San Diego Padres: Week #19 power rankings update

Where do the San Diego Padres stand among the rest of baseball midway through the month of August? We take a look at what the most credible lists say.

The San Diego Padres went on a sub par road trip this week, dropping three of four in Cincinnati and losing two tough games against the Dodgers. While a 2-5 week is never good, the Friars did show improvement over the course of the trip, and led the first place Dodgers in each of their three games.

As far as how this week is reflected in baseball’s power rankings, it would make sense that San Diego would drop after losing to the lowly Reds. However, their valiant efforts at Dodger Stadium could be taken into account as well. Let’s take a look.

ESPN: 27th

Even after a rough week, ESPN still provides a positive outlook and doesn’t allow the club’s five losses this week to move them below the three teams currently sitting lower. Accurately crediting young players, this list gives a legitimate reason for why the team with baseball’s worst run differential shouldn’t be baseball’s lowest ranked team.

Cory Spangenberg, Jose Pirela and Manuel Margot all have been great for the Padres in the second half, but that’s just about all the good news San Diego has to offer fans. Wil Myers is the highest-paid player on the roster, and he ranks 10th on the team in WAR, and the big money in his $83 million contract extension hasn’t even kicked in yet.

USA Today: 26th

So basically, USA Today is acknowledging that the Padres aren’t as bad as many thought. But at the same time, they’re wishing them luck. They do indeed have a very difficult road ahead.

24 of their final 48 games are against the Dodgers, Nationals, Diamondbacks and Rockies.

More from Friars on Base

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• Jurickson Profar free agency update likely rules out Padres reunion
• Fernando Tatis Jr. may not take to outfield move after Xander Bogaerts addition
• Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny Machado
• Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher

Sports Illustrated: 29th

Only the 43-72 Phillies rank lower on this list. The most likely explanation? San Diego’s minus 155 run differential. For a team only 15 games under .500, that is quite awful. It just speaks to how often the Padres have lost lopsided games, which really doesn’t look good in the eyes of power rankers.

Bleacher Report: 27th

Even Joel Reuter dropped the Friars a bit in this weeks rankings, taking them from 25th to 27th. Losing to the Reds certainly doesn’t help.

Next: Tony Gwynn: How legendary was Mr. Padre?

San Diego returns home this week to face the Phillies for three and the Nationals for four. This homestand presents another opportunity to move up the rankings. Hopefully the Padres can take advantage.