Padre Notebook : Show: He’s Not Ashamed to Belly Up, Chow Down

PHOENIX — Here’s a Padre who wants to gain weight: Pitcher Eric Show.

While Tony Gwynn, Terry Kennedy, Carmelo Martinez, John Kruk and many others here try to reduce their bellies, Show is trying to induce his to grow.

“It’s because I lose it so fast during the season,” Show said. “I’d like to build my weight up so I’ll have a lot to lose.

“I don’t think this is that big of a deal, but I’d like to maintain it at an even level.”

Show now will proudly protrude his stomach for anyone who asks.

Last year, he weighed 185.

He is up to 200.

Padre pitchers would like to reduce their earned-run average. In three straight spring training games here--all losses--they have yielded a combined 27 runs.

Friday, the Cleveland Indians won, 10-2, as starter Dave Dravecky gave up seven runs (five earned), four hits and three walks in 1 innings. He was relieved by Roy Lee Jackson, who surrendered seven hits and two earned runs in 2 innings. Left-hander Ed Vosberg, who might be earning a roster spot, then came on and shut down the Indians for two innings. Finally, Greg Booker gave up one run on three hits in the final inning.

Padre coaches keep pointing at the calender. It’s only March.

Center fielder Kevin McReynolds had two hits Friday, the only Padre with a multiple-hit game. John Kruk, McReynolds’ good friend had a two-run double and continues to improve his chances at making the roster.

Manager Steve Boros says he likes Kruk. Here’s what people are saying about a couple of other fringe players:

--Outfielder Tony Gwynn on outfielder Jerry Davis: “He can play. He just always seems to be in the wrong spot at the wrong time. We’ve got three guys who play every day out there (Gwynn, McReynolds and Carmelo Martinez), but if you gave Jerry the chance to play every day, you wouldn’t be disappointed.”

--Boros on left-handed hitting first baseman/outfielder Dane Iorg: “When he’s hitting well, it won’t make a difference if a left-hander’s out there pitching. If he’s on, you could throw a rosin bag up there, and he’d slap it someplace. That’s why he has so much value.”

The Padres and Chicago Cubs have split and will play separate games today. One will take place in Vancouver, B.C., the other here in Mesa. Who went where? Most of the big names went North. Gwynn, McReynolds, Steve Garvey, Bip Roberts, Graig Nettles and Terry Kennedy all left for Vancouver Friday night.