For the 2010 season, San Diego Padres General Manager Jed Hoyer took over to make the disappointing team in 2009, better.
Hoyer made some decent additions, such as Jerry Hairston Jr., Jon Garland, and Matt Stairs in order bring this team around (well, at least do better than their 87 loss season).
But they are already 16-9.
Jon Garland was brought in to be the No. 1 starter, replacing Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy, and he has been performing above expectations.
Matt Stairs was to be a pinch hitter.
Hairston Jr., yeah well, he can do pretty much play every position and hit while switching around on the field.
But it isn’t only these players that is leading the Padres to a winning record (as of May 2, 2010).
Everyone on the Pads has chipped in to help the cause.
One of the key factors is Kevin Correia, who has 4 wins.
Wade LeBlanc has been on fire lately.
Matt Latos has the talent, but he has an excuse because he came from Single A ball in 2009 and made the jump to the big league team.
Clayton Richard has an ERA of 3.00, which is acceptable.
Garland, Correia, LeBlanc, Richard, and Latos are solid five starters, especially for a team with a low budget.
Scott Hairston and Adrian Gonzalez provide the power for this ballclub. Adrian Gonzalez hits 40 HRs playing 81 games at Petco Park, so he has that raw power, especially away from home.
Need speed? Well Tony Gwynn Jr. is perfect for that job, and he can patrol CF as well.
The closing spot has been filled with Heath Bell, who has proven to be one of the best in the game.
There is that veteran presence in the clubhouse and World Series Champion David Eckstein on the team.
The 2008 Rays and the 2010 Padres might not be similar, but they somewhat remind of each other, because both of the teams in their respective seasons, were predicted to be one of the worst in baseball.
Look at the 2008 Rays: they won the AL Pennant.
Same for this year’s Padres? This is one of the sleeper teams that is for real.
Looks like the 35-year-old Hoyer isn’t looking to rebuild now, he is looking to win.
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