2nd Half Predictions

[linkmaster]

I was wondering how you guys think the Padres will perform in the 2nd half of the season.
Here's my mid-season recap and 2nd half predictions:

Padres Mid-Season Recap

1st Half record: 47-34

Projected 162-game record: 94-68

Offense: The offense hasn't been required to do much with a dominant Padres pitching staff. Adrian Gonzalez and Khalil Greene are on pace to drive in at least 100 runs but the rest of the lineup has been pretty quiet. Brian Giles recently returned to action after missing 36 games

Pitching: San Diego's starting rotation has been as good as any in baseball so far this season. All-Stars Jake Peavy and Chris Young are the top 1-2 starting duo in baseball as both hurlers have E.R.A.'s of just over two. Spots 3-5 are solid as well. Waiver claim Justin Germano posted a 3.12 E.R.A. in the first half while acclaimed vets Greg Maddux and David Wells have been decent to round out the staff. The bullpen has been just as effective. A variety of setup hurlers are able to get the game to closer Trevor Hoffman who is showing no signs of slowing down.

1st Half Stats and Notes: The Padres are 45-33-3 to the under this season...San Diego is 24-9 in games started by Young and Peavy...The Padres are 7-0 to the under in Young's seven home starts.

Better or Worse in 2nd half? Worse. San Diego is 2-4 to start the second half. While the Padres pitching will likely get them to the post-season again, the lack of offense will slow this team down a little in the stretch drive. The return of Brian Giles is a boost while new additions Michael Barrett and Milton Bradley should also help. Still, the lack of offensive consistency will keep this team from pulling away in the west. The arms will carry this team to the playoffs where San Diego will be a difficult out with the Peavy-Young combo.