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Sayonara Salute #3: Adrian Gonzalez
I love the San Diego Padres... I really do. And I'll always be a Padres fan. I figure if Tony Gwynn stayed loyal to the Padres franchise for twenty years, then I can too. However... I'll admit it's frustrating that the Padres aren't willing to open their wallet to even the best player on their team.Adrian Gonzalez has easily been the best hitter on the San Diego Padres over the past 5 seasons. During that time he hit 161 home runs, 501 runs batted in, 464 runs, and had a batting average of .288. In addition to those totals, he won two Gold Gloves and made the all-star team three times.
These numbers have earned Mr. Gonzalez a nice little raise and the Padres knew it. They just weren't willing to pay it. So... five days ago they shipped him to Boston where he'll finish the last year of his contract as a Red Sox. It looks like Boston and Gonzalez have already discussed a contract extension in which he'll get paid somewhere in the area of $154 mil over 7 years. That's a nice little bonus over the 4.875 million he made with the Padres last year.
Mr. Gonzalez... thank you for giving your heart and soul to the Padres organization and fans over the past five seasons. I knew this day was coming for over a year now, so it wasn't a surprise... but it's still a downer. I wish you the best of luck in Boston... and I'm thankful that the Padres didn't trade you to the Yankees.
And to the San Diego Padres ownership and upper management... I sure hope you guys know what you're doing. Is the goal to have the league's lowest payroll? Or are you guys building a team that can compete in the NL West? I just want you to know... that your players played their hearts out last year and surprised almost everyone in the league. As for me... I'm a faithful fan who buys your merchandise and supports the team during the best of times and through the darkest times. The question is... are you guys going to support the team by giving them some ammunition? And what about your fans? Are you at least going to try to build a team that can compete in the NL West? Either way... I'll still be there... along with your employees and other loyal fans. I guess your response to these questions will determine if we're smiling or not.
Today's question of the day...
Do you think the Padres will make the playoffs at least once in the next five years?
Personally... I don't think they will. The Giants are young and will definitely be better next year and the Dodgers are always willing to supply their fans with talent. I sure hope I'm wrong... since it doesn't look like my A's are going to fare any better.
Have a great weekened everyone. Sayonara!
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