51.   Guy Conti, pitching coach for the Class-A Bakersfield Dodgers, stands rigidly behind Ashworth.

52.   Hardy was the bullpen coach for six years before being promoted last winter after Johnny Oates fired his longtime friend and pitching coach Dick Bosman.

53.   He has thrown a split-fingered fastball since high school, but under the tutelage of Padres pitching coach Dave Stewart the pitch has grown teeth.

54.   He worked on drills provided by Indianapolis pitching coach Mike Griffin and his velocity crept higher.

55.   He then walked Chuck Knoblauch and after throwing ball one to Jeter, was visited by Mariners pitching coach Bryan Price.

56.   Hitting coach Reggie Smith, pitching coach Glenn Gregson and bullpen coach Mark Cressi were fired.

57.   However, the one thing pitching coach Jim Colborn wants to see from Park is an ability to finish games.

58.   I respect the word of Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone.

59.   If so, expect Rick Sutcliffe to take over as Padres pitching coach.

60.   In anticipation of that possibility, Park will be held in reserve in the bullpen, pitching coach Dave Wallace said.