The last time the Padres were in first place with 60 games to go was 2010. They have, in fact, been truly relevant in a playoff race past June just three times since their last postseason appearance in 2006.
But before they even take the field at Petco Park for a second spring training, that has already changed for 2020.
Without even considering the depth of their pitching staff or weighing the new balance of their enhanced lineup, it is fairly easy to predict the Padres will be contenders in the 60-game coronavirus-delayed season that is set to begin in late July.