Not This Year San Diego

After having a rather disappointing season in 2009, the San Diego Padres were one win away from making the playoffs last season.  It was a heartbreaking end to the season because the Padres had been in first place in the NL West for most of the year.  Unfortunately for the organization, the inevitable had arrived.  San Diego’s All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez was traded.  The front office had no choice but to move the first baseman because they could no longer pay him what he deserved to be paid.  

So, the Padres sent Gonzalez to the Red Sox for a plethora of minor leaguers. 

Once the Gonzalez deal was complete, the Padres settled on cheaper options to fill out a depleted ball club.  They added second baseman Orlando Hudson, first baseman Brad Hawpe, and corner infielder Jorge Cantu via free agency, outfielder Cameron Maybin from Florida, and shortstop Jason Bartlett from Tampa Bay.  These veterans will join a cast of young budding stars such as Kyle Blanks, Chase Headley, Will Venable, and Everth Cabrera.

What really carried the Padres through the 2010 season was their pitching.  They ranked second amongst National League teams in earned run average and second in saves with 49.  Their pitching rotation was lead by second-year player Matt Latos  (14-10, 2.93) along with Clayton Richard (14-9, 3.75), Jon Garland (14-12, 3.47) and Wade LeBlanc (8-12, 4.25).  San Diego’s bullpen was led by closer Heath Bell with 47 saves and an earned run average of 1.93.  In addition to Bell, the bullpen featured set up men Luke Gregerson (40 holds) and Mike Adams (37 holds).  This year, the Padres will do not have their once heralded starting pitcher, Chris Young and veteran starter Jon Garland.  The Padres will also be without middle relievers Ryan Webb and Edward Mujica who were accretive to the bullpen in 2010.  Instead, the Padres will rely on former Cincinnati Reds ace, Aaron Harang in the rotation and in-house relievers such as Ernesto Frieri and Joe Thatcher.

Despite the number of subtractions the Padres endured during the offseason, the team figures to remain competitive in 2011.  Like last season, San Diego’s pitching will keep this team in games for most of the season.  Ultimately, it will be the lack of consistent offense that will prevent San Diego from capturing a playoff birth in 2011.