I see this SF team slowly declining in the National League West power that has dropped into second place. The Giants - who once held the largest division lead in the majors - arrived in San Diego after losing two straight, including Thursday night's 7-2 shellacking in St. Louis, while they've lost nine of their last 11. The Los Angeles Dodgers have methodically been doing their thing, and have ridden an 8-3 win streak into first place thanks to stellar play on the road. The Padres, meanwhile, have won 5 in a row and are suddenly on the rise in the West. They don't stand a chance in catching the Giants anytime soon, but they're playing better and have risen from last place into third place in the division and hungry. Padres have won 5 in a row, and are 4-1 in their last 5 games as an underdog. San Diego has won 6 of their last 8 meetings with San Fran at home. I'll take the Padres at plus money. Take the Padres again here on Saturday evening. I don't care about who is pitching for either team, as this one is about the action and momentum, not to mention a rivalry from the Golden State. Take the Friars here, as they're worth the slim dog price. 5* SAN DIEGO