While I do feel the Padres are the strongest team in the division, I've recently thought about possible playoff scenarios.

While I don't think they would ever make it happen on purpose, I think the Wild Card would be a better option for the Padres than winning the division.

Consider that we have two of the best pitchers in the National league in Peavy and Young.  Then on top of that, they might be the two best road pitchers out there.  At least for the first series as the wild card winner, you'd have Jake and Cy going on the road.  You know they can beat team if we can just scratch out a few runs.  

I would much rather throw Maddux, Germano, Hensley or whomever is still in the rotation at that time of year at PETCO.  

I just feel we'd be in better shape if we could swing it so our weaker pitchers can benefit from PETCO like they have all season.

If all went well in the first series, Buddy would be able to set up the same thing for the second round since there's no way we'd have home field advantage.

I know that's getting way ahead of ourselves, but just a thought.