Quote from BoosterSD on March 1, 2024, 7:50 am

Im afraid that unless we get one more real ML bat (Rosario) and rely on the unproven kids, the production from the OF bats will not be enough this season to make a legit run at the playoffs. Not as concerned with the pitching.

Im thinking we are going to finish around 75-87, finish 4th in the division and miss the playoffs.

However, the kids will get some experience and we will see a jump back into the playoff race for 2025.

Quote from fenn68 on March 1, 2024, 8:00 am

Think this roster has the potential to make a Wild Card ... finishing 2nd in the NL West in a neck and neck battle with AZ.

Will say a wide range of probabilities for an outcome. Yes they lost a lot of name talent (Snell, Soto, et al) but the returning core (net) under performed and should rebound. Padres just missed the playoffs with an unusual set of results on extra inning games and one run games / coming from behind late. That just has to normalize with the rebound of the core ... and not that overwhelming competition for those Wild Card slots ... net of all that should put them in the Wild Card race. Prospects producing at ML levels should make them better ... prospects playing well under average could make it difficult.

Quote from MrPadre19 on March 1, 2024, 12:37 pm

Quote from BoosterSD on March 1, 2024, 7:50 am

Im afraid that unless we get one more real ML bat (Rosario) and rely on the unproven kids, the production from the OF bats will not be enough this season to make a legit run at the playoffs. Not as concerned with the pitching.

Im thinking we are going to finish around 75-87, finish 4th in the division and miss the playoffs.

However, the kids will get some experience and we will see a jump back into the playoff race for 2025.

This team still has Tatis,Machado,Bogaerts and Kim.

I can think of literally decades when we didn't have a core like that.

Personally I think 3-4 straight off seasons of being the "talk of the town" and adding good to great players each year may have made things appear worse than they are this year when we did the opposite.

Last years team was good enough to win it all...yet they missed the playoffs.

Why?

It wasn't not having enough talent.

So maybe now we've corrected whatever "that" was?

Maybe we've gotten rid of the "problem(s)” that kept this team from performing to their level last year?

OR...maybe not.

But I still believe this team "can" play well enough to make the playoffs....just remains to be seen if they will.

 

 

Quote from BoosterSD on March 1, 2024, 5:12 pm

It could be a little of addition through subtraction. And the kids could really come through. And we could/should be better in one run/extra innings this season.

But Im not hedging my bets for the season.

Quote from MrPadre19 on March 5, 2024, 12:24 pm

My guess on the Rotation:

Darvish---Musgrove---King---Brito---Waldron

 

Quote from fenn68 on March 5, 2024, 12:42 pm

Quote from MrPadre19 on March 5, 2024, 12:24 pm

My guess on the Rotation:

Darvish---Musgrove---King---Brito---Waldron

 

I am guessing Musgrove - Darvish - King - Vasquez - Waldron … Brito as the long man / #6 SP.

Brito has the stuff for SP … but so does Vasquez. Did notice in his splits last year, Brito struggled as a SP but moved to the pen and was very strong as a long reliever. Might just begin with that set-up and have him poised to move into the rotation as needed. Also, Brito had poor stats playing in NY but AWAY was effective … so just maybe at PETCO his stuff may play up … ground ball pitcher with a plus defensive INF and a park that keeps the long ball in … he might just sneak into the starting rotation before the season ends.

I was not in on Waldron but his end of 2023 and spring has made me change my opinion. The change in his use of the knuckleball seems to have altered his trajectory … will be interesting to see how he handles that in the denser air of SD … surprisingly working in the AZ desert.

Avila seems the odd man out (also out of options). Even in 2023 his stats as a SP were not good but his stats as a RP were good … so? A lot of RP still in camp.

Quote from BoosterSD on March 5, 2024, 1:22 pm

Both Avila and Moniak (ANA) are both out of options, could there be a swap there towards the late side of camp?

Quote from FW Pad on March 5, 2024, 4:11 pm

Monika would be a solid get at a reasonable price, Avila.

Looking at other teams 'out of options' noticed Leody Taveras (TX) is listed. It might take a little more than Avila to acquire him. The Rangers more likely would cut Jankowski. Then we could sign him for cheap.

Still personally willing to go opening day with Merrill in CF. And liking Mercado.

Quote from FW Pad on March 5, 2024, 4:13 pm

F#%$ spell check. Make that Moniak!