... that the Padres have been in this spot. They have been to the WS twice. In 1984, they were fortunate to beat the Cubs and make it. In 1998, they made it to the WS and had their best team ever with a shot at winning. But this is the first time they have purse-strings and a farm system with pieces in place to be able to make the moves they did the last couple days. When Tatis is back later this month their line up has three potential MVP level players (Tatis, Soto, Machado). They have 2021 and 2022 all-star Cronenworth, and Josh Bell who deserved to be a 2022 all-star and has been one in the past. Throw in other capable and dangerous players to round out a good bottom half of the order (so 2-3 of the guys who will now be on the bottom of the batting order have been top of the order guys for most of this season for the Padres), and the Padres line up is as good as anyone.

Pitching-wise, their closer is as good as any and their starters and relievers, as a group, are upper tier as well. Exciting times for Padres fans.

Assuming they do not choke and they maintain the wild card spot. They will just have to put up in the play-offs. There will be little margin for error in the 3 game series.