Colorado Rockies opponent insider preview: San Diego Padres

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Wil Myers always torments the Colorado Rockies /

Today, we continue our look around the National League West at the opponents who will be battling the Colorado Rockies for the division crown. This time, we’re stopping in San Diego to visit with our FanSided colleagues from Friars On Base, co-experts Tim Ryder and Nicholas Stevens.

We are asking them for their predictions on the season as well as the players who could post problems for the Rockies in 2018.

Rox Pile: Who do you see as the “surprise player” for the Padres this season and why?

NS: I believe Dinelson Lamet is this year’s surprise player. He seems to have great command of his new curveball and doesn’t get knocked around the second time through a lineup. As long as he can cut down on his more than 4 BB/9, he could really break out in 2018.

TR: My surprise guy is Luis Perdomo. Even though he’s had a tough spring, I have a feeling he’ll really break out this year.

Rox Pile: What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of the team?

NS: The strength is going to be the defense. Adding Eric Hosmer and Freddy Galvis were huge, Austin Hedges is one of the best in baseball at his position, and Manuel Margot can fly.

Pitching is obviously the biggest weakness, but there’s so many second- and third-year players that we just aren’t sure how they’re going to pan out offensively so getting on base may be an issue again in 2018.

TR: Defense, as Nick said, should figure to be a huge strength. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this team climb into the top-five in National League home runs as a team either, as the power quotient has certainly increased.

I feel that the weakness on this team will be the back-end of the rotation. Whether it’s shored up on an as-needed basis or by committee, I just don’t see enough consistency or experience to have that much faith in their long-term outlook.

PEORIA, AZ – FEBRUARY 21: Eric Hosmer #30 of the San Diego Padres poses on photo day during MLB Spring Training at Peoria Sports Complex on February 21, 2018 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Rox Pile: What’s your prediction on Eric Hosmer and his impact on the team?

NS: I think he settles in nicely and proves to be a great fit for the Friars. His biggest impact will be taking the pressure off guys like Wil Myers and Margot who won’t have to be the leaders and instead can just go play.

TR: Obviously, his on-base capabilities will have boatloads of positive effects on the offense, and his fielding skills are fantastic, but the intangibles he brings to the table for such a young team will be the biggest impact he has this year and into the future, in my opinion.

Rox Pile: Will Myers always seems to kill the Rockies. Do you see big things ahead for him in 2018?

NS: Yes, because of my answer to question three. He has protection in the lineup, a healthy and eager Margot in front of him and he won’t have to worry about the “can you lead this ball club” distraction.

TR: I do, repeating Nick’s sentiments exactly. Myers may not be the guy, that’s a fair point. Hosmer providing him with more than just protection in the lineup should take a ton of pressure off of Myers, resulting in a big year, hopefully.

Rox Pile: What’s your prediction for the Padres this season?

NS: I’m going 75 wins. Pitching will hold them back but as long as the team batting and OBP trend upwards and rookies like Joey Lucchesi, Eric Lauer, and Luis Urias hold their own when their promotion comes, fans should consider that a promising season.

Next: Our insider look at the 2018 Los Angeles Dodgers

TR: I’m going to go out on a limb here and say heavy-contention for the second Wild Card berth, eventually falling out of the race in mid-September. I also wouldn’t rule out a busy trade deadline if the Friars are in the hunt, either. My boldest prediction is to look for AJ Preller to revisit prior discussions with the Tampa Bay Rays regarding Chris Archer.

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