2010 San Diego Padres season in review
With a 90-72 record the San Diego Padres finished second in the National League West. This was a pretty good team, which missed the playoffs and now needs to rebuild their offense. All in all not to bad for 2010, they built a 6.5 game lead and spent 131 days in first place. A 12-16 September, which was their only losing month, likely cost them a post season birth. In their division they were very good going 38-34 which includes a 12-6 record against the 2010 World Champion San Francisco Giants. They were also 9-6 in interleague play.
There is no question that the offense is the problem on this team. They scored just 665 runs which was 12th among the 16 NL clubs. They hit just 1,338 hits, 132 of which were home runs. Their hits total was the second worst, while their home run total was 12th. This team batted just .246 which was second worst to the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates. Padres’ batters struck out 1,183 times and drew 538 walks. Even though they were second in stolen bases in the NL with 124, they failed to push many runs across the plate.
The Pitching staff was the reason why this team was so good in 2010. The staff ERA was the second best in the NL at 3.41. They struck out 1,295 batters and issued 517 walks. They also only gave up 1,305 easily the second fewest on the senior circuit. When the opposition does not have base runners runs do not get scored. Four of their starting five pitchers racked up double digit wins, and their closer converted 47 saves.
When we look at those numbers we see why they decided to trade Adrian Gonzales. There was no point locking him up long term if he was not the answer to their offensive woes. The Padres must rebuild their offense if the want to compete in the post season.
Related Links:
- San Diego Padres news and notes
- The Business of Major League Baseball
- Joshua Lobdell.com
