UT San Diego - The Padres' inconsistency has been a defining trait. In certain games, especially early this season, they have crushed their opponents. In others, particularly this month, they have vaguely resembled a bug splattered against a windshield.
Saturday, they were shaky both on the mound and at the plate as Nationals ace Max Scherzer recorded a season-high 11 strikeouts over seven shutout innings. The first three passed without a hit.
"He doesn’t have a 1.7 ERA for nothing (Scherzer improved to 4-3 with a 1.75 ERA)," Padres manager Bud Black said. "This guy’s pretty damn good."
Meanwhile, Andrew Cashner saw a remarkable run at Petco Park come to a swift end. The Padres right-hander, dating back to June 11, 2013, had allowed two or fewer earned runs in 21 consecutive starts at home, a major league record.
Is Bud Black or any of his staff on the hot seat? Will anyone get chopped if they lose today? I don't think so but also wouldn't be shocked if something happens. The reality is that the team is .500 and that ain't terrible and it ain't good. It all comes down to ownerships expectations and/or patience. I do think this Padres squad is on a much different clock for patience than any other team because of the financial and strategic position they decided to head down this offseason.
The other reality is that the team is not far out of a playoff spot either and I'm a big believer in just getting in the dance. Just get in and see what happens because division titles are meaningless unless you do something in October. Also this team is not catching the Dodgers this year in the west. When the Dodgers get fully healthy and Kershaw realizes he's Kershaw that team will be a monster.
The other reality is something has to change in order to make the team better. I would like to see Spangenberg get the consistent nod at second and have Myers play 1st when he gets healthy. Stick Venable in Center and maybe find a solid veteran SS (Not Tulo) close to the trade deadline. A Shortstop that's focus is on defense and can situational get a hit or move a runner in the right spot. Just have no clue who that is or who will be available in 30 days. AJ has his work cut out for him because he doesn't have many assets on the farm to move.
This next stretch of games is vital to the season of the Padres. Cubs/Dodgers/Angels upcoming series' will dictate how ownership plays out the remainder of the 2015 season.
Official Prediction: Mark Kotsay gets whacked just to whack someone to wake up the team.
Bud Black has until June 1 to get the team consistent or he will also be shown the door.
P.S. Can someone please score a run or 2 whenever Cashner starts?
P.P.S. Anyone seen Matt Kemps power? Praying the dude runs into one soon. He needs a BIG breakout series against the Dodgers coming up. Average/Defense/RBI's are all fine but he needs some big hits and big spots to get the team on the right track. Team needs him as a leader ASAP.
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