Every year when spring training comes to a close the words you hear from virtually every team viewing themselves in contention for the playoffs is that it is important to get off to a fast start.
Considering the way the Padres played in the spring—a 12-17 record and leaking runs all over the place—getting that hot start didn’t look too promising (which only goes to prove that we should never pay any attention to what happens in spring camp).
This spring, in particular, could not have been more misleading. The back end of the rotation was a shambles after injuries diminished the ranks.