As the 2010 Cactus League Spring Training Season winds down on Sunday, Opening Day is only 6 days away. I feel very comfortable and satisfied with the talent level the Padres Franchise has displayed throughout this Spring Training. Padres’ GM Jed Hoyer might pull the trigger to make a trade before Opening Day. If Matt Stairs makes the club, one player on the 40 man roster needs to go, with that being said maybe a trade is in the works. In either case, Hoyer and Black will make the best decision for the club as I have no doubt about this. I equate the Padres talent level at this moment like Joe C. Public having a two bags of silver coins. He has precious metals that have enormous upside potential and is only buying time to allow that investment to flourish.

Prediction: 2010 National League West Standings

1. Arizona Diamondbacks
2. San Diego Padres
3. Colorado Rockies
4. Los Angeles Dodgers
5. San Francisco Giants

I probably just blown away a few readers with my prediction, though remember the Padres have the most promising talent rising through the farm system. This is the first time in years, literally years the Padres have some talent in Triple A  and Double A to come up and make an impact on the parent club. My sleeper is Wade LeBlanc, even though Wade might not be on the Opening Day roster. Wade has the potential be a rock solid lefty on the rotation along with Clayton Richard. In any major league starting pitching staff, you can never have too many lefties and the Padres are fortunate to have a few spread among the parent club, Triple A and Double A. I foresee LeBlanc winning 10 games as a fill-in starter throughout the season.

A befitting way to wrap-up this post, is a music video by Blues Artist Lonnie Brooks titled “Trading Post” as Padres’ GM Jed Hoyer and staff will most likely be busy in the final days of forming the Opening Day roster with a few moves.