San Diego Padres Underperforming at 19-19

By Jordan Long

The San Diego Padres sit at 19-19, 3rd in the National League West Division.  This is not the record the Padres thought they would have at this point.

            The Padres’ 26-man payroll is around $207.616 million, 3rd largest in MLB and the most in the National League West.  This was a team that expected to be one of the best teams not only in the National League Division, but all of baseball.  They have a pitching rotation that includes Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove, and Blake Snell.  These pitchers were expected to keep them in games.

            At the plate, the Padres’ offense was going to carry them.  Their lineup included Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, and Fernando Tatis, Jr.  All of them can smack the ball for base hits to score runs.  It seemed like this team was posed to be one of the best teams in baseball.

            Right now, the team is underperforming at 19-19. According to Cbssports.com, Manager Bob Melvin said, “We have guys that can perform better. We’re going to, but it’s time to quit just talking about it. It’s time to go out there and do it. Another frustrating game for us. Underperforming.”

            The Padres’ offense hasn’t come alive so far.  They have a total batting average of .230, 26^th in all of baseball. The only good part about their offense is the fact they are smacking the baseball over the fence for home runs, totaling 43, 12^th in baseball.  The offense must produce more to make it tougher on the opponents’ pitching. Adding more traffic on the bases will do that.

            Pitching wise, their total team ERA is 4.00, 12^th in MLB. Starting pitching stands at 4.05.  For the most part, Melvin can trust his starting pitching.  He knows when a pitcher doesn’t have it, he can take him out. 

            The bullpen, though, has been a weak spot for the Padres.  Anytime Melvin brings in a reliever, they can’t seem to get out of an inning.  They give up runs which either helps a team come back or adds to the Padres’ deficit.  The Padres’ bullpen ERA is at 3.92 18^th in MLB. They have also had 21 save opportunities but only 13 saves, meaning the Padres bullpen has blown 8 games.

            The Padres shouldn’t panic.  Sure, they are playing .500 baseball but it’s only May.  The Padres want to do some damage in the MLB postseason.   There is still time to turn around their season and be an improved ball club.