5 Biggest X-Factors For San Diego Padres To Make 2015 MLB Playoffs

By David Miller

5 Biggest X-Factors For San Diego Padres To Make 2015 MLB Playoffs

Justin Upton Matt Kemp — To consider the San Diego Padres a contender for the 2015 MLB Playoffs almost sounds like a joke after the odd season they have had. Where their payroll was supposed to put them ahead of the pack, they have actually dropped nearly completely out of contention. They will need these key factors if they hope to be in position to take advantage another team's collapse headed down the stretch run.

5. Bullpen Must Be Perfect Between Starter and Craig Kimbrel

Craig Kimbrel

5. Bullpen Must Be Perfect Between Starter and Craig Kimbrel

Craig Kimbrel — Though Kimbrel's ERA isn't quite as good as it usually has been in the past, he is still basically automatic in save chances. The Padres' bullpen has to be perfect from this point forward in bridging the gap between the starting pitcher and Kimbrel. There is no margin for error at this point.

4. Matt Kemp Needs To Stay Hot

Matt Kemp

4. Matt Kemp Needs To Stay Hot

Matt Kemp — Kemp has been awesome of late. When he gets hot like he has been, it tends to help his team carry series after series. Down the stretch he might well be the most important offensive player on the team.

3. Justin Upton

Justin Upton

3. Justin Upton

Justin Upton — It's nothing too difficult for Upton at this point. He simply is a streaky hitter, and from this point forward he must provide power and produce runs for the team. The Padres truly have no chance without him.

2. Tyson Ross Needs Shutdown Starts

Tyson Ross

2. Tyson Ross Needs Shutdown Starts

Tyson Ross — James Shields has been great and the pitching staff as a whole has been pretty good. If Ross can add shutdown starts to follow those from Shields, the Padres might be able to string together several wins in a row. That is the only way they could run anyone down at this point.

1. James Shields

James Shields

1. James Shields

James Shields — Shields has been exactly what he was supposed to be for the most part, and he has to be as good as ever from this point down the stretch. Nothing short of near perfection will do for the ace of the staff.

Teams in this article »

San Diego Padres

Share On Facebook

Share