How soon everyone gives up on the San Diego Padres. Power Rankings have shown the team slide dramatically. Some had them dropping 8 spots after a sweep from the red hot Braves.
East coast bias is real. Don’t worry, they’ll learn.
The boys head to Miami looking to rebound. What they don’t lack is confidence.
“We know we got swept, but that’s ok. We’re going to go out there and win games.” said Fernando Tatis Jr.
Thus, the difference between the 2019 Padres and previous installments. This team knows they can play, and they hold themselves to a higher standard. They don’t let a tough series where a few feet in a different direction has them winning 2 out of 3. Gotta love that attitude.
Miami finds themselves at 34-57, deep in the National League cellar. They were sellers before it was cool to talk about selling. This could seem like a trap, but not for these Padres. Rest assured Manny Machado and Eric Hosmer will show up to play against their hometown team.
Matchups
Logan Allen vs. Jordan Yamamoto
TBD vs. Trevor Richards
TBD vs. Caleb Smith
We know one of the TBD’s is going to be Chris Paddack. We also know he’ll be fired up to pitch against his former organization. Allen’s last start was July 1st against the Giants where he was hit hard. It’s unclear who the other TBD will be, but Lamet or Lucchesi would both be candidates. Lamet on extra rest, Lucchesi (possibly) on normal rest. Life of the 2019 Padres. Yamamoto has been dominant early on. Smith and Richards have been just OK, but they’ve also been victims of tough-luck loserism due to the Marlins offense.
Hitters to watch
Fernando Tatis Jr: 12/28 2 HR 4 RBI .429 BA last 7 games
Manny Machado: 7/29 3 HR 4 RBI .241 BA last 7 games
Garrett Cooper: 8/26 3 HR 6 RBI .308 BA last 7 games
Starlin Castro: 14/31 1 HR 2 RBI .452 BA and .452 OBP last 7 games
The boys come in at 45-48, just 2.5 games out of the wild card and in the thick of things.