MLB analyst believes San Diego Padres' stellar lineup hype may be overblown: "I don't know if they're quite as good as we thought"
At the start of the regular season, the San Diego Padres lineup looked formidable. With various star studded players, they were destined to have a good start to the season. However, after six games, the performances put up by them have been underwhelming.
The Padres had a "rocky" start to their opening series as they squandered their first two games to Colorado, where their offense didn't show up. They came back to take the split in the four-game series. In their recent series, they again split with the Arizona Diamondbacks, narrowly winning the first game before an 8-6 loss in the second.
The batting lineup has been underperforming when made a comparison on paper. Juan Soto, Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts are yet to get into their proper groove, although there have been glimpses of their All-Star caliber worth. There are significant problems in the pitching department as well as Padres' relievers have given away crucial runs.
MLB podcaster Ryan Spilborghs felt that the big hype around the San Diego Padres wasn't living up as of yet. The team is yet to make it evident that they are championship contenders.
"Quick observation of the Padres, I don't know if they're quite as good as we thought. I think there are flaws in the system. When it comes to the Padres they did sign Jake Cronenworth to an extension, clearly everyone on the Padres is getting an extension.
"They are a little flawed, Soto wasn't hitting it at all, it is still early. I was [initially] impressed by them but at the end of the day it is Opening Weekend, I have a feeling if we come back to the Padres if they are not shooting for the moon yet, I would be shocked." Spilborghs said.
San Diego Padres upcoming on-road fixtures
The San Diego Padres will play their first road series of the season against the Atlanta Braves, who are currently 4-1 and are leading the National League East. The four-game series is surely going to check the Padres' abilities as they look to solidify their ground.
Things do not get easy for them, as immediately after Atlanta, the Padres will travel to New York to face the Mets in a three-game series.