Friar Territory: a San Diego Padres podcast
A San Diego Padres show hosted by longtime Padres reporter Marty Caswell, San Diego radio voice Darren Smith and former Padres All-Star Heath Bell. The trio brings you inside news and analysis on all things Padres. Friar Territory is part of the Foul Territory Network: Baseball the way it should be covered!
Padres huge homestand, Robbie Ray debuts, Astros analyst Geoff Blum
The San Diego Padres return home for a huge homestand after a four-game split with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Darren Smith and Marty Caswel discuss the biggest takeaways from the series in Arizona, why the Padres couldn't afford to fall much further in the wild card race, and anticipation for Robbie Ray's Padres' debut at Petco Park.
How massive is this homestand versus the Astros and Brewers with just 46 games remaining ini the season? The show welcomes in Astros analyst and former Padres utility man Geoff Blum to preview the series. The Astros somehow lead the American League...
Casey Mize makes Padres debut, Pivetta scare, Kyle Glaser stops by
The San Diego Padres have a legitimate playoff rotation. Darren Smith and Marty Caswell welcome in Kyle Glaser to break down the addition of Robbie Ray and Casey Mize, and what the Padres gave up in return.
The three discuss how much the rotation has been strengthened amid their fight for a wild card spot and the pressure it takes off Michael King.
Marty then details her trip to Lake Elsinore to watch the rehab starts of Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta, and the odd scene when Pivetta walked off the mound after two outs...
Ray and Mize are Padres, AJ Preller makes a statement with deadline moves
The San Diego Padres got a lot better at the trade deadline. Darren Smith and Marty Caswell recap the trades for Robbie Ray and Casey Mize, and the impact of keeping their bullpen intact.
The two hear from Padres president of baseball ops A.J. Preller on his approach at the trade deadline, and why he's not apologizing for trying to win. Marty and Darren also discuss how Ray and Mize fit the rotation, and what kind of pressure it takes off Michael King.
Darren then breaks down the wild card chase, the importance of...
Padres need to be buyers, inside the clubhouse during the trade deadline
Just three games remain until the MLB trade deadline arrives, and the Padres need to be buyers.
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell welcome in former Padres All-Star closer Heath Bell to discuss what it's like inside the clubhouse during the trade deadline, and why he often disappeared into the gym without any tv's during this time of year.
Heath discussed what it was like when the Padres attempted to trade Jake Peavy multiple times despite his no-trade clause, and the result it had inside the clubhouse. Heath also discussed why he would have given anything...
Dennis Lin talks Padres trade deadline, is Ethan Salas untouchable?
Every game for the Padres is a must-win game ahead of the trade deadline, and right now they're looking like buyers.
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell welcome in The Athletic's Dennis Lin to break down the upcoming MLB trade deadline, why A.J. Preller really has no untouchable players, and if he's angling to have have any of his high-contract players waive their no-trade clauses.
Lin discusses the uncertainty of the pending Padres sale and who from the organization has been in touch with Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones when it comes to adding...
One week to trade deadline, Padres offense make a case, too little too late?
The MLB trade deadline is one week away. Should the San Diego Padres be buyers or sellers? Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss what, if anything has changed after the Padres sweep the Marlins to finish a 5-5 road trip.
The two discuss a huge moment from Manny Machado versus the Marlins, Jackson Merrill's hot bat, and if the production from two of their bigger stars will be enough to sway President of baseball ops A.J. Preller on his deadline decision.
The duo discuss Craig Stammen's candor on the thin Padres rotation, the latest...
The Padres last stand, end of an era, frustrated fans weigh in on deadline
Does the Marlins series represent the Padres last meaningful series of the 2026 season?
Marty Caswell and Darren Smith discuss the last road series for the Padres before the trade deadline versus a Marlins team that's lost nine straight games. And yet somehow, the Marlins are still in the hunt for the final wild card spot.
The two discuss a prove-it series for the Padres while sending German Marquez, J.P Sears and Walker Buehler to the mound and what the team needs to show AJ Preller over their final nine games. Darren and Marty then...
AJ Preller wants to buy, Kyle Glaser on best trade partners for Padres
The San Diego Padres have only won one of their last seven series but President of Baseball Ops A.J. Preller is itching to buy?
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell welcome in Kyle Glaser to discuss the confounding Padres, what their record says about them, and the obstacles to making a real run. The trio react to former MLB general manager Jim Bowden bemoaning their lack of prospects, why it's hard to watch James Wood and C.J. Abrams flourish with the Nationals and why the Padres need to hold on to Ethan Salas and acquire more...
Padres stumbling on big road trip, Mason Miller rumors heat up
19 runs one night, two runs the next. The 2026 Padres have been defined by inconsistencies, injuries, and uninspiring baseball.
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss the Padres dismal 1-3 roadtrip, and why the manner in which they are losing is more discouraging and telling than their actual record. The duo discuss the latest blow in losing Miguel Andujar, and what type of blow it is ahead of the trade deadline.
100 games in, have the Padres even shown they are capable of a hot streak? Marty and Darren discuss how remarkable it is the Friars are somehow w...
Padres crucial road trip, new owners won't be ready in time, Heath Bell joins
As the Padres get set to embark on a pivotal road trip that will shape A.J. Preller's approach at the trade deadline, we finally have an update on the new ownership group. Kind of?
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell jump into what stood out from the All-Star game, the continued speculation around Mason Miller and what Rob Manfred had to say about the pending ownership group. The two discuss what "business as usual" under the current ownership group means for spending money and adding anything significant ahead of the trade deadline.
Marty and Darren th...
State of the Padres farm system, John Conniff talks trade chips
The trade deadline is several weeks away and as expected, All-Star closer Mason Miller was the center of trade rumors at the All-Star game.
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discussed the line of questioning around Miller and why the don't think he's getting traded before the deadline. But what DO the Padres have in their system to trade with multiple holes to address?
The two welcome in John Conniff from Mad Friars, who breaks down the state of the farm system, why AJ Preller always knew trading James Wood was going to hurt, and a b...
Are the Padres better than a .500 team? AJ Preller's deadline dilemma
The San Diego Padres head into the All-Star break with a .500 record but have they shown enough to think they can turn it around in the second half?
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss the team's first half, what kind of grade they give them for their official "first half" of the season and a road trip that could shape A.J. Preller's trade deadline.
Manny Machado is been the team's hottest hitter as of late and is finally hitting over .200, but the Padres will need a lot more from the rest of their stars...
The Padres need drastic changes, Kyle Glaser joins the show
Will the story of the 2026 San Diego Padres be more about the starting rotation or the dreadful offense?
Marty Caswell welcomes in special co-host Kyle Glaser, who breaks down the Padres pitching struggles, and why it's been the first time in years that they haven't been able to turn around some reclamation projects.
Kyle also breaks down the dreadful offensive numbers, and why the heat needs to be on a coaching staff that clearly hasn't gotten the best out of the players. How attractive a trade piece will Padres closer Mason Miller be? We hear...
Jackson Merrill says Padres best is ahead, should Friars buy or sell?
The Padres rebounded from a disastrous start to their crucial homestand, thanks to a key moment from Jake Cronenworth and a good outing from German Marquez.
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss Cronenworth's importance to the roster, and why it feels like the longest week ever after just two games with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The duo hear from Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill, who details why the team will show who they really are in the second half, as well as the tight knit bond on the team. But do Padres fans share Merrill's optimism?
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Reeling Padres face possible final meaningful homestand
Are the Padres about to play their last meaningful homestand of the 2026 season?
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss the Padres demoralizing road trip and the end of their eight-game losing streak. The two discuss the painful ways the team found ways to lose, and their inability to have a cohesive offense and pitching staff.
Darren points out the various tie-breaker scenarios with the teams they're chasing in the wild card, and it certainly doesn't favor the Padres. Marty and Darren discuss if the Padres crushing losses have finally affected manager Craig Stammen, and what...
The Padres are running out of time, Heath Bell joins the show
Everything that can go wrong for the Padres has and then some.
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell welcome in former Padres All-Star closer Heath Bell to discuss what's gone so wrong for this team, the impact of the decimated starting rotation, and what kind of strange message Craig Stammen is sending by using an opener for Randy Vasquez.
The three also discuss the incredibly sloppy brand of baseball the Padres are playing ,the lack of fundamentals, and how Craig Stammen's always cheery demeanor is going over with the players.Why did A.J. Preller hire...
The heat is on A.J. Preller and Craig Stammen, Dennis Lin joins the show
What is wrong with this Padres team?
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell welcome in The Athletic's Dennis Lin to discuss the Padres ongoing struggles, the pressure on the coaching staff, and if and why the Padres would be buyers at the trade deadline.
Dennis discusses the complicated sale process and why Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones haven't been announced yet, and if any of the hangup involves their investor group. How does the hangup affect A.J. Preller's ability to make a trade?
The trio discuss how much financial latitude to expect...
Disappointing homestand? Big rotation questions, Padres fans apathy
Was this the most underwhelming 4-2 Padres homestand in recent memory?
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell break down a homestand that started with a promising sweep over the Atlanta Braves, but ended with a series loss to the Dodgers.
In case you missed obvious, the San Diego Padres have huge problems in their starting rotation. The two discuss Craig Stammen using Kyle Hart as an opener for Randy Vasquez, and his continued struggles. Michael King, who was excellent versus the Braves, struggled with his command versus the Dodgers.
Marty and Darren discuss King's...
Padres Sweep, here come the Dodgers, JP Sears X factor, Samad's spark
Are the San Diego Padres finally playing their best baseball at just the right time?
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss the sweep over the Atlanta Braves, the contrasting ways they found to win each game, and why J.P. Sears outing may have been the most impressive game of all.
Next up, the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are coming off a sweep of their own versus the Atlanta Braves. T
he two discuss Samad Taylor's daily spark, and hear his comments on why he likes batting second between Fernando Tatis and Manny...
Padres wild comeback, Manny comes up big again, rotation options
The Padres have kicked off an important homestand with two big, signature wins.
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss the Padres wild comeback win, topped off by Manny Machado's game-winning, walk-off single in the 10th inning. The two discuss if Manny's swag is returning, after he's delivered in three of their most recent wins. Fernando Tatis says the Padres go as Manny goes, and so far it's taken them to a series win over the Braves.
Marty and Darren break down the pregame news of Lucas Giolito being placed on the injured list with elbow...
Padres make or break homestand, Evan Drellich on ownership, labor dispute
Did the Padres answer any questions during their disappointing 4-5 road trip?
Marty Caswell and Darren Smith discuss the glaring issues in the Padres rotation, and why Friday night's meltdown feels like a microcosm of their season. The two discuss Craig Stammen's endless optimism, his faith in Manny Machado and how much he really believes the team will figure things out.
Lucas Giolito's rough start continues. How much longer until we see Jhonny Brito get a crack in the rotation?
The show then welcomes in The Athletic's Evan Drellich, who discusses why the...
Should Padres trade for Luis Arraez? Reasons for hope, twitter mailbag
Should Padres fans be encouraged by the production from some of their stars based on what they've shown over the last nine games? Well, maybe.
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss manager Craig Stammen's comments on the Padres recent offense, and ranking 20th in batting average and 21st in OPS during that stretch. Are the Padres just looking for anything positive to cling to as they figure out whether they should buy or sell?
The two then discuss the upcoming series versus the Texas Rangers, the pitching matchups, and whether Preller should kick the tires...
Padres avoid sweep, Merrill heats up, is there believe in this Padres team?
The Padres avoided another sweep thanks to a big day from Jackson Merrill but the same questions remain about the Padres maddening offense. Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discussed the 6-1 win over the Cardinals, a disappointing road trip, and what it will take for fans to really believe in this team.
How aggressive will A.J. Preller be if the struggles continue? Marty and Darren discuss the heavy fan investment, hitting three million fans at Petco Park for the fourth straight year, and if the team should re-tool or blow it up after the season if...
What is Fernando Tatis now? Padres blanked again, Mark Sweeney joins
So much for Padres momentum after a series win versus the Reds!
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell welcome in MLB analyst and Cardinals broadcaster Mark Sweeney to discuss the Padres offense being blanked again by Dustin May.
Sweeney breaks down what he's seeing in the Padres approach, and why there seems to be a lack of fight when the team is trailing. The three discuss Manny Machado's struggles versus fastballs, and how common it is for hitters to seek outside help.
Mark had his own share of hitting coaches when he was playing...
Machado blame game
Will the San Diego Padres return from this long trip a .500 team?
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell kick things off by discussing Manny Machado saying he sucks this season, using a different hitting guru in the off-season, and how it affected his swing mechanics.
The two discuss the various numbers behind Machado's struggles and hear from manager Craig Stammen on why he still believes in Manny in big situations. How common is it for Major League hitters to have their own private hitting coaches?
The show then welcomes in former All-Star closer Heath...
Fernando Tatis walk-off HR, biggest win of the Padres season?
Fernando Tatis walks off the San Diego Padres with his first home run of the season at Petco Park!
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss the Padres big win, and why some players felt it may have been their most important win of the season following a terrible extra-inning loss on Tuesday night.
We hear from Fernando Tatis on his home run, if he's finally being rewarded and how big a spark Samad Taylor has been for the Padres offense.
The duo also discuss the visible frustration from Padres fans following a very...
Padres fresh vibes, Freddy Fermin is on fire, Preller on the prowl
Where would the San Diego Padres be without Jase Bowen and Samad Taylor? Ok, we're kind of joking.
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss the early impact and energy by newcomers Bowen and Taylor in the Padres win over the Reds. How much has this team missed bunting and small ball? The show also discusses Freddy Fermin's third straight game with home run, and what manager Craig Stammen said about his confidence and defense.
The Padres will be without another one of their regulars after Xander Bogaerts was placed in the injured list and Will...
Padres critical homestand, how much worse can it get? Fans sound off
Manny Machado says it can't get any worse for the Padres. Oh, yes it can.
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss why it's a crucial homestand amid a five-game losing streak, why the disappointing Padres and Mets are mirror images of each other, and why the Padres are running out of time to figure things out.
The two discuss how Craig Stammen's constant positive demeanor has gone over with Padres fans, how it's going over in the clubhouse, and the heat that's on the entire coaching staff.
Marty and Darren then answer additional o...
Reeling Padres swept again, did Preller make a mistake on Castellanos?
The San Diego Padres are a wretched baseball team right now.
Marty Caswell and Darren Smith discuss the Padres five-game losing streak after being swept by the Phillies. How much was Manny Machado affected by the decision to cut Nick Castellanos? The two discuss Machado's close relationship with Castellanos, his comments on the release and why on earth it makes zero sense to go with two unproven rookies in Samad Taylor and Jase Bowen.
Yes, Padres fans want and need to vent. The show answers some questions from extremely frustrated fans on the poor offense, M...
Padres five alarm fire, Jase Bowen debuts, Kyle Glaser joins
Good riddance May, hello June.
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell break down the Padres alarming numbers from May, Fernando Tatis' staggering numbers and the relief of him hitting his first home run.
The two break down the Padres lowest scoring month since 2015, and discuss Ken Rosenthal's thoughts on A.J. Preller lining up prospect capital to trade for Tarik Skubal.
The show then welcomes in Kyle Glaser, who breaks down Jase Bowen and why shouldn't be perceived as the Padres offensive savior. Glaser reveals the Padres staggering offensive numbers, why it's currently a...
Padres mailbag Heath Bell
Are the Padres the best worst team in MLB or the worst best team? Shout-out to the Athletic's Dennis Lin.
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell jump into the numbers from the Padres 3-6 homestand, the familiar defense of the Padres hitting coach and if this last stretch will be remembered as a. missed opportunity.
The duo then welcomes in former Padres All-Star closer Heath Bell, who shares what stood out from the recent homestand and why the manager usually takes the fall when the team underperforms.
What's been the biggest difference in this...
Reeling Padres swept, Manny Machado says the players are to blame
The Padres are swept by the Phillies, completing a dismal 3-6 home stand.
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss the Padres 3-0 loss to the Phillies and the continued, woeful shutout with runners in scoring position. Who is to blame for the Padres offensive struggles? Manager Craig Stammen says the blame lies with him when asked about the scrutiny around hitting coach Steven Souza.
We hear from Padres third baseman Manny Machado on why he says the blame lies with the hitters. Marty and Darren discuss the gathering the players had after the game on...
Padres RISP nightmare, Manny Machado's candor, Tatis emerging?
What do we make of the San Diego Padres at the one-third mark of the season after their latest shutout by the Philadelphia Phillies?
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss the RISP disaster, Manny Machado's candor about the blame falling on him, and manager Craig Stammen's comments on looking for answers.
How patient will A.J. Preller as the the offensive woes of the 31-22 Padres continue? Darren points out the success the Phillies have had after firing Rob Thompson and promoting Don Mattingly, and wonders if the Padres could make internal changes.
...
Flat loss to Dodgers, Jackson Merrill injury, what can the Padres do with Tatis?
What did we learn about the San Diego Padres after their series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers?
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss the shutout by Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers, the heavy continued scrutiny circling around Fernando Tatis and comments from manager Craig Stammen.
The two then discuss Jackson Merrill's exit from the game after he injured his back trying to catch Ohtani's home run. The show then welcomes in former Padres All-Star. closer Heath Bell, who discusses what he's seeing from Tatis, if he has too many voices in his head and...
Another Padres thriller, Manny Machado's response, Alden Gonzalez joins
Another Padres and Dodgers game, another intense, one-run thriller.
Marty Caswell and Darren Smith discuss the Padres 5-4 loss to the Dodgers, Mason Miller's costly error and how another ABS challenge affected the outcome.
The duo break down Manny Machado's exchange with a reporter on his offensive struggles and his comments on Gavin Sheets and Miguel Andujar carrying the Padres offense.
The show then welcomes in ESPN's Alden Gonzalez, who discusses how the Padres and Dodgers match up, why he believes Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill will hit, and the concerns over Fernando...
Sizzling Sheets helps Padres sweep Mariners, now bring on the Dodgers
Who's ready for Padres versus the Dodgers?
Marty Caswell and Darren Smith break down the biggest takeaways from the Padres sweep of the Seattle Mariners, the sizzling Gavin Sheets and the impact of Lucas Giolito's strong debut on the Padres rotation.
While Sheets was a one-man wrecking crew on the Mariners, a lot of the same questions still remain about the Padres offense. Darren and Marty discuss the scrutiny around hitting coach Steven Souza, and how his players are defending the information he gives them. The duo discuss Craig Stammen's defense of his hitting coach...
Fixing the Padres dreadful offense, Steven Souza scrutiny
How do you fix this terrible Padres offense?
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discuss the Padres bad offensive series versus the Miwaukee Brewers, the team's dead-last batting average, underwhelming slug, OPS and and runs scored.
The two discuss the career- worst offensive starts for Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis, and Jackson Merrill,and address how much scrutiny needs to be put on Craig Stammen's hand-picked hitting coach, Steven Souza.
The Padres have had no shortage of hitting coaches during their Petco Park era. Is it time for another one?
Marty and Darren...
Padres closer Mason Miller talks Star Wars & being an inspiration
Was this Matt Waldron's last start for the Padres?
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discussed Lucas Giolito's impending arrival to the Padres rotation and what decisions are ahead.
The two then welcome in Padres closer Mason Miller, who details how he became involved in filming an epic Star Wars commercial for the upcoming "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" movie.
Mason discussed how he got involved, how many takes it took, why it was almost canceled when Grogu was late and did he just call Marty and Darren Stars Wars nerds??
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Fernando Tatis is MLB's biggest mystery, Jared Diamond stops by
The Padres have been able to take advantage of the second easiest strength of schedule in baseball but it's about to change.
Marty Caswell and Darren Smith look ahead at the upcoming road trip versus the Milwaukee Brewers and Seattle Mariners and the pressure on the offense to finally get going. The duo break down Manny Machado's comments on the offense, his visible frustration and candor and why it's a different tone than years past.
Darren and Marty then welcome in Wall Street Journal's Jared Diamond, who just wrote about the biggest mystery in baseball...
Padres private BP, Stammen's decisions, Ty France joins the show
Michael King was brilliant in his start versus the Cardinals but the Padres offense fell victim again to yet another quality start.
Darren Smith and Marty Caswell discussed Craig Stammen's decisions in the 2-1 loss, why Nick Castellanos was starting in right field and how much defense he's willing to sacrifice. We hear from Craig Stammen on the lineup decisions and why he wanted Castellanos' bat in later innings.
Why did Fernando Tatis and Manny Machado take private batting practice on the field before the game? The two discuss the the scene before the game...
