San Diego Padres Still Have Playoff Shot
Rumors may swirl regarding San Diego Padres execs willing to unload top names, yet sitting 6.5 games out of wild card contention isn’t something to scoff at. They’re handling National League West foes, currently sit 44-50 and have James Shields taking the mound tonight. The trade deadline is nine long days away, meaning either San Diego must begin selling assets, or begin pushing for postseason entry. Although hitting-wise they’re bottom feeders, here’s why San Diego Padres fans should stick around two more months:
Pitching isn’t too bad
With 56 quality starts, the Padres pitching staff is holding their own. Tyson Ross has an average ERA to lead San Diego (3.38) while James Shields has settled into his normal high ERA, high strikeout season. Imagine if their front office snatched Cole Hamels and secured the second wild card spot; Odrisamer Despaigne could work long relief while Ian Kennedy would push himself into the fifth starter role. All told, the club seems to have more unlucky breaks than poor pitching days, but fortunes can easily change.
Hitting is there. It’s just quiet.
Pitchers are flooding the San Diego Padres DL, not hitting. You’ve got Yangervis Solarte, Matt Kemp, Will Venable, Melvin Upton, and Will Middlebrooks (who did just get sent down, but won’t last long). Not an awfully bad lineup, just severely underachieving. Ben Zobrist or Gerardo Parra could bring spark to their lineup, and it wouldn’t cost much more than future picks and cash, maybe even Gyorko could sweeten the deal. Nonetheless, the hitting isn’t Philadelphia bad — just bad enough to keep them behind several playoff contenders. Their recent promotion of Abraham Almonte could also be considered refreshing, too, but getting their other marquee hitters swinging again would be important should they wish to contend.
Pat Murphy is tenacious, refined
Florida Atlantic lost an incredible leader when Pat Murphy left the college program to accept the San Diego Padres’ coaching vacancy. He’s 57, which is standard for MLB managers, and this being his rookie season shouldn’t be an excuse to downgrade San Diego’s chances. Arrange an inspirational team meeting complete with magician (see also Joe Maddon), lobby for extra pitching help, and show San Diego Padres fans why last winter was your time to shine. Murphy should push Clint Barmes out the door, however, which is convenient since the Pirates are interested in Barmes.
Believe in your Padres, and watch the playoff picture come into perspective once again. Become shoppers instead of trade deadline cowards, and the possibilities are endless.
[Photo by Denis Poroy / Getty Images Sport]
