The San Diego Padres

The Padres made some significant improvements to their team, but at some cost. They are slowly watching their bullpen dwindle away while their rotation and lineup get stronger. In 2014 the Padres are likely to finish last in the standings, but their record should improve.

The lineup for the Padres will remain basically the same, but the added Seth Smith in a trade with the Oakland Athletics for Luke Gregorson. They also have the hot headed Carlos Quentin and a Chase Headley looking for a rebound of a season. Here is how the lineup will look in 2014.

1. S. Everth Cabrera    SS 113 OPS+
2. R. Jedd Gyorko       2B 113 OPS+
3. S. Chase Headley    3B 116 OPS+
4. R. Carlos Quentin    RF 145 OPS+
5. L. Seth Smith           LF 103 OPS+
6. R. Nick Hundley        C 94 OPS+
7. L. Yonder Alonso    1B 106 OPS +
8. R. Chris Denorfia      CF 111 OPS+

Andrew Cashner 

The starting rotation for the Padres has improved significantly since the start of 2013. In a trade involving Joe Thatcher, the Padres acquired Ian Kennedy. from the Diamondbacks. In this off season the Padres also signed Josh Johnson to a one year deal, making the top of the rotation a respectable one. Here is how the rotation will look for the Padres in 2014.

1. R. Andrew Cashner 111 ERA+
2. R. Ian Kennedy         75 ERA+
3. R. Josh Johnson        66 ERA+
4. R. Tyson Ross        108 ERA+
5. L. Eric Stults             87 ERA+

The closer for the Padres will be Houston Street and set up man will be new edition Joaquin Benoit. The bullpen doesn't have many other big names in it, but the loss of Gregorson and Thatcher will be a big one for the Padres as games are lost in the late innings.