Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The San Diego Padres currently have a record of 50-58 and are eight games back in the NL West. However, they are showing they are contenders by landing Ian Kennedy from the Arizona Diamondbacks, according to USA Today Sports.
Kennedy currently has a record of 3-8 with a 5.23 ERA, but the starting pitcher did win 21 games just two seasons ago.
Arizona gets Joe Thatcher in the deal, along with a minor league player and a draft pick. This will definitely help the Diamondbacks’ bullpen out, as Thatcher has a 2.10 ERA this year. Arizona has a realistic shot at making the playoffs this season since they are only 3.5 games back in the NL West.
Although the Padres have a lot of work to do if they plan on making the playoffs, Kennedy is a good pickup. However, hopefully he can regain his old stuff and make an impact for this team. Fans may love seeing home runs go out of the park, but good starting pitching is always huge for any contending baseball team.
As the trade deadline nears, this has been the biggest trade of the day.
I have always found it odd how some teams trade within the division, but Arizona and San Diego would likely not agree with me–since they are in the same division and all.
It would be hard to see San Diego making the playoffs at this point, but it is riding a four-game winning streak and the Padres could certainly turn things around in a hurry if they keep on winning. Plus, it would be hard to see Los Angeles staying this hot for the rest of the season–currently lead the NL West and are on quite the tear.
Whether the case, don’t count out San Diego just yet.
If you’re a tweeter, feel free to follow me @TheTrevorLowry.
