San Diego Padres: 1 strength every NL West team has over the Padres

The first half of the 2023 season is nearing the halfway mark and, for the San Diego Padres, it's been a disappointment to say the least.

Currently in fourth place in the NL West, it's getting close to go-time for the Padres if they are going to make a move in the division and Wild Card standings. Aside from the Colorado Rockies, the rest of the division has separated themselves from San Diego and each team has a strength that is better than Bob Melvin's crew and could be considered one of the many reasons for their 37-41 record.

Here is one important strength that each NL West opponent has over the San Diego Padres

Arizona Diamondbacks have better divisional record than the Padres

You can say that it has been a surprise to see the Diamondbacks pass the Dodgers and sit on the top in the division for as long as they have. Part of the reason for their success is their 17-11 division record, compared to San Diego's 12-13.

This season MLB cut back the number of division games from 19 to 12, which allows each team through both leagues have at least one series against each team to make it more fair. A lot of teams would not admit it, however, they are happy with the schedule change, but for the Padres, it can work out against them.

It may not seem like a lot, but when you're in fourth place, 9.5 games back of Arizona and need to leap two other teams to get there, less divisional games is going to work against San Diego. It may not seem like a lot now, however, the five extra wins they have right now is big in terms of where the two teams are.