March is the greatest month of the year in San Diego. It isn’t too hot or too cold, the tourism season hasn’t hit full swing, and the San Diego Padres still have a chance to win the World Series. This is obviously because the season starts in April and they haven’t had a chance to disappoint. But still, March is a time to evaluate the upcoming season with a sense of hope.

Coming into the season there are no more questions about the future of Jake Peavy or the reliability of Trevor Hoffman. Jake is here to stay (even if he has lost trust with the organization), and Trev is sadly now a Brewer (along with Tony Gwynn’s son, which oddly seems appropriate). But none of this matters now because it is a new year and we have a new second baseman that plays like a killer (or more precisely, Jake Peavy if he is not getting his calls). If you have talked Padres baseball around the water cooler recently, you have probably discussed the size and grit of one David Eckstein. He is basically Pete Rose with less natural talent and a moral center. He is the complete opposite of Barry Bonds: small, loves the game, and looks like a 14-year-old. He will be a leader in the locker room, and at the same time, girls will think he is adorable in same way they think their little brother in high school is cute.

Besides adding Eckstein and Cliff Floyd (an aging veteran who can never seem to get his legs to work), the development of San Diego’s young talent could be what puts the Padres back in contention for the National League West title. Chase Headley, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Jody Gerut, Luis Rodriguez, Nick Hundley and Cha Sueng Baek will need to take their game to the next level and become what everyone thinks they can be.

If the 2009 Padres somehow win the World Series it will be a story of a scrappy young team of underdogs. This probably won’t happen. But it’s still March, and there is still hope. 

Sports Radar: San Diego Sockers announce new season.

Insider Tip: It’s time to re-meet your favorite sports bars in San Diego. We recommend the upscale The Fleetwood and ALTITUDE Sky Lounge (both right outside PETCO Park), as well as the new FOX Sports Grill (check out pics here), East Village Tavern and Bowl and for those looking for the closest bar to your seat – look no further than Tilted Kilt. Find more San Diego sports bars here.