Gaslamp Ball - Padres 2016 Season PreviewSan Diego Padres baseball in the form of a bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50553/glb-fav.png2016-03-29T12:00:00-07:00http://www.gaslampball.com/rss/stream/110497412016-03-29T12:00:00-07:002016-03-29T12:00:00-07:00Everything you need to know about the 2016 Padres
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<p>Opening Day is just around the corner. If you haven't been paying much attention this offseason, or just need a refresher, look no further!</p> <p>A year ago, Padres fans were as excited as ever to see the team that AJ Preller had built. This season it's a completely different feeling after a milder offseason from the Padres GM. With less of a buildup this Winter and pretty much every sports outlet in the world expecting the Friars to place no higher than fourth place in the NL West, can fans expect the team to compete in 2016 or will we have to wait another year or more? What can we expect from this group of players and coaches?</p>
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<p>One thing we've learned from Spring Training is that the Padres' new manager, Andy Green, is bringing an entirely new attitude to the clubhouse, and hopefully that can translate into some on-field chemistry. Green has already won over media, who have shown an interest in his ways of thinking and had nothing but nice things to say about him throughout the Spring. But will the first-year manager prove to have beginner's luck on his side when the regular season comes?</p>
<p>It'll be an interesting year for sure, and only time will tell if all the changes on and off the field will prove to be a success, or if we just get more of the same ol' Padres.</p>
<h3><b>Offseason transactions</b></h3>
<p>AJ Preller's sophomore year as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a>' general manager isn't starting out as explosively as his 2014-2015 offseason. But maybe that's a good thing. In his first year in San Diego, Preller managed to elevate expectations to astronomical levels with moves that brought Justin Upton, <span>Matt Kemp</span>, <span>Wil Myers</span>, and <span>James Shields</span> - just to name a few - to America's Finest City's baseball team. But that team was an utter disappointment, ultimately finishing in fourth place in the National League West with a 74-88 record.</p>
<p>This time around Preller made some moves that were less flashy, but perhaps better in the long run for the Padres. And maybe even better in the short run - or at least that's what the Padres front office <a href="http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/feb/05/padres-say-not-rebuilding-2016/">would like you to believe</a>.</p>
<p>This past Winter the Padres lost Justin Upton and <span>Ian Kennedy</span> to <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/22/11285598/padres-2016-season-preview-offseason-transactions-free-agents/in/11049741" target="_blank">free agency</a> after they both declined the team's qualifying offers. <span>Josh Johnson</span>, whose time with the Padres was marred by injury and included no actual playing time, also became a free agent this offseason after his third career Tommy John surgery ensured he would miss the entirety of the 2016 season.
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<p><span>Cory Luebke</span>, another pitcher to undergo two Tommy John surgeries in his tenure with the Padres, cut ties with the team as well and was picked up by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsdugout.com/">Pirates</a> this past offseason. Lastly, <span>Will Middlebrooks</span>, <span>Clint Barmes</span>, and <span>Bud Norris</span> also elected for free agency.</p>
<p>But the Padres also made some significant free agent gains this offseason. Shortstop Alexei Ramirez signed with the team on a <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/1/14/10771922/padres-sign-ss-alexei-ramirez-to-one-year-deal">one-year deal</a>, placating the fans who clamored for a real shortstop to be added to the roster. <span>Fernando Rodney</span> was another free-agent pickup that should bring some spark to the bullpen in 2016.</p>
<p>But AJ Preller's most important offseason transactions of this offseason came in the form of <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/22/11289176/padres-2016-season-preview-offseason-trades-waiver-claims/in/11049741" target="_blank">trades</a>. He added some good talent at both the Major League and Minor League levels, including a couple of prospects - CF Manuel Margot and SS Javier Guerra - who have already turned heads out in Spring Training. The additions of <span>Jabari Blash</span> (Rule 5 draft), <span>Jon Jay</span>, and <span>Christian Bethancourt</span> have so far been promising and will hopefully continue to pan out for the big league club in 2016.</p>
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<h3><a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/23/11273728/padres-2016-season-preview-projected-lineup/in/11049741" target="_blank"><b>Projected lineup</b></a></h3>
<p>The Padres lost some of their key everyday players from 2015 - think Justin Upton, Yonder Alonso, Jedd Gyorko - but in 2016 we'll be seeing a revamped lineup that will hopefully be more rounded and productive. It'll include some old and new, some veterans and rookies, and it could take a while for Andy Green to find a consistent lineup that takes advantage of everyone's skills and abilities. But it could look something like this:</p>
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<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 841; width: 17pt;" width="23"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 8118; width: 167pt;" width="222"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1097; width: 23pt;" width="30"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1865; width: 38pt;" width="51"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 5339; width: 110pt;" width="146"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 1645; width: 34pt;" width="45"> </colgroup>
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<td style="height: 15.0pt; width: 17pt;" height="20" width="23" align="right"><b>1</b></td>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 167pt;" width="222">Jon Jay</td>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 23pt;" width="30">LF</td>
<td style="text-align: right; width: 38pt;" width="51"><b>Bench</b></td>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 110pt;" width="146">Alexi Amarista</td>
<td style="text-align: left; width: 34pt;" width="45">IF</td>
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<td style="text-align: right; height: 15pt;" height="20" align="right"><b>2</b></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Cory Spangenberg</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">2B</td>
<td style="text-align: left;"></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Christian Bethancourt</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">C</td>
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<td style="text-align: right; height: 15pt;" height="20" align="right"><b>3</b></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Wil Myers</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">1B</td>
<td style="text-align: left;"></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Brett Wallace</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">1B/PH</td>
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<td style="text-align: right; height: 15pt;" height="20" align="right"><b>4</b></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Matt Kemp</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">RF</td>
<td style="text-align: left;"></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Jabari Blash</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">OF</td>
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<td style="text-align: right; height: 15pt;" height="20" align="right"><b>5</b></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Derek Norris</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">C</td>
<td style="text-align: left;"></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Jose Pirela</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">IF</td>
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<td style="text-align: right; height: 15pt;" height="20" align="right"><b>6</b></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Yangervis Solarte</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">3B</td>
<td style="text-align: left;"></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Jemile Weeks</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">IF</td>
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<td style="text-align: right; height: 15pt;" height="20" align="right"><b>7</b></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Alexei Ramirez</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">SS</td>
<td style="text-align: left;"></td>
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<td style="text-align: right; height: 15pt;" height="20" align="right"><b>8</b></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Melvin Upton Jr. / Travis Jankowski</td>
<td style="text-align: left;">CF</td>
<td style="text-align: left;"></td>
<td style="text-align: left;"></td>
<td style="text-align: left;"></td>
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<h3><a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/27/11313510/padres-2016-season-preview-starting-rotation/in/11049741" target="_blank"><b>Starting pitchers</b></a></h3>
<p>One of the big question marks going into Spring Training was the Padres' rotation. We knew the pitching staff would be built around a core of James Shields, <span>Tyson Ross</span>, and <span>Andrew Cashner</span>. One thing we didn't know was that new Padres manager Andy Green would flip the switch on us and announce Ross as the team's Opening Day starter over last year's pick, James Shields. The Padres' 2014 All-Star didn't have the strongest 2015 season, but he got the job done and he's not undeserving of the promotion. He's been as reliable as anyone on the staff and it'll be a treat to see him lead the 2016 team.</p>
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<p>The final two rotation spots are still up for grabs, though, and there are a number of guys at camp fighting for those four and five spots, though some have stood out more than others. <span>Colin Rea</span> seemingly already has one of the rotation spots <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/padres-colin-rea-appears-to-have-rotation-spot-locked-up/" style="background-color: #ffffff;">locked up</a>, leaving everyone else battling for the last one. Drew Pomeranz might have had a shot going into Spring, but as the weeks go on it's looking more like he'll start the season as a reliever. Brandon Maurer was also a favorite to transition from relief to starting pitching this Spring, but it's also looking like he'll start the season in the 'pen. That still leaves us with some nice options in <span>Robbie Erlin</span>, <span>Luis Perdomo</span>, and maybe even <span>Brandon Morrow</span>.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/23/11292408/padres-2016-season-preview-bullpen-bonanza/in/11049741" target="_blank"><b>Relief pitching</b></a></h3>
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<p>There was a lot of turnover with the Padres pitching staff this offseason, and the bullpen lost and gained some key players. There are seven or eight roster spots available for about 20 reliever candidates, and narrowing down the list won't be an easy job. But if we had to, that list might look like this:</p>
<p>Fernando Rodney<br><span>Carlos Villanueva</span><br><span>Kevin Quackenbush</span><br><span>Brandon Maurer</span><br><span>Drew Pomeranz</span><br><span>Matt Thornton</span><br><span>Luis Perdomo</span></p>
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<h3><a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/26/11269446/padres-top-prospects-2016-sbnation-season-preview-manny-margot-javier-guerra/in/11049741" target="_blank"><b>Prospects</b></a></h3>
<p>That 2014-2015 offseason left the Padres farm system pretty depleted, and AJ Preller has had his work cut out for him this past Winter trying to add back some much-needed organizational depth. While his offseason activity did add some considerable young talent to the farm, he still has a long way to go to rebuild the organization.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/24/11302440/san-diego-padres-2016-season-preview-staff-changes-andy-green-orsillo-mcgwire-nl-west/in/11049741" target="_blank"><b>Padres-affiliated staff changes</b></a></h3>
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<p>The Padres and their broadcasting partners went through some staff overturn this offseason. The big headline of the season in this regard was probably all the changes to the Padres coaching staff. Not only did AJ Preller bring in a new manager in <span>Andy Green</span>, he also hired a new bench coach, hitting coach, and first base coach - Mark McGwire, <span>Alan Zinter</span>, and Tarrick Brock, respectively.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/27/11304946/changes-youll-see-at-petco-park-in-2016/in/11049741" target="_blank"><b>Ballpark changes</b></a></h3>
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<p>Petco Park will look a lot different to visitors this coming season, thanks to a number of ballpark changes Mike Dee and his staff made over the past few months. Some of these changes were for the better (i.e. lighting upgrades, improved safety netting), but others could be deemed as downgrades, depending on one's figurative and physical point of view. New seating options sound like a good idea, until you realize the average fan likely won't be able to afford or enjoy those options. And the Padres front office would like you to think that their decision to move the retired numbers from Petco Park's batter's eye was one made to benefit the fans and celebrate the team's history, but we know it's really more of a money grab than anything.</p>
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<h3><a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/27/11316856/padres-2016-season-preview-nl-west-division-dodgers-giants/in/11049741" target="_blank">Division Rivals</a></h3>
<p>Looking ahead at our opponents in the NL West, probably the most intriguing team going into the 2016 season will be the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/">Diamondbacks</a>. This past Winter, Arizona beefed up the front end of their rotation by acquiring Zach Greinke from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> and Shelby Miller from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a>. Not that the Dodgers have too much to worry about after losing Greinke, however. They're still the consensus favorites to win the NL West, though the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">Giants</a> look like they'll give them a run for their money or at least contend for a Wild Card spot. Then there's the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Rockies</a>, who are the only team in the division projected to have a worse 2016 than the Padres.</p>
<p><b>See our 2016 Season Preview in its entirety </b><b><a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/22/11285700/padres-2016-season-preview">here</a></b><b>.</b></p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/28/11317774/padres-2016-season-preview-everything-you-need-to-know-about-thisjodes04052016-03-27T23:46:36-07:002016-03-27T23:46:36-07:00Sizing up the competition
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<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Will the Dodgers run away with the division this season? Will the Giants take advantage of the even year? Let's look at how the competition is stacking up in the rest of the division.</p> <p>We've provided a pretty comprehensive look at the 2016 <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Padres</a>, but changes in San Diego are only a part of the equation you'll use when making your predictions and setting your expectations. So let's catch up with the rest of the National League West.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Diamondbacks</a> </b></p>
<p>After years of hanging around the middle of the division, the Diamondbacks made the biggest moves of the offseason. They signed <span>Zack Greinke</span> to a <a href="http://www.azsnakepit.com/2015/12/4/9852404/arizona-diamondbacks-sign-zack-greinke">huge contract</a> and <a href="http://www.azsnakepit.com/2015/12/8/9874440/arizona-diamondbacks-trade-rumors-shelby-miller-acquired-from-braves">acquired</a> <span>Shelby Miller</span> from the rebuilding <a href="https://www.talkingchop.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Braves</a>. That's a potent one-two punch at the top of their rotation, and that's not all they're working with. The Arizona offense is anchored by Paul Goldschmidt. The first baseman is one of the most dangerous sluggers in the game, and he's sure to vex Padres pitching all season long.</p>
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<p>For more Diamondbacks info, head over to <a target="_blank" href="azsnakepit.com">AZ Snakepit</a>.</p>
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<p><b><a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Dodgers</a></b></p>
<p>Ugh, these guys. Since Magic Johnson and his investors bought the team, the Dodgers have been a perennial powerhouse, dropping a Yankee-sized payroll on the NL West. With Greinke out of their rotation, the pitching staff is less dangerous, but they've still got the best pitcher in baseball at the top. Thankfully for San Diego, <span>Clayton Kershaw</span> can only pitch every five days. Former Padre Adrian Gonzalez is still a formidable slugger, and despite a sharp decline at the end of last season, <span>Yasmani Grandal</span> is still dangerous. The time to strike against LA will be in the first weeks of the season, as their spring has been plagued by injuries, with <span>Andre Ethier</span> among their <a href="http://www.truebluela.com/2016/3/22/11285758/andre-ethier-broken-leg-dodgers-10-14-weeks">biggest losses</a>.</p>
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<p>For more Dodgers info, head over to <a target="_blank" href="truebluela.com">True Blue LA</a>.</p>
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<p><b><a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco Giants</a></b></p>
<p>It's an <a href="http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2016/1/1/10697558/sf-giants-minor-league-free-agents">even year</a>, and even though superstitions are silly, that's reason enough to fear them. But they joined the Diamondbacks in seriously beefing up their starting pitching. After Giants starters put up middling numbers in 2016, the team went out and got <a href="http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2015/12/14/10130938/sf-giants-johnny-cueto-contract">Johnny Cueto</a> and <a href="http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2015/12/5/9854324/sf-giants-jeff-samardzija-not-greinke-welp-okay-fine">Jeff Samardzija</a>. Their lineup saw only minor changes for this season, which makes sense, as they led the league in batting average and on-base percentage in 2015.</p>
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<p>For more Giants info, head over to <a target="_blank" href="mccoveychronicles.com">McCovey Chronicles</a>.</p>
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<p><b><a href="https://www.purplerow.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Rockies</a></b></p>
<p>This team is a disaster. Their pitching is awful, and they <a href="http://www.purplerow.com/2015/7/27/9054519/troy-tulowitzki-trade-rockies-blue-jays">traded their best hitter last year.</a> Even worse for Colorado, they gave up <span>Troy Tulowitzki</span> for <span>Jose Reyes</span>, who has some serious legal problems right now. The shortstop will <a href="http://www.purplerow.com/2016/1/15/10774772/colorado-rockies-jose-reyes-mlb-news-domestic-violence-trial-hawaii">appear in a Maui court on Opening Day</a> to defend himself against <a href="http://www.purplerow.com/2015/11/9/9702788/colorado-rockies-jose-reyes-arrested-alleged-domestic-abuse-maui-hawaii">charges that he abused his wife</a>. Last month, MLB <a href="http://www.purplerow.com/2016/2/23/11101972/colorado-rockies-jose-reyes-administrative-leave-spring-training-suspension-mlb-news">suspended him indefinitely</a> with pay while they investigate the incident.</p>
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<p>For more Rockies info, head over to <a target="_blank" href="purplerow.com">Purple Row</a>.</p>
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<p><b>Projected NL West standings and records</b></p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 216pt;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="287">
<colgroup> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 804; width: 17pt;" width="22"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 5924; width: 122pt;" width="162"> <col style="mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 3766; width: 77pt;" width="103"> </colgroup>
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<td class="xl67" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 17pt;" height="20" width="22"><b></b></td>
<td class="xl68" style="width: 122pt;" width="162"><b>Team</b></td>
<td class="xl68" style="width: 77pt;" width="103"><b>W-L</b></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td rowspan="5" class="xl65" style="height: 75.0pt;" height="100"><b>Fangraphs</b></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Dodgers</td>
<td>94-68</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Giants</td>
<td>85-77</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Diamondbacks</td>
<td>78-84</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Padres</td>
<td>76-86</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Rockies</td>
<td>74-88</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl65" style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"></td>
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<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td rowspan="5" class="xl65" style="height: 75.0pt;" height="100"><b>USA Today</b></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Giants</td>
<td>90-72</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Dodgers</td>
<td>88-74</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Diamondbacks</td>
<td>86-76</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Padres</td>
<td>73-89</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Rockies</td>
<td>62-100</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td class="xl65" style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20"></td>
<td></td>
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<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td rowspan="5" class="xl66" style="height: 75.0pt; width: 17pt;" height="100" width="22"><b>Baseball Prospectus</b></td>
<td style="text-align: left;">Dodgers</td>
<td>92-70</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Giants</td>
<td>84-78</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Diamondbacks</td>
<td>79-83</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Padres</td>
<td>74-88</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">
<td style="height: 15.0pt;" height="20">Rockies</td>
<td>68-94</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><b></b>Nobody expects the Padres to do well this year, and it's easy to see why. The division is stacked with three serious contenders, one dumpster fire, and A.J. Preller's mid-rebuild squad. The team has to outperform expectations in a 2010-like fashion for playoffs to even be part of the picture. The real definition for success this year will be in the development of younger players.</p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/27/11316856/padres-2016-season-preview-nl-west-division-dodgers-giantsdarklighter2016-03-27T20:57:10-07:002016-03-27T20:57:10-07:00Changes you'll see at Petco Park in 2016
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<figcaption>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Padres' home will look a little different this coming season.</p> <p>The Padres made some significant changes to Petco Park during the offseason that may startle you at Fan Fest or Opening Day. I don't want that to happen, so let's discuss them now, so you can emotionally prepare yourself.</p>
<h3>New Signs</h3>
<p> </p>
<h4>Petco Park</h4>
<p>The main Petco Park sign was swapped out last week. The new sign is using the Petco font which seems appropriate though I feel like the old sign was a little bit easier to read. I sometimes forget that Petco Park is named after a pet supply store, now it will be easier to remember at least. The Padres media team made a time lapse video of the sign going up, which didn't interest me as much as I thought it would.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Getting a shiny new sign installed today! <a href="https://t.co/nJa78ZiBKQ">pic.twitter.com/nJa78ZiBKQ</a></p>
— Petco Park (@PetcoPark) <a href="https://twitter.com/PetcoPark/status/712795237421162496">March 24, 2016</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Before and After <a href="https://t.co/jzhzSNOe8h">pic.twitter.com/jzhzSNOe8h</a></p>
— Tom Hughes (@TeeOhEmm) <a href="https://twitter.com/TeeOhEmm/status/713455771661381632">March 25, 2016</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Out with the old and in with the new! Check out my shiny new sign! ✨ <a href="https://t.co/uZzOAqlF8A">pic.twitter.com/uZzOAqlF8A</a></p>
— Petco Park (@PetcoPark) <a href="https://twitter.com/PetcoPark/status/713488723749396480">March 25, 2016</a>
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<p> </p>
<h4>The Sycuan Sign</h4>
<p>The Padres did not make a time lapse video of the removal of the hallowed retired numbers to make way for the new Sycuan advertisement on top of the batter's eye. We've been <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/17/11257716/padres-retired-numbers-being-moved-to-make-way-for-sponsorship">over this ad nauseum</a>. The Padres leadership wanted to sell the most prominent ad space in the ballpark and didn't mind pushing out the numbers that symbolize the team's greatest players in the process.</p>
<p>Originally the idea was to just paint the numbers on the upper deck facade in a place that no sponsor could possibly want but now the team has reacted to unfavorable reaction and decided to also put the physical numbers at the gate entrance so we can "interact" with them. Only Padres employees and a few weirdos prefer the new Sycuan sign to the retired numbers, the rest of us hate it.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Disgusting <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres">@Padres</a>. Fire this dude <a href="https://twitter.com/PadresMikeDee">@PadresMikeDee</a> <a href="https://t.co/JJMAQ9qDnM">pic.twitter.com/JJMAQ9qDnM</a></p>
— Zak (@RealZakDarman) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealZakDarman/status/712011542699462657">March 21, 2016</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Getting ready. Almost time ... <a href="https://t.co/OzLScvFkSd">pic.twitter.com/OzLScvFkSd</a></p>
— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) <a href="https://twitter.com/annieheilbrunn/status/715359787383259136">March 31, 2016</a>
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<h3>The Beach</h3>
<p>The bleacher style Beacher seats are now gone from center field. They've been <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2015/12/7/9862004/padres-will-retrofit-centerfield-at-petco-park">replaced by The Beach sponsored by Sun Diego</a>. It's supposed to have the look and feel of a pier, which makes me wonder why it's not called The Pier.. It looks like it'll be mostly used for corporate events and such. It has 60 seats and has space for 600 people to stand. Supposedly it won't obstruct the view from the Park at the Park. The sand pit has moved behind it, which I'm sure will make the dogs and stray cats that use the Park at the Park as a toilet really happy..</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sun Diego deck <a href="https://t.co/ArRGwB8kkC">pic.twitter.com/ArRGwB8kkC</a></p>
— Kevin Thompson (@ParkAtThePark) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParkAtThePark/status/710561140414124032">March 17, 2016</a>
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<p>Mike Dee tweeted out a picture of the view from The Beach. Bring your binoculars corporate event people.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The view from The Beach presented by Sun Diego, the newest vantage point at Petco Park! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/18daystoopeningday?src=hash">#18daystoopeningday</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ywc1YxsPMB">pic.twitter.com/Ywc1YxsPMB</a></p>
— Mike Dee (@PadresMikeDee) <a href="https://twitter.com/PadresMikeDee/status/710227202667720705">March 16, 2016</a>
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<h3>Food</h3>
<p>I haven't heard too much of interest about new foods or shops at Petco Park. If you're into yogurt though...</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Sources (sauces?): Yogurtland is coming to Petco Park this season. Prepare your butts.</p>
— Dennis Lin (@sdutdennislin) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdutdennislin/status/713770933937250304">March 26, 2016</a>
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<p>For all you beer nerds, there's a new brew waiting for you. That price sounds too cheap for the ballpark so follow the standard formula and multiply it by 4 and add $2 and you'll likely be in the neighborhood.</p>
<p><a href="http://monkeypawbrewing.com/events..">Monkey Paw Brewing - San Diego, CA</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>We at Monkey Paw will introduce a new 16th & F series entitled "Beat L.A. IPA" which will be citrusy, tropical, dry, and refreshing. This beer will be on special for only $3.50.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Also, a Board & Brew is rumored to be going in. It's mostly sandwiches from what I can tell, but I've never been to the Pacific Beach location. Sounds like it's worth checking out. I love a good sammich.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/gaslampball">@gaslampball</a> rumor is there will be a new Board & Brew...</p>
— Aileen Burns (@aileenburns) <a href="https://twitter.com/aileenburns/status/710337658589806593">March 17, 2016</a>
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<p> </p>
<h3>Volunteer Touch Ups</h3>
<p>The Padres Volunteer team clothed in their fluorescent yellow SD t-shirts took a break from beach clean ups and have been touching up the paint in the surrounding neighborhood. That's the kind of thing that may go unnoticed but is worth mentioning. Be on the look out.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Earlier today, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PadresVolunteers?src=hash">#PadresVolunteers</a> touched up areas around East Village in preparation for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SDOpeningDay?src=hash">#SDOpeningDay</a>! <a href="https://t.co/MLTlYVVULp">pic.twitter.com/MLTlYVVULp</a></p>
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres/status/712801673425518592">March 24, 2016</a>
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<h3>Hall of Fame</h3>
<p>The Padres are supposedly going to open their new Hall of Fame sometime before the All-Star Game. The <a href="http://m.padres.mlb.com/news/article/159830612/2016-will-be-historic-for-petco-park-padres">only descriptions </a>are very vague right now.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Hall of Fame will showcase the 11 Padres figures enshrined in the Padres Hall of Fame, in addition to presenting a timeline of events, artifacts and awards from the Padres' first 47 National League seasons. The history of baseball in San Diego also will be highlighted as part of the project.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>I wonder if they have a naming sponsor yet.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just announced: Palm Court Plaza will be dedicated to Commissioner Selig & will be renamed Selig Hall of Fame Plaza <a href="http://t.co/6Diyriu105">pic.twitter.com/6Diyriu105</a></p>
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) <a href="https://twitter.com/Padres/status/504429275249123328">August 27, 2014</a>
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<h3>LED lights</h3>
<p>The Padres <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2015/12/29/10685044/petco-park-getting-new-led-lights">installed LED lights over the winter</a> that allow the team to save some money on energy costs while at the same time inducing seizures in fans with strobe effects.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here's an up close view of the LED's waiting to be installed <a href="https://t.co/zJMNnUW1rX">pic.twitter.com/zJMNnUW1rX</a></p>
— Petco Park (@PetcoPark) <a href="https://twitter.com/PetcoPark/status/681925822777696258">December 29, 2015</a>
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<p> </p>
<h3>Netting</h3>
<p>The netting behind home plate has also been replaced with less noticeable and safer netting.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/dec/07/padres-announce-2016-petco-park-upgrades/">Padres announce Petco Park upgrades, including social space in right-center | SanDiegoUnionTribune.com</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>New backstop netting will be installed behind home plate. Manufactured by Promats Athletics, the new netting is designed to minimize appearance and provide a more optimal viewing experience, while maintaining safety standards. The netting will be expanded in width based on recommendations to be determined by Major League Baseball.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Home Plate Seats</h3>
<p>All 222 seats behind home plate are also being replaced. The fat cats that use those seats have crushed the cushioning. The floor in that area is also being resurfaced and the hand rails being painted.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Is there anything I've missed?</p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/27/11304946/changes-youll-see-at-petco-park-in-2016jbox2016-03-27T19:39:21-07:002016-03-27T19:39:21-07:00Padres 2016 Season Preview: Starting rotation
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The pressure put on the existing rotation is only getting heavier as the competition for tail-end spots in the rotation isn't written in pen.</p> <p>Arguably one of the most constantly shape-shifting question marks of the off-season has been the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a>' big five. With the amount of inconsistencies over the past 2 years, in addition to some gains, losses, and movements around the roster, it's tough to say where the performance and final shape of the 2016 starting rotation will be.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As a narrative, the starting five pitchers for the Padres will be a curious one to follow. You can find a fantastic outline of the plot, setting, and character of that narrative in <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/SD%20Hat%20Guy">SD Hat Guy</a>'s preview into the 2016 Padres' "Stories to follow". You'll also want to catch up on the other end of the pitching puzzle with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/roydjt">roydjt</a>'s bullpen writeup.</p>
<p> </p>
<p></p>
<div class="read-more">
<strong>Padres 2016 Season Preview</strong>: <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/27/11308844/padres-2016-season-preview-stories-to-follow" target="new">Stories to follow</a> <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/23/11292408/padres-2016-season-preview-bullpen-bonanza/in/11049741" target="new">Bullpen bonanza</a>
</div>
<p>The Friars rotation is coming off one of the coldest seasons in a while. Usually boasted as the strong section of the team, they were ranked low with a collective 4.09 ERA. To truly outline how the form of the rotation will appear by Opening Day and beyond, we have to look at the pieces that are making up most of the shape so far.</p>
<h4>The main crew</h4>
<h5><span>Tyson Ross</span></h5>
<p>One of the most heavily speculated value pieces in the off-season has been cemented into the starting rotation as "the guy". Maybe not an <i>ace </i>in the most strict sense of the title, but somebody you're going to feel comfortable starting on Opening Day against your division rival at home, which he will be. A solid, leading starter.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://m.padres.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=540917883&topic_id=8879004&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" width="400" height="224" frameborder="0">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p>Ross has thrown just about 11 innings this Spring Training stretch and hasn't conveyed anything that would translate into hype. His last two games weren't exciting to watch, and when given a chance at 5 consecutive innings he conceded 4 earned runs. Not indicative of what a regular season performance would be, but if we're getting the Tyson of Friar years past, we'll be getting another top-of-the-line starter who can push out 200~ innings with a hopeful sub-3 ERA.</p>
<h5><span>James Shields</span></h5>
<p>If I'd pin anti-hype onto one arm in this rotation, it would probably be Shields. His ERA just about shot through the roof and his WHIP was up by a lot. Mostly due to the <i>33 home runs </i>he gave up last season, unfortunately he gave up a good amount over his time in Arizona thus far, 6 in 16 innings pitched. Certainly not his best display for Spring Training, but all hope isn't gone. If he can keep things from getting out of hand while providing more of his guaranteed 200-inning seasons.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="224" width="400" src="http://m.padres.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=548093583&topic_id=69972428&width=400&height=224&property=mlb">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p>Shields was one of the folks spiking up that team ERA, and there's lots of room for improvement, but with 2,000+ innings piling onto that arm, this is a season that can immediately indicate a decline as early as the end of April. That can start to spell out whether or not his inconsistent performances <i>or </i>inspiring bounce-back will appeal to a different club by the end of the season.</p>
<h5><span>Andrew Cashner</span></h5>
<p>Our lovable bearded mullet-toting camouflage-wearing duck-hunting monster-truck-loving starter has probably tightened the most crossed-fingers in the last few seasons. If there has been room for improvement in the work of our previous rotations, Cashner is probably making the most adjustments of them all.</p>
<p><iframe src="http://m.padres.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=561340783&topic_id=8879004&width=400&height=224&property=mlb" width="400" height="224" frameborder="0">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p>Cashner's ERA ended at 4.34 by the end of 2015, and with a WHIP of 1.44 and a 200:165 hit-to-strikeout ratio, Cashner wasn't scaring anybody not wearing an SD on their jerseys. His most recent spring outing against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Angels</a> ended in just 85 pitches after giving up six runs in a little over 3 innings.</p>
<p>2016 has been set up as a make-or-break year for Cash, and the solidity of the rotation as a whole. By taking up the #3 spot, he's very much so in the meat of the rotation. He has the form, he's receptive to making adjustments, and he seems genuinely invested in the San Diego Padres. There's a true ace leader in there somewhere, dying to burst out.</p>
<h4>Filling in the rest<br>
</h4>
<p><span>With Ian Kennedy and <span>Odrisamer Despaigne</span> out of the picture, there are two big spots ready to be filled. Luckily, the Padres had a decent selection from up-and-comers to possible bullpen-converters. Spring Training gave <span>Andy Green</span> and Darren Balsley the opportunity to mix, match, and experiment to fill out the rest of the pitching card for the 2016 season.</span></p>
<p>This was the pitching pile going into the spring:</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;">
<p><span>Colin Rea</span><br><span>Brandon Maurer</span><br><span>Robbie Erlin</span><br><span>Luis Perdomo</span><br>Brandon Morrow<br><span>Carlos Villanueva</span><br><span>Drew Pomeranz</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p> </p>
<p>Brandon Maurer was the first to be lined up and tested this spring. The results weren't pretty. He wasn't able to cut the mustard with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Mariners</a> as a starter, he was converted into a pretty great bullpen guy for the Padres, and then he showed the same results as a "starter" in this year's Spring Training. In 7-innings pitched, he allowed a whopping 16 earned runs, 5 of them home runs. He decidedly won't have the stuff to start, but he's welcome to keep putting in good work in the 'pen.</p>
<p><span>Luis Perdomo</span>, Carlos Villanueva aren't honest considerations for a starting spot either, but for different reasons. Both Perdomo and Villanueva are on different sides of their careers, with Perdomo ready to build up his MLB pitching resume, and Villanueva looking to bring his effectiveness as a relief pitcher over to the Friars. They'll both share spots out past the left-center fences of Petco Park.</p>
<p><span>Brandon Morrow</span> will be taking his time returning to starting strength after showing a promising two starts of 33-innings, 23 K's, a 1.09 WHIP, and a sexy ERA of 2.73 in 2015. He's not guaranteed to return to the rotation, but if he can build up that shoulder strength and not catch the flu again, he could see a comfy spot as Mambo No. 5.</p>
<p><span>Robbie Erlin was looking hot this spring. With 12 innings pitched, he notched 9 K's, kept his ERA at 2.25 and his WHIP at 0.83, and did a great job at letting us all know he's ready to reach his potential. As a lefty with some good stuff, he'll find his way into making more major league appearances for the Pads whether that's in one of the open bullpen spots or at the tail end of a competitive rotation. </span></p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="224" width="400" src="http://m.padres.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=565386483&topic_id=8879004&width=400&height=224&property=mlb">Your browser does not support iframes.</iframe></p>
<p><span></span>As a lefty without the good spring numbers and an inclination towards the 'pen, Pomeranz is looking to be in the same boat as Erlin, or will, at least, be treading the same waters.</p>
<p>Though <span>Colin Rea</span> wants to shape up and be thrown into the mix for the 2016 major league season, his outlook is still shaky. With unimpressive numbers this spring during a time where auditions matter, he's still looking kinda low-end. He's surviving in the major league scene, but not putting up anything that would have somebody declaring that he's a bona fide starter.</p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/27/11313510/padres-2016-season-preview-starting-rotationdaveysapien2016-03-27T14:00:03-07:002016-03-27T14:00:03-07:00Padres 2016 Season Preview: Stories to follow
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<figcaption>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>What storylines have emerged for this season's Padres team, and what should we look to follow in 2016?</p> <p>In an offseason that was decidedly much quieter than the year prior, AJ Preller made many moves to better balance out a roster that underwhelmed last year even with plenty of glitzy signings. Preller's 2nd offseason with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> saw the departure of power-hitting Justin Upton, inning-eater <span>Ian Kennedy</span> and shutdown closer Craig Kimbrel, among others. In return AJ brought in veteran names such as <span>Jon Jay</span> and <span>Alexei Ramirez</span> and will look to rely on a young core of players such as <span>Cory Spangenberg</span> and <span>Wil Myers</span>. A fresh face now skippers the team: the analytically-savvy <span>Andy Green</span>. With a new season upon a Padres team being slated to finish below other teams in the NL West, what stories should fans look to follow as the season begins? Let's start with...</p>
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<h3>The Starting 5</h3>
<p>New Padres manager Andy Green did not waste time this Spring Training in naming the pitcher who will start the first game of the season. His choice for ace of the Padres this year is <span>Tyson Ross</span>. A bit of a surprise to some, Ross will slot first for the Padres after having a very solid, if not almost career year last season. Ross spent Spring Training working on his secondary offerings and is looking to implement a better changeup alongside his 2 seam fastball. While there is some worry that his slider-heavy approach (44% of his pitches are sliders) will eventually lead to injury, many are expecting Ross to take another step forward and become a stalwart for the Padres rotation.</p>
<p>The biggest story revolving around Tyson Ross is<i> </i>if<i> </i><b>he'll remain with the team after this season, or even after the trade deadline</b><i>.</i> It was widely rumored last season that Ross was shopped around the league during the trade deadline. Preller did not find any takers with a proper offering for the right-hander. He may be shopped again this season should the Padres find themselves out of the running sooner rather than later. Ross may also be the team's lone All-Star (he was selected to the All-Star team in 2014) should he perform well this season.</p>
<p>Pitching second for the Padres is <span>James Shields</span>, now in year 2 of his 4 year contract. Shields performed decently last year as the ace of the staff though it was one of his worst career seasons overall. While Shields posted his best strikeout rate and worst walk rate, the biggest stat that jumps off the page is home runs surrendered (33), most in the MLB last year. Big Game James made his name on overall reliability (9 seasons of 200+ innings pitched) and solid pitching.</p>
<p>The story for James Shields this season is whether<b> last year was an anomaly or the beginning stages of a pitcher succumbing to time and age.</b> Shields' name was also included in trade rumors last season and will probably be thrown around again this season, especially at the trade deadline.</p>
<p>Up third for the Padres is <span>Andrew Cashner</span>, pitching in the last year of his contract with the Padres. Cashner did not have a great season last year and had a rough year in general, as he took time off to tend to his cancer-stricken mother. Cashner is widely considered to be the pitcher who could throw the Padres' first no-hitter with stuff that can touch triple digits and secondary pitches that, when working, could shut down entire lineups.</p>
<p>In a contract year, plenty of eyes will be upon Cashner to see if <b>he can bounce back from a disappointing season </b>and prove he's worth commanding a healthy salary from the Padres or elsewhere. With massive amounts of talent, it'll be interesting to see if Cashner can capitalize and prove that he belongs in the conversation for staff ace.</p>
<p>The fourth and fifth spots for the Padres' rotation is currently up for grabs, and there are plenty of names being tossed around as candidates to bolster the back of the rotation. The name making the most noise this Spring Training is a familiar face from last year in Colin Rea. The youngster made big strides last year, jumping from AA San Antonio to the big leagues. He's shown up to Spring Training with a healthy weight gain and an eye to crack the starting rotation. <span>Robbie Erlin</span> is also looking to fill a spot in the rotation, and makes a case based on his left-handedness and good command. Other names being thrown into the mix are veterans such as <span>Carlos Villanueva</span>, <span>Drew Pomeranz</span> and at one point <span>Brandon Maurer</span> (who is going back to the bullpen as of this writing). It remains to be seen who will stick to the back-end of the rotation or if the final 2 spots will be fluid for the time being.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tpCf-WTbtLDSyZoFHOmZsrVLZcw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6250023/488783534.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<h3>The Bullpen</h3>
<p>The biggest story revolving around the pitchers making up the bullpen is simply this: <b>will this group hold and save games?</b> With the departure of several players such as <span>Dale Thayer</span>, Shawn Kelley, Joaquin Benoit and closer Craig Kimbrel, the Padres are starting the new season with some familiar faces and new veterans. The biggest addition to the bullpen is arrow-slinging <span>Fernando Rodney</span>, once dominant closer turned setup man now looking to return to his shutdown ways pitching 9th innings for the Padres. Should he falter, the Padres could turn to incumbents <span>Kevin Quackenbush</span> or Brandon Maurer to finish opponents off. Also in the mix are previously mentioned Carlos Villanueva and Drew Pomeranz along with returning slingers in <span>Jon Edwards</span> and Cory Mazzoni. Brandon Morrow could also find his way back into the mix as a reliever.</p>
<p>With plenty of veteran options and rookies such as <span>Buddy Baumann</span> making a case for playing time, manager Andy Green has his hands full in building a bullpen that will keep the Padres in the lead late in games.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/729CQ2_ek8ty2H_KYMFQ8huUlkg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6250025/490593622.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<h3>The Infield</h3>
<p><b>Wil Myers and his health.</b> Arguably the biggest story to follow and the biggest question mark lies in the player now occupying first base. When healthy, young Wil Myers has flashed moments of brilliance and immense talent, and the Padres are hoping for one full season of play from their former center-fielder. With the move to 1st base, the Padres are banking on Myers staying healthier and in a lineup where he can do damage batting behind <span>Matt Kemp</span>.</p>
<p>Another great story is the <b>development of Cory Spangenberg </b>and his first year as starting second baseman. Cory had an excellent second half last season and the Padres are looking to see the speedy Spangenberg keep up his production at the plate and on the basepaths in a full role. Also looking to capitalize on a solid prior season is <span>Yangervis Solarte</span>, who will now start at the hot corner. The switch-hitter was a step above the departed <span>Will Middlebrooks</span> and could hold down 3rd base for the Padres for years to come.</p>
<p><b>Is <span>Derek Norris</span> trade bait? </b>Derek Norris had a hard-earned last season, marked with a dip in offensive production and a significant uptick in throwing runners out and much improved pitch framing. Being the almost-everyday catcher took a toll on Norris, as he spent small stints of time shelved with various injuries. The Padres signed former <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> catcher of the future <span>Christian Bethancourt</span> and also have their own dubbed future catcher in Austin Hedges. Though Hedges and Bethancourt have yet to develop their hit tools, their defensive capabilities are definite pluses. Derek Norris has become a fan favorite in San Diego with his grit and hustle, and it'll be worthwhile to watch the developing story behind who will man the dish for the Padres now and in the future.</p>
<p><b>Who will back up Alexei Ramirez at shortstop? </b>The incumbent choice is super-utility <span>Alexi Amarista</span>, who played fair amounts of shortstop, center field and even pitched last year. Though Amarista had a fair season, he's largely considered a bench-level talent. Several new players for the Padres have played their ways into roster consideration, most notably <span>Jemile Weeks</span>, <span>Nick Noonan</span> and Adam Rosales. Weeks is having himself an excellent showing in Spring Training, leading the team in batting average and showing some skill in the infield. Both Noonan and Rosales are also capable of backing up Solarte or Spangenberg. Andy Green has a good crop of players to choose for his bench roles this season.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a6Vf0HaG5PMS8DpsoMAZLz7Ysj8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6250027/489590556.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<h3>The Outfield</h3>
<p><b>Will Matt Kemp remain a Padre for much longer and can he put together a full season of solid offense? </b>Matt Kemp had himself a second half last season. The Summer of Kemp was aptly named after Kemp went on a hitting tear after the All-Star break, hitting season and league highs in slugging and utilizing that momentum to bat in over 100 RBIs on the season. Matt also got a collective monkey off the back of the Padres and their fans by collecting the first cycle in team history. <span>Alan Zinter</span> and Mark McGwire have been working closely with Kemp to prevent another cold bat to start the season. With his massive contract and overall talent for hitting a baseball, Kemp's name has been included in trade rumors, possibly as a DH candidate for an AL team. AJ Preller may pull the trigger should he find a taker that is willing to make the loss of Kemp worth the Padres' while.</p>
<p>With Jon Jay set up to lead off for the team and man center field, <b>it's time to see if Melvin Upton, Jr. can regain his former All-Star form.</b> The elder Upton showed flashes of his former self in limited action last year. With possible playing time in left field, fans should keep their eyes on Melvin to see if he can play up to his former standard. His contract is relatively hefty, and he too could be subject to a trade should he not perform to Preller's liking.</p>
<p><b>Can Jabari Blash make the roster? </b>A rule 5 selection via the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Athletics</a> in the Yonder Alonso trade, Jabari is known widely for his power tool. He's shown his ability to take the cover off the ball in Spring Training, but still remains a bit of a question mark for the Padres. Will he be able to cut down on strikeouts and take walks? Will he be able to hit consistently at the major league level? Most importantly, is he worth freeing up a valuable spot on the 25-man roster? If he does make the roster, Blash looks to slot into left field or back up Kemp and could possibly be that power bat the Padres need in the lineup.</p>
<h3>The Story So Far</h3>
<p>The Padres are currently slated to finish in the cellar of the NL West, well below perennial contenders Los Angeles and San Francisco and surprising upstart Arizona. Some have the Padres finishing dead last, even below floundering Colorado.</p>
<p>The story for the Padres this year is this: <b>Can this year's team compete even with the lack of apparent talent, or is this team primed for sale at the trade deadline or in the offseason? </b>Optimists point to an improved Spring Training focus and chemistry under Andy Green, who is looking for gamers that can compete on a daily basis. Pessimists point to the losses of talent with departures in Justin Upton and Craig Kimbrel and lack of incoming talent capable of keeping the Padres on par with their NL West rivals. With plenty for fans to keep their eyes on this season, will the Padres 2016 story end with a championship or with hope for another season?</p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/27/11308844/padres-2016-season-preview-stories-to-followSD Hat Guy2016-03-26T08:30:03-07:002016-03-26T08:30:03-07:00Margot and Guerra headline a thin farm system
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yUyKTdxABB9YkJBdbV7JM4Y9sQA=/0x0:4915x3277/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49145423/GettyImages-512516854.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Padres' farm system, which was stripped nearly bare in the ill-fated attempt to compete in the 2015 season, received a considerable boost over this past offseason. Most notable was the acquisition of center fielder Manuel Margot, shortstop Javier Guerra, pitcher Logan Allen, and the versatile Carlos Asuaje from the Red Sox <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2015/11/13/9733008/craig-kimbrel-traded-boston-red-sox-san-diego-padres-guerra-margot-allen-asuaje">in exchange for closer Craig Kimbrel</a>. In addition to the Kimbrel haul, general manager A.J. Preller also added prospects through a strong draft and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/22/11289176/padres-2016-season-preview-offseason-trades-waiver-claims">the trades</a> of Joaquin Benoit and the duo of Yonder Alonso and Marc Rzepczynski, along with rolling the dice an unthinkable <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2015/12/10/9885858/padres-come-away-from-rule-5-draft-with-4-players">four times in the Rule 5 draft</a>.</p>
<p>Margot and Guerra immediately became San Diego's top two prospects, and are projected to be significant major league contributors as early as next season. Margot brings obscene speed and a stellar glove to the table to go with his above-average hitting potential and developing power. Guerra is also noted for his fielding prowess, with his range, reactions, and arm being particularly lauded. On the offensive side he sports above-average power while hitting for a passable average. Although those two get the majority of the attention, Asuaje and Allen were far from throw-ins.</p>
<p>Along with the new additions, all of the notable prospects have been retained, save for Rymer Liriano, whose luster had worn dull and was deemed not worth keeping on the 40-man roster. With Austin Hedges relinquishing prospect status thanks to his extensive time with the big club last year, the biggest name among the holdovers is right fielder Hunter Renfroe. The strong-armed right-hander finished last year - his second full season in the minors - with AAA El Paso, where he will begin this season. Between there and AA San Antonio, the 2013 first-rounder surpassed 50 extra-base hits for his second consecutive campaign while adding a ridiculous 14 outfield assists to the 11 he accrued in 2014.</p>
<p>Like Hedges, starting pitcher Colin Rea saw time with the disappointing 2015 Padres. Unlike Hedges, his rookie status remains intact, but that should go the way of the buffalo this year as he's expected to join San Diego's starting rotation. A twelfth round pick in 2011, Rea had mixed results while moving up the ladder and was generally unheralded until last season. He put together a 1.08 ERA in 12 starts for San Antonio, earned a spot in the All-Star Futures Game, and found his way up to San Diego in early August.</p>
<p>Since I'm no professional talent evaluator, I turned to those who are in order to get a clear picture of which eggs I should count before they hatch. I reviewed <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2015/12/2/9836480/baseball-americas-top-10-padres-prospects?_ga=1.241989248.347774247.1456537680">Baseball America</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=28244">Baseball Prospectus</a>, <a href="http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/mlb/news/prospects/index.jsp?c_id=sd">MLB.com</a>, and <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/keith-law/insider/post?id=4890">Keith Law of ESPN</a>'s Top 10 lists of current Padres prospects, then averaged out their rankings in an attempt to reach something close to a consensus Top 10.</p>
<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td>Pos.</td>
<td>Avg.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Manuel Margot</td>
<td>CF</td>
<td>1.25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Javier Guerra</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>1.75</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Hunter Renfroe</td>
<td>RF</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Ruddy Giron</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>4.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Colin Rea</td>
<td>RHSP</td>
<td>5.25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Jose Rondon</td>
<td>SS</td>
<td>5.5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Austin Smith</td>
<td>RHSP</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Travis Jankowski</td>
<td>OF</td>
<td>8.75*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Jacob Nix</td>
<td>RHSP</td>
<td>9*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Logan Allen</td>
<td>LHSP</td>
<td>9.25*</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>As you can see, Margot was nearly a unanimous number-one pick, losing just one top spot to Guerra, who was ranked second on the other three lists. One choice who all four sources agreed on was Renfroe, who took the third slot across the board. Giron was held in similar esteem by all four, ranking fourth twice and fifth twice, much like how Rondon was fifth twice and sixth twice. They were a bit more divided on Rea, who took in two fourth place finishes, a six, and a seven.</p>
<p>Of the final four, only <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2015/6/8/8750039/padres-draft-austin-smith-hs-rhp-51st-overall">2015 second-round pick Austin Smith</a> appeared on all four lists, with his two eight-spots sandwiched by a seven and a nine. Jankowski was left off two lists altogether, but those that included him were bullish enough on him to place him at sixth and seventh, enough to edge out Nix and Logan, who were left off of only one each. In the case of these players who didn't appear on all four lists, I simply added 11 in the place of their omission before dividing. Far from scientific, I know, but using any other number would have still resulted in the same finally three, but would have dropped Jankowski as a penalty for being left off of not one but two lists.</p>
<p>Jankowski made his major league debut last season, and will likely split time between El Paso and San Diego this season, regardless of which roster he's on at camp's end. The shaggy-haired outfielder's primary asset is speed; last season he stole 32 bases in fewer than a hundred games between AA and AAA before joining the Padres. He also hit career highs across the slash line with a .335/ .413/ .425 mark, and has been making steady improvements on his once-suspect patience and batting eye. While he played center field exclusively in the minors, Jankowski split time between there and right field in the big leagues, perhaps a glimpse into the future as a fourth outfielder that many have predicted for him.</p>
<p>Giron and Rondon are both projected to be at least a year or two away, and could become expendable if Guerra pans out. However, it's always good to have a backup plan, and it's even better to have two. Smith, Nix, and Allen are all expected to spend a few years marinating before they're good to go, but pitchers are the Charlie Kellys of prospects: wild cards.</p>
<p>Other wild cards of sorts are the four Rule 5 picks, in that one can't be sure whether they'll even be with the organization by the beginning of April. Right-handed pitcher Josh Martin, the Padres' first selection, looks like he'll be headed back to the Cleveland organization after getting knocked around in Spring Training. Their second pick, converted outfielder Blake Smith, hasn't made any better of an impression, but the hardest-hit has been Luis Perdomo, whose highest level to date has been A-ball. The one Rule 5 player who has generated a lot of buzz is towering outfielder Jabari Blash, who was selected from the Mariners system by the Athletics for the sole purpose of sending him to the Padres as the player to be named in the aforementioned trade for Marc Rzepczynski and Yonder Alonso. While he'll likely never hit for what would be considered a respectable batting average, Blash compensates by reaching base via an outstanding propensity to draw walks. Between that, his breathtaking power, and his tendency to strike out, Blash is a classic "three true outcomes" player in the mold of Jim Thome, Adam Dunn, and San Diego's new bench coach, Mark McGwire.</p>
<p>Despite the showcase additions, the Padres' farm is still ranked firmly toward the bottom of all organizations', regardless of who you ask. Baseball America has them at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/organization-talent-rankings-list/#s0cXpB62BX6qzTlH.97">number 25</a>, while Keith Law was a bit more charitable in <a href="http://www.gaslampball.com/2016/2/10/10960914/padres-farm-system-ranked-20th-by-keith-law">ranking them twentieth</a>.</p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/26/11269446/padres-top-prospects-2016-sbnation-season-preview-manny-margot-javier-guerraJoe Lanek2016-03-24T18:00:34-07:002016-03-24T18:00:34-07:00Padres staff changes on and off the field
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: Spring Training-Texas Rangers at San Diego Padres" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BeKEdfVtygQbmbqJWzk3PT71w28=/0x0:4688x3125/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49161521/usa-today-9205885.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The offseason for the San Diego Padres involved staff changes throughout the organization and its broadcasting partners.</p> <p>Once the final out was recorded by <span>Cody Decker</span> on a ground out to end the 2015 <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Padres</a> season, changes were being made throughout the offseason. But the changes for the Padres did not only involve the product on the field; a multitude of changes occurred off the field. While we will still have some of the same coaches on the staff from years past and returning broadcasters still talking into the microphones, their places may have changed and new additions have joined the fray. Along with the new members to the team, one broadcaster will be spending his final year in the broadcast booth.</p>
<p><b>Padres Coaching Staff</b></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6237505/512497372.jpg" width="500"></p>
<p><span><b>Andy Green</b></span></p>
<p>Green is entering his first season with the Padres. He agreed to become the manager of the team on October 29th, 2015. Before joining the Padres, Green served as the third base coach for the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arizona Diamondbacks</a>. Prior to coaching in the major leagues, Green was a two-time Southern League Manager of the Year award winner with the Mobile BayBears in 2013 and 2014. Before that, he led the Missoula Osprey to a Pioneer League Championship in 2012.</p>
<p>In 2016, Green takes the reigns of a team that lost notable players like <span>Justin Upton</span> and <span>Ian Kennedy</span> to free agency in the offseason. He'll look to improve on the 74-88 record for the Padres under Bud Black, <span>Dave Roberts</span>, and Pat Murphy in 2015. Joining him on the bench are returning coaches Glenn Hoffman (11th season) and Darren Balsley (14th season), as well as new faces in the Padres clubhouse.</p>
<p><img width="500" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6237519/484434056.jpg"></p>
<p><b>Mark McGwire</b></p>
<p>McGwire is entering his 1st season with the San Diego Padres. Since 2010, he has served as the hitting coach for the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Cardinals</a> and the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Dodgers</a>. With the Padres, he will enter the season as the bench coach on Andy Green’s staff. His impact has already been seen on the field during Spring Training with multiple players attributing some success to him and hitting coach <span>Alan Zinter</span>.</p>
<p><img height="450" src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6237459/513956438.jpg"></p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/TBROCKUMS"><b>Tarrik Brock</b></a></p>
<p>Brock is in his second season with the Padres organization. In 2015, he served as the minor league coordinator for the Padres before entering 2016 as the new first base coach. Prior to joining the Padres, Brock was the first base coach for the <a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Astros</a> in 2014. He was also the outfield and baserunning coordinator for the Florida/<a href="https://www.fishstripes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Marlins</a> from 2007-2013.</p>
<p><img height="450" src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6237461/usa-today-9156644.jpg"></p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/Alan__Zinter"><b>Alan Zinter</b></a></p>
<p>Zinter joins the Padres after serving as a hitting coach in the Diamondbacks organization (2008-2011), minor league hitting coordinator for the <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Indians</a> (2012-2014), and assistant hitting coach for the Houston Astros in 2015.</p>
<p>The hitting coach position has been very fluid for the last few years. Mark Kotsay, Phil Plantier, Randy Ready, and Alonzo Powell have served as hitting coaches for the Padres since 2010.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSportsSD">Fox Sports San Diego</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Mighty1090">Mighty 1090</a>, and Padres Beat Writers</b></p>
<p><img height="450" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6237473/483369046.jpg"></p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/Deohmy"><b>Dick Enberg</b></a></p>
<p>2016 will be the final season Dick Enberg spends in the Fox Sports San Diego booth. Enberg has been in the booth for the Padres since 2010 with <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/Mudcat55">Mark Grant</a></strong> who is entering his 21st season as a Padres broadcaster. In his final season, Enberg is slated to be in the booth for around 100 of the 158 games being televised on Fox Sports San Diego this season. His 2017 replacement, Don Orsillo, will join Mark Grant for the remaining games being broadcast by FSSD.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img width="500" src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6237479/usa-today-8828699.jpg"></p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/DonOrsillo"><b>Don Orsillo</b></a></p>
<p>Orsillo is joining the Fox Sports San Diego broadcast team for his 1st year with the Padres. Orsillo is joining FSSD after spending fifteen years with the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Boston Red Sox</a> broadcasting for NESN. He is set to be the full time broadcaster for the Padres in 2017, but will be an occasional fill-in for Dick Enberg in 2016. With Enberg doing 100 games, Orsillo will do the rest of the FSSD broadcasts with Mark Grant. Don Orsillo will be making his regular season debut starting with the Arizona Diamondbacks series on Friday April 15th.</p>
<h1></h1>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/JulieAlexandria"><b>Julie Alexandria </b></a></p>
<p>Julie is in her first year as a sideline reporter for the Padres and Fox Sports San Diego. Most recently, she was an on-air host for OK! TV, a talk show. She has experience in the sports world serving as a sideline reporter for MASN and the <a href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Nationals</a> as well as spending time with SportsNet New York hosting <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Mets</a> Weekly.</p>
<h1></h1>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/mmargaux8"><b>Michelle Margaux</b></a></p>
<p>Coming over from Corpus Christi where she worked as a reporter for KRIS, Michelle will be the new host of Padres POV while occasionally serving as the sideline reporter this year. She graduated from the University of San Diego and worked as a producer for the Prep Pigskin Report on KUSI.</p>
<h1></h1>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/jesseagler"><b>Jesse Agler</b></a></p>
<p>Entering his third year with the Padres, the former host of Padres Social Hour leaves the studio for the radio booth to take over a full-time broadcasting role with <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/TedLeitner">Ted Leitner</a></strong>, who is entering his 37th season as the Padres radio announcer. He has spent time in the announce booth on occasion in previous seasons. Mike Janela is stepping into the role of Padres Social Hour host</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/MikeJanela"><b>Mike Janela</b></a></p>
<p>Janela has become the new host of Padres Social Hour, replacing Jesse Agler, who left the studio for the radio booth. Janela has done play by play as well as host a show for the Villanova Wildcats and UNC Greensboro. The Syracuse graduate has also worked for Guinness World Records as a judge, host, and manager of digital content.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/FollowTheBrocks"><b>Corey Brock</b></a></p>
<p>In a surprise move during Spring Training, Brock announced he was parting ways with the Padres beat writer position and heading back to the Northwest with his family. Brock was entering his 10th year covering the Padres before he made the decision to move back to Washington. Brock made multiple appearances during the Padres broadcasts and has appeared on Padres Social Hour in years past. The Padres beat writer position has been taken over by AJ Cassavell.</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/AJCassavell"><b>AJ Cassavell</b></a></p>
<p>AJ Cassavell is starting his first year as the Padres beat writer, a position most recently held by Corey Brock. Cassavell has experience as a writer for MLB.com and Sports on Earth since graduating from Penn State in 2011.</p>
https://www.gaslampball.com/2016/3/24/11302440/san-diego-padres-2016-season-preview-staff-changes-andy-green-orsillo-mcgwire-nl-westFriar Fever2016-03-23T10:48:57-07:002016-03-23T10:48:57-07:00What will the Padres bullpen look like in 2016?
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<img alt="MLB: San Diego Padres at Pittsburgh Pirates" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iiHymDKerGAUMsL7pbvi44KYFhw=/0x217:1572x1265/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49149765/usa-today-8685875.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>So many relievers, so few roster spots! Who will make the opening day roster? Let's run down the candidates and I'll give you my best guess.</p> <p>Opening Day is less than two weeks away. Do you know where your bullpen is? I'm not certain that Darren Balsley does yet, but there are a myriad of players competing for those oh-so-precious roster spots. A few are familiar, but there has been a lot of turnover this offseason. Some of the guys in camp are a lock to be lining up on the chalk on that first day, but all of these guys have an opportunity to contribute this year.</p>
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<cite>Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images</cite>
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<h2>Happy Trails To You</h2>
<p>Before we go over the candidates for this season's roster, let's run down some of the players who are no longer with the team.</p>
<p>Craig Kimbrel was the cherry on the top of the Prellerpalooza sundae. He welcomed us to the jungle with his shutdown closer talents. While he didn't have a great year, he still maintained his reputation as one of the premium closers in the game... which AJ Preller parlayed into a trade with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Red Sox</a> for SS Javier Guerra, CF Manuel Margot, INF Carlos Asuaje, and RHP Logan Allen. A lock-down closer is a luxury for a rebuilding team, but four top-shelf prospects can form the foundation for a farm system overhaul.</p>
<p>Joaquin Benoit was a bright spot on the 2015 squad. The former closer held down the eighth inning with aplomb. Considering the state of the franchise, his future value to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a> than any 2016 contributions. Preller slyly picked up his 2016 option, the flipped him to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Mariners</a> for RHP Enyel De Los Santos and INF Nelson Ward. Value indeed.</p>
<p>Shawn Kelley was another nice surprise in the 2015 bullpen. While it might have been nice to have brought his services back for another year, the five-year, $15M contract the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Nationals</a> signed him for is a sign of the times, where any live arm can get a big payday. A major theme of the 2016 Padres seems to involve growing and maximizing value. If they can find a replacement for Kelley's contribution at a fraction of the price, that's a positive value decision.</p>
<p><span>Dale Thayer</span> was very good for the Padres from 2011-2014, but he lost his mojo in 2015. I thought that Vincent-Thayer-Quackenbush had potential, but it wasn't meant to be. The Padres released him after the season and he is now trying to make the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.camdenchat.com/">Baltimore Orioles</a>' roster.</p>
<p>Odrisamer Despaigne had filthy stuff at times, and at other times his stuff was just junk. The Cuban junkballer showed great promise in 2014, but struggled mightliy in 2015. He still showed flashes of excellence from his swingman role, but all too often we were cringing when he came in to the game. In another value decision, Despaigne was traded to the Orioles for righty fireballer Jean Cosme. While he might not be a high-level prospect, Cosme is young and shows the kind of promise that might just need some development to become a useful player down the road.</p>
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<cite>Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<h2>Incumbents</h2>
<p>Only a handful of faces are held over from last year's bullpen. That isn't a bad thing. While the 'pen was a consistently solid part of the team in previous years, the 2015 bullpen was often a source of frustration. They've cut the borderline guys, and now we have a short list of holdovers who can maintain some continuity and some balance this season.</p>
<p><span>Kevin Quackenbush</span> has been considered a closer candidate in the past. A hard thrower with good control, expect a heavy dose of "Quack Attack" in late innings this year.</p>
<p>Nick Vincent is a Ramona native and is more than a feel-good story. With a track record of above-average strand rates, the gritty righty is a stabilizing force.</p>
<p><span>Brandon Maurer's</span> chances of making the starting rotation were officially squashed after an ERA on the wrong side of 20 after three rough starts. While his aspirations to start might still have life, he will most likely be in the bullpen in a similar role as last year. His powerful fastball-slider combo was lethal both with the Padres in 2015 and with the Mariners in the previous two seasons.</p>
<p><span>Brandon Morrow</span> was the Padres' most effective pitcher at the start of the 2015 season. A shoulder injury cut his season short, and a bout with valley fever has him off to a slow start this spring. Back with the team on a minor league contract, once he's healthy, he'll be up with the team in some capacity. He might be a rotation candidate, but he'll probably be stretched out with swingman duties.</p>
<p><span>Cory Mazzoni</span> came to the Padres in the <span>Alex Torres</span> trade with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a>. In limited time last year, he got rocked pretty hard. Scouts love his stuff and his makeup, so he will get another chance to make a step forward this year.</p>
<p><span>Jon Edwards</span> was the return from Texas in the <span>Will Venable</span> trade. The converted outfielder has a power arm and can rack up some K's. He's looked good at times this spring, and the coaching staff is working on the inconsistencies.</p>
<p><span>Leonel Campos</span> is a journeyman minor leaguer who saw brief time with the Padres each of the last two seasons. With one option season left, 2016 is his last chance to make the transition up to the MLB level.</p>
<p><span>Tayron Guerrero</span> is a tall, powerful pitcher with devastating stuff. If he could whittle down the walks, he could be a beast of a reliever. He's on the 40-man roster, but he'll likely stay in the minors through the season to sharpen his control.</p>
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<img alt="Seattle Mariners v Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TGVy7gnV1xaj8UgLqvzH7QKfQFA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6234995/478691844.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images</cite>
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<h2>New Faces, Vol. I - Veterans</h2>
<p>Fernando Rodney was the biggest free agent addition to the pitching staff. While he might not have the rock star prowess of a Craig Kimbrel, the cocked-brimmed archer brings a swagger to the mound that will hopefully be backed up by his successes of 2012-2014 to anchor the staff.</p>
<p>Carlos Villanueva's career has seen him start in Milwaukee, get converted to a reliever, then back to a swingman role with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bluebirdbanter.com/">Blue Jays</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>, then back to a reliever last season with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/">Cardinals</a>. He was signed as a free agent, and apparently he had been courted by the Padres in the past. He noted that <a href="http://m.mlb.com/news/article/165235208/carlos-villanueva-learned-from-trevor-hoffman">Trevor Hoffman was a big influence on his early career</a> when they were teammates on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a>. The veteran brings the kind of leadership and work ethic that <span>Andy Green</span> beams about, and hopefully he can bring some of the winning attitude of his last stop along with him.</p>
<p><span>Drew Pomeranz</span> came to the Padres in the Yonder Alonso trade as a project lefty with serious upside. As a starter with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.purplerow.com/">Rockies</a>, he struggled. As a reliever with the A's, he struggled as well. There's reason for hope, since he has a very similar profile to another former Oakland A: Tyson Ross. His fastball and sharp slider are mirror images of the pitches that Ross brought with him, as are his platoon splits. If Darren Balsley can coach the platoon tendencies out of him, he might make it back in to the rotation. Until then, he's a force against right-handed hitters with experience in going multiple innings.</p>
<p><span>Casey Janssen</span> is a former closer who has seen success with the Blue Jays and Nationals. While he's coming off a down year, he could provide some depth for Rodney later this season. He's been effective at times this spring, and he looks healthy.</p>
<p><span>Matt Thornton</span> spent most of his career with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.southsidesox.com/">White Sox</a>, but has seen service time with the Mariners, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a>, Red Sox, and Nationals as well. The 6'6" lefty has yet to surrender a run this spring and is making a strong case for a roster spot breaking camp. Like Janssen, he's not on the 40-man roster, so a corresponding move would need to be made to make room. Given his experience and his performance, he might be forcing such a move.</p>
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<cite>Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<h2>New Faces, Vol. II - Minor Leaguers</h2>
<p><span>Buddy Baumann</span> is a career minor leaguer who was signed to a major league contract. The lefty has good strikeout rates and seems to be a gamer on the mound. While his stuff doesn't jump off the page, <a href="http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/mar/13/padres-morning-update/">all accounts speak highly of his makeup on and off the field</a>. He's working through a back issue, so he might not make the opening day roster, but his spot on the 40-man means that he'll get in the action sooner or later.</p>
<p><span>Ryan Buchter</span> is another lefty on the 40-man like Baumann, but he has some MLB service time - one inning with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.talkingchop.com/">Braves</a> in 2014. He has a career of racking up crazy strikeout rates paired with dangerous control issues. If they can rein him in, he'll be a nice weapon to deploy.</p>
<p><span>Jose Torres</span> was the "forgotten man" in the Yonder Alonso trade, coming from the A's along with Drew Pomeranz and Rule 5 draftee <span>Jabari Blash</span>. The Venezuelan lefty is also on the 40-man roster, but has never pitched above single-A. Still, he has a talented left arm, so there may be a role for him in the near future.</p>
<p><span>Luis Perdomo</span> was taken from the Cardinals in the Rule 5 draft. Considered by many to be the most talented player taken that day, the raw righty projects as a starter but would slot in the bullpen if he stays with the team. Like Smith and Martin below, he needs to stay on the active 25-man roster or be offered back to his original team. He's a high-risk player, but the reward may be worth it. He may be used situationally through the season to shelter him until they can stash him as a project in the minors for a couple of years.</p>
<p><span>Blake Smith</span> came from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> in the Rule 5 draft. The converted outfielder has a lot in common with Jon Edwards above, but adds a nasty 12-to-6 curveball that he's still learning how to best deploy. They've been using him in some high-leverage situations this spring, and he's stranded runners at an impressive rate. His stat line this spring doesn't jump off the page, but</p>
<p><span>Josh Martin</span> came from the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> in the Rule 5 draft, and he brings a devastating curveball that has impressed coaches throughout camp. Like Blake Smith, he's been successful in some <a href="http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/mar/13/padres-rule-5-pitchers-spring-training-education/">high leverage outings this spring</a>. With only seven or eight roster spots, Perdomo, Martin, and Smith all have their work cut out to stay with the organization.</p>
<p><span>Jose Dominguez</span> has been lights-out this spring, with a fastball that can tough triple digits and filthy breaking stuff. He's seen MLB action in each of the past three years with the Dodgers and most recently with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.draysbay.com/">Rays</a>. While he's on a minor league contract, his combination of strikeout power and experience could earn him a call up this season.</p>
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<img alt="MLB: San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ipWH5b2sgWd-3n_Ed6hteaNN-nI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6235015/usa-today-8712149.jpg">
<cite>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<h2>...so now what?</h2>
<p>That's my list of bullpen candidates for 2016. I count twenty names above, for seven or eight roster spots. Certainly more names will creep up through the minors (<span>Carlos Pimentel</span>, <span>Johnny Hellweg</span>, etc.) and we all know that Preller is capable of anything when it comes to free agents, waiver pickups, or trades. Your guess is as good as mine as to who makes the team, but here's my best guess:</p>
<ul>
<li>Fernando Rodney</li>
<li>Carlos Villanueva</li>
<li>Kevin Quackenbush</li>
<li>Brandon Maurer</li>
<li>Drew Pomeranz</li>
<li>Matt Thornton</li>
<li><span>Luis Perdomo</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Andy Green seems focused on performance. I don't see him as being the type to let a guy struggle through a few outings to get his feet under him; he'd rather give someone else those reps while wrinkles are ironed out in the minors or on the side. Rodney is the closer until he loses the job. Quackenbush profiles nicely as a setup man, and Maurer was nails in that role last year. Thornton could be a LOOGY but he has the stuff and the makeup to handle anything thrown his way. Pomeranz is a project that can be used against lefty-heavy lineups and I expect to see him stretched as his swingman role grows through the season. Perdomo can be hidden for mop-up duties, but his talent potential is tantalizing enough to keep him on the roster for future development.</p>
<p>The bullpen listed above is a nice balance of experience and youth, with lots of strikeout power from both sides of the rubber. Preller has done a pretty nice job of signing veteran depth, both at the major and minor league levels, to balance the high-ceiling talent that he can distribute up and down the levels of the organization. There is potential here for a shut-down bullpen, a nice return to form to what we've come to expect under pitching coach Darren Balsley.</p>
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