A fan recounts attending an instructional league game in Arizona, booing Cal Quantrill for his Stanford ties, and receiving a death stare from Mark Prior while being nearly alone in the crowd. Another fan eventually arrived and obtained autographs, including a foul ball signed by a napping Hideo Nomo. Broadcast notes mention Elder recently altering his sinker grip, prompting interest in evaluating movement and command changes. Observers criticize Ronald Acuña Jr.'s defensive range after his calf injury and express that watching his play has been difficult. Fans offer morning greetings and remain supportive and hopeful for wins.
This is perhaps the apt time to mention how I went to an instructional league game (I think it was the Angels' facility) in Arizona and opted to boo Cal Quantrill mostly due to how he went to Stanford (this was also a college football road trip for me to see Cal at ASU). It turns out that I was like the only fan at that game (my Uber driver did come inside the ballpark with me for a bit) and I got a death stare from Mark Prior who was working with the Padres in some capacity then and managing the Padres Instructional League team.
[Eventually another fan showed up...he's more experienced and was getting some autographs outside in the backfield. I got one of the foul ball, which I had to outrace one of the players not playing, signed by a napping Hideo Nomo who was there scouting (I think).]
O'Day mentioned on the radio broadcast that Elder recently altered his sinker grip. I might have to find some time to dig into how the may or may not be helping it either movement or command-wise, or maybe both. Goodness, Acuna's range is so bad these days. It's been rough to watch since he's returned from his calf injury, I've gotta admit!
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