 |
|
2008 San Diego Padres preview
After two straight National League West titles (2005 and 2006), the San Diego Padres finished a game-and-a-half out of first place last season, and missed the postseason when they lost leads to Milwaukee in the last weekend of the regular season and then blew a three-run final-inning lead in their one-game playoff to the Colorado Rockies. Their ability to put those late-season problems behind them will have a big effect on how well they fare in the ultra-competitive National League West. The Padres have out together an enviable pitching staff, but lack of offense put a strain on the staff — particularly the bullpen — last season and it showed down the stretch. From outward appearances, the Pads haven’t done much to address their offensive problems this off-season. Gone are Mike Cameron and Milton Bradley, who contributed strongly at the plate last season, and the reinforcements haven’t arrived.
 |
DFN Sports features San Diego Padres jerseys & merchandise online. |
2008 Padres Pitchers
The Padres led the NL in total ERA (3.70), bullpen ERA (3.01) and rotation ERA (4.11) last season, and there’s no reason to think this year shouldn’t be more of the same. It has the potential to be an even better staff. Petco Park is a pitcher’s paradise (and hitter’s nightmare) and several newcomers will benefit from the surroundings. Jake Peavy is a dominator, and Chris Young only needs more consistency to move to that plateau. Ageless Greg Maddux will turn 42 in April, and seldom goes past the fifth inning, but is an artist on the mound. Randy Wolf is the fourth starter and had a strong Spring Training showing in his return from surgery. Justin Germano, Shawn Estes and Glendon Rusch were all vying for the fifth spot or bullpen duty as the season approached. Oft-injured Mark Prior is the wild card here. He won’t be ready until May at the earliest, but anything approaching his best years with the Chicago Cubs would give the Padres staff an enormous boost...but that’s a big “if.” The bullpen is solid with setup men Heath Bell and Cla Meredith, and all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman in the closer spot. Hoffman struggled over the final weekend of the regular season and in the one-game playoff, but shouldn’t carry any hangover into this season. Will Ledezma had a strong spring, as did Enrique Gonzalez. Carlos Guevara and Justin Hampson will start the season on the DL, opening a couple of opportunity spots.
2008 Padres Infield
The Padres infield is a strength. Adrian Gonzalez has become on the league’s premier first basemen, both at the plate (.282, 30HR, 100RBI) and in the field. Khalil Greene is solid in the field and provides punch at the plate (27HR, 97RBI), although he strikes out a lot (128K). Kevin Kouzmanoff overcame a miserable start to post solid numbers in his first season (.275, 18HR, 74RBI). Tadahito Iguchi is new at second base and is a solid major league performer. Behind the plate are switch-hitting Josh Bard (.285) and Michael Barrett, who hit .226 with no home runs after coming to San Diego from Chicago in a mid-season trade. A return to form by Barrett would give the offense a big boost.
> Apply online today for a MLB logo credit card!
2008 Padres Outfield
The Padres outfield is a counterpoint to their well-manned infield. Brian Giles is set in right field, but he is coming off of knee surgery and isn’t much of a power threat any more. Giles showed well at Spring Training in his recovery. Jim Edmonds came from St. Louis is play center field, but will start the season on the DL with a calf strain. That isn’t a good omen, because Edmonds hasn’t played more than 120 games or hit over .267 in the past two seasons. Scott Hairston looks like the starter in left field. Paul McAnulty led the team in home runs in Cactus League play and will provide some punch in a backup role. Jody Gerut looks like the season-starting centerfield by default, unless the Padres make a trade or roster move before the Opener.
Pro Baseball Fans & our partner sites feature San Diego Padres apparel & hats and Padres Fathead wall posters online. |
2008 San Diego Padres Outlook
Manager Bud Black got the most out of his team last season, and there’s no reason not to expect another strong performance by this high-character squad in 2008. The Padres should compete in the difficult National League West, but will face an uphill struggle with the same problems that bedeviled them last season — extraordinary pressure on the pitching staff by lack of run support, and pressure on the bullpen from short starting performances and close, low-run games. The Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies and Los Angeles Dodgers will all be formidable opponents. If Edmonds stays healthy and productive, and if Prior can make a contribution in the second half of the season, the Padres will be in the National League West hunt deep into the season. If not, and if age starts to catch up with some of the veterans, they could be a middle-of-the-pack team. Odds seem to favor the latter assessment.
By Reed Nessel
ProBaseball-fans.com Guest Writer
> View all of the 2008 MLB team previews from Pro Baseball Fans