Many fans have already given up on a team that drew the three smallest crowds in Petco Park history during their recent four-game homestand. The question is, does new CEO Jeff Moorad feel any pressure to make midseason changes -- and what changes can he make with John Moores still holding majority ownership control?

Clearly, however, some wheels are turning.

Top prospect Kyle Blanks is now playing in left field at Portland. Present Padres left fielder Chase Headley, who Sunday hit in the No. 4 spot with Adrian Gonzalez advancing to No. 3, is a natural third baseman. And third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff is one of several key Padres in prolonged slumps.

Kouzmanoff, who came out of Sunday's game in Houston in a double switch, has seen his average fall to .222 because of a 10-for-59 plunge (with four doubles, no homers, three RBI and 18 strikeouts) since April 23. His on-base percentage is down to .267.

But he's not alone.

Right fielder Brian Giles, who says his off-the-field legal battle with former girlfriend Cheri Olvera is not a distraction, has never gotten untracked. He is hitting .158 with a .241 on-base percentage. And over the last 13 games, Giles is 5-for-44, turning a slow start into a disaster.

And center fielder Jody Gerut is temporarily out of a platoon situation with Scott Hairston in center because of a 9-for-54 slump since April 22, although on Sunday he had his first two-hit game since April 27.