Why I am Thankful for the Padres

Why I am thankful for the San Diego Padres. 

It has been 13 years since the San Diego Padres have played in October and nine straight losing seasons for the franchise. There is a lot of hope surrounding the 2020 season and that at least one of these miserable streaks can end. Let’s be thankful for what is giving us hope that next year is the year for the San Diego Padres.

The team has the best closer in baseball- Kirby Yates

Yates led the league in saves, 41, all while playing on a 70-win team. His 15 SO/9 ranked 16th out of all pitchers, and his astounding 1.19 ERA ranked first out of all the pitchers who pitched more than 20 innings. Yates will be a big part of winning games for the Padres in 2020.

The Padres have the most exciting player in baseball- Fernando Tatis Jr.

Fernando Tatis Jr. took the league by storm in his rookie season by imposing his will at the plate, on the basepaths, and in the field. His 4.2 WAR in only 84 games puts him in competition with the best players in the league. If Bebo can stay healthy and clean up the errors in 2020, he’s going to be an MVP candidate. Did I mention he is only 20?

Manny Machado is a member of the San Diego Padres

You heard me. He is a Padre. You know a player is good when he had a “down year,” but hit 32 home runs, had 5 DRS, and a 109 OPS+. When he gets hot, the Padres will be a very dangerous team.

The prospects are coming fast

The #2 ranked farm system in the MLB is full of players who are poised to make a serious impact on the MLB. MacKenzie Gore, Taylor Trammell, Luis Patino, Owen Miller, Hudson Potts, Edward Olivares, and Reggie Lawson could all make their debuts in 2020. Some of these guys could be shopped to improve the team now, but the future is bright.

The Friar Faithful also have things to be thankful that don’t involve the players.

The stadium is beautiful

Petco Park is one of the most pristine venues in all of sports. The view of downtown San Diego with the palm trees, jumbotron, and the Western Metal Supply Company is unmatched in baseball. With endless food options and not a bad seat in the house, patrons get the ultimate ballpark experience.

Don Orsillo and Mark Grant are pure comedy

Not only are the Padres’ announcers very good at their job, but they also make the game entertaining. The duo are the only broadcasters in the business that can make viewers laugh while their team goes on a 2-15 run to end the season.

Brown is Back

Enough said! The Padres have some of the coolest jerseys in baseball. Brown provides a unique identity to the Padres, and the players look good in the jerseys.

There is a lot to be thankful for as a Padres fan. When the wins start to come, everyone is going to wish that they are a fan of the San Diego Padres.

Have a great Thanksgiving.

Dominic Stearn

Dominic is a graduate of Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Journalism. He also  is the producer and co-host of the “Padres EVT Podcast.”