If you're one of those people who's waiting for the Padres to realize they're, well, the Padres and start losing again, it's time to have faith. I'm here to help you find it.
The Padres are off to a 16-9 start. Only once have they had a better record after 25 games (1998, when the went to the World Series). In two other seasons they've started 16-9. One was 1984 (went to the World Series). The other was 1996 (won the division). Can you see where we're going with this? I'm not saying the Padres are destined for the playoffs. I'm simply saying this is not a fluke, it's a good baseball team.
Don't forget how they finished last season. The local nine had a winning record over the final two months of 2009. They brought back all the key players from that team and added All-Star starter Jon Garland and veteran hitter Matt Stairs, getting instantly better. But even more exciting than the hot start is the way the Padres are playing.
They steal bases (tops in the National League). They take extra bases on balls in the gap. They occasionally hit for power. Their pitchers get a bunch of strikeouts and give up very few runs. They even play solid (occasionally spectacular) defense. Yes, this is a complete team with an underrated manager at the helm. Bud Black is pulling all the right strings.
I suppose it's a long-winded way of saying, start paying attention to this team because it's going to be a very fun Summer.
