The San Diego Padres are headed in a different direction than their fans are used to. The MLB trade deadline is near and this is typically the time of year San Diego trades off any assets they have. Fans are used to the team selling off their valuable players and looking to the future with younger players. That doesn’t appear to be the case this year.
Street’s contract extension is a two year deal at seven million dollars per season. The extension also calls for a third year team option at seven million dollars as well. This is another team friendly deal for San Diego much like the extensions given this season to Carlos Quentin, Nick Hundley or Cory Luebke. This sets San Diego up with reliable veterans at inexpensive contracts for the next few years.
Street was one of two Padre players that were widely expected to be moved before the upcoming MLB trade deadline. The other, Chase Headley, is still a hot commodity and could be on his way out of San Diego soon. Or, with San Diego’s recent trend, Headley could also be the recipient of a new contract extension soon. Fans shouldn’t get their hopes up on that one though.
Since coming to San Diego in 2012, Street has had a very good season. Street has 17 saves in 17 save opportunities this season. The right hander is 2-0 with a 0.91 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 29.2 innings pitched this season. Whether it be the pitcher-friendly Petco Park, or just a strong season, Street has earned the contract.
As a fan, I’m pleased with the recent change by the Padre front office. The only way this team is going to turn the corner and begin winning again is by keeping the valuable veterans they have and mixing them in with the talented youth in San Diego’s farm system. Padre fans now just need to wait it out and hope the plan works. I’m pleased they’re trying and making more of an effort though.
Kyle Rapoza is a San Diego native and a fan of the San Diego Padres. He’s gone through the ups and downs of following a small market team.
Source:
Padres, Street agree to 2-year extension
Article source: http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4142784
