Padres will be looking to celebrate 2015 with a few needed resolutions
We have come to the end of another year.
2014.
You started out looking the same as some in the past, but you certainly know how to end it with a bang. And with the end of this year, it is time to look towards the future.
2015 already looks to be filled with new adventures and with it come new goals and expectations. The Padres are leaving 2014 in the dust and some resolutions for 2015 look to be the next step in the path for success.
The Team
One of the most important resolutions that the team as a whole should make is the same one they make every year. Win the games. It's a simple resolution. Just like eat less candy. Or exercise more. Very simple to say, but a lot tougher to follow through with.
You start out great, like you've got a handle on things, then BOOM.
It's Charles' Retirement Party and that cake is just calling your name. For the Padres, those late Spring/early Summer months always seem to be when that retirement party happens. Stay strong. The team as a whole is getting much more complete and it's far from finished. They always end strong, usually because they know that cake was a mistake and now they have to work it off. If they can avoid the cake, the rest of the season will be cake.
And victories.
Matt Kemp
Kemp's resolution should be to embrace this new atmosphere at full speed. His 2014 ended as a Padre, so 2015 and beyond will be the same. Don't take the time to acknowledge your past because some reporter is going to want that quote where they can spin it to make it look like you miss your old team. You don't. They're gone. You're in this for the long haul. Don't start 2015 talking about what once was. Talk about what is sure to come. Success in San Diego. Maybe even throw that into every interview. Get a shirt made in the color of your choice. It's a new year, Matt. The Padres are the next chapter.
Justin Upton
Justin's resolution is similar to Kemp's. This is your new chapter. The only difference is that Upton is the one writing the next one. Before you go and make this a short story, take a moment to get a feel for this city. A feel for your teammates. Get to know them before you show up to Spring Training. And when your agent says you have to have a new contract before you get to Peoria, you'd better take a look at what you've got in front of you before you decide to just leave. Now whether he stays or goes, that's up to him. I just want his resolution to involve some patience. Don't jump before you figure out all that the Padres have to offer.
Jedd Gyorko
Jedd's resolution is to be the backbone of the infield by taking on more responsibility. The veterans of Petco Park's dirt section are gone. After Everth Cabrera was released, Jedd became the only "homegrown" Padre starter left to keep the ball out of the outfield. Gyorko must take on the challenge of bringing the infield together as a unit. He's either about to be paired with Alexi Amarista or someone new to turn the much needed double plays. It'll take work to get it done, but with Jedd's strong work ethic, it's a task that can be handled.
The Pitching Staff
The Padres pitching staff's resolution is to be the guys that everyone is talking about. Get the hair and beards right, keep the pitches tight. It is their time to shine and what better time than with an almost all new set of guys behind them to help keep the runs off the board. They will have to get on the same page with new catchers in 2015, but once you get everything in order on that front, the rest will be simple.
Bud Black
Bud's resolution is to be the field general that the Padres need in this new era. All new players creates the need for all new strategies. The bunt is a thing of the past. Like bringing a musket to a flame thrower fight. Sure it's efficient sometimes, but it's just not cool, man. 2015 is the Year of the Cool. You can get that shirt made too.
A.J. Preller
Preller had a resolution all set up, then traded it for another one. It's to be more, oh wait, that one just got traded too. Just keep on eye out for whenever he gets one he wants to hold on to.
Mike Dee and Wayne Partello
For the other front office men, their resolution is to stay on the same page with the fans. Whether it's a uniform thing (#BringBackTheSand #PutTheSandBackinSANDiego), a ticket thing, or a overall fan experience thing, it is important to be on the same page. The fans don't need drums or weird plazas. We need a listener. So, I guess their resolution should be to not come up with resolutions too quickly.
Bobby Cressey
Mr. Cressey. Bobby. BC. Organ extraordinaire. This is a tough guy to have a resolution for. He plays the organ like a champion. Works hard to provide the best possible experience for anyone at the ball park. Willing to take some time to talk to you as long as he doesn't have to play Three Blind Mice right that second. Maybe his resolution should be to add pyrotechnics to the organ. Sparklers or something. Or flames shooting out of the front would be cool. Like I said, it's the Year of the Cool.
The FSSD and Mighty 1090 Broadcast Teams
Both FSSD and Mighty 1090 should have the resolution to keep us excited no matter what may come. Make us believe that you are invested as much as we are. The era of "My" and "Your" should be at its end. 2015 is the time for this team to be ours. Make those of us who watch or listen every day and night know that you are representing the brand not only locally, but nationally, as "Our Padres". We have a lot to be excited about. Join in this excitement every possible day next year. We are ready.
Corey Brock
Corey Brock's resolution is simple. Wear more coral. 2015 is where Coral Brock must reign supreme. He's already got Padres news locked down tight. Once that coral phase kicks in, the sky is the limit.
Padres Social Hour
Jesse Agler, Bill Center, Blooper, and the rest of the crew have done a great job in turning that corner of the Padres Store into a very good show that precedes the Padres games. And I feel like it being in the corner is what makes it special. Their resolution should be to not lose their look. In an age of HD and new technology, their two seat-one screen experience catches your eye when you watch it. There's no distractions, no unnecessary talking heads. The guests and interviews are connected directly to providing the viewer with a glimpse of what's going on with the team. The use of Padres attire and memorabilia in the studio make it ours. As long as they keep that true Padres feel, 2015 will be a breeze for Padres Social Hour.
The Fans
That's us. We're important. All of us. In 2015, there will be fans who will be taking in a Padres baseball game for the first time. Whether they've been a fan for 3 weeks or 30 years, we are all the same. This year, there are no "diehards". We're all experiencing the same excitement that has come to San Diego this winter. The same feeling that this is the year the Padres make a difference. Our resolution should be to not ruin this excitement through separation. Enjoy the games. Enjoy this season. Support this team as much as you can. I'm not saying if you don't buy tickets that you're lesser than a season ticket holder, because that's not true. We span the globe. From two blocks north of Tony Gwynn Drive to New York City to London and all the way around to Australia. We are fans. Just be present, no matter how it is you get it done. Be proud to support this team in 2015.
And Finally...
Now is the time where I wish all of you a happy and safe New Year. As a contributor to the blog, I enjoy any time I can sit here and write something for you all to read. Whether you read it or not is entirely up to you, but just knowing there's a real chance that someone somewhere in the world probably read something I wrote and liked it is good enough for me. And I'm sure the other writers here feel the same way.
We're a community. So maybe for some of you, a resolution could be to add a fanpost or two for the community. Have your voice be heard. We're all here to listen.
Happy New Year, Gaslamp Ball.
Let's make it a good one.