Todd Helton had a ho-hum reaction to hitting a 450-foot home run in his first plate appearance of the spring following offseason back surgery. 

Todd Helton had a ho-hum reaction to hitting a 450-foot home run in his first plate appearance of the spring following offseason back surgery. 

Rookie hitting coach Jim Lefebvre has come up with some powerful numbers to detail the Padres' offensive woes last year -- and what the team can do to improve its play at pitcher-friendly Petco Park. 

--The Padres are cutting prices on tickets and concessions for the 2009 season. 

The Padres probably won't have many battles for positions this spring -- providing 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff (shoulder surgery) and CF Jody Gerut (finger) are healthy. 

Rookie hitting coach Jim Lefebvre has come up with some powerful numbers to detail the Padres' offensive woes last year -- and what the team can do to improve its play at pitcher-friendly Petco Park. 

--The Padres are cutting prices on tickets and concessions for the 2009 season. 

The Padres probably won't have many battles for positions this spring -- providing 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff (shoulder surgery) and CF Jody Gerut (finger) are healthy. 

Mark Ellis is focused on staying healthy this spring while he works his way back from offseason right shoulder surgery. 

--The Padres are cutting prices on tickets and concessions for the 2009 season. 

The Padres probably won't have many battles for positions this spring -- providing 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff (shoulder surgery) and CF Jody Gerut (finger) are healthy. 

Rookie hitting coach Jim Lefebvre has come up with some powerful numbers to detail the Padres' offensive woes last year -- and what the team can do to improve its play at pitcher-friendly Petco Park. 

It took a while, but the Colorado Rockies are in the win column. 

Forget about mental pressure, the Yanks have another type of A-Rod breakdown to sweat. 

Scott Feldman appears to be a sure bet for a spot in the Texas Rangers' rotation.