Closed for repairs: Petco National Park

After years of management telling the Padres players and fans what is best for the future success of the ballclub, the most recent group to lead the organization has decided to do something incredibly novel.  They listened.  Not only did they listen, but they implemented the time, effort, and resources to fix a problem that has been in the back of almost everyone's mind since the 2004 season.  Yes, San Diego...the fences at Petco Park are finally being moved in.


The O'Malley Group gets it.  They have been around the business long enough to understand that most fans aren't dropping dollars at the turnstiles to watch a pitchers' duel.  They want to see runs on the scoreboard...they want excitement...they want wins.  The current park configuration was most certainly not the reason for the Padres most recent failures to compete for the postseason, and anybody that believes a simple change in dimensions will translate to victories is dead wrong.  You still need talent, cohesiveness, and health to win.  Injuries have played as big a part as any for the Padres woes over the past few seasons.  What the new dimensions should do is make Petco Park a more attractive destination for quality free agents, something the Padres rarely acquire.  It should also end the mind-numbing conversations about how difficult it is to hit home runs in San Diego.  That horse was beaten to death a long time ago.

Along with the new dimensions comes a few changes that should be a little more aesthetically pleasing to all visitors of Petco Park.  

• The out-of-town scoreboard, which became outdated so quickly that the Padres didn't bother to purchase of a stock of replacement bulbs, will be relocated to an area above RF.  I'm hoping that "relocated" also means "upgraded".  Anything less than an LCD display would simply be a waste of money.
• With the RF wall being moved in an entire 11 feet, more seats will be added and the fence will be lowered to match the height of the left and center field walls, bringing the outfield action closer to the fans and ensuring improved heckling efficiency for the likes of Jayson Werth and Hunter Pence.
• The visitors bullpen, famous for its numerous safety issues concerning foul balls and sprinting Denorfias, will be relocated to an area next to the Padres bullpen, making it easy for pitchers on both sides to discuss upcoming hunting trips.

I am very encouraged that the new regime didn't wait to place their mark on the Padres.  They didn't drag their feet and spend their time hatching reasons to not invest money in the team.  They saw the same issues that the players and fans have been griping about for years and they put the wheels in motion to get it fixed.  The O'Malleys and Fowler have taken a very proactive approach to making the Padres a quality ballclub in every aspect...something that previous ownership groups could simply not comprehend.  Happy players make for productive players.  Productive players lead to wins.  Wins lead to happy fans and increased ticket and merchandise sales.  Increased revenue leads to increased payroll and better players.  Pretty simple concept, is it not?

Now...if we can only get ownership on board with the "Bring Back the Brown" movement.