Hoffman produces first scoreless inning of spring

By: DAN HAYES - Staff Writer | Saturday, March 24, 2007 12:13 AM PDT ∞

PHOENIX ---- Trevor Hoffman said his spring numbers aren't worrisome. If anything, they're more bothersome.

But the Padres' closer got himself back on track ---- statistically speaking ---- in Friday's 8-7 loss to the Oakland A's at Phoenix Municipal Stadium with his first scoreless inning of the spring. The outing lowered Hoffman's spring ERA from 11.57 to 9.53.

"It was long overdue, that's for sure," Hoffman said. "I don't care when in the season or when in spring training, you want to go out and have success. It's not concerning but frustrating to not be consistent in the strike zone and have success. It's something that needs to start happening a little more frequently so I get a good head of steam going into the season."

Hoffman felt and looked good in his sixth outing of the spring despite giving up a single and a walk. He induced A's third baseman and Mt. Carmel High alumnus Eric Chavez to hit a lazy fly ball to right, and got the two other outs via bad swings.

"I felt like the ball came out of my hand pretty well today," Hoffman said. "I located down and away well."

Baseball's all-time saves leader was also pleased with his curveball and that he "finally (got) a fastball in" to A's second baseman Mark Ellis. Even though Hoffman may have been frustrated with his results, Padres manager Buddy Black sees no reason to worry.

"We're all competitive people," Black said. "We want to do well. The thing with Trev is he's throwing the ball fine. His stuff is good. ... Overall you want to put up zeroes whether it's a spring-training game, whether it's a sandlot game.

"He's a competitor."

Wells sharp

While the Padres traveled to Phoenix, David Wells remained in Peoria to make his start. Wells, who revealed last Sunday that he has Type 2 diabetes, pitched five shutout innings in an intrasquad minor league game. Wells faced two additional hitters as he pitched for the Padres' Double-A team against the Triple-A squad.

The left-hander threw 74 pitches and allowed five hits and one walk while striking out five.

"It was good," Wells told a team spokesperson. "Just going out there working on the command, making my pitches a little sharper. So it was good. I accomplished it."

Black said Wells ---- who learned about the diabetes several weeks ago ---- is on track to make his next start against the Kansas City Royals on March 28. If the 43-year-old stays on course he will make his regular-season debut April 7 at home against the Colorado Rockies.

Et cetera

OF Paul McAnulty said he will see a doctor today to make sure nothing is wrong with his right knee. McAnulty, who had offseason knee surgery, is hitting .353 with two homers and eight RBIs this spring. Manager Bud Black said he thought McAnulty would be back by Monday or Tuesday. ... OF Jose Cruz Jr. slugged his fourth home run of the spring, had a sacrifice fly and finished with three RBIs. Cruz has 10 RBIs this spring and is hitting .281. ... RHP Kevin Cameron allowed three runs in one inning Friday. ... Former Padres C Mike Piazza launched a three-run home run over the left-center field fence off RHP Justin Germano. Piazza is hitting .425 and has three homers and 15 RBIs for the A's this spring. Germano allowed three runs in two innings. ... RHP Heath Bell lowered his spring ERA to 1.12 with a scoreless inning.

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