Echoes From The Field
Crazy little thing called love

May, 2004: Padres' Record (as of May 31) -- 28-23 (tied with Los Angeles for first place in the National League West)

Every little thing she does is magic Everything she do just turns me on Even though my life before was tragic Now I know my love for her goes on... - The Police, "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic"

One day at work, I was possessed of the enthusiasm to bring in my Sean Burroughs bobblehead and affix it to the top of my register. This, of course, provoked confusion in my colleagues, who asked why mini-Sean had made his appearance. I could only respond with a coy smile and one sentence: "It's our time now."

Our time isn't just a dream anymore, is it? Aren't we still tied for first place in the division? Aren't we still over .500? Haven't I seen some things that make me glad I'm alive? Can't I say now that I believe seriously in what I am seeing unfold before and with me?

But I am a skeptic to a point, so I must also admit that May has proven to be much more of a roller coaster than the month that came before it. There are a few difficult nights to sleep through, a few obscenities screamed in desperation, a few chinks in the armor. Isn't that natural, too? Certainly I didn't expect them to coast through it all forever?

Yes, and yes.

I'm not to the point where I'm going to start pouring the sparkling cider and humming "We Are The Champions" under my breath, but I will toast with my Cherry Coke and revel in music bordering on sugar shock like the aforementioned tune by The Police. Maybe not everything my Swinging Friars are doing is fireworks, but there's magic in the air, and it all comes down to the little things for this small-town girl. What can I say, I'm a simple person.

For example, let me show you my Top 5 favorite moments in Padres baseball.

1. The 1998 championship season. As if there was ever any doubt? This is the season when we had it all, I came of age, and I actually had an excuse to sing Queen at the top of my lungs. Before you ask, yes, I did.

2. Tony Gwynn's 3,000th hit (August 6, 1999). This is a given because of Tony's importance in my life. I still remember crying when it happened, and then standing in a Qualcomm parking lot telling my dad to stop talking about John Vander Wal.

3. Jake Peavy's first major league win (July 16, 2003). One of the nicest guys I've ever known and somebody I've watched for a long time now battles to finally make it. I wept, I cheered, and then I wrote a story about it.

4. Brian Lawrence's first home run (April 6, 2003). Another awesome guy does something I'd never expect -- and I'm there to see it. Or, actually, I'm there to lose the ball in the lights, then see it, and then launch into hyperactive shock.

5, Adam Eaton throws a shutout. There had to be at least one Adam moment on this list, and this one goes down in infamy as the moment I'll remember every single time I ever touch a donut. Who knew you could have a guilt complex over pastry?

Others that didn't quite make the list include the last game at the Q (omitted because it's really more somber than happy), Ben Howard's 16-strikeout debut, Adam nearly being hit with the pitching machine ... all the moments I can think of that make me really happy are moments that often don't mean a lot to the rest of the world the morning after. It's all about being there.

This month, we've had some insane things happen to us, and not all of them have made me happy. There've been base-running blunders that have cost us the game, bullpen performances that should be felonies, and the offense has sometimes been dead on arrival. Not to mention Adam has something like a nine-game winless streak, and superstitious about him as I am, I'm starting to wonder if there's some poker luck I can pass on to him.

For all of that, though, there have been some very neat things happening, too. Khalil Greene and Mark Loretta continue to provide some excellent defense up the middle of the diamond that's been seen on ESPN's "Baseball Tonight." I've seen old friends and fellow Lake Elsinore alumni Justin Germano, Jon Knott and Dennis Tankersley join Jake in the show, and watched Justin get his first win. I've said a bittersweet goodbye to Jason Szuminski, just as I finally learned how to say his name.

If anything, this month of May has reminded me of how much the San Diego faithful really are a family. Evidence of this has reappeared to me everywhere I look. I was watching the Pirates-Cardinals game for about ten minutes on ESPN before the World Poker Tour, and it was like taking a step back in time.

There was ex-Padre John Mabry at the plate for St. Louis.

There was a mention of Brian Boehringer going on the DL for Pittsburgh.

There was the score line telling me Ben Howard had suffered his first loss for the Florida Marlins.

There was the line telling me Mark Kotsay had scored the game-winning home run for Oakland.

It seems we're all still running around out there, somewhere. And while I have to admit home team rules when it comes to showdowns, I can't help but smile and laugh and high-five these guys. I'm happy they're progressing somewhere, reaching their potential. I'd be happier if it was with us, but I'm happy for them, nonetheless, because I know the good people and solid athletes they are.

Isn't this what the Padres are doing themselves? Reaching potential? For the first time in a few years, there's a solid corps of familiar faces. There isn't any more wondering who'll be platooned on this day when you come to the ballpark. You know who'll be around to say hello. Beyond that, you know that being there, you're going to likely see them put on one hell of a show.

That deserves some recognition -- hopefully not a long time coming.

And now for the little statues that aren't.

Tony Gwynn Award For Player Of The Month: Mark Loretta, how I am absolutely thrilled by you. How awesome is it that I know you're providing the best defense this side of Mark Kotsay or Eric Owens and at the same time, you're liable to swing the big bat? You were Team MVP last year for a reason, and who knows, you just might be again. Plus, the Ron Livingston jokes never get old.

Randy Myers Award For Albatross Of The Month: Can someone please explain to me the purpose of Jay Witasick? Okay, that was a bit harsh, but Jay has been a little less than sharp lately. Not as bad as Antonio Osuna -- who's back, so prepare your vocal chords for yelling now -- but he could use a little help. Don't worry, Jay, Darren Balsley has your back. Now please don't go lifting any more watermelons.

Highlight Of The Month: Brian Lawrence is back, baby! I have said it and said it and said it over and over again to all the people who've dared detract from our staff ace and leader of the Disaster Squad -- he'd get back to the B-Law we know and love. With three straight awesome starts, Brian is certainly laying down the law. Welcome back, Brian. Stay a while.

Regret Of The Month: What in the world is up with Adam Eaton right now? And can we please get Jake Peavy off the DL as soon as possible? All his Storm buddies are Padres now, and it's time for a reunion. That would certainly be something to talk about.

I'll be back soon with an update on the Padres-Brewers series, where Mark Loretta shows Milwaukee the mistake they made and how his new home is working out for him. Somehow, I don't think there'll be chips and dip at the housewarming. Until then, as always, keep the faith!