One of the things that immediately sticks out about San Diego Padres Spring Training 2017 is how different it is from Spring Training 2016 or 2015. If the Friars were looking to change the vibe in the clubhouse … which they were … it’s working.
“I think the vibe is unbelievably different,” said outfielder Hunter Renfroe, who is entering his 5th season with the Padres organization but his first as a favorite to win a job on Opening Day. “I think it’s moved more towards a positive attitude and everybody’s having a great time. Everybody’s played with each other for a long time now. Even the new guys that have come in have embraced the movement here.”
Of course that begs the question: What was causing the past negativity?
“It wasn’t negativity it’s just a different mood,” said Renfroe. “Obviously he had some older guys and you try to … I guess … walk on egg shells because you don’t want to insult them. You want to watch them and try to be part of them. I think it’s a deal now where the younger guys are just open and, not necessarily to what they want to do, but they’ve learned from the older guys. Just have fun and relax.”
Last year the clubhouse was dominated by veterans like Matt Kemp and James Shields. Deserved or not, they had the reputation of not being tremendous teammates off the field, although the Padres say the change in culture is not due to any specific individuals.
“I don’t think my tone is relaxed to them when I’m calling them to a higher level of attention to detail,” said Manager Andy Green. “I’m sure the clubhouse environment has changed substantially as there’s been a turning over of the guard from last year’s Spring to this year. Naturally when you’ve played with guys through Triple-A you know them better so it’s a much more relaxing atmosphere in that regard. I don’t think it’s a slight on anybody who was here in the past. You just don’t walk in to the clubhouse and see 35 new faces that you’ve never been around. That’s uncomfortable for anybody. All these guys know each other very, very well and the new guys we’ve brought in have assimilated very quickly.”
The change is noticeable to guys who are familiar with the organization … and even those who are new to it.
“A lot of energy here,” said relief pitcher Keith Hessler, a 27-year-old left-hander who made his big league debut in 2015 with the Diamondbacks. “A lot of great talent; a lot of young players. We believe what Andy is telling us and buying in to the program.”
This is the first time Hessler has spent Spring Training with the Padres. He sees the Padres running things in a unique way because they have so much young talent they need to be in teacher mode.
“It’s a little bit different because it’s teacher mode,” said Hessler. “You can’t just roll balls out and say guys, we understand you’ve been here for a long time so go have fun and get ready for the season. You need to teach guys the right way to do it to be successful for a long time. So it’s kind of different but I like it.”
“It’s just fun,” said pitcher Tyrell Jenkins, a 24-year-old right-hander who was claimed off waivers from Cincinnati. “A bunch of young guys all the same age after the same goal.”
So does that lead to camaraderie … or competition?
“Both,” said Jenkins. “We all know it’s competition to get the spots you need and we’re all out here learning from each other. It’s good to have guys your age you can talk to about certain things and get along with.”
With 21 of the players on the 40-man roster between the ages of 24 and 26, this is a group that the Padres hope will grow together for a long time.
