FanNation

This is the 2nd of a 30 part series previewing the upcoming MLB season. Today's team the San Diego Padres finished 3rd in the NL West and had a 89-74 record. The Padres missed out on the playoffs by losing 9-8 in a one game playoff to the Rockies in Colorado. In FA they landed a new 2B in Tadahito Iguchi, 3P in Randy Wolf, Mark Prior, and Glendon Rusch, and in a trade with the Cardinals Jim Edmonds. 

Rotation (last year's statistics)

1.Jake Peavy-R- 19-6, 2.54 ERA, 223.1 IP, 240 K's

2.Chris Young-R- 9-8, 3.12 ERA, 173 IP, 167 K's

3.Greg Maddux-R- 14-11, 4.14 ERA, 198 IP, 104 K's

4.Randy Wolf-L- 9-6, 4.73 ERA, 102.2 IP, 94 K's

5.Mark Prior-R- Did not pitch in the majors

6.Justin Germano-R- 7-10, 4.46 ERA, 133.1 IP, 78 K's

Last year Jake Peavy dominated the NL winning the triple crown for a pitcher along with a Cy Young in a bounce back year. Peavy is one of the best pitcher's in the game and just signed an extension to stay in San DIego for a very long time. Chris YOung battled some injuries last year but still showed that he is a very good #2 starter in any rotation. Greg Maddux continued to pitch excellent even though it seems like he's pitched forever. He anchors this staff and is the best fielding pitcher ever. Wolf is coming off an injury plagued season but should bounce back in the spacious Petco Park. Mark Prior and Justin Germano figure to battle in Spring Training for the 5th spot.

Bullpen

LR-Loser of the #5 rotation spot (Germano, Prior)

LR-Clay Hensley-R- 13 G, 50 IP, 2-3, 6.84 ERA

MR-Carlos Guevara-R- No major League experience

MR-Wil Ledezma-L- 44 G, 59.1 IP, 3-3, 5.61 ERA

MR-Cla Meredith-R- 80 G, 79.2 IP, 5-6, 3.5 ERA

SU-Heath Bell-R- 81 G, 93.2 IP, 6-4, 2.02 ERA

CP-Trevor Hoffman-R- 61 G, 57.1 IP, 4-5, 2.98 ERA, 42 SV

The always reliable Trevor Hoffman returns this year as the all time saves leader with 524 and Hells Bells figures to ring for a t least 1 more year in  Petco Field. Heath Bell pitched great last year and the bullpen depends on him and Cla Meredith this year. Wil Ledezma was brought in to be the left handed presence the Padres bullpen did not have last year. Carlos Guevara brings a fresh arm in to the pen and should get a middle relief role. Also the loser of the #5 starter should get a chance to start the year in the bullpen as a long reliever paired with Clay Hensley.

The Lineup

1.LF Scott Hairston- .243 BA, 11 HR, 36 RBI, 37 R, .313 OBP

2.2B Tadahito Iguchi- .267 BA, 9 HR, 43 RBI, 67 R, .347 OBP

3.RF Brian Giles- .271 BA, 13 HR, 51 RBI, 72 R, .361 OBP

4.1B Adrian Gonzalez- .282 BA, 30 HR, 100 RBI, 101 R, .347 OBP

5.SS Khalil Greene- .254 BA, 27 HR, 97 RBI, 89 R, .291 OBP

6.3B Kevin Kouzmanoff- .275 BA, 18 HR, 74 RBI, 57 R, .329 OBP

7.CF Jim Edmonds- .252 BA, 12 HR, 53 RBI, 39 R, .325 OBP

8.C Josh Bard- .285 BA, 5 HR, 51 RBI, 42 R, .364 OBP (Barrett is slotted to back up Bard)

9. Pitcher's spot

The Padres have a lot of power with 7 guys who hit more than 11 HR last year. They lack a true leadoff hitter and that might hurt the run producing capabilities. Also Michael Barrett is the back up catcher right now he could be traded for another pitcher or a top of the order guy. If Adrian Gonzalez and Khalil Greene can repeat what they did last year the Padres are legitimate playoff contenders.

Projected Finish in NL West- 4th

Final Record- 86-77

comments are appreciated and any ? will be answered. Thank you Indy