Dodgers news: Padres Surpass Dodgers in In-Game Communication, Says Former Player

The San Diego Padres have demonstrated a notable edge in in-game communication, particularly when it comes to sharing insights about opposing pitchers. This has been highlighted by former Dodgers outfielder David Peralta, who noted that the Padres excel in this aspect compared to other teams he has played for.

“That’s what winning teams do — communicate, help each other,” Peralta recently explained to the San Diego Union-Tribune. “There’s no selfishness here. Even if I get out, I’ll share what I’ve learned, like, ‘This guy throws this way, the ball moves like this.’ That way, my teammate is ready for whatever comes. That’s what sets winning teams apart.”

A recent example of this occurred during a game against the New York Mets. In a critical at-bat, Jake Cronenworth faced Mets closer Edwin Diaz. After striking out, Cronenworth quickly relayed information about Diaz's slider to teammate Jackson Merrill. This exchange proved crucial; Merrill was able to anticipate the next pitch and hit a walk-off home run when Diaz threw a slider that didn’t break as expected.

“I already had it in my mind,” Merrill told the U-T . “But when he told me it’s literally not moving, I was ready. As soon as I saw it, I knew it was gone.”

The Padres, currently in a tight race with the Dodgers in the National League West, have made this kind of communication a regular part of their strategy. The players have developed a routine of sharing information that helps them stay prepared and ready for each at-bat.

"It’s become so regular that it feels like second nature now," Cronenworth told the Union-Tribune . “It’s been a huge help all season.”

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This focus on teamwork and communication is seen as a key factor in their performance this season, providing them with an advantage that could be the difference in close games.