The San Diego Padres have seemed to carry momentum over from ending last season on a high note with tied for the best record in the NL at 21-12, the best home record at 11-5 and have the fewest runs scored against them in the majors (101).

Each division in the majors has at least one team to stand out above the rest except the NL West. The injury riddled Rockies have three starting pitchers with an ERA above six and still waiting for closer Houston Street and No.2 pitcher Jorge De La Rosa to get back healthy. Los Angeles began the season a bit sluggish but has come on strong of late winning their last seven out of 10. The Diamondbacks have given up a MLB worst 215 runs and the Giants have struggled against their division with a 3-8 record. As for the Padres, they swept Arizona and San Francisco in back-to-back series and have their second best start in franchise history.

There are many instrumental factors that have gotten the Padres to this point and some stand out above the rest. With that being said, the next five reasons if continued by the Padres will keep them in contention and propel them into the playoffs.

Begin Slideshow