Five keys to second-half success

By: Brian Hiro - Staff Writer | Wednesday, July 13, 2005 10:57 PM PDT ∞

WATCH THE FINGER

1B Phil Nevin and 2B Mark Loretta are expected back from injuries in time for next week's trip to New York and Philadelphia. But the Padres are less sure about RHP Adam Eaton, whose recovery from a strained tendon in his middle finger suffered June 15 has taken much longer than anticipated. The digit especially bothers Eaton when he throws breaking balls, which he needs to complement his lively fastball. And the Padres need a healthy Eaton in their rotation, or else will likely be forced to trade for a pitcher.

UNFREEZE THE HOT CORNER

The Padres are running out of patience with 3B Sean Burroughs, who has given them abysmal production (.255 average, one home run, 15 RBIs) at what is traditionally a power position. Long untouchable in trade talks, the former jewel of the Padres' farm system could be dealt or even sent down to the minors if he doesn't quickly find his stroke. If Burroughs sticks in San Diego, don't be surprised if manager Bruce Bochy continues to give third-base starts to Geoff Blum and Damian Jackson, both of whom have better numbers than Burroughs in fewer at-bats.

KEEP THE 'PEN INTACT

As the trade deadline nears, the Padres figure to be swamped with calls from clubs interested in raiding their bullpen. Those entreaties should be rebuffed. Along with their bench, the Padres' relief corps is why they hold their biggest division lead since the end of the 1998 season. With 25 saves, closer Trevor Hoffman just missed making the All-Star team, and he was in that position only because of outstanding support from a quartet of setup men: RHPs Scott Linebrink, Akinori Otsuka and Rudy Seanez and LHP Chris Hammond. They are a combined 13-5, and each of the four has an ERA below 3.00.

STAY PATIENT

While Petco Park continues to swallow potential home runs, the Padres must be content to walk their way to a division title. Only Philadelphia has drawn more bases on balls in the NL than the Padres (341), which helps explain why they rank fifth in the league in runs (4.6 per game) while being 12th in homers (80). Walks may not be sexy, but they drive pitchers batty and help win games. As a bonus, they make club CEO Sandy Alderson, the father of on-base percentage, very happy.

SPRINT TO THE TAPE

The Padres will play 29 of their final 36 games against NL West opponents, including six meetings with third-place Los Angeles, which could be fortified by a major deadline acquisition or two. Imagine the volume of the "Beat L.A." chants at Petco if the race comes down to the three-game series from Sept. 30-Oct. 2.