The tenor and tone has seismically changed for the routinely sleepy Padres, from the front office to the clubhouse.

And it’s about time.

It’s not just Executive Chairman Ron Fowler, a fount of honesty, refreshingly without filter, who voices frustrations in the unvarnished language of fans. He told ticket buyers “heads will roll” if the team does not perform well next season, doubling down with the Union-Tribune’s Kevin Acee: “We sucked.”

Though it makes a sexy headline, it’s hardly a news flash after the Padres limped to a ninth consecutive losing season despite big spends on Manny Machado, Eric Hosmer and Wil Myers.


What’s changed is the accountability suddenly bubbling up from all corners of the clubhouse.

Hosmer, a $144 million investment, either echoed or implored an organizational shift by saying “I think everyone who is going to have playing time is going to earn playing time. I think everyone who is in the big leagues (next season) is going to earn being in the big leagues.”

Starter turned reliever Matt Strahm channeled his inner-Fowler.

“No more of the development (expletive),” he told Acee. “You can sell fans on that, but you can’t sell the 32-year-old closer, you can’t sell the 29-year-old World Series vet or the 27-year-old $300 million man. They don’t give a (expletive) about development. They want to win. These careers are short-lived. I mean, I want to win, and I’m only in my fourth season.


“Screw the development. You can put development you-know-where. It’s time to win.”

Then came a rare moment of public self-awareness from Machado.

“I didn’t put up the numbers I expected to put up. There is no excuse,” he said. “My batting average wasn’t there, a couple things weren’t there. I’m disappointed in myself. … I played like (expletive).”

Why does it matter? Actions speak louder than words, right?


Yes, the Padres must run down a proven starter … or two. Yes, they desperately need a big left-handed bat. Yes, positional questions swirl from catcher to second base to the outfield. Offseason moves will prove, one way or another, how far the franchise will go to create a real opportunity to compete.

Any band worth its album-selling salt, however, requires subtle ingredients to blend harmony and melody and become a polished, finished product. Every Jimmy Page needs a John Paul Jones. Every Paul McCartney needs a George Harrison.

The Padres had to show that attitude and urgency were valued as much as analytical gobbledygook.

The Nationals find themselves in the National League Division Series without Bryce Harper. They barely fought off Milwaukee, which almost earned a matchup against the Dodgers without Christian Yelich. The ginormous payrolls of the Cubs and Red Sox yielded zip, come October.


Stars provide fuel, but glue remains an underrated big-league commodity.

Accountability can’t be isolated and expected to grow in the shadows. It has be contagious and shared, seeping from one locker to the next and the next. You must be able to sort genuine, motivating frustration from lip service.

Most times, that type of fire and candor comes solely from Fowler. That only goes so far, though, when you hear it from the same person again and again —– while realizing he also OK’d the Myers extension, the Hosmer signing and the like.

Some called Fowler’s rant another predictable lap of scorched earth. I would label it calling it like he sees it, a glimpse behind the curtain we rarely are allowed to experience amid the muted messaging of big-time professional sports. And to Fowler’s credit, he counted himself among the candidates for head-rolling — whatever that ultimately would mean.


Hearing it from Machado, Hosmer and Strahm, however, cues some opening notes that surely sound like music to Fowler’s ears.

We heard again and again that Hosmer and Machado would be leaders and tone-setters. At the most critical time for the Padres — all-in on a rebuild that needs to hit the finish line — they might be doing exactly that in ways far more meaningful than spring-training chatter.

Organizations crave players who get mad rather than mope as the losses pile up. Clear eyes can be as important long-term as a refined two-strike approach at the plate.

Some argue too much laundry aired near public noses could chase off candidates while the Padres chase a new manager. Another perspective: You’ll find out who’s too fragile for the edgy conversations the franchise requires if it truly plans to shake off its dusty past.


That type of straight-talk can forge priceless trust. The Padres are hearing more and more of it right now.

It might not be a symphony, but it’s a toe-tapping start.