A random cell phone video from a heckling Dodgers fan Thursday illuminated the least discussed reason the Padres signed Manny Machado this offseason, $300 million and all.
It’s not just the bat, though it’s exceptional. It’s not just the arm, which flicks balls to first from a range of zip codes with the unrushed ease of kids playing catch at the park. It’s not just the glove, which is otherworldly.
It’s the attitude, something that’s been missing from the Padres and San Diego sports scene for too achingly long. At Dodger Stadium it was on display, even in the on-deck shadows.