The bullpen of the San Diego Padres appears to be a team strength for 2008
40-year old righty Trevor Hoffman is returning as the closer to add to his all-time major league record of 524 saves. He pitched in 61 games (0 starts) last season for the Padres and he was 4-5 with 42 saves, a 2.98 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. It will be interesting to see how much Hoffman actually has left and whether blowing the last game of last season will have a hangover effect.
30-year old righty Heath Bell was simply dominating last season. He pitched in 81 games (0 starts) for the Padres last season and he was 6-4 with a 2.02 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP. Bell only allowed 60 hits while stiking out 102 batters in only 93.2 innings last season which showed how awesome he was last season. Bell is the heir apparent to Trevor Hoffman in the closers’ role for the Padres.
25-year old righty Cla Meredith took a step back last season but he should rebound in 2008. Meredith pitched in 80 games (0 starts) for the Padres last season and he was 5-6 with a 3.50 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP.
26-year old lefty Joe Thatcher was impressive as a rookie last season. He pitched in 22 games (0 starts) for the Padres last season and he was 2-2 with a 1.29 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP.
27-year old lefty Wil Ledezma also made the final roster for the Padres. He pitched in 44 games (1 start) last season for the Padres, Tigers & Braves and he was 3-3 with a 5.61 ERA and a 1.82 WHIP.
28-year old righty Kevin Cameron will start the season in the minors as he is recovering from a broken thumb on his left hand. As soon as the swelling goes down and he can wear a mitt he will get ready for a promotion by having a little audtion in AAA. He pitched in 48 games (0 starts) for the Padres last season and he was 2-0 with a 2.79 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP. Cameron must tighten up his control a little bit as he walked 36 batters in 58 innings for the Padres last season and that won’t likely be tolerated again.
28-year old lefty Justin Hampson will start the season on the D.L. He pitched in 39 games (0 starts) for the Padres last season and he was 2-3 with a 2.70 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP.
PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2008 SEASON: B+
Pitching has seemed to be a big strength for San Diego over the last couple of seasons. With Trevor Hoffman on the backend, the bullpen is reliable. But so far this year the Padre bats have swung the lumber well as a group. Not known collectively to hit for average, I’ve been surprised for what they have done so far, minus Mike Cameron. I don’t think it will hold up, but a good pitching staff often makes up for lack of run support.