San Diego Padres: Week #15 power rankings update

Where do the San Diego Padres rank among the rest of baseball as the season’s second half commences? We take a look at the most credible lists.

The All-Star break shortened this week, but fans still got a good look at their club as they returned to Petco Park for a weekend series against the last place San Francisco Giants.

Taking two out of three in the series, the power rankings somewhat reflect the club’s newfound consistency. They also, however, don’t give the young and exciting Padres the respect many believe they deserve.

We begin this week’s power rankings update by checking in with ESPN.

ESPN: 29th

There’s not much optimism that normally comes from a description of baseball’s second worst team, but ESPN finds a way to look far into the future and anticipate multiple trades at this deadline making a difference. All eyes now, of course, are on the deadline and who San Diego will deal in exchange for prospects.

The Padres are in a very advantageous position. They’re a clear-cut seller, and there aren’t as many of those as there used to be before the addition of the second wild-card spot. It’s a seller’s market, and the Padres should not hesitate to peddle Brad Hand, Yangervis Solarte, Trevor Cahill and anything or anyone not tied down beyond the next year or two.

Sports Illustrated: 28th

Again, Brad Hand is the biggest story. According to Sports Illustrated’s rankings, the Padres have done enough to jump the last place Giants and take ownership of the 28th ranking. Still clearly sellers though, this list’s focus is more on what San Diego can do to improve at the deadline rather than winning seven of their last ten.

More from Friars on BaseJurickson Profar free agency update likely rules out Padres reunionFernando Tatis Jr. may not take to outfield move after Xander Bogaerts additionPadres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny MachadoPadres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcherThis veteran DH target seems ideal for contending Padres rosterIt’s still worth Preller’s while to aim high, given the gigantic prices paid for a few relievers in the past few years, even in this analytically-savvy era of baseball. If one team does take the bait and empties its farm system to get a guy unwanted by a lousy team just 15 months ago, imagine how much the next reliever coming off three and a half months of solid work might fetch.

Bleacher Report: 20th

Though no explanation is provided, Bleacher Report’s power rankings once again prove to be the most generous. For the second consecutive week, the Friars have cracked the top 20. Holding at 20, this list is taking notice of San Diego’s consistently solid play over the past two weeks which has resurrected them from the bottom several spots even according to these rankings.

Next: Friars streaking again! Defeat Giants 7-1

The Padres have a difficult road ahead, traveling to Colorado to face the explosive Rockies this week. Then, they will return to the Bay Area to square off with the Giants, a club they have managed to have success against this season. Maybe another week of consistent play will start to move them in the right direction in the power rankings. Stay tuned for next week’s update.