On Friar, An NBC 7 Padres Podcast

Tony Gwynn is unquestionably the best Padre of all time. But could Fernando Tatis Jr. end up taking that title? For the answer we go to Bill Center, who's covered the Padres for about four decades. Bill gives us the inside scoop on why he thought Dinelson Lamet could be a front line MLB starter when the righty was in Lake Elsinore, how the Friars can not just get into ... but make noise in the pla...

The Padres first week of the season could've been a whole lot worse! And it should've been even better. Derek and Darnay assess the (mostly) good and bad from the first six games. Three Up, Three Down is back (1:39), with a look at promising trends, Tatis, Myers, Hedges, Tingler and more. The guys discussed a tough afternoon for Yates, that maybe shouldn't be all that surprising. Then wonder what'...

Baseball is finally here. After nearly 10 months between games, the Padres return Friday for game one of the 2020 season. We made it, folks. Derek and Darnay discuss the Opening Day roster and the ongoing questions in a rotation that doesn't include either star pitching prospect (3:20). What kind of role should we expect for Edward Olivares? They address that, other roster questions and the Openin...

The Padres are getting ready for their first game since March against another big league team. Outfielder Trent Grisham joins the OnFriar Podcast to talk about safety protocols, Summer Camp so far, how the Friars teenagers look, and just how crazy a year it's been. 📺 On Friar is available on YouTube! Watch new episodes here . To join the conversation, tweet your Padres or San Diego sports thought...

To get the pulse of the Padres with a week to go before Opening Day, Derek and Darnay checked in with Padres Field Reporter Bob Scanlan. They discussed the strange experience of playing in front of empty stadiums, and plans for sound in the stadiums and on broadcasts. The guys also discussed the competitive nature of intrasquad games. What's the key to the Padres stacked farm system, and players h...

With the Padres are winding down the first week of Summer Camp, Darnay and Todd pass along their early thoughts on the club's return to Petco. What's the environment like around the team at Petco Park? The guys discuss how coronavirus precautions are impacting media and fans (2:03). While teams have had issues with the testing process, that part has gone smoothly for the Padres - despite having tw...

With the Padres back at Petco Park, Derek and Darnay discuss their expectations for Spring Training 2.0 (3:46). They discuss some changes made because of coronavirus, how the team could adjust to a new-look season, what players could play an important role, and some lingering concerns. Then Darnay checks in with MLB.com Padres beat writer AJ Cassavell about the team's player pool, and what we lear...

We're getting a 60-game MLB season. So what's that mean for a statistic-driven game like baseball? How many home runs will lead the league? Can anyone hit .400 and if so does it mean anything? Will a relief pitcher lead the league in wins? Author, statistician, former Marine and baseball nut Ryan Spaeder joins the OnFriar Podcast to break down the numbers. 📺 On Friar is available on YouTube! Watc...

For the first time it seems like there's been real progress toward MLB players and owners forming a plan for the 2020 season. Why has it taken so long? And how much is left to be settled? San Diego native turned Baseball American National Writer Kyle Glaser shares his insight on the negotiations, and how they could shape the 2020 season (3:14). With the dust settled on the 2020 MLB Draft, one that...

With some insight from Padres Director of Scouting Mark Conner, and John Conniff of MadFriars, Derek and Darnay take a look at the Padres picks from day one of the 2020 MLB Draft. The guys share their early impressions of Robert Hassell and Justin Lange (1:24). Then hear how Hassell had been on Conner's radar for a while (11:59), and why Lange's recent development was enough to grab Conner's atten...

Former Padres Broadcaster Matt Vasgersian now calls MLB Network home and does play-by-play for ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball. He shares how he's adjusted to life without baseball (3:57). Derek and Darnay get his thoughts on the ongoing negotiations between MLB owners and players (6:19), as well as how baseball could look on the schedule and on TV. Plus, the guys ask about his experience in San Dieg...

Padres President of Business Operations Erik Greupner has a fun announcement to make about events coming to Petco Park and how we can enjoy them and explains how the Friars are dealing with ticket holders when they can't get in to see games. Darnay and Derek also talk about negotiations between the MLBPA and MLB. 📺 On Friar is available on YouTube! Watch new episodes here . To join the conversati...

The Grossmont High grad is back in San Diego, and discusses how he's been passing the time - from workouts, to beach time, Game of Thrones and doing his part to help others out. Derek and Darnay ask him about the Pirates pipeline from San Diego, and the experience of pitching in his hometown ballpark. What has he learned through his first four seasons in the bigs? Plus, Joe weighs in on the ongoin...

MLB owners sent a return to play proposal to the MLB Players Association this week. It was not received well. Derek and Darnay discussed the situation with Associated Press Padres beat writer Bernie Wilson. What does the offer really mean? How do these negotiations usually go? And how might they take new shape given that they're happening during a major health crisis? Plus, the guys venture into o...

While the Padres future hinges on more big names from the minors, the future of the minors is a bit uncertain. Sam Levitt knows both topics well. The Voice of the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles shared his thoughts on the immediate and long term future of Minor League Baseball (10:17). He and Darnay turned their attention to the organization's young talent (22:34), including Fernando Tatis Jr's brie...

Baseball fans, we all want the game back. In the meantime let's have some fun discussing Mr. Padre, how he compares historically and just how good Fernando Tatis Jr. can be with Ryan Spaeder, a baseball statistician, author and former United States Marine. To join the #OnFriar conversation, tweet your Padres or San Diego sports thoughts and questions to Darnay ( @DarnayTripp ) and Derek ( @DerekNB...

Derek and Darnay catch up with Eno Sarris, The Athletic's aficionado of baseball analytics and beer. The guys discussed the potential return of baseball - including the blueprint set by the KBO. Eno explains how, why and when Major League Baseball could start their season. And the ways the Padres could benefit from a shortened season. Plus, they chat pitchers - including the Padres young ace. Then...

One major sport plans to resume in June. Speculation is flying around about how leagues could conduct business safely. And MLB is involved in a key study that could provide some important answers. Derek and Darnay discuss those topics. Plus - who do you want in your Padres Quarantine House? The guys bat around the possibilities. To join the #OnFriar conversation, tweet your Padres or San Diego spo...

With reports that the MLB is exploring the possibility of starting the season with teams quarantined in Phoenix, Derek and Darnay discuss the idea. What would it look like? What issues could arise? And most importantly - could it actually work? We've been without sports for about a month, are there any signs that suggest whether games will return a little soon, or a lot later than we expect? To jo...

Derek and Darnay talk MLB, Padres, and an Opening Day that never was from the comfort and safety of their own homes. There was a virtual game, and a subdued scene around Petco Park. The guys discuss the state of things, and how Major League Baseball could adjust once fans are allowed back in the building and games on the field. To join the #OnFriar conversation, tweet your Padres or San Diego spor...

Derek and Darnay discuss a stunning couple of days in the sports world, which included the postponement of Opening Day and the Padres season. What does it mean for the rest of 2020, and how will the league adjust? There are lots of questions, and much to be figured out in the coming weeks and months. The guys share their thoughts on some important decisions, and an unfortunate time for sports fans...

Derek and Darnay try to wrap their heads around the Padres strong start in Cactus League play. First, we have a winner of the #OnFriarSweepstakes (2:52). Then the guys try to wrap their heads around the club's strong spring (4:17). An observation about Jayce Tingler (11:34). Plus - Darnay asks Derek if some impressive offensive performances are something or nothing (18:14). Derek chats with new Be...

It's our 50th episode! Derek and Darnay are celebrating the occasion by giving away a pair of Padres tickets, and they explain how you can get involved. Plus - thoughts on the impressive work of the Padres pitching staff during Cactus League games (4:50). We catch up with Ty France to talk Aztecs, positional versatility, and what words from Tony Gwynn he still hears when he's on the field (25:24)....

The guys are at Spring Training! Derek and Darnay pass along their observations from Peoria, where Jayce Tingler has made a strong first impression (4:45). Trey Wingenter spent some time with Darnay to discuss the lessons he learned in 2019, how he plans on improving this season, and an upgraded bullpen (19:30). Plus, some thoughts on Gore, Paddack, Richards and the starting rotation (31:23). And...

Pitchers and Catchers and pretty much everyone else has reported for Spring Training. Derek and Darnay pass along their thoughts after our first glimpses of the Padres back on the field. First things first, a ticket giveaway to celebrate our 50th episode, we explain how to give yourself a chance to win (5:30). Then it's on to the business at hand, and Tommy Pham is already a favorite of the podcas...