bud Black to think Bard is deserving of the first chance at the starting job. But Black wouldn't go as far as saying that Bard had the job locked up, even though he currently resides at No. 1 on the depth chart.

"He's a little bit more experienced service-time wise," Black said. "He's the guy that we feel he's ready for the challenge to lead our pitching staff in a combination with Rob Bowen."

Regardless of the team's decision, Bard said he'll be ready to go because he's seen a variety of catching situations.

He has backed up Victor Martinez in Cleveland, Jason Varitek in Boston and Mike Piazza last year. He has played in two-catcher platoons and three-catcher rotations.

"I'm responsible for being prepared to play when Bud puts my name in the lineup," Bard said. "If they choose to carry three (catchers), if they choose to carry two, whatever they choose to do, that's up to the coaching staff and the front office.

"I just have to go out there and take care of my pitching staff and be ready." Ý

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