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Mark Whicker: Merrill’s late-inning heroics helping make Padres NL West contenders

“The San Diego Padres roll through life with a truckload of talent.

Behind them are 29 other ballclubs, hoping to gather what falls off.

You’ve noticed Xavier Edwards, the Marlins’ shortstop who has already hit for the cycle. He’s a Padre alum. So are Trea Turner, Emmanuel Clase, Anthony Rizzo, Max Fried, Josh Naylor, C.J. Abrams, MacKenzie Gore and David Bednar.

There’s another reason to follow the Padres on their path. They appear destined for the playoffs and maybe even the National League West title. In recent years, the teams that get hotter as the days get shorter are the ones to watch in the postseason. San Diego’s win over Pittsburgh Tuesday night was its 31st in its past 44 games. It is tied with Arizona, three and a half games behind the Dodgers in a microwaving division race.

And, with each victory, the Padres make sure that rookie outfielder Jackson Merrill is tied down and tightly secured. Despite the gyrations of general manager A.J. Preller, Merrill is not going anywhere. At least not until October.”

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ICYMI, Mark Whicker: "Bleak Sox" on pace to finish with worst record in major-league history

“The most fascinating matchup in baseball is, unfortunately, a board game. And, since the cards and dice can’t be measured for motivation, it isn’t even that.

If the 1919 White Sox played the 2024 White Sox, who would win?

This series would have it all. Call it Eight Men Out vs. Thirty-Nine-And-A-Half Games Out. The Black Sox against the Bleak Sox. And it would have the potential for legitimate mayhem that only Chicago can provide.”

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Erindale Cardinals: A total of 42 summers with Cranks ... and counting

“Greg Cranker has a very large family. Most of its members are not relatives.

Cranker, 66 and widely known as “Cranks,” is the long-time coach, administrator, groundskeeper and “father figure” of the Erindale Cardinals community in Mississauga, Ont.

He can appear to be gruff and straightforward at times, quiet and reserved, comfortable in the background at other times and fun-loving and respectful of baseball and ball players all the time. But it is his actions, more than his words, that create a positive example for his players to follow on the field and off.”

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