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First they stole Randy Wolf for the same money and incentives package he likely would have received from the Phillies (who, I should reiterate, never gave up on Wolf as his arm problems surfaced and certainly didn't take to calling him a "risk").
Then, with rumors that Tad Iguchi was re-considering the Phils' request that he switch to third base, the Pads came out of nowhere and snapped him up to start at second. Tad's "No. 1 desire was to play in San Diego"? Bitch, please. The man's No. 1 desire was a vacant 45-foot stretch of dirt between first and second base. That I can understand. I just thought he'd be playing in Colorado or something. I knew Marcus Giles had a rough year, but man, Kevin Towers is one slippery robber baron.
Just like Duckie, it's the Phillies that were the caring, colorful, and loyal-to-a-fault option for Wolf and Iguchi. But there's a reason Duckie doesn't get the girl--he's far too familiar. Phillies fans want to feel as close as possible to their players, blurring the line between passion and obsession. Padres fans, I feel, are typical San Diegans: a generally conservative, laid-back lot that take pride in their pretty scenery and their relative freedom from the burdens of history (athletic and otherwise). The Phils have a "past." The Pads, not so much.
Threat Level: Moderate to high. San Diego definietly has the pitching for another run at a playoff berth, but there's plenty of room for improvement in the lineup. Their outfield is especially...what? Jason Bay? Leave Pennsylvania alone, dammit!
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