Earlier today Kay Adams and I looked at the AL West, now we look at the NL West. And we ask: does an assemblage of superstars make a team? Does grit matter? And what’s gonna happen with the shorter porch in right in San Diego?
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- blabidibla - Mar 14, 2013 at 3:19 PM
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I have been selling the Padres as an up and comer since the end of last year. People forget how good they played down the stretch. Lots of good young bats. I think 3rd place in the division is possible as well.
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- icanspeel - Mar 14, 2013 at 3:37 PM
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Yeah I agree. On paper the Padres don’t look great, but if some of the young talent plays up to their potential they could surprise some people. Craig hasn’t overlooked them like a lot of other analysts have.
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- ptfu - Mar 14, 2013 at 5:17 PM
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The lineup and bullpen should hold their own. It’s the starting rotation I’m concerned about. Casey Kelly’s already out, and Jason Marquis is a lock…
IMHO the rotation will determine whether the Friars stay ahead of Gibson’s Gritters in the race for third.
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- stlouis1baseball - Mar 14, 2013 at 5:31 PM
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“Gibson’s Gritter.” Hahaha!
I am using that one. Please know I will occasionally give you credit for it thought.
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- skerney - Mar 14, 2013 at 3:42 PM
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“…you’ve got Chris Denorfia.” LOLZ.
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- ch0psuey - Mar 14, 2013 at 4:03 PM
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His stats werent to shabby last year for not being an everyday player. Didnt do too bad in the WBC as well so yeah Chris Denorfia…
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- ptfu - Mar 14, 2013 at 5:08 PM
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Denorfia’s the right-handed half of the RF platoon with Will Venable. Their platoon numbers combine for a decent composite outfielder. Denorfia’s 2012 was a career year vs southpaws to the tune of .317/.381/.451, half of which was suppressed by Petco. Sure, the Padres would love an all-around monster* but you take what you can get.
*Top OF prospect Rymer Liriano had TJ surgery, so Venorfia gets another year of life.
