New Colors, New Faces, No Promises

When it comes to the 1991 Padres, questions abound and answers are scarce. Let’s hear it for Abbott and Costello. Who’s where?

Are the Padres favored once again in the National League West?

No, thank heaven. They might be favored in the National League East or even the American League East, but this division is likely the toughest in baseball.

No, the local heroes need not concern themselves with living up to expectations, because there are none.

They will either finish in the second division, as expected, or pleasantly surprise, as isn’t expected.

Has the No. 5 starter been identified?

No, I believe it will be a player to be named later. On April 13, the first time they need a No. 5 starter, they may call either room service or Central Casting and have one delivered.

When Gov. Pete Wilson throws out the ceremonial first pitch Tuesday night, General Manager Joe McIlvaine will be watching with interest. If Bo could have a hobby, why not Pete?

Why not Fernando Valenzuela?

Why not? It depends on the price tag, but almost any warm body would be worth a look.

Is the No.5 starter the Padres’ only problem?

No. 5 might not even be the No. 1 problem. That would appear to be center field, at least from an offensive point of view. Shawn Abner, he of the lifetime .218 average, is being given the chance to play himself out of the lineup. Most people who get such an opportunity usually do just that.

If Abner cannot get the job done, it will be back to room service or Central Casting.

Everything else is set?

I wouldn’t call third base or left field gimmes, but I think Jim Presley at third and Jerald Clark in left will provide offense. Look for Manager Greg Riddoch to be quick with the hook defensively in the late innings.

How’s the bench?

About as deep as a bird bath. Catcher Benito Santiago, first baseman Fred McGriff, second baseman Bip Roberts, shortstop Tony Fernandez and right fielder Tony Gwynn simply cannot get hurt. Anyone filling in for them would be like Roseanne Barr replacing Streisand.

Isn’t Fred McGriff supposed to be a power hitter?

OK, so he hasn’t hit for any power in spring training. What difference does it make? At sunset today, when spring training is over, everyone will have exactly zero home runs. By sunset Oct. 6, he will have his 35.

Is there a home run threat on the bench?

Only if McGriff is there. Of course, if he’s on the bench, there is no cleanup hitter. Otherwise, don’t look for reserves to hit more than five home runs--total, not each--all year.

Will Jack Clark be missed?

Yes, his bat will be missed, specifically the fact that he hits right-handed. The Padres are potentially very vulnerable to left-handed pitching.

The Nos. 2 through 4 hitters, Fernandez, Gwynn and McGriff, had significant platoon disadvantages hitting against lefties last year. If left handers can neutralize those guys, it will matter little what the remainder of the lineup does.

Clark, meanwhile, hit .377 against lefties a year ago, and thus would have served as a deterrent against opponents loading up with left-handed pitchers.

Other things about Jack Clark will not be missed.

Should Garry Templeton be on this team?

No question. If he is not, it would seem more for personal reasons than professional reasons. And that is no way to run a team.

From a tangible point of view, he can back up more than adequately at short and third and adequately at second and maybe even in the outfield. He is a switch-hitter whose average has stayed stable at around .250 for the last three years.

From an intangible point of view, he provides veteran leadership to a team lacking in veteran leadership . . . provided he is handled with the respect he has earned.

If Greg Riddoch is going to succeed as a major league manager, he has to be able to handle people like Garry Templeton. If he can’t, he won’t.

How will the Padres draw?

Probably very well. Fifteen owners give them a solid fan base. Any walk-up is gravy.

What about those new uniform color s ?

They look nice. I still view brown as a more traditional Padre color, but I suppose I’ll get over it.

However, the new colors will not cause these guys to hit, field or pitch any differently than the old. The most important new uniforms, to be sure, will be the ones worn by McGriff, Fernandez and relief pitcher Larry Andersen.

The bottom line on uniforms is that the Oakland Athletics would win the American League West wearing their pajamas. Being the sleepers that they are, maybe that’s what the Padres should be wearing.