ceske casino online Padres predicted to bolster lackluster offense at trade deadline

vipphThe San Diego Padres are one of the top teams to watch at the trade deadline. While the Padres could look to add a starting pitcher or a bullpen arm, ESPN's Buster Olney firmly predicts that the Padres will add help offensively at the deadline.

jilievo'.. and the San Diego Padres will do something to augment their offense and try to get back into the October dance.' Olney writes.

phtayaAdding offense could come in three different forms for the Padres. They could improve their catcher spot, land a new left fielder, or trade for a designated hitter to improve the offense.

This season, the Padres rank 23rd in MLB with a .698 OPS. They are second to last in home runs this season with 91, only ahead of the Pittsburgh Pirates. San Diego is also 25th in runs scored with 440, and is 25th in baseball with a .380 slugging percentage.

Their offense needs improvement, and adding a catcher, designated hitter, or left fielder is the best way to improve the offense. With less than 48 hours until the trade deadline, there are a few players they've been linked to already.

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Atlanta Braves Marcell Ozuna would be among their top designated hitter trade targets. His acquisition would have Gavin Sheets take over in left field full-time. But, they could also look to land Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox for their left field role.

Either would be a great slugger to add to the team, with each having at least one season of 38 home runs in the last three years.

Catcher is a bit more difficult to land, as Sean Murphy isn't expected to be moved by the Braves, while the Padres' other options aren't the best. The Padres are more likely to look to the outfield or designated hitter for their offensive boost at the deadline.

San Diego needs to bring in more offensive help, and Olney believes they will in some capacity. Whether it's in the outfield, at catcher, or designated hitter, A.J. Preller will look to bring in more offensive firepower for Mike Shildt and the Padres.

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