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CHAT TRANSCRIPTS

Sports Chat - April 21, 2008

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Union-Tribune sports columnist Nick Canepa answered questions from readers during a Monday morning chat session at uniontrib.com/chat.

FriarFan17(Q) Nick, Love your columns!!! My observation of the Padres offense (or lack thereof) appears to be that they are not patient enough at the plate. Giles/Kooz/Khalil/Bard have a habit of swinging at the first pitch. What do you think is the issue?

NickCanepa(A) Giles is patient. The problem is that they don't hit the ball hard with enough freuqency. And they remain awful with runners in scoring position.

Andy_C.(Q) What do you see as the fate of Aztec basketball coach Steve Fisher, especially considering the recent defections on the roster? How much slack is Jeff Schemmel going to give him?

NickCanepa(A) Steve Fisher will remain head coach at San Diego State as long as he wants to be.

Andy_C.(Q) Are you encouraged, discouraged, or indifferent by the progress (or lack thereof) of Chuck Long and the Aztecs' football program?

NickCanepa(A) As an alum, I am discouraged. As a columnist, I am discouraged. I have a problem seeing relief in sight.

bernst22(Q) how many questions will Mr. Canepa be answering today?

NickCanepa(A) I'll be answering questions from 11-12.

Andy_C.(Q) Follow up to the Steve Fisher question: How much added pressure is he under given the success of USD this past year?

NickCanepa(A) I don't think he's under any added pressure. I'm among those who don't believe USD makes the NCAAs if they don't play their conference tournament in their own buiding. Why all this Fisher in trouble talk now? He's not in trouble.

moderator(Q) The following question was submitted via e-mail by Barrie: Who you got? Adam Dunn or Jim Edmonds in Centerfield.

NickCanepa(A) Adam Dunn couldn't find center field with a sextant.

moderator(Q) The following question was sent via e-mail by Eldwin: There's a rumor floating around that Merriman has failed another drug test. Have you heard this and is there any truth to it?

NickCanepa(A) My understanding is that there's no truth to it.

moderator(Q) The following question was sent via e-mail by Punching Judies: Ok, this may be way out of the ball park, but why dont the Pads look into signing Bonds. If they were really wanting a championship, they would at least consider it. I think that would be the spark that would get everyone going, everyone else who used steroids is playing. Tejada lied about his age even!!! It would be a great thing to SIGN BONDS. He changes the entire lineup.

NickCanepa(A) There's no chance. They've said there's no chance. So why keep bringing it up?

JohnieB(Q) Given the RB situation (LT's knee, Pinnock microfacture, Sproles just being too small) - would the Chargers draft a RB at #27 if he's there...like a Jonathon Stewart? or is there first choice to trade down and address needs in lower rounds?

NickCanepa(A) I would be shocked. They dojn't need to draft a back that high.

usbp(Q) Since attendance is dropping at Padres games, do you think the ownership will make some legitimate big-time moves to make this team competitive?

NickCanepa(A) Not this year. The team is competitive.

moderator(Q) The following question was sent via e-mail by Bryan E: With the Chargers selecting CB Paul Oliver out of Georgia in last year's supplemental draft, do you think the Chargers should address the position early in the draft with the offseason departure of Drayton Florence or do you think Oliver will be able to fill in as the nickel back and possible defensive back of the future? Keep in mind Oliver was the only defensive back to hold Calvin Johnson in check during Johnson\'s final season at Georgia Tech.

NickCanepa(A) I think they will draft a corner somewhere. Oliver's probably going to be moved to safety.

Andy_C.(Q) You don't see hope in what has been regarded by some as a couple of strong recruiting classes, particularly on the offensive line?

NickCanepa(A) What strong recruiting classes?

Zoopers(Q) Do you think Trevor Hoffman will retire after this season?

NickCanepa(A) Possible. Depents on how he finishes. I doubt he will continue to be a Padre.

COOT__VEAL(Q) The Padres priced me out of the ballpark and I make over $100K (with college kids). Can't be alone. It could be a graveyard out there. Why such a dull ballclub given the high ticket costs???

NickCanepa(A) Because they lost many millions for years and want to make it back. My advice is simple: Don't go. If people don't go to games and don't by beer, prices will come down.

Andy_C.(Q) Why the Fisher talk now? 9 years, no NCAA Tournament wins, zero "signature" wins against big time opponents. Will that change?

NickCanepa(A) Do you realize how bad the program was when this guy showed up? It may have been the worst in America.

BlazingBolt(Q) Hi Nick, thanks for doing this. I bet answering our brilliant questions are one of your favorite parts of the job. Anyway, concerning Chargers injuries: LT and Rivers are supposed to be full go for the regular season, but what are your feelings about how much time Hardwick and Gates may miss and do you think Gates toe may keep him from ever being the player he was? And is there any concern about Jamal William's knees this seasonas he seems to constantly getting them cleaned out? How much longer do you feel the guy is going to play at the level we are used to?

NickCanepa(A) I don't know. I'm not in his body. My guess is, if he can run around, he will play for a while, but A.J. Smith has to address that position soon.

Punching_Judies(Q) The Padres are light years behind the D-backs. The D-backs are very very young and very very good.

NickCanepa(A) Light years are 4 1/2 games back? Do not underestimate starting pitching.

moderator(Q) The following question was sent via e-mail by DOG: Why do so many NBA players have so many tatoos? i.e. picture Sports D1 today, Denver\'s J.R. Smith and his teammate # 25

NickCanepa(A) Because they want to have them.

bernst22(Q) Randy Wolfe seems to be another solid addition to the pitching staff by the GM Towers, how come he isn't as masterful at signing position players? Do you think big time hitters are "scared" to call PETCO home because of its enormous size?

NickCanepa(A) Their hope is that they're going to develop hitters in the minors with a much improved scouting department. I can't say Petco has anything to do with it because they haven't tried to sign boppers.

westcoasthoops101(Q) Why do you never have love for USD? They proved that they belonged in the Tourney, yet you just chalk up theit success to having the Tournament on their homecourt. Wins over Kentucky, UConn, and ranked Gonzaga and St. Mary's (twice) is pretty darn impressive. With Grier at the helm, they will be a force again next year. They're already receiving love in preseason polls (ESPN, Rivals).

NickCanepa(A) I have nothing against USD, but to call them a force?

steve08(Q) What percentage chance do you give the Chargers in finding a home in Chula Vista?

NickCanepa(A) No idea. We'll know more this ummer. Too manny things have to happen.

Punching_Judies(Q) Why is Chase Headley still in Portland? Didn't he lead the Padres in RBI during spring training?

NickCanepa(A) He'll be up.

FriarFan17(Q) Kenny Lofton is still unsigned, that could be a good fit (for both speed and power) for the Padres. Thoughts?

NickCanepa(A) Lofton? I never knew he had great power and he's older than Edmonds.

Punching_Judies(Q) Because as fans, we own the team. We invest a lot in this team full of potential, but lets face it, they are HORRIBLE at the plate.

NickCanepa(A) John Moores owns the team.

Punching_Judies(Q) Do you think the D-backs are not poised to dominate the West for years to come?

NickCanepa(A) I think they are poised to be good for a long time.

philipriversfan(Q) Nick do you expect LT and PR to be 100% by the begining of the year?

NickCanepa(A) Yes.

JohnieB(Q) If not for Spain getting booted off the team with but a few weeks left...I think SDSU might very well have gone to the dance and all the "Fisher is in trouble" talk would be a moot point. Agree? (Also...all the talk comes from too many people listening to Hacksaw...who also thinks LT is a cripple now.)

NickCanepa(A) How can you possibly believe anything Hacksaw says?

DOG(Q) Why did the Padres "lose many millions of $" at the Q? Wasn't that their choice? Why do they talk about debt service at Petco Park, when it's owned by the City of San Diego?

NickCanepa(A) They're making millions now.

moderator(Q) The following question was submitted via e-mail from: Gurman Bal: Isn't the clamor for a CB in Rd 1 overblown? AJ is happy with CB Paul Oliver, who should fill Drayton\'s shoes. A top tier RB would open up San Diego's championship window to 6 or 7 years because once LT hangs it up, the New Guy can become the Guy, right?

NickCanepa(A) I think the Chargers should go offensive tackle right away and running back much later.

eldwin(Q) I totally agree with your suggestion of not going to the Padre games... The Padres have become a very boring team to watch.

NickCanepa(A) Exactly. So don't go.

moderator(Q) The following question was submitted via e-mail by Ron C.: The Padres seem to lack power and speed year after year. Why has the Padres management failed to address these obvious needs, esp. after moving to Petco? Why have they not been able to fill the obvious needs for speed in the outfield?

NickCanepa(A) You're asking questions I can't anwer, except that they came within one out of winning three staraight division titles in Petco.

eldwin(Q) I agree with you that the Chargers need to address depth at offensive tackle, but do you honestly believe that any Tackle available at 27 will unseat Clary as starter? Nix is on record saying that there will be very good Tackles available in the middle rounds. If Stewart is available at 27, the Chargers HAVE to take him. He has Larry Johnson type ability.

NickCanepa(A) I don't think the Chargers are looking for a starter at any position. I like Stewart a lot, except he's coming off of surgery. Clary likey will be moved to guard one of these days. McNeill, don't forget, was a second-rounder.

bernst22(Q) Any Pads pitching prospect we should be keeping out eye out for this season? Anyone new? Or are they still trying to develop the same pitching talent?

NickCanepa(A) I know they're very high on left-hander Wade LeBlanc.

DOG(Q) How do you think Sandy Alderson, Paul DePodesta, and Grady Fuson have done so far?

NickCanepa(A) Why don't we give them some time?

JohnieB(Q) lol...I agree...Hacksaw simple reads off the ESPN site. Interesting question - Do you ever listen to sports-talk radio, and if so, and have you ever been offended when someone took a shot at you over the air-waves?

NickCanepa(A) No. Unless they're lying.

d1(Q) How do you see the CBA affecting the NFL in the next couple of seasons?

NickCanepa(A) It could be very serious.

DOG(Q) What is your #1 wish for Sports in San Diego?

NickCanepa(A) That I can retire in peace.

d1(Q) More specifically RE: CBA, do you see a strike in your chrystal ball?

NickCanepa(A) No way of knowing. Maybe a lockout.

Intentional_Pounding(Q) Is AJ gonna sign Merriman long-term?

NickCanepa(A) I would hope so, but that's down the road.

d1(Q) A timeout from sports: Best gravy on India street?

NickCanepa(A) Interesting. I kind of like Zagarellas

BlazingBolt(Q) All the Charger fans I talk to seem to think Eric Weddle is going to be a dominant superstar player and most of them think it is going to start this year. I am a bit worred on counting on a second year player so much this year. I like him and expect him to be good player for a long time, but do you consider him to have future pro-bowl or All-Pro caliber potential or are most fans being a bit too optimistic?

NickCanepa(A) I think he's going to be terrific.

bernst22(Q) How do you see the recent suspension of Coop affecting the Chargers in their first 4 games? Who do you think will start in his place?

NickCanepa(A) Never helps to lose a starter. But I think they'll be fine. I'm thinking the free agent out of San Francisco, Derek Smith, starts there.

DOG(Q) Who will be playing in the new LA stadium?

NickCanepa(A) No clue. It won't be built without a team.

bernst22(Q) An under the radar story I heard was that Merriman was recently escourted out of a bar downtown for "unspecified reasons"... did you hear anything or is this just being washed underneath the rug (hopefully)?

NickCanepa(A) Was he arrested?

kimT(Q) what do you think of Chuck Long?

NickCanepa(A) He has to start winning games.

Intentional_Pounding(Q) When do the Chargers start grooming L.T.'s successor? I know he's still the best, but that's a lot of miles on those legs. Emmitt went from being top-notch to nonessential in two seasons.

NickCanepa(A) I do not think there is a lot of pounding on LT's legs,

kimT(Q) is he a great coach?

NickCanepa(A) Now how could I possibly say that? I wouldn't tell you Pete Carroll is a great coach.

Intentional_Pounding(Q) Rivers (and Jackson) really seeed to grow up in the playoffs. Do you think there's more emphasis on the passing game early in the season.

NickCanepa(A) My guess is yes.

Punching_Judies(Q) Do you enjoy doing TV? I see you on Rome is Burning every great while.

NickCanepa(A) When I'm being paid.

NickCanepa(P) That has to be it for the day, gang. Have to get wo work.


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