So Much for Clay Hensley

If there’s an easier-to-say phrase in the English language than “I told you so,” I can’t think of what it might be. Saying “oopps, my bad; I didn’t tell you so” is something else entirely.

In a blog last week, I suggested that while Justin Germano had taken Clay Hensley’s number three spot in the Padres rotation, Hensley might just return from injury and wrestle the No. 5 slot away from David Wells. And of course, rather than leave well enough alone, I added that when my prediction came true, I’d annoy you with the obligatory “I told you so.”

Well, no such luck. I didn’t tell you so. Hensley’s struggled in each of his three rehab starts in Portland, looking every bit the minor league pitcher that he is currently. His Beavers ERA is 7.30. Meanwhile, David Wells looks great. So obviously, I was wrong. Like, duh. Please forget I even brought it up. When Hensley comes back, he’s headed straight to the bullpen. Hensley, to his credit (or perhaps not) is keeping it positive. After Wednesday’s drubbing at the hands of the Iowa Cubs, Hensley told the Portland Oregonian “I was actually pleased with the way my mechanics were working … The box score reads a little bit different but I think it is what is.” Hensley thinks it is what it is, and while I have no idea what that now commonplace expression means, I said “I told you so,” so who am I to argue?

Hensley also told the Oregonian that “[The Padres] want me back in the rotation but now that things are going better they want me to start dialing it in.” I don’t know what that quote means either, but it looks like Hensley didn’t get the memo. The Padres don’t want him back in the rotation. That job is filled.

— HOWARD COLE