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In the coming days, the Padres are going to secure their place in the postseason. Might even happen this weekend in Chicago, where they have three games against the last-place White Sox.

Sure, there's a National League West title on the line. But those hopes are fading fast, and even if the Padres can overtake the Dodgers, they're still headed for a Wild Card Series. The Brewers and Phillies have all but locked up the two first-round byes.

Time to start looking toward October -- so here are six October-related thoughts.

1. The relief roles are clear

You can make an argument that, at the moment, Robert Suarez is the Padres' third best rel

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