Four Keys To The Series: Padres VS. Rockies

1. Out Slug The Rockies.

We all know games at Coors Field are usually high  scoring affairs. Pitching duels are rare. The Padres will have an all out slugfest against the team from the Mile High City. However, for the Padres to win the series versus the Rockies, the Padres need to out slug the Rockies. If the Rockies score three runs in a given inning, the Padres have to score four. Pitching is thrown out the window in this series. Both pitching staffs matchup equally, so the series is going to come down to each team’s offense. Whoever out slugs the other team, will easily win the series.

March 10, 2013; Mesa, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Cody Ransom (1) makes the catch in front of left fielder Mark Kotsay (14) in the third inning during a spring training game against the Chicago Cubs at HoHoKam Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

2.Good Defense.

With pitching not being a factor in this series and the games possibly coming down to offense, it is the defense that will be the wild card in this series. With offenses taking over the game there wont be any room for mistakes, so the defense has to make the routine out.  The Padres cant afford to give the Rockies any extra outs or let the Rockies get a free base. If so, then the Padres are in a world of hurt. If the Padres want to win this series against the Rockies, then they must play error free.

3. Pinch Hitting.

This series could actually come down to pinch hitting, which of course is offensive based. With a slugfest, both managers may be going to the bullpen a few times and may need a pinch hitter to come through in the clutch with guys on base. If the Padres want to win this series they need the pinch hitters need to capitalize on any opportunity given to them.

4. Take One For The Team.

The Padres’ starting pitchers are going to need to eat up some innings this series because the bullpen was heavily used  last game against the Mets. No matter how many runs the starters give up, they just need to suck it up and battle into the sixth and seventh innings. By preserving the bullpen, the Padres will score a moral victory. If the Padres want to win this series, then the starters have to go deep in the games.