With a 5-0 win on Saturday, The San Diego Padres, who entered the season with very little expectations, have now strung together their eighth straight win. Following 3-game sweeps of both the Diamondbacks and Giants, the Padres have taken the first 2 games against the Cincinnati Reds.
How are they doing this? Not exactly with offense, scoring more than 5 only twice in this win streak. Adrian Gonzalez has been hot, with 2 homers this week, and catcher Nick Hundley is batting .353 with 2 home runs as well during this time.
Instead, the Padres no-name pitching staff has lead the way to lead them to this streak. Kevin Correia has won both starts during this win streak, allowing only 2 earned runs combined. Other starters John Garland and Mat Latos both provided solid starts and closer Heath Bell has picked up 2 saves.
So are the Padres a team to look for later in the season? They are still waiting for the return of starting pitcher Chris Young from injury and outfielder Kyle Blanks has been a disappointment. With production from these two players, it would instantly improve the team. Still, this run, although impressive, is not likely to last. With tons of talent throughout the division, the Padres anonymous lineup and pitching staff will not be able to keep up with Lincecum's Giants, Tulowitzki's Rockies, Haren's D'backs, and Matt Kemp's Dodgers. Adrian Gonzalez is an all star player, but the Padres are still in rebuilding mode. Don't let this streak fool you, the Padres are still the worst team in the division, and Gonzalez still may be traded by the deadline.
And the day after I publish this post, the Padres lose. Sort of ironic
ReplyDeleteThis start is a mirage. They will be in last place by the end of May and approach 95 losses by year's end.
ReplyDeleteI agree, in my preseason picks I had them in last place. They lack talent
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