View The MLB Cappers Leaderboard For 2009 \u00a0– Picks Packages for 2010 On Sale Now! \u2014\u2013><\/strong><\/p>\n After being a laughing stock for several seasons, the National League West has become one of baseball\u2019s deepest, most competitive divisions. Even the bottom-dwelling San Diego Padres finished 2009 with a 37-25 stretch and were busy in the offseason. But can they keep pace with so many other good teams in their division? <\/p>\n PETCO Park is famous for being the majors\u2019 ultimate pitcher\u2019s haven and, in a sense, the Padres took that to heart when they shipped ace Jake Peavy to the White Sox last season. It\u2019s almost like they felt they could still field great pitching without an expensive ace because their stadium so effectively suppresses offense. <\/p>\n They\u2019ve turned to innings eater Jon Garland, hardly a star, to lead the rotation. Joining him is a young group but one with plenty of promise. <\/p>\n Clayton Richard was part of the Jake Peavy deal and could grow into a solid No. 2 or No. 3 starter; Kevin Correia quietly posted 22 quality stats last season and won 12 games. He\u2019 could be the unsung hero of the rotation. Then there\u2019s mammoth Chris Young, who has (had?) ace-caliber talent but gets hurt every season. <\/p>\n The most intriguing starter could be Mat Latos. The 22-year-old has great stuff and could make real noise if he can grab the fifth spot in the rotation out of spring. <\/p>\n As always, the Padres have a rock-solid bullpen. It was no Trevor Hoffman, no problem in 2009. Heath Bell\u2019s 42 saves led the National League and both Mike Adams and Luke Gregerson were effective in setup duty. There\u2019s at least reason for optimism when you look at San Diego\u2019s arms; I don\u2019t get the same sensation looking up and down their lineup. Yes, they have Adrian Gonzalez. Given his superb defense to accompany his 40-homer power, he\u2019s among baseball\u2019s most complete players. But, not only is his name the subject of trade rumors, he has little support in the Padre lineup. <\/p>\n Tony Gwynn Jr. and David Eckstein project to be the top two hitters in the order yet would barely be adequate 8-9 hitters in most American League lineups. <\/p>\n Chase Headley hasn\u2019t improved his plate discipline enough to become a solid run producer. There\u2019s definitely potential in Kyle Blanks, however. He has massive natural power thanks to his gigantic frame, which is reminiscent of a young Frank Thomas. <\/p>\n The Padres at least have enough useful pieces to surprise somewhat, but they\u2019re simply not in the same league as the Dodgers, Rockies, Giants or even the Diamondbacks for that matter.<\/p>\n The smart move may be to cash in Gonzalez for a major haul of building blocks \u2013 like the Blue Jays did with Roy Halladay. Even if they don\u2019t deal A-Gonz, The Padres seem destined for another year in the cellar.<\/p>\nMLB Team Preview \u2013 San Diego Padres<\/h3>\n
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