Disappointing homestand? Big rotation questions, Padres fans apathy

Disappointing homestand? Big rotation questions, Padres fans apathy

June 29, 2026 · 38 min

About this episode

Darren Smith and Marty Caswell analyze the Padres' disappointing homestand and discuss major issues in the starting rotation and fan engagement.

Was this the most underwhelming 4-2 Padres homestand in recent memory? Darren Smith and Marty Caswell break down a homestand that started with a promising sweep over the Atlanta Braves, but ended with a series loss to the Dodgers. In case you missed obvious, the San Diego Padres have huge problems in their starting rotation. The two discuss Craig Stammen using Kyle Hart as an opener for Randy Vasquez, and his continued struggles. Michael King, who was excellent versus the Braves, struggled with his command versus the Dodgers. Marty and Darren discuss King's very candid comments on the Padres disappointing first half, and why everyone except the bullpen, needs to step up. The show also discusses the ABC challenge that didn't happen versus Freddy Freeman and the Dodgers, King's comments on why he didn't challenge, and discuss the Padres lack of attention to detail. The first half of the season is officially behind us and the Padres are two games off from where they were a year ago. Marty and Darren discuss why the belief in this year's team feels very different, and how that was reflected by the large number of Dodgers fans that took over Petco Park. The two then look ahead to a…

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Hosts: Darren Smith, Marty Caswell

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Dodgers

Places: Petco Park, Chicago, Los Angeles

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