-- - It's been a long time since San Diego Padres fans had this many reasons to be optimistic. Matt Kemp is hitting third, Justin Upton is batting cleanup and Craig Kimbrel is closing. The Padres play their home opener Thursday afternoon, when Ian Kennedy is scheduled to start against Tim Hudson and the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants. Fans got a sneak preview last Saturday during a FanFest that included an exhibition game against the Mexico City Red Devils.