Before the start of the season, most analysts predicted 2010 would be a rebuilding year for the Padres. Three months into the season, however, the Padres are still at the top of the National League West, coupling strong pitching and smart baseball to become one of the league’s biggest surprises. Along with those not-so-lofty preseason predictions came the assumption that when the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline rolled around, the Padres would be sellers, looking to move their players with high price tags for cheaper talent. Such a move would continue to build the team while maintaining the payroll figure mandated by management. The Friars’ front office made a similar trade in 2009, when they sent ace pitcher Jake Peavy to the Chicago White Sox for four players, including current starting pitcher Clayton Richard. When the trade happened on Aug. 1 last year, the team was 19 games under .500 and last in the division. Now, with multiple games over .500 and with one of the National League’s best records through June, the Padres’ front office must decide this month whether the team will be sellers, stand pat with current players, or even look to add a player or two who could make the difference in the race for a division title late in the season. The decision is not an easy one for management and General Manager Jed Hoyer to make. If the Padres decide to be sellers at the deadline, the two most moveable players on the roster — and the two frequently mentioned — are first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and closer Heath Bell. Gonzalez ($4.875 million) and Bell ($4 million) make up 23 percent of the Padres’ total 2010 payroll of $38,199,300. If the Padres trade Gonzalez, an internal replacement would likely be Kyle Blanks, who is currently in the minors after hitting .157 in 103 at-bats to start this season. Bell could be replaced as closer by middle relievers Luke Gregerson or Mike Adams, but the Padres might not want to mess with the core of a bullpen that has been one of the best in baseball so far this season. Should the Friars be in the surprising role of buyers when the trade deadline comes on July 31, the team would probably look to add power to their lineup. In spite of the Padres’ success this year, their hitters are near the bottom of the league in home runs and batting average. The Padres could also opt to stand pat at the deadline, counting on their bats to heat up and their pitchers staying healthy in what is shaping up to be a four-team race in the NL West. Their decision could depend on what the division rival Rockies, Dodgers and Giants do next month. For a team that has a shot at the playoffs for the first time since 2007, the Padres would be best served to shop the market at the trade deadline for ways to make this year’s team a stronger contender. Whatever decision the front office makes next month, it will affect the team for a few seasons to come.