San Diego Padres: Week #16 recap

A complete recap of all of the San Diego Padres action on the field this week, including sets on the road in Colorado and San Francisco.

The first full week after the All-Star break found the Padres flailing through a three game series against division rival Colorado Rockies. Poor pitching and defense achieved a three game losing streak with Colorado taking advantage of their home field advantage to the tune of 36 runs to 17 for the sweep.

Lots of hits and lots of runs are normal for Coors field but poor defense by the Padres padded the normal advantage. The highlights were Jabari Blash filling in for Hunter Renfroe and flashing his power on a more consistent basis while making better contact.

Wil Myers has begun to show better plate discipline and is driving the ball harder. Cory Spangenberg is showing surprising power with an improving average and seven RBI’s. Giants killer Hector Sanchez is continuing his hitting ways as well.

The finish to the week was a four game series versus the Giants with the Friars taking 3 of the 4 games. The defense was noticeably improved and more consistent at bats were noticeable. Of course it can’t. be ignored that the Giants are struggling mightily this season and their poor play contributed to the three losses.

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• Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher
• This veteran DH target seems ideal for contending Padres roster

Spangenberg, Myers and Sanchez continued their hot hitting with Blash driving the ball well throughout the week. The ebb and flow of this team continues to be very frustrating at times with quality teams demonstrating their many weaknesses. But the games continue to be mostly entertaining despite some poor pitching performances.

Watching the young hitters begin to hit their strides is encouraging and it would be satisfying if Blash can begin to take advantage of his immense natural power. Renfroe remains inconsistent but does not lead the team in strikeouts this season. That honor goes to Will Myers with 123 strikeouts in 361 at bats.

Next: Royals and Padres swap three key pieces

The Mets come to town for a four game series followed by the Pirates for a weekend three game series.