Rookies Running the Pitching Staff, Week Preview 6/30 – 7/6

Hahn looking to keep his hot streak going. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Following a road trip where a no-hitter ruined the momentum of two wins by rookie pitchers, then losing two of three at home, the Padres look to get something going heading into a crucial month of July for the team. June was tough for the Padres. Legendary Padre Tony Gwynn passed away, Andrew Cashner went back to the disabled list, and General Manager Josh Byrnes was fired. July should be an interesting month, as many Padres might be in new uniforms by the end of the month and there might be a new general manager guiding them through the end of a season that has not gone to plan. The week starts with three against a surging Cincinnati team that has won 5 straight of 8 of their last 10. Former Padre Mat Latos returns to Petco Park for the first time this season to take on rookie Jesse Hahn in game 1 of the series Monday night. Speaking of Hahn, he and fellow rookie Odrisamer Despaigne both pitched impressively in San Francisco last week. Hahn is going for his fourth straight victory on the mound. The Padres leader in wins in Tyson Ross, at 6. Hahn also boasts an impressive 10.72 K/9 ratio, best on the team in his limited 22+ innings pitched. It will be a chance for Padres fans to take some solace in the game as they watch the man (Latos) they gave up to get Yonder Alonso(.210 BA) and Yasmani Grandal(.196 BA). Following the Reds series the stumbling Giants come to town, who despite throwing a no-hitter in the stretch have gone 3-7 in their last ten to lose sole control of first place, entering today tied with the Dodgers. The Giants are expected to make a move to add some pitching before the trade deadline, and it is rumored Ian Kennedy or Tyson Ross are potential targets. Neither one is scheduled to start against the Giants but here’s hoping Eric Stults pitches lights out and they take him instead? The Padres were showing some life after the Byrnes send-off, and how this team responds against two playoff-caliber teams could show volume in determining who goes where and for what. Good trades are essential for this team, and I expect the Padres to announce a new GM sooner than later in order to be in a position for that new GM to make those trades before the trade deadline. What the Padres cannot afford is more hesitation to make bold, smart moves, or 2015 will turn into another lost season. A quality plan for success is needed now as ownership has indicated with the firing of Byrnes they are ready to make this team a winner. Unfortunately, I don’t see this week going too well for the Padres. I think they can sneak out 2 of 3 from Cincinnati, but see the Giants responding over the weekend and winning 2 of 3 to make it another 3-3 week for the Padres.