MLB podcaster believes San Diego Padres will be a team to watch out for this season
The San Diego Padres' squad has all the ingredients for a spectacular 2023 season, according to MLB podcaster Jared Carrabis.
The Friars recently added shortstop Xander Bogaerts to their already stellar lineup. He joined the franchise in an 11-year, $280 million deal after spending 10 seasons with the Boston Red Sox. His inclusion adds even more firepower to one of the strongest starting lineups in the MLB this season.
Carrabis wrote:
"The fact that Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts are all on the same team is pretty damn exciting."
The fact that Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts are all on the same team is pretty damn exciting.
In an interview during the Padres Fan Fest 2023, Bogaerts compared his new team to the 2018 World Series-winning Boston Red Sox squad:
"In '18, I won it with a team that was something like this. One through nine, pitching-wise just absolute studs. I think, with this room, it's the same like '18. You have a team that is stacked from top to bottom. Lineup, pitching, bullpen, I just feel like the chemistry has to be there. Because, obviously we have a lot of great players and sometimes that can bring a little conflict.
"But, so for the vibe I have gotten in here in the clubhouse is that everyone seems to really like and enjoy being around each other. So, I am looking forward to it. And as I said, it's an exciting time to be a Padres fan and I can feel it. Just being around the ballpark, and with all the excitement from all the fans just walking around yesterday throughout the city. Our team is pretty loaded and it's going to be a hell of a year."
Last season was only the second postseason appearance for the team since 2006. Fans will be hoping for an even better showing this season.
Fernando Tatis Jr.'s return to the Padres lineup
Fernando Tatis Jr. was speeding toward MLB superstardom but a broken wrist halted his progress. Before he could make his comeback from the four-month layoff, he tested positive for a PED and was suspended by the MLB for 80 games.
While he is fit and raring to go, the shortstop will have to watch the first 20 games of the season from the sidelines before his suspension is lifted. While there are still a few question marks about the San Diego Padres' squad depth, a fully-fit Fernando Tatis Jr. would allay those fears to a great extent.