| Scott Miller's Take |
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The Padres failed to make the playoffs last season following back-to-back NL West titles for the first time in club history. On paper, this year's team doesn't match up with last year's. San Diego once again has enough pitching to stay in contention, but probably is short enough on offense to make it another frustrating season for Padres fans. Video Outlook
Strengths
Start with Jake Peavy, because anytime anybody is coming off of a unanimous Cy Young vote, it's quite a nod of respect. In Peavy, Chris Young and Greg Maddux, the Padres should excel in pitching-friendly Petco Park. Shortstop Khalil Greene, steady defensively and often spectactular, doesn't get enough credit. This is a guy who belted 27 home runs last season. Corner infielders Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Kouzmanoff are developing nicely, too.
Weaknesses
As good as San Diego's pitching staff is, it's open season for opposing runners. The Padres ranked last in the game in throwing out base stealers, and opponents converted 41 of 44 stolen base attempts last September as the Padres were falling out of the playoffs. Meantime, the Padres' 55 stolen bases were an NL-low. This year's team, if it is quicker, is only marginally so. Aging outfielders Jim Edmonds and Brian Giles (coming off of microfracture surgery in a knee) could have trouble covering the large outfield of Petco Park. And were Trevor Hoffman's two blown saves at the end of '07 the beginning of a decline?
Difference Maker
Randy Wolf and Mark Prior. This is a team built on pitching, but the Nos. 4 and 5 slots in the rotation remain unsettled. Wolf looked good this spring. Prior isn't expected back until June. If one of them compiles a productive season, the Padres will benefit tremendously. If both happen to come all the way back from injuries, well, it could mean NL West title.
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| Top Prospects |
| 1. |
Chase Headley, 3B |
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Kouz's strong second half means Headley has to give left field a try.
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| 2. |
Matthew Antonelli, 2B |
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Padres were trying him in CF, which makes it unlikely he opens in majors.
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| 3. |
Chad Huffman, OF |
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The fact he is No. 3 here shows the Padres have some nice impact guys.
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| 4. |
William Inman, SP (R) |
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He was stolen from the Brewers, but scouts don't think his K-rate projects.
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| 5. |
Kyle Blanks, 1B |
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Masher won't be challenging Adrian Gonzalez anytime soon, though.
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Complete NL West prospects |
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Will Greg Maddux, the 13-time Gold Glover and four-time Cy Young winner, finally call it quits after this year? (AP)
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Community
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Hey Padres fans, smoove asks, where do you think the Padres will finish in the NL West? Which, by the way, is shaping up to be a very tough division. Vote now. He also has a blog -- A Championship for San Diego -- where he proclaims, "So what gives San Diego sports fans? Is our city, dare I say cursed?... our teams always fall painfully short."
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Give us your thoughts!
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| Team Info |
2007 record: 89-74 (3rd in NL West)
Manager: Bud Black, 2nd year (89-74)
Stadium: PETCO Park (42,685; grass)
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| Lineup |
| No. | Player | Comment |
| 1. | B. Giles, RF | Attempting to come back from offseason knee surgery |
| 2. | T. Iguchi, 2B | Could bridge the gap to prospect Antonelli |
| 3. | J. Edmonds CF | Eight-time Gold Glove winner plagued with injury and could start on the DL |
| 4. | A. Gonzalez, 1B | Finished 2007 hitting .282, 30 home runs and 100 RBI |
| 5. | K. Greene, SS | Had career-highs in home runs (27), RBI (97) and games played (153) last season |
| 6. | K. Kouzmanoff, 3B | Much better in the second half of '07 |
| 7. | S. Hairston, LF | Could start at center if Edmonds is out |
| 8. | J. Bard, C | Will split time at the post with M. Barrett |
| Pitching |
| Rotation | Comment |
| 1. |
J. Peavy (R) |
'07 Cy Young winner finished one win shy of the triple crown |
| 2. |
C. Young (R) |
Needs to stay clear of back injuries that plagued him in the past |
| 3. |
G. Maddux (R) |
Still a 14-game winner last season at 41 |
| 4. |
R. Wolf (L) |
Coming off shoulder surgery and shaky spring start |
| 5. |
J. Germano (R) |
Could be holding the spot for M. Prior |
| Closer |
Comment |
| T. Hoffman (R) |
Baseball's all-time saves leader |
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