MLB 2008 - San Diego Padres Preview

The following is a preview and roundtable discussion about the 2008 San Diego Padres. The interviews were conducted by freelance writer Rob Stone with XX Sports Radio San Diego talk-show host Billy Ray Smith, XTRA-Sports Radio 1360 San Diego talk-show host Chris Ello, NBC 7/39 San Diego Sports Director Jim Laslavic, KFMB News 8 San Diego weekend sports-anchor John Howard, and KGTV 10 News San Diego Sports Director Ben Higgins.

ROB STONE: Can the San Diego Padres once again be a factor in the race for the National League West title?

BILLY RAY SMITH: There's no question that this Pads team has got to be considered as one of the favorites to win the West. Their pitching will be their backbone and the young bats should spark an offensive effort not seen since Air Coryell.

CHRIS ELLO: Only if Jim Edmonds and Brian Giles reprise some of their glory years from earlier in this decade.

JIM LASLAVIC: Yes. The pitching staff could be the best in the National League. Plus, Bud Black showed he knows how to handle the pitchers. And keep in mind, the way he managed the one-game playoff was brilliant. They're better offensively at second base and in centerfield. Kevin Kouzmanoff won't hit .120 over the first six weeks of the season again.

JOHN HOWARD: Yes. But, they will once again not have the team they need to win in the postseason. For three years now, this club has failed to get the
offensive players it needs to make a run in the postseason. And who gives a flying frogs fat fanny about a big homerun bat. With Petco Park, I want to see three or four guys in the lineup hitting for average, with speedsters running the bases and manufacturing runs like the St. Louis Cardinals of the 1980's.

BEN HIGGINS: Unless they suffer major injuries to the pitching staff, San Diego will be a factor for years to come.

ROB STONE: Can Jake Peavy put together another Cy Young season?

BILLY RAY SMITH: Would you like to tell him he can't? Me neither.

CHRIS ELLO: Yes. But, it's unlikely. The only way Peavy's in the Cy Young race is if the Padres can win 89 games again this season.

JIM LASLAVIC: Why not? He's a year stronger and smarter.

JOHN HOWARD: Yes. Absolutely. But, can he win in the postseason?

BEN HIGGINS: In the future, definitely, but after throwing so many pitches last year, I expect a small step back for Peavy in 2008.

ROB STONE: Can Chris Young return to his first-half form of 2007?

BILLY RAY SMITH: Young is an incredible talent. He'll learn from last year, improving his chances to stay healthy this season.

CHRIS ELLO: Maybe not quite that good.

JIM LASLAVIC: He appears healthy. Why not?

JOHN HOWARD: Sure. But, can San Diego hit and score enough runs for him? No. Not enough to make a postseason run, if they get there.

BEN HIGGINS: I'm expecting a big season from Young. The Padres will have two bona-fide aces this year.

ROB STONE: Does Greg Maddux have another year left in him?

BILLY RAY SMITH: I'm going to pretend you didn't just ask me that question.

CHRIS ELLO: Yes. He knows how to pitch and how to take care of himself. We're looking at the smartest pitcher of all-time.

JIM LASLAVIC: Especially with Bud Black using him judiciously.

JOHN HOWARD: I don't know. Last year, when it came to granting interview requests there was no gas in the tank.

BEN HIGGINS: Maddux will once again put up similar numbers to last season. Around 180 innings, very few walks, and if he gets some run support, he'll win 12-16 games.

ROB STONE: Will Mark Prior make a successful comeback?

BILLY RAY SMITH: Prior has the benefit of a star-studded rotation and bullpen from which to learn. Something amazing (scary, for the opponents) happens when a true competitor is backed into a corner.

CHRIS ELLO: I have a funny feeling that he will.

JIM LASLAVIC: It appears so. He's ahead of schedule on his rehab. Imagine Prior, even at 90%, as the fifth starter. And don't forget Shawn Estes and Randy Wolf.

JOHN HOWARD: I think it's doubtful. But knowing Towers, it wouldn't surprise me in the least. I'm hoping Prior is his prior self because I love seeing the local guys do well.

BEN HIGGINS: So far, so good. Prior could give San Diego a big lift in the second half of the season with a fresh arm.

ROB STONE: Does Trevor Hoffman have another good year left in him?

BILLY RAY SMITH: See the last line of my previous answer.

CHRIS ELLO: See Maddux answer above.

JIM LASLAVIC: Yes. There might be some concern late in the season.

JOHN HOWARD: Yes. I think this is his last one.

BEN HIGGINS: Hoffman will blow a couple saves in April. Some fans will say he's done and that they should make Heath Bell the closer. Then, Hoffy will save 20 or 30 in a row without a mistake. It's the same story every year.

ROB STONE: Is Scott Hairston the everyday answer in left field?

BILLY RAY SMITH: I like Hairston. He was a brilliant addition last year. If he can do the same consistently this season---watch out.

CHRIS ELLO: He is if he can keep up with his 8 home runs in 89 at-bats pace of a year ago, which he can't do.

JIM LASLAVIC: Probably not. But, it's a long season. Kevin Towers always seems to come up with something. Maybe Tony Clark can help in left. Heck, he has to be better than Ryan Klesko.

JOHN HOWARD: Have all the Scott Hairston's since Greg Vaughn been the everyday answer in left field.

BEN HIGGINS: I don't think so. I think Chase Headley will be the Padres starting left fielder by the All-Star Break.

ROB STONE: Can Jim Edmonds replace Mike Cameron in centerfield?

BILLY RAY SMITH: Edmonds will make all the circus catches and then some and do it with half the strikeouts.

CHRIS ELLO: For a few highlight-reel plays, he can. At the plate, he'll be just like Cameron, capable of three strikeouts on any given night.

JIM LASLAVIC: Yes. Cameron's defense was off last year. Edmonds should be an upgrade.

JOHN HOWARD: I think he already has, hasn't he? Edmonds is the Mike Piazza of two years ago. It will be fun to have him around. I look forward to a couple throw back highlight-reel catches in centerfield this season. But, I'm in no way excited about the long-term prospects of this off-season acquisition.

BEN HIGGINS: Not very well. Edmonds will need to have a great season to make up for Cameron's offense. Defensively, he'll be fine, but he'll struggle trying to cut off some longer drives into the gap because his speed isn't what it once was.