Padres fans not the time to panic yet ! Kyle Blanks and James Darnell can adequately fulfill the absence of Chase Headley for a month or so. The key is to give both Blanks and Darnell ample at-bats. There is no reason to move Jedd Gyorko over to 3b. Allow Gyorko to get settled in at 2b and at the same time give Cody Ransom a shot at 3b while Darnell heals. The worst case scenario could be that Darnell proves he can handle the hot corner and presents the Padres with an unique problem. The boys just need to break even during the first month and stay within 3-5 games from 1st place.

In my opinion, the key is the pitching staff and if the staff can keep the boys in the games, a hit here and there might just be enough to pull out some games early on in the season. The Padres can ill-afford to lose another pitcher from the staff or bullpen. It appears the Andrew Cashner will be starting the season out of the pen. This is a good thing, the ability to shut down other teams from the 7th inning on is very important in getting off to a good manageable start to the season. Though, Padres’ GM Josh Byrnes will have to make a trade before the season or just shortly after Opening Week.

Keep up the Faith Padres Fans, I know many of you are frustrated with the string of bad luck but eventually things will become better. Let’s hope so ! Would be nice to see a very competitive and high energy team performing at Petco Park on a nightly basis for the San Diegans. Ahhh, It’s that time again ! A video of Blues Musician Joe Bonamassa titled “Happier Times”. As we the fans of the Padres, are looking ahead to Happier Times at Petco Park !