San Diego Padres

2005 Record: 82-80. 1^st in division.

Anticipated Opening Day Roster:                                              

Lineup

1-Dave Roberts-OF

2-Mark Bellhorn-2B

3-Ryan Klesko-1B

4-Brian Giles-OF

5-Mike Cameron-OF

6-Mike Piazza-C

7-Vinny Casilla-3B

8-Khalil Greene-SS

Starting Rotation

1-Jake Peavy-R

2-Woody Williams-R

3-Chan Ho Park[ii]-R

4-Shawn Estes[iii]-L

5-Chris Young[v]-R

Bullpen

Trevor Hoffman-Closer

Clay Hensley[i]-R

Alan Embree-Lefty Special

Brian Sikorski[iv]-R

Scott Linebrink-R

Tim Stauffer-R-Long Relief

Utility: Eric Young INF/OF, Geof Blum INF, Terrmel Sledge OF, Bobby Hill INF, Doug Mirabelli C,

25^th man contenders: Dewon Brazelton SP, Jason Anderson RP, Steve Andrade RP, Scott Cassidy RP, Eric Valent OF, David Ross C, Adrian Gonzales[vi] 1B, Doug Brocail[vii] RP

Departures: Sean Burroughs 3B, Rudy Seanez RP, Ramon Hernandez C, Xavier Nady OF, Mark Loretta 2B, Adam Eaton SP, Brian Lawrence SP, Dennys Reyes RP,

Additions: Mike Cameron OF, Mike Piazza C, Vinny Castilla, Mark Bellhorn 2B, Dewon Brazelton SP[viii], Doug Mirabelli[ix] C, Terrmel Sledge[x]

Strengths: One of the best lineups in baseball, consistently solid throughout, high OBP in front, power in the middle, good hitters in he back, will be very tough on opposing pitchers. If the Padres can get the ball to the bullpen with a lead in the 7^th, they have a good shot at victory with Linebrink, Hensley and Hoffman. Jake Peavy can be a force in the rotation and provide quality starts consistently. Deep on the bench, a lot of position talent.

Weaknesses: Uncertainty galore behind Jake Peavy in the rotation, Young may have Randy Johnson’s height, but he is very raw and mechanically should have an appointment made with Dr. Frank Jobe. Williams, is a solid #4, not a #2 caliber pitcher. Shawn Estes can look like a frontline pitcher one day and five days later resemble a batting practice hurler. And it is hard to believe Chan Ho Park is getting another shot? The bullpen is very shaky behind Hoffman, Linebrink and Hensley.                        

Foreseen variables: Jake Peavy to win 20 games. Trevor Hoffman to be not quite as dominant and the acquisition of a proven reliever and or starting pitcher

2006 Projection: 1^st in the division, however the playoffs won’t be kind without three solid starting pitchers.