Padres News: Padres Chairman Happy With Off-Season

The San Diego Padres made all sorts of moves in the off-season. A.J. Preller came in and made all sorts of waves and remade the team and the image of the franchise.  The Padres had their first full squad workout with all of their shiny new toys and Padres chairman Ron Fowler was among those who was on hand for the workout.

From the AP:

"“He had all kind of ideas,” Fowler said of Preller. “I think I’m pleasantly surprised that he was able to wheel and deal the way he did.”The results are a new-look team with a solid rotation, increased power and a payroll that will soon surpass $100 million. Shields got $75 million over four years. The Padres owe Kemp $75 million, too.“After looking at our numbers in terms of attendance and looking at the interest in the marketplace, we felt we had to do some investment spending,” Fowler said.The moves paid off at the box office, with season ticket sales jumping. Dee thinks it realistic for the Padres to average 3 million fans a year. They drew just under 2.2 million in 2014, which ranked 20th out of 30 teams."

The Padres had to do something to revitalize a franchise that really wasn’t relevant nationally. After all their moves relevant is something they certainly are.

A.J. Preller is aggressive and the team certainly isn’t done.

"Dee said Preller isn’t finished. “I’m exciting to see the canvas that A.J. will paint on over the next 24 months as we look to replenish the farm system,” Dee said."

Could they sign new Cuban players? Could they make a splashy trade? The team was in the hunt for Yasmany Tomas and Yoan Moncada, so you know they will be heavily involved in the next international signing period.

Ron Fowler is happy with the club. Let’s see what transpires on the field.