Friar Territory: a San Diego Padres podcast

The San Diego Padres start May baseball by welcoming in a familiar face, White Sox manager Will Venable. Darren Smith, Marty Caswell, and Heath Bell discuss the intangibles that Venable displayed when he played for the Padres and why he appears to be an up and manager on the rise in Major League Baseball. Heath describes the kind of leadership and thirst for learning while they were teammates and how he showed he was a student of the game. Are the Padres good? Well their 19-11 record says they are, but for how much longer can the Padres offense be carried by their bench pieces? The trio dissect manager Craig Stammen's comments on Fernando Tatis being a hitter, not a home run hitter. Darren, Heath and Marty discuss the decisions the Padres face when Lucas Giolito and Griffin Canning are added. Is Matt Waldron the obvious choice and have Walker Buehler and German Marquez shown enough? Speaking of Giolito, who just threw another rehab start for the Lake Elsinore Storm, what perks do minor league players enjoy when a big-league player joins the team? Heath tells us about the spread players put on for minor league teams, and which young Padres he bought suits for. Marty and Darren then discuss the production that top prospect Ethan Salas is doing in double and ahem, what it does for his trade value. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount 🌶️Friar Territory is the official San Diego Padres podcast in the Foul Territory Network. Subscribe!Follow us on X: @FriarTerritory Follow us on X: @MartyCaswell Follow us on X: @DSmithShowFollow us on X: @HeathBell21See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What did we learn about the Padres after their roadtrip to Colorado and Mexico City? Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss a wild series in Mexico City, some good signs from Manny Machado, a rare meltdown by the Padres bullpen, and if any roster changes could be ahead when the team returns home. The two also discuss the first public sighting of the new ownership group led by Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones in Mexico City. Marty details her quick trip to Lake Elsinore to watch Lucas Giolito make his first rehab start as well as footage of the scary comebacker that grazed his pitching hand.The show them welcomes in former Padres broadcaster Andy Masur, who is now with Chicago's WGN, to preview the Cubs and White Sox series. If you're ever wondering why you shouldn't get too attached to prospects, Masur explains the struggles of Drew Thorpe, one of the big pieces in the trade for Dylan Cease. Marty and Darren wrap the show with her interview with Giolito on why the Padres were the right fit for him and his close ties to several Padres players. To explore coverage, visit aspcapetinsurance.com/FOUL. The ASPCA® is not an insurer and is not engaged in the business of insurance.Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Friar Territory is the official San Diego Padres podcast in the Foul Territory Network. Subscribe!Follow us on X: @FriarTerritory Follow us on X: @MartyCaswell Follow us on X: @DSmithShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much better are the Padres after the surprising signing of Lucas Giolito? Darren Smith and Marty Caswell are joined by former All-Star closer Heath Bell to discuss Giolito's signing, how long it will take him to get caught up to speed, and how he fits the team's rotation. There are plenty of teams that were looking for starting pitching so why were the Padres right fit? Heath discusses what goes on behind the scenes when free agents choose a team and what would have happened if he had walked away from a $19 million dollar option when he was playing. Giolito. Campusano. That's a lot of syllables in that pair and a possible tandem in the coming weeks. Darren, Marty and Heath discuss Campusano's production and what it means to have a manager that believes in him and actually gives him a chance to play. Mason Miller continues to be a cheat code but will his next opportunity to break Cla Meredith's Padres record for consecutive scoreless innings come in Colorado or Arizona? The last Padres ownership created fan buzz and goodwill by changing to the brown uniforms. What can this new group led by Jose Feliciano do? The trio discusses, and yes it circulates around Ramon Laureano, Mason Miller, and beer prices. Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at square.com/go/FOUL #squarepod Friar Territory is the official San Diego Padres podcast in the Foul Territory Network. Subscribe!Follow us on X: @FriarTerritory Follow us on X: @MartyCaswell Follow us on X: @DSmithShowFollow us on X: @HeathBell21See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss billionaire Jose Feliciano's agreement to buy the Padres for a record $3.9 billion dollars. Darren breaks down what we know about the owner of Chelsea, if he'll be a hands-on owner and the timing of the news coming out. The show welcomes in Kyle Glaser to discuss the pending ownership change, why the Padres are receiving such a sum and how it'll be perceived by MLB and the MLBPA ahead of CBA discussions and a possible strike. Did we mention the Padres have won eight games in a row? The trio discuss the depth of the bench, Ramon Laureano's incredible production, the emergence of Luis Campusano and if Walker Buehler is close to being the vintage version of himself. RIDGE WALLET One thing to pack, five ways to power! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code FOUL at https://www.Ridge.com/FOUL #Ridgepod Friar Territory is the official San Diego Padres podcast in the Foul Territory Network. Subscribe!Follow us on X: @FriarTerritory Follow us on X: @MartyCaswell Follow us on X: @DSmithShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What a newsy weekend it was for the San Diego Padres following their four-game sweep over the Colorado Rockies. From the Padres slugging nine home runs in the series, Luis Campusano's five-game hitting streak, Ramon Laureano surging in the leadoff role to losing Jeremiah Estrada with elbow tendonitis, there was no shortage of topics. Marty Caswell and Darren Smith discuss the concerns over Nick Pivetta exiting the game with elbow stiffness, and the best options to replace him in the rotation. We hear from Pivetta on his injury and why he's not putting any sort of timetable on his next step. The two then discuss the real motivation with Craig Stammen using their platinum-glove outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr at second base. We hear from Tatis on why the baseball gods are mad at him and the merits of leaving him at second base if he continues to flourish offensively.Go to HelloFresh.com/FT10FM now to Get 10 Free meals + Free Nutribullet® Ultra Plus+ 2-in-1 Compact Kitchen System (a $189.99 value) on your 3rd box. Free meals applied as a discount on the first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan. Must order the 3rd box by May 31st, 2026.Friar Territory is the official San Diego Padres podcast in the Foul Territory Network. Subscribe!Follow us on X: @FriarTerritory Follow us on X: @MartyCaswell Follow us on X: @DSmithShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The San Diego Padres are back to .500 after an encouraging 4-2 road trip at the Red Sox and Pirates, but the biggest question hovering over the team continues to be who the next owner of the team will be. Darren Smith and Marty Caswell are joined by The Athletic's Dennis Lin with the latest on the timeline for a sale, if there's a clear frontrunner and how prospective owners are evaluating the franchise.Marty and Darren discuss some encouraging signs from the roadie, how long Craig Stammen had planned to give Manny Machado his first day off and the ongoing search for their leadoff hitter and offensive identity. The Padres will launch their City Connects on Thursday. What should fans expect? The duo then discuss what's going on with Fernando Tatis, and if 2025 was the real indicator of the type of player he is at this point. Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discountFriar Territory is the official San Diego Padres podcast in the Foul Territory Network. Subscribe!Follow us on X: @FriarTerritoryFollow us on X: @MartyCaswellFollow us on X: @DSmithShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What have we learned about the Padres after the first homestand of the season? Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss the 2-4 home stand and the team preparing for their first road trip. Xander Bogaerts will play in front of his former Boston Red Sox fans for the first time since he signed his stunning contract with the Padres. Darren points out that the Padres will see the Pirates top rookie, 19-year-old Connor Griffin, in the second leg of the trip. Do the Padres have any top prospects left that would spark some serious buzz? Sorry, fans of Leodalis DeVries. The duo then discuss the incredible achievement of former Padres catcher Austin Hedges, who just reached 10 years of service time in Major League Baseball. The show then welcomes in former Padres All-star closer Heath Bell, who breaks down Craig Stammen's first week on the job. Is Stammen being too honest with the media when it comes to his game management and lineup decisions? And Heath says he finds it hard to believe that Stammen was responsible for the Padres lineup in the first place. The trio then discusses what kind of relationship separation Stammen needs to have with his players, and how honest he will be with Fernando Tatis and Manny Machado when they struggle. Heath also breaks down what he saw from Walker Buehler and German Marquez in their Padres debut and how he really feels about Mason Miller's new entry song. Start your 7-day free trial today at https://FOXOne.com Friar Territory is the official San Diego Padres podcast in the Foul Territory Network. Subscribe!Follow us on X: @FriarTerritoryFollow us on X: @MartyCaswell Follow us on X: @DSmithShiow Follow us on X: @HeathBell21See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What did we learn about the San Diego Padres after their 1-2 opening series versus the Detroit Tigers? Marty Caswell and Darren Smith discuss what they liked about ABS , Luis Campusano's big advantage and a terrific performance by Randy Vasquez.The duo then discussed Craig Stammen's bullpen decisions on Friday night versus the Tigers, and why he decided before the game not to use Mason Miller in the eighth inning. Speaking of Mason Miller, what an electric new entry song! Walker Buehler makes his Padres debut on Monday night, and Marty and Darren discuss how much he can impact the rotation as they await Joe Musgrove and Griffin Canning. The show then welcomes in Dave Flemming, the radio voice of the San Francisco Giants ahead of the three-game series at Petco Park. Dave discusses the Giants 0-3 start, the scrutiny around rookie manager Tony Vitiello, and what they. have in common with the Padres. Where does Luis Arraez fit the Giants? And why didn't Bob Melvin work for the Giants after leaving the Padres? The show discusses the pressure on the rookie managers and what kind of owner Joe Lacob would be should he purchase the Padres. Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.comFriar Territory is the official San Diego Padres podcast in the Foul Territory Network. Subscribe!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marty Caswell and Darren Smith are joined by two San Diego legends to preview the start of the Padres 2026 season. First, Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman joins the show to discuss the team's rotation, the lights-out bullpen, how players are responding to Craig Stammen, a fresh start for Walker Buehler and how much Germán Márquez will benefit pitching away from Coors Field. The trio then jump into Stammen's comments on getting Manny Machado off his feet and the importance of keeping him fresh at this point of his career. Friar Territory then welcomes in Tony Gwynn Jr. to discuss the grind of spring training games, what stands out most about the Padres lineup and why he expects a much better offense. No player on the roster may be more important to the Padres playoff chances than Fernando Tatis Jr. Gwynn discusses why he's seeing a much better version of Tatis, his growing maturity and why it benefits him to stop tinkering so much. The trio jump into the mental aspect of the game, and why Jackson Merrill's defense in centerfield is so underrated. Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.comFriar Territory is the official San Diego Padres podcast in the Foul Territory Network. Subscribe!Follow us on X: @FriarTerritory Marty Caswell on X: @MartyCaswell Darren Smith on X: @DSmithShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darren Smith and Marty Caswell kick off the show by talking to Padres special assistant and former MLB catcher A.J. Ellis. Ellis discusses the challenges of the upcoming season with ABS, working with catchers and why he's so excited for what's to come with Luis Campusano. The trio also discuss the Padres pitching staff, the incredible growth of Randy Vasquez and how much he's gained by working with Yu Darvish. Ellis also discusses the role of a special assistant and why first-time manager Craig Stammen checks every box. Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis have returned to scorching hot Peoria. Marty and Darren discuss the Padres first lineup with them back and if we're seeing a preview of the regular season lineup. We also hear from Craig Stammen on his lineup and Tatis on his incredible WBC experience.Get 10% off your first month of BlueChew Gold with code FOUL at BlueChew.comFriar Territory is the official San Diego Padres podcast in the Foul Territory Network. Subscribe!Follow us on X: @FriarTerritory Marty Caswell on X: @MartyCaswell Darren Smith on X: @DSmithShow See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How spectacular has the 2026 World Baseball Classic been? Marty Caswell and Darren Smith are joined by Fox lead MLB studio host Kevin Burkhardt from Miami ahead of the finale between Team USA and Venezuela. TThe trio discuss the incredible growth of the WBC, why superstars like Aaron Judge and Manny Machado feel the games have been more electric and meaningful than the World Series atmosphere, the pressure Mark DeRosa has in managing players , and if Padres closer Mason Miller will be available to pitch in the finale.Burkhardt also discussed preparing to call the Flag Football Classic in Los Angeles with Gregg Olsen, and what it will be like doing play-by-play of Tom Brady back on the football field. Darren and Marty also discuss the likelihood of Joe Musgrove starting the season on the injured list, how big a concern the news really is, why A.J. Preller needs to add another starting pitcher, and Walker Buehler's lock on the fourth spot in the rotation. Start your 7-day free trial today at FOXOne.com nk.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Friar Territory is the official San Diego Padres podcast in the Foul Territory Network. Subscribe! Follow us on X: @FriarTerritory Marty Caswell on X: @MartyCaswell Darren Smith on X: @DSmithShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should the San Diego Padres be considered legitimate playoff contenders?Marty Caswell and Darren Smith are joined by the superb Tim Kurkjian, ESPN's long-time baseball guru and the latest addition to Foul Territory TV, alongside his son Jeff. Tim discusses why he wasn't shocked by the Padres hiring first-time manager Craig Stammen, and how much the game has changed in the past decade. Fernando Tatis was his own harshest critic in 2026. Tim, Darren and Marty discuss how they viewed his season and why he's capable of so much more. The trio then discuss what kind of window the Friars have with Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts, and why Jackson Merrill is just beginning to type into the dynamic player that he is. When can the Padres expect Joe Musgrove to return to the rotation? We hear from Craig Stammen on why they're now taking it day-to-day and why the Padres are content to play the long game with Musgrove.  Yes, the Padres may very well end up needing a lot more from Walker Buehler and German Marquez.Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Friar Territory is the official San Diego Padres podcast in the Foul Territory Network. Subscribe! Follow us on X: @FriarTerritory Marty Caswell on X: @MartyCaswell Darren Smith on X: @DSmithShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.