With expectations legendarily low, San Diego finally took the leap and began fielding a team of hungry young players looking to establish themselves at the major league level. The result was a surprisingly competitive and entertaining club that went 39-35 after the All-Star break to improve on its 2008 mark by 12 games. It ultimately ranks as little more than a moral victory considering San Diego finished 20 games out of first place (and 13 games out of third), but it was a step in the right direction.