Atlanta Braves at the Quarter Pole: projecting the rest of the season
The Braves will overtake this high-profile team
SAN DIEGO PADRES
Yes. I’m saying it: the San Diego Padres will not make the playoffs. Even now, the Reds are breathing down their necks for that last Wild Card spot.
Their envied pitching depth has evaporated and youngsters have not been able to save them. But that’s only part of their real problem… which has nothing to do with whether Fernando Tatis Jr. can stay on the field.
It’s their schedule. It’s horrid. It makes the Mets’ calendar look like something purchased from a local Hallmark store… and they’re already losing the “easy” games, dropping 6 of their last 7 to Miami, Arizona, and Colorado.
Next on their docket is Philadelphia. Then it’s the Dodgers and Angels.
Afterward, a final visit with Arizona might be a respite, but then things get really ugly to complete the season:
- Houston, Angels at home.
- Dodgers, Giants, Cardinals on the road
- Giants, Braves at home
- Dodgers and Giants (again) on the road
It’s the worst schedule in the majors… and comes at the worst time of the year.
Not only do I expect the Padres to lose their Wild Card ticket, I believe they finish the year below the Reds, Braves, and Phillies. The schedule is that brutal… and the schedules of others are much better.
So the Mets and Padres both miss the playoffs? That news won’t be taken well on either coast. In fact, the Mets new owner is already unhappy:
"Steven Cohen on Twitter: “It’s hard to understand how professional hitters can be this unproductive.The best teams have a more disciplined approach.The slugging and OPS numbers don’t lie.” / Twitter"
Likewise, the Padres’ ownership isn’t going to be happy either… I can’t wait for the changes that could happen to both of these teams this Winter: it could be a human resources nightmare.