With the Boston Red Sox in San Diego this weekend, it’s a chance to learn more about Padres baseball aptitude and Padres economics.

My rule of thumb about the Red Sox is this: They’re World Series monsters when they’re all in, top to bottom..Boston has won 16 of 19 Fall Classic games against National League champions since 2004. The Red Sox have won four World Series titles in the 21st century’s first 24 years, leading the sport.

This summer, the team’s front office didn’t appear sold on doing its utmost to help make it five trophies in 20 years, but the Sox nonetheless are now posing tough tests for many clubs.

The beat the Padres 10-2 on Friday by hitting the ball very hard off Padres ace Nick Pivetta, a former teammate. The win improved them to 22-8 over a 30-game stretch.

The teams

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