News and notes from Peoria for the Padres: February 12
Credit: J. Clark/ EVT Sports Peoria
The San Diego Padres are back.
It is that time of the year again.
Spring baseball is in the air, and the San Diego Padres are starting to report to camp.
Pitchers and catchers reported to Peoria on Wednesday, and so did the fans and media.
Mike Shildt held a presser for those media in Peoria. It is a hopeful time of the year for all major league clubs, and the Padres are no different.
Here is a look at the day through the eyes of the media and fans in attendance.
Enjoy.
It’s about that time ?️ pic.twitter.com/LaP51hYCgL
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) February 12, 2025
The rising sun in Peoria brings several Padres to the complex.
It is an early day for most Padres players as they reach Peoria Sports Complex as early as six in the morning. Don’t feel too sorry for them. They are usually out of the complex by very early in the afternoon. This is the schedule before the actual games start in Peoria.
Dylan said, “I might have dressed a little nicer if I knew this was going to happen.” ? pic.twitter.com/VtqLyRGJRv
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) February 12, 2025
Pitchers and catchers arrive in camp. It is a wonderful time of the year. You can feel the electricity.
First, it is a team stretch on the first field. The sound of 20-30 major leaguers playing catch is something to behold. The pop of the glove echoes throughout the complex.
First stretches of the spring! pic.twitter.com/QtaSxMoomE
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 12, 2025
Bullpen sessions are taking place as pitchers get their arms into shape.
Dylan Cease is in camp and looking sharp early on. Michael King was also throwing a bullpen.
Dylan Cease throws a bullpen with Ruben Niebla and Joe Musgrove looking on. pic.twitter.com/0BGZ1oShG7
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 12, 2025
The first team workout is something to witness firsthand. A.J. Preller lurks in the background as he watches his army of pitchers get loose.
Fans are getting into the action as players are more than willing to interact.
i’ll always pull for X.@DevineGospel X is out here working. ready to step up in the absence of Pro.
VAR. pic.twitter.com/aqIuvCgUds
— Fizz⚡️☀️⚾️???️ (@TheFizzShow59) February 12, 2025
The younger players are in camp, led by Ethan Salas and Leodalis De Vries. Both will not make the club to start the season. Instead, they will be soaking up major league experience as the top two prospects in the Padres system mingle with the big leaguers.
Ethan Salas & Leo De Vries.
The future. pic.twitter.com/8GYird0l32
— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) February 12, 2025
On the media side of things, we get interviews with Elias Diaz, Matt Waldron, and manager Mike Shildt.
Elias Diaz on how it feels to return to the Padres and what kind of interest he had from other teams this offseason: pic.twitter.com/ixiNXxssNf
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 12, 2025
Diaz looks to be the starting catcher come opening day.
Padres pitcher Matt Waldron: “I think I’m gonna throw a little bit more knuckleballs this year and rely on that…make them really respect that.”
Waldron’s knuckleball usage was 38% last season. pic.twitter.com/ccZLGAluxW
— Sammy Levitt (@SammyLev) February 12, 2025
Waldron will be vying for a starting role. He flashed potential last year and will look to build on that in 2025.
Mike Shildt on finding depth for his starting rotation and which relievers could be stretched out as starters: pic.twitter.com/GwMjxonNWn
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 12, 2025
Manager Mike Shildt speaks briefly to the media in his daily presser.
There are lots of unanswered questions regarding the depth of the team. It is early, and the Padres are likely still solidifying the roster. Expect some additions in the coming weeks.
More workouts are scheduled for tomorrow as the Padres continue to get in shape for the season.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.