Padres News: Fernando Tatis Makes Shocking Admission About Season

He said WHAT?

Playing their best baseball of the season in late September, many Padres fans expected more from the team earlier on in the season. 

Despite some lofty preseason expectations, perhaps the spotlight was too bright for the team according to one of San Diego's marquee stars. Right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. opened up about the pressure of meeting expectations entering the season

“All the expectations and knowing the group that we were,” Tatis said. “All the good players and the hype. People were excited. Coming in as a group together, I feel like we put a little bit of pressure on ourselves. Too much. Not trying to perform, but trying to

make

it happen. … I feel like we learned our lesson. It taught us a lot as a group. It means cut the eyewash. Just come in as a group knowing what you need to do. Go out there, play the game, make yourself feel like a kid again. This is the hardest game in the world. Adding that pressure is just overwhelming.”

via AJ Cassavell, MLB.com

Envisioning a World Series trophy after an amazing offseason, the Friars had plenty of eyes on them and analysts pegging them for at least a division title in 2023. 

It's been anything but sunshine and rainbows on the field even with the favorable weather in San Diego most of the year. 

While the path the NL West is gone, hope for a Wild Card berth isn't lost for the talented roster as they've won their past eight games and nine of their last 10.

If San Diego pulls off the impossible much of that can be attributed to a more carefree attitude that's led to their best baseball of the season. 

After failing to win even four games in a row before this streak, all the momentum appears to be on San Diego's side now. 

If they secure a Wild Card place once more, anything can truly happen in October as we saw just last year.