The Padres are officially open for business. The San Diego franchise has scrapped the small market approach and they’re at least positioning themselves to try and make a run at the playoffs in 2015.
There’s not much doubt that the Friars believe they have what it takes to contend after making some major winter moves. Signing James Shields for some pretty significant dollars is proof positive this team is getting serious about playing in October this year.
If the Padres fall short of their goal, it’s not likely that the starting pitching will be the problem. The addition of Shields fortifies what was already a good rotation, and it would sure seem that facing the top four San Diego starters will be no picnic for opposing hitters. Andrew Cashner is dynamite when healthy, Ian Kennedy and Shields are solid, and Tyson Ross has good enough stuff to make a major breakthrough.
But there’s a cloud in tat San Diego silver lining. The pathetic Padres offense of the last few years is definitely improved with the addition of Justin Upton, Matt Kemp and Wil Myers. But the defense in the outfield has to be a concern and that Padres infield is certainly not going to be considered for placement in the asset category.
In other words, while this team should certainly be improved, I’m not expecting to make a race for the betting window when the Over/Under win totals are all posted. But the fact the mindset has very obviously changed for the better is certainly a plus and Petco has a chance to be a lively locale this summer.