San Diego Padres’ manager gets nostalgic as he recalls the good ole days with Jake Peavy - MLB
As the San Diego Padres took on the Chicago White Sox, a familiar face of Jake Peavy took the mound for the opposing numbers. The sight took Padres’ manager Bud Black back in time where he recalled Jake being his star pitcher in his first year as manager of the San Diego ballclub.
Jake Peavy had a memorable year in 2007 when he won the Cy Young Award with a 19-6 record in 34 games, all as starting pitcher posting a low 2.54 ERA. It was indeed a great feat by the pitcher and remains to be his best performance to date.
"My first year, to have a guy win 19 games, win the Cy Young, win the ERA title, the strikeout title ... that's good stuff, that's history-type stuff," Black said.
The 2007 season was a special time for Bud Black as he almost took his team to the post-season and fell at the last hurdle. The manager fondly remembers the 31-year-old’s performance and believes that those are some fond memories for him.
"He carried us a lot that year with his performances. Our memories, San Diego memories of Jake are fond and long-lasting." Bud said.
The game was won by the Padres who got the better of the White Sox by four runs to nil. Interestingly, Clayton Richard who threw down two scoreless innings in the game was a part of the five player trade that saw him coming to the Padres and Jake going to Chicago.
Jake Peavy himself says that he had a great time with the Padres where he made quite a few friends. He came across some highs and some lows and it was a good time. He has, however, turned that chapter of his playing career now.
"I had such a great time in San Diego. All the highs and the lows ... I made so many friendships,” Peavy said.
Since then, Clayton Richard has secured his spot in the San Diego ballclub and has become an integral part of the opening rotation for the Padres. The 29-year-old had 33 starts last season with an even 14-14 win-loss record and a 3.99 ERA.
"But Clayton has become a very integral part of the rotation, just as Jake has been for the White Sox." Black said.
The San Diego Padres have been doing well but have often been unable to go all the way. The Padres’ organisation is confident in the ability of their manager Bud Black and the confidence shown by the management is likely going to have a positive effect on the team.
For now, they will be concentrating on their baseball and one hopes that they are able to do well all season as they did in the latter half of last year. As for pitching, Clayton Richard may not be as good as Jake Peavy but he has the skills and can carry the weight of the team forward in 2013.
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