Padres News: Betting Expert Reflects on Preseason Friars Hype

Maybe it was a little too high.

The story of the San Diego Padres thus far into the 2023 season had been ‘Just wait until they figure it out.’ Their offense was nonexistent the first couple of weeks and back then, this was a viable statement. A number of their guys were getting comfortable following some offseason injuries, the pitch clock had been introduced and Fernando Tatis Jr. wasn’t even in the lineup yet.

However, we’re now about to head into July and San Diego boasts a 37-41 record and the wild card race is growing further away from them. Star infielder Manny Machado assured just a few weeks ago that the Friars were not worried about their low RISP and that it would work itself out. But it has yet to as they remain amongst the bottom of the league in that category.

San Diego is coming off a less than ideal series loss to the worst team in the National League in the Washington Nationals as they just could not find their bats. And that was not something we expected to happen to them coming into the year… just listen to everything that was being said during FanFest.

That preseason hype was just something else and hindsight also hinders a lot of previous visions but Fox Sports’ Sam Panayotovich took a look at the Friars from a betting standpoint right now and views them as a squad that has greatly underperformed.

Padres Right Fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. reacts to the series loss to the Washington Nationals, and talks about how important the upcoming road trip is for the Friars. pic.twitter.com/lBCxu3Z0Dr

— Chase Izidoro (@chaseizi) June 26, 2023

“However, the Padres might be in real trouble.The Fathers are an alarming 20-20 at Petco Park this season. And that loaded lineup we mentioned earlier? It’s scored the least amount of runs (332) in the NL West. Guys are coming on a little bit lately. Soto had a real tough first month, but he’s been much better. Same with Machado, and obviously Tatis Jr. is back in the mix. The Padres have a lot of brand names and big-time hitters, but something is off there. San Diego’s preseason hype was a little too high."

(Via Fox)

A big turnaround can always still be in the works but it’s looking like some trades will have to go down for that to happen.