Stat: Should the Padres fall to 59-103 -- and that is possible -- their record over the past five seasons will be under .500 ... although they had four consecutive winning seasons in their first four Petco Park-based campaigns.

That's just how bad 2008 has been. Remember, Padres execs looked at the roster in spring training and projected 90 wins. They're going to be around 30 games off.

Injuries to pitchers Chris Young and Jake Peavy have had something to do with the collapse. But the bullpen has been terrible for much of the season, while there were problems at catcher, second base and center field from day one.

The play of rookies Chase Headley (left field), Will Venable (center) and Nick Hundley (catcher) has shown signs of hope. Jody Gerut was a pleasant surprise.

Beyond that, however, the future is not bright. The divorce of owners John and Becky Moores is hanging heavily over the franchise, and the payroll budget for 2009 could be slashed to under $50 million.

Tough times could be ahead.