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SAN DIEGO (AP) - Somebody has to win the weak NL West, and the San Diego Padres figure it might as well be them. If the Padres do hold on to first place and reach the playoffs for the first time since their World Series season of 1998, they should certainly thank a group of reserves known as the "Red Alert Squad." If it weren't for such a strong bench, the Padres likely would be slogging along under .500 like everyone else in the division.
With a steady stream of starters on the disabled list throughout the first half, reserves such as Robert Fick, Damian Jackson, Mark Sweeney, Geoff Blum and Xavier Nady have almost become regulars themselves.
"I'd hate to think about where we'd be if we didn't have these guys to come in," said second baseman Mark Loretta, who hasn't played since jamming his left thumb on a headfirst slide into first base on May 17 against Atlanta. "It's impressive. These guys are quality major league players that have prepared themselves and have been ready for this opportunity. That's what it takes."
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