2010: Are people feeling at all optimistic?
While I'm not necessarily trying to turn lemons into lemonade, with the 2009 season winding down is anyone else seeing some real positive signs for the next season? I don't know if that means we can compete with the Dodgers in this division (which is pretty competitive with 3/5 teams in the hunt), but it means I don't think we'll just be the automatic cellar dwellers.
Some of the positives
1. New young outfield - We've got four guys for three spots and all of them have shown they can play and hit. Gwynn had a very hot few months and only cooled off when he stopped getting regular playing time. Give him some more and he could once again be very effective at the front of the lineup. Blanks has handled RF better then any of us expected and has provided some great power and surprising speed. Venable has been equally outstanding when he gets regular playing time, something few of us probably saw coming (I didn't). And of course there's Headley who looks to finally be comfortable at the major league level. Four guys, three spots
2. Evereth Cabrera - I won't rehash this because its been spoken about regularly as one of the big positives of the year. He provides speed, defense and some surprising pop on occassion and has real all star potential.
3. Bullpen with help on the way next year - While this group has had its ups and downs there's some real potential and guys really showing they could stick. Mujica has been pretty decent, as has Gregerson. Thatcher has been better lately. Adams was solid until he got put on the DL. Bell is Bell, and even with some bumps has been very good. Russell its too early to tell. Even perdomo and burke have had moments. And next year we will add Mark Worrell and Cha Sung Baek to the bull pen further strengthening it, with the possibility of adding AAA arms like de la Cruz. There's alot of good pieces here.
4. New rotation - Even with the Peavy deal there's quite a few pitchers here who could be fighting for a roster spot. Latos has been a great surprise, Young will return next year (need to see what he can do), Gallagher probably won't start til 2010 but has potential, Poreda is working on things in AAA, Russell and Stauffer have done well and we can resign Correria who was huge for us when the rotation struggled. Lot of young pitchers with alot of potential.
So does anyone else think that there's the potential to make good improvement next year or am I just blowing smoke?
This FanPost was written by a member of the Gaslamp Ball community and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Gaslamp Ball managers or SB Nation.
0 recs |
10 comments
Comments
I'd say cautiously optimistic
What you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone on this blog is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on our souls.
by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Aug 27, 2009 10:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
The young talent is there but I’m not getting my hopes up yet. The young guys need to be consistent, our pitching can’t suck, and everyone can’t get hurt. That’s a lot to ask.
I’m aiming for 2011.
Lamar = Laker for Life...Go Pads...Go Bolts
by mrbarneydangles on Aug 27, 2009 7:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rotation
I am still a little skeptical of it. We have some potentail and some talent, but if you are counting on young talent we really need 7-8 guys who could fill in the 5 spots.
"Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!"
by Ron Mexico on Aug 27, 2009 12:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
yes
Padres Baseball: Between Love and Hate
by CurbEnthusiasm on Aug 27, 2009 2:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
TWSS
www.FriarsOnCardboard.blogspot.com
"jbox does not drink coffee, as it makes him clean house big time." ~Kev
by TheThirdGonzalez on Aug 28, 2009 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
Especially since our division will be stronger still next year.
by soulSD on Aug 27, 2009 5:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm optimistic
That there is a an outside chance we’ll finish at .500.
Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.
by Wonko on Aug 27, 2009 8:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm optimistic
I think .500 ish is quite obtainable
We seem to be lacking impact pitching though…
Latos may come through, Young is a good #2 (if he stays healthy ahem…) all the other guys are really 3,4,5 types. So, we have quantity but not enough upside for my liking
I guess with Blanks and Cabrera, there are some potential impact guys, with kooz, headley, venable and gwynn playing very solid.
I really just wish we had a batter that could consistently hit .290 – .315 ish, I swear we’re always lacking in batting average.
I like how our bullpen is looking, and keep an eye out for Schribner and other guys on their way up.
Bottom line, Hopefully we can find @ least one or 2 impact pitching prospects from our system or through trade.
2010 will be funn, but 2011 needs to be all business…
by TJB on Aug 28, 2009 11:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

by 
















