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MLB Postseason Contenders or Pretenders?

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Apr 30, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros players celebrate Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) game-winning RBI hit against the Seattle Mariners in the bottom of the 10th inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros players celebrate Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) game-winning RBI hit against the Seattle Mariners in the bottom of the 10th inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 27, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Yonder Alonso (23) follws throuh during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres first baseman Yonder Alonso (23) follws throuh during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

7. player. 127. . 2nd Place. NL West. San Diego Padres

Finally, we take a look at the new look San Diego Padres. Following a series of trades over the off-season, the Padres added a lot of big-name talent and looked like a legitimate contender in the National League West. However, through the first 29 games of the season they are 15-14, three games behind the Dodgers and half a game ahead of the defending World Champion Giants in one of baseball’s toughest divisions.

Offensively, San Diego leads the National league in hits (257) and runs (140) and the team as a whole is slugging .400, which is the fourth best percentage in the NL. The Padres are also fourth in doubles (53), triples (7), and home runs (26).

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Several Padres are off to a terrific start to the season. Yonder Alonso (.341/.430/.447) is currently fourth in the National League in hitting, Justin Upton’s seven home runs are in a tie for fifth in the league, and fellow outfielders Wil Myers (.274/.320/.453) and Matt Kemp (.291/.328/.419) have been solid contributors. Derek Norris (.310/.330/.480 with 16 RBI) has been arguably the best hitting catcher in the National League.

However, the club hasn’t gotten much production from infielders Jedd Gyorko, Alexi Amarista and Will Middlebrooks, which means Yangervis Solarte, Cory Spangenberg and Clint Barmes have been shuffled in and out of the lineup.

The starting rotation has been solid and Padres starters have compiled an early 3.52 ERA, which is sixth in the Majors to date. Opponents are hitting .249 against San Diego starters, which ranks eighth overall. However, it’s San Diego’s bullpen – which on paper is one of the best in Major League Baseball – that’s the issue.

San Diego ranks 27th in bullpen ERA (4.64) and 23rd in batting average allowed (.252). All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel is off to a very slow start (0-1, 5.06 ERA with 8 saves in 12 games), which has been the biggest concern. Those numbers are likely to improve, but it’s been a troubling beginning to the season to say the least.

That said, the Padres are in a very good position. They’ve hit well, pitched well, and the bullpen will improve. The Dodgers are still the clear favorite to win the West, but the Giants are beatable and San Diego will be able to rack up wins against the struggling Diamondbacks and Rockies, which should put them squarely in the mix in the Wild Card race.

The Padres are a: Contender

Next: The Top 30 MLB Leadoff Hitters of All-Time

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