The Padres are relevant whether you like it or not
Credit: AP Photo
In the 54-year existence of the San Diego Padres franchise, there’s been lots of pain for the fan base.
The franchise, year after year, failed to field a competitive team. In San Diego, we were told that the area could not support a major sports team. The Clippers and Chargers left town. The theory seemed valid well into the new millennium as the Padres struggled to field a competitive team. If it were not for the timely World Series run of 1998, which motivated taxpayers to help fund Petco Park in 2004, the Padres may have skipped town as well.
Players like Adrian Gonzalez and Jake Peavy were ushered out of town by the organization in the early years of Petco Park. Not because of a decline in their abilities, but instead because they were due to be paid a fair salary for their play. The Padres’ consistency in regards to selling off and trading players was their lasting legacy to the sport. Former Friars went on to successful seasons with other teams, and that was disheartening to the fans.
The turnaround of this organization to relevancy has not been easy. It took time and recent failures to get where we are now regarding the San Diego Padres.
As early as 2015, A.J. Preller’s first season as G.M., the Padres energized the fan base. Trading for Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Wil Myers, B.J. Upton, Craig Kimbrel, Will Middlebrooks, and company proved not to be a brilliant baseball move. The failures of that squad are well-known, but that group did provide the fanbase excitement. It turned the Padres into a team that was discussed throughout major league baseball. It made them relevant for the first time in a long time. If not, the first time, ever.
After that run in 2015, there were some very dark years in which the team utilized the likes of Ryan Schimpf, Freddy Galvis, Chase Headley, Ian Kinsler, and Jose Pirela in their lineup. During this time, the Padres spent on the international market and earned high draft picks. A.J. Preller and his staff revamped the whole minor league system into the best system in all of baseball.
Armed with a top farm system, the Padres progressed to the next level. They signed major free agents (Eric Hosmer, James Shields, and Manny Machado) and developed their minor leaguers like no other time in the history of the franchise. A “Padres way” of doing things was cultivated and developed. It was nice to see, but patience was needed to truly enjoy the fruits of the labor.
During the past three years, expectations for the Padres to win came about. A playoff appearance in 2020 was exciting, but the team fell to their division rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, in the playoffs. Last season, the Padres started out the season on fire but collapsed in the end. They failed to make the playoffs, and there was a sense of nervousness around San Diego. Was this team ever going to be able to compete consistently?
The 2022 season brings more questions about the Padres. Anything can happen.
San Diego is not guaranteed a playoff appearance just yet. There are several teams vying for the third NL Wild Card spot. However, there is a sense that the Padres are about to catch fire and finish the 2022 season in an epic manner. The schedule will be rough as the team will play the Dodgers several times before the season wraps. The latest matchup between these two teams was not favorable for the Padres who were dominated in LA earlier this month.
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The future success of the San Diego Padres is not guaranteed. Especially after the news that broke Friday afternoon about Fernando Tatis Jr. The Padres will be without him for 80 games, but the team is still positioned to play deep into the playoffs. San Diego must move forward.
There is no sure thing when it comes to Major League Baseball. Most Padres fans understand that. For these fans, the simple fact their hometown team is the toast of major league baseball is success in itself. The Padres are relevant. Whether you like it or not.
Enjoy this Padres fans. You’ve earned it.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.
Yes, the Padres are relevant, and I do like it.
However, Preller put all his chips in, so, after this year or next, they will be weak for years to come. They’ve got nothing coming up in the minors, and nothing to trade. And, at 30+ mil per year, Tatis will never be a full time player. They likely won’t make the playoffs this year, and even if they do, there is NO WAY they are getting past the Braves or Dodgers. Both of those teams STILL have a great minors system, and develop their players. The Padres are the polar opposite in both areas.
In a game full of uncertainty,you speak of certainties… neither you or I know the future.