What do we like about the Padres? Their rotation, which is now led by James Shields.
What do we like about the Padres? Their rotation, which is now led by James Shields. (USATSI)

As part of our team-by-team preview package, we'll take a look at three likes and three dislikes for each of the 30 MLB teams. Here’s where the San Diego Padres stand:

LIKES

The starting pitching potential: James Shields isn’t an ace like Clayton Kershaw or even Zack Greinke in terms of stats, but he does a good job leading, producing innings and setting a good example. He’s durable, he works hard, he doesn’t make excuses and he cheers for his teammates. Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross have no-hit stuff. Ian Kennedy as a fourth starter is impressive. New GM A.J. Preller will have trade chips here.

Preller’s proactive nature: Having been on the job since August helped, because he jumped into the offseason and made major changes that, if nothing else, reminded the league the Padres are still there.

The brown uniforms: The Padres should go back to brown and gold, like in the Tony Gwynn days. It’s a unique uniform combination that only the Padres can pull off. They ought to try.

DISLIKES

The lack of a leadoff hitter: Yangervis Solarte might be OK there, and Wil Myers is intriguing, but it’s a weak spot overall.

The defense: In the outfield, it might be a disaster. Myers is OK as a corner, but as a center fielder with mediocrity in left and Matt Kemp on the downside in right, it’s just troublesome.

That Tony Gwynn is gone: Nobody loved the Padres more, and to see them maybe, possibly competing would have boosted his spirits.

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