2008 San Diego Padres Picks & Predictions
May 22, 2008
The Padres just missed out on the postseason in 2007, losing a wild 13-inning wild card tiebreaker game to the Rockies. The Rockies went on to advance to the World Series. Can the Padres get back to the postseason for the third time in the past four seasons? Find out in Dave’s 2008 San Diego Padres predictions.
Pitching
Jake Peavy took home the honor of the best pitcher in the NL by collection a Cy Young award in 2007. He led the bigs in ERA and strikeouts, and led the NL with 19 wins. Chris Young was a fellow All-Star, though you couldn’t tell judging by his 9-8 record. Injuries limited him in the second half. With both of these guys healthy, the Padres have a one-two punch to rival any in the game. Greg Maddux won 14 games last season proving that he still has some mileage left on his arm. The Padres signed Mark Prior and Randy Wolf in hopes of shoring up the rotation. Both guys are coming off shoulder surgery. If healthy, the Padres’ staff looks good on paper, but there is no question that this staff will not be able to hold up if history is any indicator.
The pen has the all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman. It is apparent that he had lost a step, but he is still better than three-fourths of the closers around the league.
Offense
This is where the Padres really struggle, and while playing in a pitcher-friendly park helps the pitching staff, it really hinders an already lackluster offense. Brian Giles is one player which has suffered from playing at Petco. Kevin Kouzmanoff is one of the best hitters on the Padres, but you may not be impressed by his 18 homeruns and 74 RBIs he posted last season. He is young and we expect big things from him. Adrian Gonzalez was able to bust out for 30 homeruns and 100 RBIs last season despite several lengthy slumps. San Diego picked up Jim Edmonds to further bolster an order which needs a lot of help. Khalil Green broke out for 27 homers and 97 RBIs last year and must prove that it wasn’t a fluke.
Defense
Shortstop, Khalil Greene posted a career-best .984 fielding percentage in 2007. Tadahito Iguchi gives the Pads a solid defender, but they really want some offensive production from this spot. Third base has been a weak spot for the Padres, but Kouzmanoff changes all that. Gonzalez is a very aggressive defender at first base with great range. Jim Edmonds makes the outfield respectable. Michael Barrett is a solid catcher, but the Padres are waiting for him to show the power he showed at times in Chicago.
The Padres’ starting pitching will keep this team several games above .500, but with the Dodgers, Rockies, and Diamondbacks improving, it looks like the playoffs will be out of the question.
Dave Price’s MLB picks have been beating the books for years. No other handicapper in the world has recorded 10 consecutive winning seasons. There is only one man to trust for MLB Winners and you’ve found him.
Odds to win NL West: 20/1
Odds to win 2008 NL Pennant: 8/1
Odds to win 2008 World Series: 11/4
NL West
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