Petco Park flooded yesterday after a "winter rain storm" hit the area, according to San Diego-based KSWB-Fox. A picture posted on social media showed the "ballpark field underwater.” Padres Communications Dir Shana Wilson said that field crews “do not anticipate any damage from the standing water.” She added that there is “no grass on the field because they had just taken out all the dirt" from a recent Monster Jam event. Field crews “planned to lay down new sod later this week” (FOX5SANDIEGO.com, 2/27). CBSSPORTS.com‘s R.J. Anderson wrote presumably, the ballpark “will be in better shape come March 14” when it hosts the second round of the World Baseball Classic. The second round at Petco “lasts until March 18 or 19” (CBSSPORTS.com, 2/27).
HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION: In San Diego, Nick Canepa writes the ’17 Padres “won’t sit at the adult table,” but appear to be “driving in the proper direction.” Canepa: “It’s going to take time. Maybe four or five seasons.” Co-Owner Peter Seidler said, “We made the mistake when we tried to bring the magic back for one year. We’re still showing we’re willing to spend money -- but putting it in home-grown players. You can win it with home-grown players, as the Giants have. We will build, and with a little trading here and there, we’ll be there.” He added, “We have to be patient in player development.” Seidler said he and Padres Exec Chair Ron Fowler “will spend the money at the trade deadline to make us better” if the team is in contention. Seidler: “There is a culture now. No excuses. We have a strategy and we’re going to be a winner. We have everything in place, from the baseball side to the business side. To my core, I believe this is going to work.” Canepa: “This is their vision now. Straight and true. If it fails them, they tried” (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 2/28).
