On Friar, A San Diego Sportswrap Podcast

A word or two of caution (and maybe some hope?) in the midst of a slump. Derek and Darnay discuss the pitching staff (2:15). Do we know who these guys are yet? And should help be on the way? And if the club hits a serious slump, how far of a slide is too far that you can no longer claw their way back into contention? (11:08) Plus, confidence ratings on the team (21:00). The guys go 3 Up, 3 Down (27:22). And Darnay gets the giggles in church (43:28).

The San Diego Padres are all alone in first place. And Nick Margevicius is the team's best pitcher? Derek and Darnay discuss the team's way-too-early place atop the standings and how long it might last (13:30). For the first time we answer your questions from Twitter and Facebook (20:07). And discuss the good and bad after another solid week for the club in 3 Up, 3 Down (32:25).

With the Padres enjoying their first day off following their 4-3 start Derek and Darnay pass along their observations from the opening week of the season. Was the Machado play against Arizona dirty (10:00)? No. But the awful hot takes that came out of it might actually be worth the trouble. Another round of 3 Up, 3 Down (35:21) somehow turns into an in-depth discussion about the new Joker trailer (42:43), three-dimensional villains, and why Derek will definitely not be seeing the Joaquin Phoenix flick.

Wil Myers visited The Beach, Eric Lauer tossed a gem, and Fernando Tatis Jr. is a load of fun. Darnay and Derek recap a successful Opening Day for the Friars from Petco Park. The atmosphere was incredible. And the baseball team didn't look too bad either.

Our buddy Carlos Ramirez joins the show for the last time to discuss how the Padres are taking shape with a week to go until Opening Day. How's the rotation looking? What about the outfield? And how will Ian Kinsler factor in to the middle infield as the season goes on? Derek chats with reliever Trey Wingenter (28:39). And we play 3 Up, 3 Down (34:39).

The countdown to Opening Day is down to two weeks. Derek and Darnay discuss Paddack's latest gem and how the rotation continues to take shape. Plus, a closer look at what the lineup could be on March 28th. We have a delightful interview with friendly Canadian pitching prospect Cal Quantrill (17:43). And we play another round of 3 Up, 3 Down (25:16).

It isn't a dream. The San Diego Padres have a new third baseman. His name is Manny Machado. And fans are rejoicing. Darnay and Derek bring you the debut episode from Peoria. The biggest free agent acquisition in franchise history is official. The guys give you their thoughts on Machado's introduction, and the reaction from around the clubhouse. Plus we catch up with one of their promising young pitchers, Chris Paddack (13:25). Then Carlos RamÍrez joins us with his takeaways from a few days at Spring Training (24:30).

Darnay and Derek preview the On Friar podcast. They let you know what to expect from the brand new series, brought to you by NBC 7 SportsWrap. The guys are headed to Peoria later this week - and they'll bring you Episode 1 from Spring Training later this week.