Moorad's commitment to the "Padres" not players, Adrian's just the opposite

by jbox on Mar 15, 2010 1:36 PM PDT Comment 36 comments

The boilerplate response to any questions about the Padres trading away popular players has been the same since the end of the 2009 season.

Moorad tells students his strategy for Padres

"My first and foremost commitment is to the name on the front of the jersey," Moorad said. "I understand that individual players are a critical part of how fans relate to the organization, but I also believe that it’s our responsibility to always do the right thing for the long-term interest of the Padres."

It's not a coincidence that Adrian references the name on the front of his jersey in his comments to CBS Sports. How can Adrian's comments not be taken as a direct response to Moorad's strategy?

Padres camp report: Gonzalez plays on as trade winds swirl - MLB - CBSSports.com Baseball

"It's sad to say, but having been traded a couple of times, I play for the guys in the clubhouse, the players, Buddy [Black] and his staff," Gonzalez says. "I play in San Diego, but I'm not playing for the name across the jersey. I play for the guys in the clubhouse. You learn that you play for them."

So while I agree with the Sacrifice Bunt that his comments remind me of Peavy's prior to leaving the Padres, I don't think this was a stupid comment. I think it was a calculated comment that he knew would send a message to ownership while not drawing too much ire from San Diego fans.

Maybe Adrian's just blowing off some steam, because he's frustrated. But make no mistake, the Padres are not signing Gonzalez beyond this contract and Adrian isn't going to sign with the Padres either. I just don't think Adrian wants to play for the Padres another two years, while his value may decline.

Adrian spent his youth traveling back and forth between San Diego and Tijuana, but when it came time for him to choose between the two countries in the World Baseball Classic he chose Mexico twice. Maybe it's just me, but I've never thought that playing in San Diego meant that much to Adrian. His loyalties always seemed to lie elsewhere, so when he's described as the perfect player for San Diego, I just don't see it.

He only lived here part time in his early years. His numbers on the road dwarf those at home so San Diego fans only get to see his excellence on TV during road games. His quiet demeanor hasn't made him much of a spokesman for the ball club and his popularity among fans has never even been close to less talented players like Kevin Kouzmanoff and Khalil Greene.

Adrian would be a better fit on a team where he didn't need to be a team leader, where he could quietly go about his business without getting too much attention. As a player with no speed in a ballpark that robs him of hits and home runs and on a team that can't afford his services much longer this seems just about the worst place for him.

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I wonder

how much Adrian is really going to get on the open market. If the rumor our true of what he is expecting I only see the Angels and BoSox as the high bidders for his services…maybe the Mets (although their payroll may be tighter than they are letting on). I just don’t think there are many teams left that will continue with the $18+M per year for one player outside the New Yorks, Boston, LA and Angels. I think the latest economic downturn, plus all the big contracts that didn’t pan out for the other teams is going to make them a little gun shy.

"Over? Did you say "over"? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!"

by Ron Mexico on Mar 15, 2010 1:50 PM PDT reply actions

I am a fan, and I have some ‘ire’ for what Adrian is saying. Sorry, but as the owner of a team, you should be more concerned with your TEAM, and what makes your franchise better, rather than getting attached to individual players at the expense of wins. I’m not saying there isn’t a time and place for loyalty, but if we’re better off trading Adrian for young talent then so be it. I have zero problems with Moorad saying what he is saying, and in fact I agree with that sentiment. I guess I don’t particularly have a problem with what Adrian is saying, but as fans, he is actually taking a direct shot at us. I understand that truly, you do play for your teammates, and I get that having been an athlete, but at the same time, you certainly do represent both a city and it’s fans when you play for that organization, and it’d be nice to have a little bit of acknowledgment of that fact. It just seems to me that Adrian has said a few things this offseason that are coming out of frustration and even anger. He signed that contract that he’s currently playing under, and he has no one to blame but him and his agent for signing that deal. I wonder if this frustration will effect his play a bit this here, as he just seems a bit unfocused and for a guy that’s playing for his ‘teammates’ there’s an awful lot of comments about himself and his situation which are a distraction to said teammates.

Your prototypical weak-hitting second baseman.

by Jody Reed on Mar 15, 2010 2:15 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

Adrian spent his youth traveling back and forth between San Diego and Tijuana, but when it came time for him to choose between the two countries in the World Baseball Classic he chose Mexico twice. Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve never thought that playing in San Diego meant that much to Adrian.

I disagree. I believe that it means a lot to Adrian to be able to play in San Diego. There’s just one catch…. el dinero. If somebody offered you not just a raise, but millions of Jack in the Box tacos more than you’re current employer offered you, I’m assuming you would take it, no?

I also think that he played for Mexico, because of pride in his heritage… I wouldn’t read that much into Mike Piazza choosing to play for Italy over the US either.

Adrian loves SD just as much as the rest of us. He’d be thrilled if Los Padres were able to afford keeping him here. I’m sure he’s stressed not knowing where he will inevitably have to move his family to,and that stress translates into mixed feelings and harsh sentiment towards his current employer who “can’t afford” to pay him what he’s worth.

You’re the guy who said "pull the ol’ bobblehead out every once in a while and play with it" but forgot to mention that wasn’t a euphemism.

Thanks for getting me kicked out of the library. Again.

-The GrandHatching (A really funny guy)

by The Kipper on Mar 15, 2010 2:23 PM PDT reply actions

Yeah, I disagree too

If anything, Adrian knows firsthand how frustrating being a Padres fan is and now, being a player. C’mon jbox, so any player that choses to play for another country in the WBC is not committed to his MLB team? Thats BS. They just wanna get paid and stay close to home.

And Adrian’s family has got some issues with some people in Mexico. Heck he could be forced to play for Mexico in some weird way. Stuff is serious there.

LT Style, Electric Glide

"It's all part of the plan." Jeff Moorad and The Joker in the Dark Knight.

"Just because you went to the Finals last year, you can’t go out on the floor and expect teams to lay down. We got no heart. You can only make so many excuses. Everybody has to come and play hard, not just one or two guys."-Matt Barnes

by L Magico on Mar 15, 2010 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Adrian's decision

to play for Mexico was easy. He wasn’t going to play all the games for the US and was not only the undisputed starter for Mexico but also it’s All Star.

"He had decided to live forever or die in the attempt"

by penguinpatrol on Mar 15, 2010 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Is there any evidence to this?

Has Adrian ever pledged allegiance to San Diego? At least, before he started negotiating through the media.

http://thesacrificebunt.com/

by R. Lankford on Mar 15, 2010 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree

I don’t really get the sense that Adrian loves being a Padre. I mean, think about it. The guy has been a stud here for the past few years and he’s never been the face of the franchise? Why is that? If you’re the Padres Marketing Dept., you can’t believe your luck. Your most talented player is from the area and he’s bilingual with a strong following in Mexico? Jackpot!

And yet, Adrian is rarely in the limelight. Sure, you can say that he didn’t want it, but neither did Khalil and that didn’t stop the team from using his likeness on the giant posters on the backside of Petco or in the team shop.

Adrian has just never felt that committed to the team. I’m not sure if it’s just a function of his personality, but he doesn’t seem to love to play for the Padres. And whether or not that matters from a business perspective, it sure as hell is nice to know as a fan that a player wants to play for your team. There’s a reason why Tony Gwynn is a god in San Diego.

by PhantomPretender on Mar 15, 2010 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions

Not even gonna lie;

Adrian’s little passive-aggressive 14-year-old shit is starting to wear on me.

www.FriarsOnCardboard.blogspot.com
"jbox does not drink coffee, as it makes him clean house big time." ~Kev

by TheThinGwynn on Mar 15, 2010 3:33 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

please tell me you are kidding.

552

by wrveres on Mar 16, 2010 12:38 AM PDT up reply actions

Nope.

www.FriarsOnCardboard.blogspot.com
"jbox does not drink coffee, as it makes him clean house big time." ~Kev

by TheThinGwynn on Mar 16, 2010 2:43 AM PDT up reply actions

you turned on Adrian cus you read a quote in the paper.

really? wow.

552

by wrveres on Mar 16, 2010 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions

I didn't turn on anyone.

My Mom occasionally says stupid shit that gets on my nerves but I still love her.

Also, what’s with the need to take exception with everything I say? Everybody else seems to be fine with it; you’re just a very vocal minority ;)

www.FriarsOnCardboard.blogspot.com
"jbox does not drink coffee, as it makes him clean house big time." ~Kev

by TheThinGwynn on Mar 16, 2010 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions

How dare you have your own feelings, it’s just outrageous.

Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you? ◔ヮ◔
Uncommon Sportsman :: Absurdity in play

by Axion on Mar 16, 2010 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions

no i just found it intesting that he was turning on another padre player.

simply because said player spoke.

maybe turning was a poor description.

552

by wrveres on Mar 16, 2010 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions

not everything ...

that would take a lot of energy.

you realize of course that reporters set people up with questions all the time right? We aren’t dealing with politicians here, we are dealing with dumb jocks. Guys that think things like HGH, spitting tobacco and fried chicken actually improve their game.

Then the reporters post what ever catches the readers eye, what ever best pulls on the ‘ol emotions. You’ll rarely see the question in print.

“Adrian, do you play for the name on the front of the jersey, or your teammates”
“Barry, as a black man, how does it feel passing Ruth” .. “Ruth ain’t Black” <—headline
“Tony as a fat fuck, do you like Twinkees or Ding Dongs” .. “I like Twinkees” <— headline

552

by wrveres on Mar 16, 2010 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions

Hmmm...

“Dumb jocks” is a pretty broad generalization. Kinda like “southern hickish” (which I didn’t say). Oh, well; I guess if it "talks like a duck, must be a duck, amirite?"

Once again, just sayin’.

www.FriarsOnCardboard.blogspot.com
"jbox does not drink coffee, as it makes him clean house big time." ~Kev

by TheThinGwynn on Mar 16, 2010 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions

hey

how did you get a link for a specific post. i was trying to find that link the other day and couldn’t.

552

by wrveres on Mar 16, 2010 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions

I looked up the thread and then

copy/pasted part of the text from that comment into the search box so it’d isolate that particular comment.

www.FriarsOnCardboard.blogspot.com
"jbox does not drink coffee, as it makes him clean house big time." ~Kev

by TheThinGwynn on Mar 16, 2010 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions

Right-click the post date/time, copy shorcut/link address…

Paste.

voilà. Each post time is a hook to that specific comment.

Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you? ◔ヮ◔
Uncommon Sportsman :: Absurdity in play

by Axion on Mar 16, 2010 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions

thanks

552

by wrveres on Mar 16, 2010 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions

Well, that's way better.

Do I get points for effort?

www.FriarsOnCardboard.blogspot.com
"jbox does not drink coffee, as it makes him clean house big time." ~Kev

by TheThinGwynn on Mar 16, 2010 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Hell, you did it right without even knowing what was happening. That’s wizardry points.

Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you? ◔ヮ◔
Uncommon Sportsman :: Absurdity in play

by Axion on Mar 16, 2010 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions

points!

552

by wrveres on Mar 16, 2010 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions

one last question, and i'l leave it at that.

did you read the CBS article by Scott Miller? I am no Miller fan and i’ll always say he has it out for SD which probably explains why i hadn’t read the whole piece till now, but Miller is a pros pro and laid out the Adrian piece really well imo.

all Adrian is saying is that he has been moved around so much, that he gets his motivation from his teammates, “its sad to say”, not what is tattooed across his chest.

To me demanding that he be loyal to that team name or shut up, is really short sided, especially when you are dealing with an organization that has been this unloyal recently.

552

by wrveres on Mar 16, 2010 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions

Pretty decent read, I guess.

I will say that I’ve made no demands of anyone, just expressing my take like we’re all- you, me, Adrian, Jake, Keith Morris, everybody!- entitled to do. I don’t think I’m being particularly short-sighted.

P.S. “Sad To Say” is my favorite Mighty Mighty Bosstones song… how’d you know? ;)

www.FriarsOnCardboard.blogspot.com
"jbox does not drink coffee, as it makes him clean house big time." ~Kev

by TheThinGwynn on Mar 16, 2010 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions

I will say that I’ve made no demands of anyone

you don’t have a post on your blog calling Peavy every name in the book and telling him to “Shut Up”? that’s not a demand?

552

by wrveres on Mar 16, 2010 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions

Nah, because he's not ever gonna read that

and I wouldn’t expect him to pay any heed to it if he were to.

“Called him every name in the book”? The two names I called him in that post (thanks for setting up the plug!) were “womanizer” which is founded and “Cy Young, Dumb And Full of Cum” which is just straight up hilarious. I’ve always been told that if you don’t want people talking about you, don’t do the kinds of things that people like to talk about. I was just sayin’ then and I’m just sayin’ now.

www.FriarsOnCardboard.blogspot.com
"jbox does not drink coffee, as it makes him clean house big time." ~Kev

by TheThinGwynn on Mar 16, 2010 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions

wrveres IS a very angry vocal minority

Mountain West Connection ::Above the Rest::
Bolts From The Blue "There’s a gleam men. Let’s go get the gleam! Focus and Finish!!! One play at a time!!! Let's Go!!!"
it kind of reminds me of that movie "You've got mail"...I'm Tom Hanks he's Meg Ryan -- Padres prospect Matt Antonelli on sdsuaztec4

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Mar 16, 2010 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions