Quote from fenn68 on July 23, 2026, 1:13 am

60 games remaining in the season ... 10 games before the trade deadline ... at 3 games behind for a Wild Card and 5 teams ahead for the last slot need to pass most of those teams and close the gap quickly ... not easy with that many teams ahead but will be even harder after the trade deadline with only 50 games to play and some of the other teams will also be winning. Actually see passing 5 teams as a bigger challenge than making up 3 games vs the two teams with 49 losses (Padres at 52).

At least for now ... we can look at BOST who was totally out of it a couple of weeks ago and now in a WC slot with a 14 games win streak (but they have excellent pitching).

On the negative side ... even if somehow the make the playoffs ... their current record vs teams with winning records is a poor 22-37 (-15) and a negative run differential of -29 (worst among contenders). So, even if they do get that miracle win streak and make the playoffs, a good chance they get blown out early.

With Sale going this morning vs Canning ... not looking good for a Padre win. A loss here that puts the 4 games out and still 5 teams to pass may just put the front office on hold on any buy plans and set them to make plans to start selling closer to the deadline baring that major about face.

The fan in me wants that miracle finish .... the cold analytical front office mind sees an extreme long shot for playoff and longer for a World Series (less than 10% for the playoffs per Fangraphs) and frankly a struggling team in 2027-28 (maybe longer).

I am afraid I have succumbed to being a seller ... clearly all the FA to be (if any buyers) but three players could get some quality in return to build for 2029 ... Miller, Morejon, and King. Also, with Salas on the horizon, might they consider dealing Campusano (only 2 years control and best of the catchers) and catching is always in demand so should yield a "decent" prospect. Same idea with Sheets (1 year control) ... might be a fit for some team yielding a deep A ball prospect.

Side ... no one really wants the contracts of Bogaerts or Cronenworth ... given no real replacements for the Padres and little desire to eat money and get no return ... they stay like it or not.

Sad ending to the Siedler era and a good 6 year run even if no World Series.