The Padres are trending in a great direction. A.J. Preller made some useful additions at the deadline, and then Mike Shildt's team capped a very impressive start to the second half with a sweep of the Dodgers. The NL West is in play. The bullpen looks nasty. Musgrove and Tatis are working their way back. After a rollercoaster of a first half is it safe to get excited?

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