San Diego Padres News: Toughest NL West team to predict

The San Diego Padres upcoming season rides on the health of their rotation and superstar shortstop; therefore, MLB tabs them as the toughest team to predict.

Two weeks from today, I will be heading out to Arizona for the conclusion of spring training – oh, and to visit my Dad, who lives in Phoenix – and will coincide with the end of the San Diego Padres exhibition games. However, I do plan on seeing the Chicago White Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks play their final spring training game at Chase Field, so yay baseball?

A lot went right for the Padres in the first half of last year that could have potentially sparked the team for a playoff spot down the stretch. But due to Fernando Tatis Jr.‘s season-ending back injury and some lackluster plays from key members of the team, they finished with a 70-92 record.

Looking ahead to this season, the Friars look sound on paper with a lineup featuring several big names as well as a rotation loaded with young talent. Health will be the keyword stressed all year long, as another extended absence from Tatis or injuries to the rotation could derail another chance at postseason play.

Therefore, MLB.com has pegged the Padres as the most unpredictable team in the NL West Division.

Other News

• Abraham Almonte has become a personal fan favorite, and he survived the first wave of cuts. Our friends at Friar Faithful Chronicle ask the question, “Could Abraham Almonte Break Camp With the Padres?” I think they make an excellent point in their piece that being a switch-hitter is a huge advantage for Almonte to potentially earn playing time.
• Did everyone see Tatis drop that bunt single yesterday for an RBI? Apparently, he made that decision on his own, noting how far back the third baseman was playing. It was risky with two outs, but he does things that nobody can explain.
• Garrett Richards pitched 3.1 innings yesterday, allowing four hits but struck out four as well. He was credited with an unearned run after an error set up a sacrifice fly off Craig Stammen. Richards continued to note how good he feels, “I’m healthy, and I feel good. That’s a little new for me. I’m taking spring training the same way I always do, trying to build into it.” He’s going to be one of the biggest keys to the Padres success this year.
• Jake Cronenworth‘s role on the 2020 roster remains a bit unclear, but it sounds like he won’t be attempting to pitch. The two-way player can really bring it, but he’s in a heated battle for either a backup role or the starting second baseman. I would also imagine that MLB’s new rule of the three-batter minimum would have a big influence on him pitching meaningful innings.
• Taylor Trammell has “a bit of a leg issue” after getting up slowly on a diving catch attempt. An extended absence would just about end his bid to make the big league roster.
• MLB Network stopped at Peoria Sports Complex as part of their 30 clubs in 30 days, and Tatis noted that everyone is buying into Jayce Tingler’s system. “He brings a plan, and everybody’s working together.
• MLB Pipeline ranked the Padres’ farm system as the second-best in baseball behind only the Tampa Bay Rays.
• MLB is temporarily closing off media access to the clubhouse amid the coronavirus outbreak.

A little more news than usual today.