Padres looking to increase payroll & host All-Star Game

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego,CA- San Diego Padres President & CEO Mike Dee and Executive chairman Ron Fowler arrived in camp today for media day, as the Padres held their first team practice of spring training.

Ron Fowler expressed during his press-conference Wednesday to Padres.com Corey Brock that ownership plans to raise payroll every season.

"“I think it’s going to increase,” Fowler said. “There are times where it might flatten and increase again. Over time, we’ll continue to look into spend and invest in this team.”“We said we were going to add payroll, and we added payroll,” Fowler said."

The Padres head into the season with the largest payroll in Padres history at $87 million. A $19 million dollar increase from the Padres $68 million dollar payroll of last season and a $50 million dollar increase from one of the lowest payrolls in Padres history, four seasons ago when the Padres had a $38 million payroll.

Padres team president and CEO Mike Dee also told Padres.com Corey Brock that the Padres have presented a case to Major League Baseball to bring the All-Star game to San Diego.

"“We’re very focused on it and would love to host it,” Dee said. “We’ve made our case, and now we just have to sit back and wait it out. But having the game there in July, San Diego is probably the best place for an All-Star Game.”"

Petco Park opened back in 2004 and remains one of the remaining new ballparks that have yet to receive an all-star game.

The Padres have hosted the All-Star Game twice in it’s franchise’s history. The first being in 1978 and for the second time in 1992.

Padres Notes:

• MLB Network will show eight Padres games this spring, most of them will be taped. Live games on 3/12, 3/20 and 3/29 according to Padres.com Corey Brock.

• Padres LHP Cory Luebke said his 2nd TJ surgery went well. Old graft from 1st surgery never took. “It was yellow and mushy.” Luebke’s TJ surgery was performed by Dr. Andrews in Florida. “I think we’re both pretty happy,” Luebke said. “They were pretty optimistic.” according to Padres.com Corey Brock.