San Diego Padres: Myers Ready to Assume Leadership Role by Example

Through his demeanor thus far in the early stages of spring training, first baseman Wil Myers has proven himself to be ready to assume leadership of the young San Diego Padres.

Ever since the departure of the great Trevor Hoffman, the San Diego Padres have been in search of a true leader, a true face of the franchise. It now appears they have one in 26-year-old Wil Myers.

After a solid 2016 which included his first all-star selection, Myers is aiming high in 2017. Even though spring training has barely begun, it is beyond evident that the first baseman is leading the young roster, both through his aspirations and actions.

Myers is already set some fairly lofty goals for this coming season. Aiming for 40 home runs and 40 steals, the first baseman is ready to take the next step in becoming an elite player.

His leadership has also been on display thus far during spring training, as he strives to prepare himself physically and encourage his young teammates to reach their full potential.

As for Myers’ personal goals, he plans to continue working tirelessly on his swing in the batting cages, in the weight room, and on the field. He doesn’t however plan on putting himself under so much pressure. According to Myers himself, he will “ride the wave” in 2017, taking the peaks and valleys in stride.

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2016 was a very productive season for Myers, but he isn’t satisfied with 28 home runs and 28 stolen bases. Aiming well beyond a 30-30 2017, San Diego’s recently extended first baseman is striving for another all-star caliber season which would make him one of baseball’s top players.

In setting these goals, Myers not only pushes himself to his limit, but also encourages his teammates to follow suit. With low expectations, it would be easy for the Padres to become complacent in their losing ways. The young roster won’t have too much pressure on them if they begin to fall out of contention early on, and without discipline, could waiver from their personal aspirations.

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By making goals, even as unrealistic as they seem to many, Myers is leading by example. The Padres expected nothing more from their all-star, the face of their franchise. Now, they hope that Myers can follow through and become the elite player he desires to be.