Article:San Diego Padres Preview

San Diego Padres baseball preview
by Steve

The Padres move into the 2008 season as a bit of an enigma. Having missed the playoffs in 2007, the team is clearly thinking playoffs this season, but with a stacked NL West, the likelihood appears clouded. True, Bud Black and co. forced a game 163, but lost basically due to a coin flip that awarded the Rockies with the home game. Furthermore, the Padres had the game in the bag in the 13th until ol' reliable Trevor Hoffman blew the save and eventually catapulted the Rockies to the WS. I guess then, the coin flip didn't really matter at that point.

Outfield Scott Hairston, Jim Edmonds (might start the season on the DL), Brian Giles? WTF?! Damn. Edmonds and Giles are a combined 300 years old(actually 74) and Hairston is basically a piece of garbage career .245 hitter. Who knows, there are some old dudes that are still productive into their 40s, granted they are probably all on roids, but this squad isn't too bad. Well, I only say that because Chase Headley was scorching the Earth in spring training and should be correctly situated in left field before summer time.

Infield Kevin Kouzmanoff is coming off an average rookie season and needs to bring some much needed offense to a Padres team that ranked 20th in runs in 2007. Also, not too put to much pressure on Kouzy but they are completely changing the life of hot prospect natural 3b Headley and putting him in left, so a sophomore slump would be that much worse for him and the organization. Adrian Gonzalez is a little known beast at 1b and wields a major stick. Khalil is coming off a monster year power wise, and if he keeps up the 2007 pace (27hr 97 rbi) this team's offense could be potent. Iguchi and Bard are decent 7-8 spot line up guys who are more for defense than anything else. (Congrats to rule 5er Callix Crabbe for makin the squad, potentially solid utility player)

Pitching Peavy and Young are beasts anchoring an interest pitching staff for 2008. Mark never say die Maddux is in the three spot in the rotation for now, but I don't forecast him making more than 25 starts at best. Randy Wolfe, the lone lefty in the top 5, has a heavily incentive laden deal for the Pads and doesn't scare me facing other 4's in the National League. And now to the most interest of all, Mark Prior, the penciled in #5 dude. After breaking into the league like gang busters torching dudes, he, like Kerry Woods, has been plagued by injuries for much of the past 3 seasons. If he can stay healthy, he could be a steal. Not likely, but I am rooting for the guy, plus he won't be ready till May according to my sources. Look for Justin Germano to start in his absence until then.

Prognostication

Kevin Towers, and to a lesser extent Bud Black, know what they are doing. The Padres may have to swing a deal for a vet outfield or extra arm, but they'll be battling for the NL West all season. Jake and Chris are just too good for this team to have a long losing streak. As long as their 28th ranked team batting average improves, true it may have more to do with Petco Park's dimensions, they'll get into the playoffs. Wait Hoffman could still be saving a potential lead in game 163 in Dodger Stadium Oct 1? Umm.. yikes!

record: 85-77