The San Diego Padres have finished between 71 and 76 wins in three of the last four seasons, a consistency which, not surprisingly, has the odds makers at TheGreek.com predicting another sub-par year for the club. According to the bookmaker’s recently released 2013 World Series Odds, the Padres are a +8500 play to win the championship ($100 wins $8500) and their regular season win total is set at an uninspiring 74.5 (Over and Under both getting -115 odds).
Never a big spender, San Diego did little in the off-season to strengthen last year’s mediocre roster. The Padres ranked 17th in team ERA (4.01) and their punchless lineup cranked out a paltry 651 runs (24th in the majors) and, unfortunately for San Diego fans, with the lack of movement there is little reason to believe either of those units improves all that much this season.
The best chance the Padres have at upsetting some poor expectations is for pitchers like Cory Luebke (Tommy John surgery) and Tim Stauffer (elbow) to make successful returns from injury. Both hurlers enjoyed outstanding 2011 campaigns as they combined for 48 starts, 15 wins, a 1.17 WHIP, and 3.51 ERA.
If those two are healthy they will almost certainly improve an otherwise middling rotation, but there is little hope for an outburst from a batting order that, aside from Chase Headley, is almost completely devoid of power.
San Diego Padres 2013 World Series Odds: Provided by TheGreek.com
To Win World Series +8500 (23 of 30)
To Win National League West +1500 (four of five)
To Win National League Pennant +4500 (12 of 15)
Regular Season Wins: Over 74.5 (-115), Under 74.5 (-115)
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