2008 MLB Preview: NL West

As for the bullpen, well there aren’t any significant changes to the Giants relief corps. Brad Hennessey, Tyler Walker (who seemed to return nicely from Tommy John surgery—2-0, 1.26 ERA), and Brian Wilson (6/7 in saves, 2.28 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 23 innings) will all be back at the end of the bullpen while Jack Taschner seems to have earned himself a spot with his performance this spring. Vinnie Chulk needs to be healthy if he expects to make this team, while Steve Kline needs to be effective. Meanwhile, a handful of hopefuls are left to compete for a limited amount of spots in the bullpen, which could be determined by those that are out of minor-league options (Merkin Valez and Erick Threets).

Whatever happens in the bullpen however, the Giants will now be forced to reap the results of their decision not to chase a ‘big-name’ reliever this past off-season, but with a ‘big-name’ pain in their rear-view mirror, at least the Giants can concentrate on being a team now instead of being the 24 “other guys”.

2008 Prediction: 72-90, fifth in NL West.

San Diego Padres (2007 Results: 89-74, third in NL West): I’ll tell you what worries me about the Padres: Age and health.

Sure, if he’s healthy Jim Edmonds could be a factor, but word out of camp is that he’ll start the season on the DL, which is just super. I mean, that’s what you really want isn’t it? A former Gold Glover, and a guy who could get you 20 home runs sitting on the bench with a sore calf.

Then you’ve got Brian Giles, who could be hitting leadoff for this team (I mean, he did pretty well in the role last year) but he’s recovering from off-season knee surgery.

So with two aging, fragile starting outfielders on your roster, who steps up?

Well, Mr. Clutch (Scott Hairston) gives me some hope. This guy had bounced around the league for a bit, but once he landed in San Diego, he hit eight homers in 31 games, and hit a career-high .287, and he’s also a candidate to hit lead-off. He brings versatility to the outfield, so here’s hoping he can harness that offensive power for another year.

Youngster Chase Headley is trying to make the switch from third base to the outfield, which would give the Padres two strong hitting players with the ability to play third base (Headley and Kevin Kouzmanoff).

But then it becomes a mess of names: Chip Ambres, who’s seen time with the Royals and Mets is being considered, as well as MLB vets Jeff Davannon, Jody Gerut, and Paul McAnulty, who’s looking to finally earn an extended stay on the Padres’ roster. All of these guys have the ability to fit in, but the problem with the outfield, is where the offense is going to come from.

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