--LHP Nick Schmidt, 23, who had elbow reconstruction surgery shortly after being the Padres' first-round pick in 2007 (23rd overall), is impressing team staffers this spring. He is targeted to open the season with high Class A Lake Elsinore. "I'm just trying to stay healthy and get my arm back to full strength," Schmidt said. "It's definitely been a roller coaster. I got drafted in the first round, and seven innings later I'm on an operating table getting my arm fixed."

--RHP Cesar Carrillo, another first-round pick coming off elbow reconstruction surgery, was not doing as well. Carrillo, the Padres' top pick in 2005, was struggling with both his velocity and command. He gave up six runs on four hits and two walks in just two-thirds of an inning March 12 against the Brewers.

--1B Kyle Blanks continues to impress while seeing almost full-time action with Adrian Gonzalez away with Mexico's World Baseball Classic team. Blanks hit his second homer in a week March 12 against the Brewers.

--C Nick Hundley is getting a ton of playing time and instruction this spring, as the Padres are counting on the 25-year-old to take over as the No. 1 catcher despite having only 60 games of experience in the major leagues. "We're throwing a lot on him, but he's got it in him," manager Bud Black said.

--CF Drew Macias is regarded as one of the most improved players in camp by manager Bud Black.

--Black has come up with an interesting punishment for players making mental mistakes during spring training. The miscreant gets a large serving of Vegemite -- the popular Australian food supplement that is a paste made from a yeast extract -- on the end of a tongue depressor. "It tastes like bile," OF Jody Gerut said.

--RHP Walter Silva's debut as a Padre was delayed due to a sprained ankle. The Padres signed Silva out of Mexico on the recommendation of brothers Adrian and Edgar Gonzalez.

--Padres general manager Kevin Towers expects to receive a minor league pitcher from the Cardinals before the end of spring training to complete the trade for SS Khalil Greene. The Padres had already received RHP Mark Worrell from the Cardinals.

--RHP Mat Latos has already been officially sent to the minor league camp, but the 21-year-old prospect has impressed in two recent outings with the major league club. "Speed doesn't count for anything up here," said Latos, who has a mid-90s fastball. "It's about mixing and matching. I learned a lot."

BY THE NUMBERS: 28 -- Runs allowed by Padres pitchers in a two-game span that saw the pitchers give up 34 hits. 5 -- Errors made by the Padres in those two games.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "He's an enforcer. Teddy will have Buddy's back. He'll be good for the players. He'll be good for the staff. Teddy can be intimidating. He might scare some of the players. That could be a good thing." -- Padres general manager Kevin Towers on fiery former player Ted Simmons, who is serving as the bench coach for manager Bud Black.