Play Ball! Padres Open 2008 Season With New Faces

The Padres, the National League West runners-up, weren't satisfied after their disappointing one game playoff loss to Colorado for the wild card spot, so the team made some changes in the offseason. Though the team didn't acquire any free agent superstars, they did shuffle the deck a bit. Gone are enter fielder Mike Cameron, utilityman Geoff Blum, left fielder Milton Bradley, second baseman Marcus Giles and relief pitcher Doug Brocail. Entering the dugout for 2008 are Tad Iguchi at second base, Jim Edmonds in centerfield, pitchers Randy Wolf and Mark Prior, along with Tony Clark. The pitching, led by Jake Peavy, Greg Maddux and Trevor Hoffman, continues to be the team's strengh, though scoring runs in vast Petco Park might still be a challenge. But Opening Day (March 31) always brings new hope and optimism as Peavy and the Pads take on the Houston Astros at Petco Park. So, what to expect when you get to the ballpark? Read my profile of the San Diego Padres right here.