The Team to Beat

[Arlo]

Time for another team analysis - following Mookie's lead, the Cafe's biggest Barry Zito fan provides us with the second article in this series, and surprisingly, it's not about Oakland.

Glen Shikunov, familiar to all forum regulars as Zito is God, instead focuses on
San Diego, a team who could sneak up on a lot of people this season. Thanks to greater experience and solid offseason moves, the Padres are coming together nicely. Are they the Team to Beat? Glen thinks they just might be...

Next up in this series: Amazinz' amazing analysis of the New York Mets! And hopefully, a few more folks will jump in and offer thoughts on their own favorite teams. Pull up a keyboard and contribute!

[KPucks]

Just one question: Did wrveres pay you to write this?

But really, good article. The Padres could get to the postseason this year with their solid lineup and pitching, which benefits a lot from the new park.

[Zito is God]

Just one question: Did wrveres pay you to write this?

Not yet, we still haven't figuired out the amount on the bill.

[Madison]

Nice read.

I'm a little surprised that Otsuka wasn't mentioned .

3 wins, 1 save, 17 k's in 17 innings, 1.06 era, 0.71 whip. Very nice pickup for the Padres and is paying some good dividends so far.

[Amazinz]

Great article. I agree I think the Padres are a team to beat that no one (except people here at the Cafe) are talking about. Not sure why they don't get more respect but I think they'll be getting some by the end of the year.

[slomo007]

I must be the crazy one, but I don't see the Padres as "the team to beat." I read the article and agree with parts, but Peavy needs a couple more years, and Wells, Giles, and Klesko need a couple less years.

A ton of people were picking SD to be the "surprise team" of the year, and frankly I just don't agree. I like the D'Backs in their division, assuming Sexson comes back healthy in a decent amount of time. They have proven pitching, and Fossum is going to give them an end of the rotation sleeper. Valverde is a new solid closer, and perhaps Mantei will even settle into the setup role (but I doubt it). The Padres and D'Backs will be pretty close, but I see Arizona finishing slightly ahead.

Good article though, I'm not bashing it by any means.

[Amazinz]

I don't think they are the team to beat in the NL but I do think they are the team to beat in the West. IMO I don't see SF, ARI or COL vying for that division. I think it will come down to SD and LA.

[Boys In Blue]

First off, I'm a Dodgers fan who lives in San Diego and follows the Pads and I am delighted to see their revamped roster.

I agree with others that the Padres are hardly "the team to beat" but they are VASTLY improved over previous years. I think if LA keeps making contact then they'll come out on top but there's no doubting that the division is up for grabs, particularly amongst these two teams.

The problems the Pads are facing now could be a sign of things to come. Can Klesko and Nevin return to their form of previous years AND stay healthy? Both are power batters who have expressed discontent in Petco Park (which sure is pretty but the way things are run inside suck... long delays and where is the darn restroom???).

The biggest problem is their starting pitching. Great young arms in Peavy, Lawrence, and Eaton but how long can they keep it up. If Wells and Hitchcock can put up quality outings, then they will be tough on the mound, but I hardly think Ismael Valdes should be starting for anyone other than the Newark Bears. YOU FORGOT OTSUKA! Looks like he'll do more for the team than the absent Rod Beck this year. What a great pickup by them.