2016 MLB season: NL West preview

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Jul 28, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

San Diego Padres

In 2015, the Padres just couldn’t get things clicking at the same time. When their bats were on fire, the pitching staff couldn’t buy a strike. When the starting rotation was on point, the hitters couldn’t connect with anything.

Projected lineup
1B Wil Myers
2B Cory Spangenberg
3B Yangervis Solarte
RF Matt Kemp
C Derek Norris
CF Melvin Upton Jr.
LF Jon Jay
SS Alexei Ramirez

Over the years, the Padres have gone out of their way to trade for top talent from other teams and, in the process, given up on some top prospects to do so. The outfield of Jay, Upton and Kemp need to be the leaders both on the field and in the batting order this season.

Projected rotation
RHP James Shields
RHP Tyson Ross
RHP Andrew Cashner
LHP Robbie Erlin
RHP Colin Rae

In both Tampa Bay and Kansas City, “Big Game James” was someone who pitched like he had ice water in his veins. Last season, Shields was just as up and down as the rest of the team, which isn’t good when he is the unquestioned leader of a rotation competing with some serious bats in the NL West.

Projected record: 79-83

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