Miami Marlins @ San Diego Padres Series Preview: Could Jedd Gyorko Win Rookie of the Year?

May 5, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley (7) prior to his at bat during the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Marlins are winners of five of their previous eight games. The Marlins are aiming for their second three game winning streak of the season, as they roll into San Diego to take on the Padres. The team has started hitting of late and hope to keep their bats hot as they hit the spacious Petco Park.

The Padres, like the Marlins, have not gotten off to the best of starts. They like the Marlins have suffered through injuries to key players. Chase Headley missed the beginning of the season with a thumb injury and former Marlin Cameron Maybin is still out with a wrist injury.

To preview the series between the Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres I had a Facebook chat with Kevin Charity. Kevin runs an interesting site, Kevin Says, where he covers not only the Padres, but other hot topics on his mind as well. Kevin is a huge Padres fan and used to write for the Padres Fansided site, Chicken Friars.

Kevin and I chatted about everything from the possibility of a Chase Headley extension to the disappointment from the Padres starting rotation early on this season.

Without any further ado, here is my chat with Kevin:

Ehsan Kassim: What is the latest on the contract negotiations for Chase Headley?

Kevin Charity: There is no news. A report came out in the media that Padres owner Ron Fowler wanted to lock Headley up long term. Almost immediately, Headley shot it down, saying he preferred not to discuss a deal during the season. Personally, I feel Headley will end up being moved, perhaps as early as this year’s trade deadline.

Ehsan: How much longer is Cameron Maybin out? What do you expect from him upon his return?

Kevin: Maybin hurt his wrist and there is not a current timetable for his return. He had a splint removed, so it might be another 2-4 weeks. Denorfia has been amazing, so the Padres really haven’t missed him.

Ehsan: What has been the biggest disappointment for the Padres this season?

Kevin: The Padres rotation as a whole. None of the guys have really stood out. Clayton Richard has been especially horrendous, pitching to an ERA approaching nine. Last year, he was a solid innings-eater, a good value. He is on the DL now with an intestinal issue, so hopefully that was the reason for his awful for his performance.

Ehsan: Can you give us a quick scouting report on the pitchers the Marlins will face this series?

Kevin:Cashner goes on Monday, throws high 90’s with a slider. He looked good in the rotation last year, before all of the injuries. He was shaky in his last start, as he walked 4 in just 4 innings.

Tuesday, Eric Stults goes. He reminds me a lot of Jamie Moyer. Gutty pitcher who only throws in the 80’s and has a big, slow curve. That thing will check in as low as 62mph. His ERA ain’t pretty, but he gives them a chance to win.

Wednesday: Jason Marquis pitches. A lot like Stults. He is a bulldog, but has average stuff. He usually scrapes. If he limits the walks, he usually pitches well.

Ehsan: Make a bold prediction for the series. Which Padres hitter is poised to break out? Which pitcher?

Kevin: Bold prediction: Look out for Padres 2B Jedd Gyorko. He smoked a tape-measure shot on Sunday and has really looked good at the plate lately. I see him winning ROY. As for pitchers, Monday’s starter Andrew Cashner throws hard, but has control issues. He easily has the best stuff of any pitcher the Padres have in the rotation.

A big thank you to Kevin for taking his timeout to talk to us. We at Marlin Maniac wish all Padres fans the best of luck in the upcoming series.