Two weeks into the 2010 Major League Baseball Season, the word is spreading around as the Padres are making a few waves. I know several big time so called experts back east are calling this Padres start a fluke. I would totally disagree with those sentiments that have been formed back there. If anyone has been reading my posts here, I have gone out on the limb to predict the Padres to be the Wild-Card in the National League. Of course, things are going very smoothly right now and it’s the key for this young team, that is to build extreme confidence. Therefore, you have witness some come from behind rallies which translated into wins. Remember, the more wins the Padres accumulate now, the more pressure it’s on the other teams to catch up. Without no doubt, there will be some low points and hopefully the boys will not get flustered. The season is a long grind and no one is immune to slumps, even the Champions have to endure such conditions and weather them the best way they can. The point here is, the Padres are getting national news and coverage from various regions throughout the country.

By far, the pitching staff is the strongest suite of the Padres and there is talent down in the AAA club that is ready to get into the action. Do not be surprised if there is a move or two before May, since LHP Joe Thatcher and RHP Chris Young might be ready for game day action. There has been whispers in the stands, scouts from Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Rays have been in attendance at the Padres games. I figured both franchises might be scouting RHP’s Heath Bell, Mike Adams, and possibly Tim Stauffer. Yes, I know what you the readers might be thinking, Stauffer? If you take a step back and analyze this situation, Stauffer is showing his versatility as a starter and reliever. Remember Linebrink and Meredith?, Stauffer is showing the same consistency as those former peers, during the times Stauffer has been called upon. Do not kid yourself, Stauffer is a valuable commodity as well. Though, I will admit the interest is most likely focused on Heath Bell which leads to the question. Would the Padres Front Office be willing to trade Bell for the right price? Would this have an enormous impact on the team’s goal to win this year and years afterwards? I will go out on the limb again and say this much…. The Padres have Mike Adams and Tim Stauffer at the major league level, and RHP Adam Russell down in AAA. Between these three players, I feel the Padres have some capable and potential closers on their hands. But, if I were part of the Front Office, I would only agree to move Bell if I were to receive an offer from the Rays. Historically, the Tampa Bay Rays minor league talent has been outstanding and they are in need of a legit closer. The following is a trade that I think would benefit both clubs as the Padres would send Heath Bell to the Rays in exchange for RHP Jeremy Hellickson and RHP Alexander Colome.

Thou Shall Not Worry About Others Business
This goes out to Chicago White Sox P Jake Peavy, who was pushing very strong to the Front Office to get Padres 1B Adrian Gonzalez. At that time, during spring training I had said Peavy better concentrate on learning his new league and smaller ballparks. Well, according to FoxSports Baseball Analyst Ken Rosenthal in his around the horn. Ex Padres pitcher Jake Peavy is going to not perform well in the American League according to one executive. That anonymous executive went out on the limb to say Peavy will not make it into the 5th Inning against the likes of Rays, Red Sox’s and Yankees. Guess what? Last night, Peavy lasted 4 1/3 Innings, walking 7 batters, and giving up 7 runs, check it out. I guess you can call it bad karma and Peavy must focus on his team.

Well as I close out this post, a music video which sums up the last two sweeps the Padres had conducted on their divisional rivals. Blues Artist Walter Trout, song titled “Dust My Broom”. Do enjoy Padres Fans ! and Kick some butts Padres in Cincy this weekend.