Spring training results are always to be taken with a grain of salt. However, there are some performances, such as the one turned in by San Diego Padres ace Mat Latos(notes) on Wednesday, that justify a double take.

Facing a lineup of Padres minor leaguers, Latos was completely ineffective, allowing five runs on six hits while walking three in 3 2/3 innings. The outing does not count against Latos’ spring ERA, which already sits at an uncomfortable 10.50.

But it wasn’t just the ugly numbers that were concerning to San Diego’s coaching staff. His demeanor also left a lot to be desired.

From the San Diego Union-Tribune:

“I would have liked to see better body language from Mat today,” said pitching coach Darren Balsley. “But he’ll calm down once we start the season. Last year he did a good job with mound presence and poise. He’s aware of his emotions.”

Balsley’s comments stem from Latos slamming his glove in the dugout after being removed from the intrasquad game. That was a repeat incident from 10 days ago against the Oakland A’s (pictured above).

As for Wednesday’s unsatisfying results, Latos blamed those on his inability to focus while pitching against friends and former minor league teammates. Could be true, I guess, but I also wonder if the focus Latos has put on making his dislike for the San Francisco Giants known is becoming a source of added and unnecessary pressure.

OK, I might be overthinking that a bit. It really could be any number of things, including something as simple as a mechanical flaw or a young pitcher still finding his way, but there’s no doubt Mat Latos hasn’t been right, not only on Wednesday, but all through March.

That makes his final two spring starts worth watching or at least monitoring. If we don’t start seeing signs of that calm and poise that made him so dominant in his first full season, the Padres would have good reason to be concerned. If we do, then maybe it is as easy as flipping a switch. In that case, I’ll know better than to wonder about Mat Latos again.

Related: Mat Latos, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Spring Swing – ‘Duk, Spring Swing 2011

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres and reliever Chad Qualls have agreed to a $2.55 million, one-year contract.

The Padres also agreed Wednesday to a minor-league deal with catcher Gregg Zaun that includes an invite to spring training.

Qualls split last season between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays, going 3-4 with a 7.32 ERA in 70 appearances. He converted 12 saves in 16 opportunities for the Diamondbacks before being traded to the Rays on July 31.

The right-hander joins an outstanding bullpen that helped keep the Padres in playoff contention until the final day of the regular season. He gets a $1.5 million salary this year and the deal includes a $6 million club option for 2012 with a $1.05 million buyout.

Zaun spent 2010 with the Milwaukee Brewers, hitting .265 with two home runs and 14 RBI in 28 games.

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres and reliever Chad Qualls have agreed to a US$2.55-million, one-year contract.

The Padres also agreed Wednesday to a minor-league deal with former Blue Jays catcher Gregg Zaun that includes an invite to spring training.

Qualls split last season between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays, going 3-4 with a 7.32 ERA in 70 appearances. He converted 12 saves in 16 opportunities for the Diamondbacks before being traded to the Rays on July 31.

The right-hander joins an outstanding bullpen that helped keep the Padres in playoff contention until the final day of the regular season. He gets a $1.5-million salary this year and the deal includes a $6-million club option for 2012 with a $1.05-million buyout.

Zaun spent 2010 with the Milwaukee Brewers, hitting .265 with two home runs and 14 RBIs in 28 games.

SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Padres and reliever Chad Qualls have agreed to a US$2.55-million, one-year contract.

The Padres also agreed Wednesday to a minor-league deal with former Blue Jays catcher Gregg Zaun that includes an invite to spring training.

Qualls split last season between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays, going 3-4 with a 7.32 ERA in 70 appearances. He converted 12 saves in 16 opportunities for the Diamondbacks before being traded to the Rays on July 31.

The right-hander joins an outstanding bullpen that helped keep the Padres in playoff contention until the final day of the regular season. He gets a $1.5-million salary this year and the deal includes a $6-million club option for 2012 with a $1.05-million buyout.

Zaun spent 2010 with the Milwaukee Brewers, hitting .265 with two home runs and 14 RBIs in 28 games.

Longtime San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman discussed his retirement Wednesday at Petco Park. “Hells Bells” was Hoffman’s walkout song since 1998.

Jan 12, 2011 Link

Longtime San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers closer Trevor Hoffman discusses his retirement. Hoffman, whose Hall of Fame-caliber career spanned 18 years, addressed media Wednesday morning at Petco Park.

Jan 12, 2011 Link

SAN DIEGO — St. Louis Cardinals assistant general manager John Abbamondi has been hired by the San Diego Padres as vice president of strategy and business analysis.

Abbamondi was the Cardinals’ assistant GM for three seasons after spending four years with Major League Baseball’s labor relations department, where he rose to senior director of labor economics.

A former U.S. Navy pilot, Abbamondi is a graduate of MIT and Stanford’s business school.

San Diego said Wednesday that he will start work with the Padres next month.

SAN DIEGO (AP)—St. Louis Cardinals assistant general manager John Abbamondi has been hired by the San Diego Padres as vice president of strategy and business analysis.

Abbamondi was the Cardinals’ assistant GM for three seasons after spending four years with Major League Baseball’s labor relations department, where he rose to senior director of labor economics.

A former U.S. Navy pilot, Abbamondi is a graduate of MIT and Stanford’s business school.

San Diego said Wednesday that he will start work with the Padres next month.