MLB Hot Stove: San Diego Padres Add Justin Upton, Wil Myers, Matt Kemp For Stacked Lineup, Good Chances In NL West [PHOTO]

For so much of the past 20 years, it almost seemed like the San Diego Padres didn't even know who the good players were. Now, in just a week, it seems like they've acquired all of them. Who are these Padres, the ones that just traded for Matt Kemp, Wil Myers, Justin Upton and Derrick Norris? Who are these Padres, the usually flint-sticked team that now has enough hitting to make 2014 All-Star Seth Smith expendable? And where did they come from?

The change in philispphy can be tied to one man: new GM A.J. Preller. Preller boldly predicted a World Series for his new club right off the bat, according to ESPN. Which was ballsy given the Friars have never won a World Series title.

Now it seems like he's putting his money where his mouth is.

Preller acquired Upton from the Atlanta Braves on Friday, Myers from the Tampa Bay Rays and Kemp from the Dodgers. In the process he gave up several of the Padres' top prospect, according to Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune. But when was the last time any Padres prospect panned out anyway?

Even some players themselves are impressed with the moves.

"Anyone know if the Padres use an electric or gas range? #HOTstove," tweeted Kansas City Royals pitcher Jeremy Guthrie.

The Royals know something about going worst to first. They were one of the worst franchises of the past 30 years before making a World Series appearance last season. But the Royals did so with a game plan based on pitching and timely hitting. Apparently, the Padres are trying to reverse their curse by stacking up on outfielders who straight up mash.

Another point: The Royals traded Myers away two winters ago in what as seen as a turning point for the organization. Now the Padres acquire him with the same in mind.

Upton hit 29 home runs and drove in 102 runs last season. The entire Padres outfield last season hit 29 home runs.

Anyone know if Padres use an electric or gas range? #HOTstove

— Jeremy Guthrie (@TheRealJGuts) December 19, 2014