Padres News: Bob Melvin Still Has High Expectations for Friars’ Season

Bob Melvin still expects great things from the Padres.

With 40-something games left in the regular season, Bob Melvin still has high expectations for the Padres. He told MLB Network Radio that he still thinks this team can do something special this season.

"Every time we get close we get beat down a little bit," Melvin said. "But we still have high expectations and feel like there’s still a chance with 40-something games left."

With 43 games remaining, the 56-63 @Padres have a lot of ground to make up to secure a postseason spot. Can they do it?#Padres | #BringTheGold pic.twitter.com/iZ0qOatoiX

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) August 15, 2023

The Padres have an uphill battle to make the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Since the Dodgers have run away with the NL West division again, the Padres are competing for one of the National League Wild Card spots. They have 4 teams in front of them in the Wild Card race and need to make up a 4.5-game deficit to reach the postseason.

"We have to make a run," Melvin said. "That’s really been what’s held us back all year. We haven’t won more than three games in a row."

Since the likelihood of the Padres reaching the playoffs is slim, they are playing for pride. The Padres will set an attendance record after their front office spent a ridiculous amount of money on big-name free agents. This hasn’t translated to good performance on the field, however.

Even after AJ Preller bought talent at the deadline, the new acquisitions haven’t helped to improve the play or the chemistry. 

The Padres have offensive problems and lack pitching depth. Melvin may have high expectations for his clubhouse as he manages for a job in 2024, but unless the Padres improve, many people in the organization, including Melvin, may lose their jobs.