by Chris Ello on October 30, 2009
So the San Diego Padres send out a ticket brochure to former season ticket holders for 2010 — and there isn’t a single photo anywhere in there of All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. First thought: Does that mean that the Padres plan on not having Adrian Gonzalez on their ballclub next season?
Seems like a fair question. After all, why in the world would the Padres try to sell tickets without so much as a mention of the one true superstar they have to sell? Would the ‘89 Padres have put out a season ticket brochure without a photo of Tony Gwynn? Five years ago, would the Friars have left out Trevor Hoffman? Or Jake Peavy?
What in the world of weak-thinking marketing strategies is going on here?
by Craig on October 3, 2009
There’s an old saying that was repeated recently by Don Draper on the amazing show “Mad Men”. Talking about a controversial bid to tear down Penn Station and replace it with Madison Square Garden, Draper told his client: “If you don’t like what people are saying about you, change the conversation.”
Hearing that Padres’ CEO Jeff Moorad will fire general manager Kevin Towers later today, I wonder if Moorad has been listening to the conversation surrounding his team at all lately. 36-24 since late July. Great trades swung by Towers to turn around a season that looked like it was headed for 95+ losses at the All-Star break. A farm system that looked bankrupt now providing the core for a future contender. Cheaper ticket prices and higher expectations coming soon.
The message going to out to season ticket holders and prospective purchasers for 2010 was an easy one to write: your patience has paid off. The Padres are playing fun baseball now, at affordable prices, with young players you can get excited about and grow with. Join us, things are heading in the right direction.
What’s the message now, after you turn over the front office like a shovel turns dirt? How does sending the longest-tenured GM in baseball-and make no mistake, one of the very best-out the door make you a better franchise or a more compelling sell to your fans? Continue Reading →
