One of the memorable moments of the 2007 season was all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman allowing three runs in the bottom of the 13th inning of San Diego’s one-game playoff against the miracle-working Colorado Rockies. The Padres had taken a two-run lead in the top of the inning on a two-run shot by Scott Hairston, who looked like the savior of the Padres season until Hoffman didn’t get the job done in a 9-8 loss.

For most of the other 162 games the Padres played, the bullpen was a key strength. It was one of the best in the majors, thanks to Heath Bell, Doug Brocail, Scott Linebrink, Kevin Cameron, Justin Hampson and Hoffman.

San Diego Bullpen, 2007
(NL Rank in parentheses)

ERA. . . . . . . . . 3.01 (1)
Opp BA. . . . . . .237 (1)
Opp SLG. . . . . .342 (1)
Fewest BB. . . . 193 (5t)
Most BS. . . . . . .22 (7)
SvPct. . . . . . . .67.2 (9)

So much has changed. The Padres are off to a 10-15 start -- only the Nationals (9-17) have a worse record in the NL -- and they hold down last place in the NL West. The bullpen sure hasn’t been the same.

San Diego relievers have a 4.62 ERA heading into Sunday’s action. Among National League clubs, only the Pirates pen has a higher ERA at 4.78. Just the Astros and Giants bullpens have allowed a higher OBA in the NL. The Padres lead the league in blown saves.

San Diego Bullpen, 2008
(NL Rank in parentheses)

ERA. . . . . . . . . 4.62 (15)
Opp BA. . . . . . .274 (14)
Opp SLG. . . . . .389 (9)
Fewest BB. . . . . 36 (9)
Most BS. . . . . . . .7 (1)
SvPct. . . . . . . .36.4 (15)

It’s early yet, but the Padres had expected the bullpen to be a strength again this summer. Offensively, San Diego and San Francisco are dead last in the majors in runs scored per game. The Giants aren’t likely to contend in 2008, but the Padres expect to and the pitching staff will have to excel to keep the team in the NL West race.