How do the Friars stack up in the NL West?

[hutch95]

pretty good year last year, lost the 1 game playoff ns. rockies... but this pitching staff is too good, to think they are out of it

[surgeaholic]

yup the Padres will definately be in it.

[tarlow00]

The constant issue with the Padres is their offense. They have plenty of shutdown pitchers in the rotation and in the pen, but if the team doesn't score, offenses will eventually catch up to them. This puts tremendous pressure on both the pitcher and the defense.

AGon is a good run producer, but not someone who strikes fear into pitchers. We gets the job done, but he goes into funks when sliders and breaking stuff give him trouble, when he expands the zone. Greene is beginning to show more power, which is great, but he's very streaky. Edmonds is over the hill... anything would be a bonus. Kouz is emerging... there, I'm excited. IF Giles still hit like he's capable, we'd be in great shape. But he's been "deflated" for good now, I'm afraid. He plays the leadoff guy because of his walks, but we need him to play the role we traded for him to fill... not gonna happen, though.

I have a feeling that McAnulty is going to be impressive, given the ABs. But will he field well enough? IMO, put him in left - he'll be better than Klesko was out there. If Edmonds doesn't cut it or isn't healthy, put Hairston or Crabbe in center (Crabbe would bring some speed) and Giles in right until we can dump his sick salary.

[tarlow00]

Thinking with my head and not my heart, the NL West standings for 2008:
1. Arizona
2. Colorado
3. LA
4. SD
5. SF (they're a AAAA team now)

[baseball101]

Should be an exciting year in the NL west.

[tarlow00]

I think things are going to get really ugly for San Fran this year. It's only a matter of when.

With their wealth of talented young arms, I see them trading one for some offense before the season's out. Who's it gonna be, and who do you think will offer the Giants the best package?

[Marlins]

tarlow00 said:

Thinking with my head and not my heart, the NL West standings for 2008:
1. Arizona
2. Colorado
3. LA
4. SD
5. SF (they're a AAAA team now)

The Padres 4th? Wow, I really wasnt expecting that. They have the best pitching in the division.

As for the Giants--they're still better than the Pirates...at least IMO.

And although they may be a triple a team in terms of value--they're the exact opposite in terms of age.

[tarlow00]

I could easily bump SD up to third, possibly second if Colorado falters a bit. But AZ has nasty pitching and good enough offense...

Then again, if the Padres hit better than expected... and we know the pitching should be filthy... I'll be happy to admit I was wrong! It'll be a great race.