3 moves for San Diego Padres this offseason
By David Hill
The San Diego Padres had so much promise heading into the 2021 season. And then the season actually happened.
The Padres hung around in the Wild Card chase, holding the second spot for most of the season before collapsing. It was a shocking end for a team that had spent all offseason in an arms race with the Dodgers, ending the season below .500. Manager Jayce Tingler was fired, the team seemed to be in disarray, and there were questions as to whether or not the fantasy squad assembled in San Diego would ever meet expectations.
How the San Diego Padres can live up to their potential
The first step has already happened. The Padres surprisingly hired Bob Melvin as their new manager, putting a respected veteran leader in the dugout. While there is still plenty more work to be done, he is a great first step towards that goal.
The San Diego Padres have the potential to be a powerhouse. Here are three moves that can help them live up to those expectations.
A long talk with Fernando Tatis Jr.
One of the enduring images of the San Diego Padres collapse in 2021 involves two of their biggest stars.
The video of Manny Machado screaming at Fernando Tatis Jr. in the dugout following Tatis striking out encapsulated the end of the season. Two players who were expected to be leaders were seen taking out their frustrations – Tatis on an umpire after a strikeout and Machado on Tatis for failing to realize the importance of the situation as the season was slipping away.
In the end, Machado was right. That plate appearance was not about Tatis. He had to shake off that bad call and focus on the next pitch instead of giving away the at bat. It was also a reminder that Tatis, for as much as the Padres are counting on him going forward, is still extremely young and has some maturing to do.
It is also a conversation that the Padres need to have with Tatis. He is the face of the franchise, his every move scrutinized due to his massive extension. He needs to show more maturity and leadership despite his youth, especially as the team is building around him.
Fernando Tatis Jr. is a key part of the San Diego Padres’ future. They need to remind him about that.