“The San Diego Padres roll through life with a truckload of talent.

Behind them are 29 other ballclubs, hoping to gather what falls off.

You’ve noticed Xavier Edwards, the Marlins’ shortstop who has already hit for the cycle. He’s a Padre alum. So are Trea Turner, Emmanuel Clase, Anthony Rizzo, Max Fried, Josh Naylor, C.J. Abrams, MacKenzie Gore and David Bednar.

There’s another reason to follow the Padres on their path. They appear destined for the playoffs and maybe even the National League West title. In recent years, the teams that get hotter as the days get shorter are the ones to watch in the postseason. San Diego’s win over Pittsburgh Tuesday night was its 31st in its past 44 games. It is tied with Arizona, three and a half games behind the Dodgers in a microwaving division race.

And, with each victory, the Padres make sure that rookie outfielder Jackson Merrill is tied down and tightly secured. Despite the gyrations of general manager A.J. Preller, Merrill is not going anywhere. At least not until October.”