SAN DIEGO -- It is only a matter of weeks until Padres fans are back at Petco Park, screaming "BEAT LA" chants and singing along to Top Gun's famous "You've lost that loving feeling" scene as Opening Day welcomes in the 2016 season. However, many questions are still to be answered about the 2016 Padres before April 4th when the Los Angeles Dodgers come to town to start the season.
One thing is set in stone. Rookie big-league manager Andy Green has decided Tyson Ross will be the Padres opening day starter. Ross went 10-12 with a 3.26 ERA in 2015. Ross beat out James Shields and Andrew Cashner for the ace role. Shields will be the No. 2 and Cashner will be the No. 3 starter.
Andy Green wasting no time: @TysonRoss will start Opening Day vs. Dodgers. #PadresST pic.twitter.com/LLIwJMgyyk
— jesse agler (@jesseagler) February 19, 2016
Announcing Ross as the opening day starter was the first big move of the 2016 season by new manager Andy Green. Green, 38, brings charisma and energy the Padres have been lacking at the managerial position. Green visited 6 core players in their hometowns over the offseason to get to know them on a personal level before spring training started. This gutsy, spunky manager could be just what the Padres need.
Not saying it's worth any wins, but love that Andy Green on Day 1 named Opening Day starter. Why not? And maybe gives @TysonRoss extra edge.
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) February 19, 2016
Old school mindset would have named veteran Shields the starter. Andy Green sees it differently. Dig it. https://t.co/KXXROiRxci
— Judson Richards (@Judson1360) February 19, 2016
@sdutdennislin I'm already liking Andy Green, seems like a leader. Man who is in control
— Craig Medeiros (@craigmedy) February 19, 2016
The Padres are hoping Wil Myers can stay healthy and have a break-out season. He will play 1st base this season. Kemp will be the right fielder, but left and center are still up for grabs. Jon Jay and Melvin Upton Jr. seem to be the frontrunners for each position.
With solid 1-3 starters in the rotation and the addition of Rodney in the bullpen, the Padres are hoping they can find their groove on the mound again. Rodney and Quackenbush will be battling for the closer position
Shields ➡️ Norris ??? #PadresST pic.twitter.com/2u3RrLFaw3
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) February 19, 2016
She's lost that lovin feelin.
— Scott E (@YMINCA) May 3, 2015
I hate it when she does that. #SDinHD #topGun @Padres pic.twitter.com/3d5f22N9EC
If Jimmie Johnson wins the Sprint Cup title this season it will be his 7th and he will be tied for most titles ever with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Richard Petty. Listen to what Brie Thiele has to say about the legendary NASCAR driver and El Cajon native in our Around Town section.
Dec 24, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers president Dean Spanos reacts during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dean Spanos: @Chargers trying hard to stay in San Diego https://t.co/jn4gHGqst2 pic.twitter.com/YvqXs5oQoX
— NFL (@NFL) February 19, 2016
Feb 18, 2016; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (48) during practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres interim manager Dave Roberts (R) and starting pitcher James Shields (33) cheers with a cup of coffee in the dugout prior to their game against the Oakland Athletics at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
San Diego Sports Legends Inducted Into Hall of Champions: Rancho Buena Vista star, Dave Roberts, Patrick Henry... https://t.co/5DFuon4ycO
— San Diego (@Discover_SD) February 17, 2016
Feb 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs forward Winston Shepard (13) is defended by Air Force Falcons center Frank Toohey (33) during the second half at Viejas Arena at Aztec Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The new faces you'll be seeing this season for #Padres on FSSD: @mmargaux8 @DonOrsillo @JulieAlexandria pic.twitter.com/BC9WdMy7z9
— FOX Sports San Diego (@FOXSportsSD) February 18, 2016
